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Deer park oregon – Nestled amidst the verdant landscapes of Oregon, Deer Park beckons travelers with its enchanting beauty and abundant outdoor adventures. From its rich history to its vibrant community, this charming town offers a captivating experience that will leave a lasting impression. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Deer Park's natural wonders, where towering Cascade Mountains provide a breathtaking backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Deer Park, Oregon Nestled amidst the Umpqua Valley's picturesque landscapes, Deer Park, Oregon, is a charming town with a rich history and a vibrant community. Founded in 1853, Deer Park played a significant role in the early settlement of the Umpqua Valley. The town's name is derived from the abundant deer that roamed the area in the 19th century. Unique Characteristics and Attractions Deer Park boasts a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Visitors can explore the town's historic buildings, including the Victorian-era train depot and the Old Pioneer Church. The town is also a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with nearby hiking trails, fishing spots, and scenic drives. Key Facts and Statistics - Population: Approximately 2,000 residents - Location: Southern Oregon, in the Umpqua Valley - Founded: 1853 - Major industries: Agriculture, tourism, healthcare The Nature of Deer Park Nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, Deer Park, Oregon, boasts breathtaking natural beauty. Its pristine wilderness, abundant wildlife, and rugged landscapes offer a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts. The diverse flora and fauna of Deer Park are a testament to its ecological richness. Lush forests of Douglas fir, Western red cedar, and hemlock trees provide habitat for a wide range of birds, mammals, and reptiles. The area is home to black-tailed deer, coyotes, bobcats, and numerous species of migratory waterfowl. The Significance of the Cascade Mountains The Cascade Mountains play a crucial role in shaping Deer Park's natural environment. The towering peaks act as a barrier, creating a rain shadow effect that results in a drier climate in the park. The mountains also provide a stunning backdrop for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Outdoor Recreation in Deer Park Nestled amidst the breathtaking scenery of the Cascade Mountains, Deer Park offers a plethora of outdoor recreational opportunities that cater to nature enthusiasts, adventurers, and anyone seeking solace in the wilderness. From scenic hiking trails to tranquil fishing spots and picturesque drives, Deer Park is an outdoor paradise. Hiking Trails Deer Park boasts an extensive network of hiking trails that traverse diverse landscapes, from towering old-growth forests to sparkling mountain lakes. The well-maintained trails cater to hikers of all levels, offering options for leisurely strolls or challenging ascents. Some popular trails include: - Mount Spokane Loop Trail:A challenging 10-mile loop that rewards hikers with panoramic views of the Spokane Valley. - Little Spokane River Trail:A scenic 6-mile trail that follows the Little Spokane River, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing and fishing. - Deer Park Mountain Trail:A 4-mile trail that leads to the summit of Deer Park Mountain, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Fishing Spots Deer Park is home to several pristine lakes and rivers that offer excellent fishing opportunities. Anglers can cast their lines in search of rainbow trout, eastern brook trout, and other species. Popular fishing spots include: - Lake Spokane:A large reservoir that offers excellent fishing for rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, and bass. - Little Spokane River:A scenic river that supports a healthy population of rainbow trout and eastern brook trout. - Deep Lake:A small, secluded lake that is known for its excellent fly-fishing for rainbow trout. Scenic Drives For those who prefer to explore the beauty of Deer Park from behind the wheel, there are several scenic drives that offer breathtaking views. These drives wind through lush forests, past sparkling lakes, and along rugged mountain slopes. Some popular scenic drives include: - Mount Spokane Park Drive:A 10-mile drive that ascends to the summit of Mount Spokane, providing panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. - Little Spokane River Scenic Byway:A 20-mile drive that follows the Little Spokane River, offering stunning views of the river and its surrounding natural beauty. - Deer Park Loop Road:A 15-mile drive that circles Deer Park Mountain, providing opportunities for wildlife viewing and nature photography. Wildlife Viewing and Nature Photography Deer Park's diverse ecosystems provide habitat for a wide range of wildlife, including deer, elk, moose, black bears, and a variety of bird species. The abundance of wildlife makes Deer Park an ideal destination for wildlife viewing and nature photography. Deer Park, Oregon is a great place to visit if you're looking for a peaceful getaway. The town is home to several parks, including the Deer Park Wildlife Area, which is a popular spot for hiking and wildlife viewing. If you're looking for a way to bring the beauty of Deer Park into your home, you might want to consider using deer peel and stick wallpaper . This type of wallpaper is easy to install and can be removed without damaging your walls. It's a great way to add a touch of nature to your home without having to make any permanent changes. Popular spots for wildlife viewing include: - Mount Spokane State Park:Home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, and black bears. - Little Spokane River Natural Area:A haven for birdwatchers, with over 100 species of birds spotted in the area. - Deer Park Mountain Trail:Offers opportunities to view wildlife, including deer and elk, along the trail. Community and Culture in Deer Park Deer Park, nestled amidst the pristine beauty of the Pacific Northwest, boasts a vibrant and close-knit community. Residents share a deep sense of pride in their town, actively engaging in community events and supporting local businesses. Deer Park's cultural heritage is evident in its annual festivals and traditions. The town comes alive during the annual Deer Park Logging Show, showcasing the region's rich logging history through thrilling competitions and displays. Local Businesses and Organizations The heart of Deer Park's community lies in its local businesses and organizations. Small shops and eateries line the town's main street, offering a diverse range of goods and services. These businesses are not merely places of commerce; they are gathering places where residents connect and foster a sense of community. Community organizations play a vital role in Deer Park's social fabric. The Deer Park Lions Club, the Chamber of Commerce, and the local historical society actively organize events, fundraise for community projects, and preserve the town's heritage. Deer Park: A Place to Live and Visit: Deer Park Oregon Deer Park is a great place to live and visit. It offers a variety of benefits, including affordability, safety, and a high quality of life. The town is home to a variety of housing options and job opportunities, making it a great place to put down roots or start a family. Deer Park is an affordable place to live. The cost of housing is well below the national average, and there are a variety of options available, from single-family homes to apartments. The town also has a low cost of living, with groceries, transportation, and other expenses being relatively inexpensive. Deer Park is a safe place to live. The town has a low crime rate, and residents feel safe walking or biking around at night. The police department is responsive and helpful, and there are a number of community programs that help to keep the town safe. Quality of Life Deer Park has a high quality of life. The town is home to a variety of amenities, including parks, trails, and a community center. There are also a number of restaurants, shops, and businesses in the town. The people of Deer Park are friendly and welcoming, and there is a strong sense of community. Housing Options Deer Park offers a variety of housing options, including single-family homes, apartments, and townhouses. The median home price is well below the national average, and there are a number of affordable options available. The town also has a number of rental properties, making it a great option for people who are not ready to buy a home. Job Opportunities Deer Park has a variety of job opportunities, including jobs in manufacturing, healthcare, and education. The town is also home to a number of small businesses. The unemployment rate is low, and there are a number of resources available to help people find jobs. Planning a Trip to Deer Park Planning a trip to Deer Park, Oregon, is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Here are a few tips to help you plan your trip: - Decide what you want to do. Deer Park offers a variety of activities, so it's important to decide what you're most interested in doing before you start planning your trip. If you're interested in hiking, there are several trails in the area, ranging from easy to challenging. If you're more interested in fishing, there are several lakes and rivers in the area where you can cast a line. And if you're just looking to relax and enjoy the scenery, there are several parks and picnic areas in the area. - Book your accommodations in advance. Deer Park is a popular destination, so it's important to book your accommodations in advance, especially if you're traveling during peak season. There are a variety of hotels, motels, and vacation rentals available in the area. - Make a reservation for dinner. Deer Park has a few restaurants, but they can get crowded, especially on weekends. It's a good idea to make a reservation for dinner, especially if you're traveling with a group. - Bring plenty of water and snacks. Deer Park is a great place to hike, but it's important to stay hydrated. Bring plenty of water and snacks to keep you going on your hikes. - Be prepared for the weather. Deer Park has a temperate climate, but it's always a good idea to be prepared for the weather. Bring a raincoat and a hat, just in case. Sample Itinerary for a Weekend Getaway Here is a sample itinerary for a weekend getaway to Deer Park: Arrive in Deer Park and check into your hotel. Spend the afternoon hiking on one of the many trails in the area. Have dinner at one of the local restaurants. Go fishing in one of the lakes or rivers in the area. Have a picnic lunch at one of the parks in the area. Spend the afternoon relaxing and enjoying the scenery. Have dinner at one of the local restaurants. Visit the Deer Park Museum. Go for a hike on one of the trails in the area. Have a picnic lunch at one of the parks in the area. Depart from Deer Park. Suggested Accommodations Here are a few suggested accommodations in Deer Park: - The Deer Park Hotel is a historic hotel located in the heart of downtown Deer Park. - The Deer Park Motel is a family-owned and operated motel located just outside of downtown Deer Park. - The Deer Park Vacation Rentals offers a variety of vacation rentals in the Deer Park area. Suggested Restaurants Here are a few suggested restaurants in Deer Park: - The Deer Park Restaurant is a family-owned and operated restaurant that serves American cuisine. - The Deer Park Cafe is a casual cafe that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. - The Deer Park Bakery is a bakery that serves a variety of pastries, breads, and sandwiches. Suggested Activities, Deer park oregon Here are a few suggested activities in Deer Park: There are several trails in the Deer Park area, ranging from easy to challenging. There are several lakes and rivers in the Deer Park area where you can cast a line. There are several parks and picnic areas in the Deer Park area. -Visiting the Deer Park Museum Deer Park, Oregon is a great place to go for a hike or a bike ride, and it's also home to some of the best dog breeds for tracking deer. If you're looking for a dog that can help you track down deer, be sure to check out the best dog breed for tracking deer . Deer Park is also a great place to go camping, fishing, and swimming. The Deer Park Museum is a local history museum that tells the story of Deer Park. Last Word Whether you seek solace in nature's embrace, crave outdoor adventures, or simply desire a peaceful escape, Deer Park, Oregon, offers a harmonious blend of tranquility and excitement that will captivate your senses and create memories that will last a lifetime. FAQ Section What are the must-visit attractions in Deer Park? Deer Park boasts a range of attractions, including the scenic Washougal River, Moulton Falls, and the historic Deer Park Schoolhouse. What outdoor activities can I enjoy in Deer Park? Deer Park offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. Is Deer Park a good place to live? Deer Park is known for its peaceful atmosphere, affordable housing, and strong sense of community.
Besides this example of the ambiguity involving bear and bare (the present-tense and past-tense forms of the verb bear), there are three similar examples in this part of 1 Nephi: Scribes 2 and 3 of 𝓞 tended to favor the spelling bare for bear, so the spellings here in 𝓞 give no clear information as to whether the present or past tense is intended. On the other hand, Oliver Cowdery tended to spell both bear and bare as bear, so neither can his spellings be used to distinguish between the tenses for this verb. In each of these cases, as with one example in the three-witness statement, the apparent intended form is the past-tense bare since all of them parallel the usage in John 1:34 of the King James Bible. And here the specific parallelism with John's language is very striking; there is only an occasional word difference: Furthermore, in each of these cases the associated clause describing what Nephi was bearing record of is always in the past tense, which further supports the past-tense form bare in the conjoined clause: For the complete discussion regarding this difficulty in determining the tense of bear /bare, plus a listing of the spelling variation, see bear in volume 3. Summary: Four times in 1 Nephi 11–14, Nephi uses the expression "I saw/heard and bare record", which closely parallels John's usage in the King James Bible ("I saw and bare record"); the surrounding text is in the past tense, so the word bear should be emended to bare in 1 Nephi 11:32, 1 Nephi 11:36, 1 Nephi 12:7, and 1 Nephi 14:27.
The poinsettia, or /pnsti/ or /pnst/, is a flower. (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is a species of commercial importance in the extensive spurge family (Euphorbiaceae). The poinsettia, a native of Mexico and Central America, was first mentioned by Europeans in 1834. It is popularly used in Christmas floral displays and is especially well-known for its red and green foliage. Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first American ambassador to Mexico, is credited with bringing the plant to the US in the 1820s, giving it its popular English name. Poinsettias are 0.64 m tall shrubs or tiny trees (2.013.1 ft). Despite sometimes being said to be highly harmful, pets and children are not at risk[3] from poinsettias. Although the plant can produce nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, exposure to it or even intake frequently has no noticeable effects[4]. [3] Wild poinsettias can be found growing on mid-elevation, Pacific-facing slopes from southern Guatemala to Mexico. Though far further inland, one group in the Mexican state of Guerrero is regarded to be the parent of most cultivated populations. Due to the extensive and generally unchecked destruction occurring in their habitat, wild poinsettia populations are greatly dispersed. The Aztecs raised them in order to use them in their traditional medicine. They were connected to the Christmas season and are well-liked seasonal accents. In the US, more than 70 million poinsettias of various grown types are sold during a six-week period each year. Paul Ecke Ranch, which supplies 70% of the US market and 50% of the global market, grows a lot of these poinsettias. What is Euphorbia pulcherrima's scientific name? While Euphorbia pulcherrima is most often known to us as a poinsettia, it also goes by the names Mexican flaming leaf and painted leaf. In 1825, Joel Roberts Poinsett served as the first American ambassador to Mexico. While he was there, he shipped some Euphorbia pulcherrima plants back to South Carolina, where the plants were raised despite having a brief flowering season. The plants were given the name poinsettia as a tribute to the person who first popularized their cultivation. There are numerous succulent plants in the huge plant genus Euphorbia, however Euphorbia pulcherrima is an evergreen shrub that blooms in the winter and is not succulent. It blooms in December in its native Mexico and reaches a height of around three meters. It contains small, yellow flowers, as is typical for the genus, but what really draws the eye are the bright-red, leaf-like bracts that surround the petals. Compared to the plants we see now in culture, wild Euphorbia pulcherrima is a lanky shrub that is reluctant to branch and has comparatively little bracts. Thus, it mostly remained unchanged until the 1960s, when efforts were made to create cultivars with short branches. Chemicals are also employed to maintain the plants' more manageable 30–60 cm height for pot growing. There are cultivars with red, pink, cream, white, double, and marbled bracts available, and some novelties may only be a few centimeters high. Another crucial aspect of cultivating Euphorbia pulcherrima is understanding that it requires short days. This means that from October until late November, it requires about 14 hours of complete darkness without any artificial light. The dark treatment can now be stopped, and the flowers and bracts should begin to bloom. This can be done at home, but the plant is likely to grow larger because it hasn't been chemically treated to shorten its height. It also needs to be cut back in the spring to encourage new growth. Poinsettias should not be kept near a window since they despise cold drafts in particular, nor should they be overwatered or left in the dark. Both of these conditions can result in wilting and leaf drop. In its native country, churches have been decorated with Euphorbia pulcherrima, and the Aztecs used the milky sap and leaves to colour garments and treat illnesses. Of course, it is significant commercially now when used as a Christmas pot plant. 2003. Tropical blooming plants, Albrecht Llamas K. a manual for cultivation and identification. Wood Press. The majority of houseplants, including the poinsettia, are tolerant of and even appreciate the meager Winter sunshine. If that is not possible, a location with good lighting is required. Darker patches are OK for a week at most. At all other times of the year, stay out of direct sunlight because it can easily scorch the leaves. Winter sun is beneficial, but for the greatest effects, strive to supply bright indirect light. Overwatering a poinsettia is one of the most common ways to harm it. It doesn't require as much water as you may imagine, and most indoor plants only require a little amount over the winter. Of course it needs some to survive, but hold off on extensively watering again until the soil's surface has dried out. You won't likely need to water your plant more frequently than once every seven days or so if the temperature and lighting requirements mentioned on this page are met. Feeding can be completely ignored if you only intend to keep your poinsettia through Christmas or until the beginning of the following year. You should feed it several times with a general fertilizer during the spring and summer if you want to maintain it alive for a longer period of time. Your plant can withstand low temperatures, but even a slight frost will destroy it. When in bloom, a constant temperature of no more than 22C (71F) is ideal. Also, be sure to keep it far from hot heaters and fires. If you wish to preserve your poinsettia after the flowers have faded, trim the stems back to approximately 10 cm (4 inches) in the spring and replant them in a new pot with new potting soil. This is very challenging. No, it's actually fairly simple because you can take stem cuttings without any difficulty. The issue is that if the cuttings "take," you will end up with a houseplant that lacks the initial compact attractiveness and is lanky in appearance. Similar to the chrysanthemum, this houseplant is another one that loses some of its original beauty when cultivated indoors. Grafting and chemical treatments have been used to create its aesthetically pleasing appearance and diminutive stature. Purchasing extra plants is the best course of action if you desire new ones. Speed of Growth The poinsettia is typically not growing in your home because it is frequently a Winter houseplant. However, if you keep it around at other times of the year, it will grow, and if it is properly cared for, this growth can happen very quickly. Height / Spread Poinsettias up to 2.1 meters (7 feet) tall and equally wide can be found. It's much more likely that you are familiar with plants that are either extremely small, possibly no taller than 20 centimeters or 8 inches, or extremely large, possibly no taller than 60 centimeters or 24 inches. However, practically all commercially produced poinsettias are dwarfed and compact. Poinsettias may feature flowers, but their leaves are what really make them stunning. The actual blooms are tiny and occur at the top of the leaf bracts; yet, they are generally relatively common and unimpressive. If you want to see a close-up shot of the genuine blossoms, check out the gallery photos. Is pulcherrima an evergreen Euphorbia? The potted plant known as a poinsettia, Euphorbia pulcherrima, is offered for sale all over North America. It is a perennial flowering shrub that grows in its natural subtropical habitat. People often admire the plant's brightly colored bracts, which are actually modified leaves. In cultivation are more than 100 different types. German botanist Wilenow is credited with naming the poinsettia. When he noticed its dazzling color blooming through a crack in his greenhouse, he named it Euphorbia pulcherrima, which means "extremely lovely." The plant's common name, Joel Roberts Poinsett, was given to it in his honor. He carried a lot of cuttings home to his greenhouse while serving as the American ambassador to Mexico. The most well-liked of them all was the poinsettia. Is pulcherrima an evergreen euphorbia? Euphorbia pulcherrima (Poinsettia), a common Christmas decoration, is a deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub distinguished by its brilliant red, pink, or cream leafy bracts (modified leaves), which open from winter to spring. In the middle of the vibrant bracts, little cup-shaped yellow flowers bloom, offering a beautiful touch. After pollination, the bright bracts will fall off. Pick plants with little to no yellow pollen showing for the Poinsettias that will last the longest. Large, oval, bluntly toothed leaves are present. Poinsettias, which are native to Mexico, require a consistent temperature of about 18 °C (55 °F) in order to color up effectively. They are not frost-tolerant. The most popular Christmas plant and best-selling potted plant in the United States and Canada, poinsettias are often grown as potted plants. Poinsettias are available in more than 100 different types. - reaches heights of 3–10 feet (90–300 cm) and widths of 3–7 feet (90-210 cm). It rarely grows taller than 2-3 feet in a potted environment (60-90 cm). - It prefers loamy, neutral to alkaline, well-drained soil and does well in either full sun or light shade. In Hawaii, poinsettia is allegedly invasive. - Ideal as an indoor plant, an informal hedge in frost-free climates, or patio containers. - The poinsettia can withstand dryness and is resistant to deer and rabbits. - Watch out for scale, red spider mites, mealybugs, and whiteflies. Overwatering can also cause root or stem rots. When the soil is dry, only water your poinsettia. - In the spring, harden the pruning to a depth of about 4 inches (10cm). Repot the plant and grow it in a bright area at 60 to 65 oF during the summer (15-18oC). - Short winter day lengths, which occur naturally in winter, are the catalyst for flowering and bract colour. Chlorophyll, the pigment that gives plant parts their green color, cannot be produced by the plant as a result of the light shortage. Put your poinsettia in a dark place after 12 hours of daylight starting in late October and shield it from artificial light sources to help it turn red. - Take stem cuttings in the early summer and multiply. Utilize a hormone-rooting agent. - There is no toxicity in poinsettias. However, ingesting any component could be uncomfortable, and coming into contact with the milky sap could irritate your skin and eyes. How is pulcherrima Euphorbia cared for? Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal for poinsettia growth. While some early sun is acceptable, intense midday sun can diminish the color of the bracts. Thoroughly water the soil, then wait between applications to let the top of the soil dry off. To enable for effective drainage, remove the ornamental foil. If the soil is excessively wet, this plant is susceptible to root rot. Room humidity is generally high (around 40 percent relative humidity). Winter can cause indoor air to become incredibly dry; have a look at these simple methods to raise humidity for your tropical plants. Average room temperatures range from 60 to 75 F (15 to 24 C). It dislikes cold drafts coming in through windows and doors. If exposed to temps below 50F/10C, its leaves may fall off. Fertilizer: While not typically required, if the poinsettia is retained for another season, it will benefit from a high-phosphorus fertilizer that has been diluted by half every two weeks. Take 3-inch (7.5-cm) stem tip cuttings when new growth begins in the spring or the first few weeks of the summer. By soaking the cut end of a cutting in water before planting it, you can block the milky sap from oozing from the cut. What is the name of the Christmas plant? - The vibrant "flowers" of poinsettias are actually "bracts," which are modified leaves. - In moist soil with temperatures between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, poinsettias thrive. - They are capable of summertime outdoor cultivation. - Despite the sap's potential to induce dermatitis, poinsettias are not harmful. Poinsettias are a popular Christmas plant that are native to Mexico and are members of the Euphorbia family (leaves). Another species is one that is grown for cut flowers. Although they are most frequently utilized for holiday decorating, green plants are very lovely all year round. The shorter winter days cause poinsettias to change color. Bracts, which resemble petals, and the little yellow flowers in the center, known as cyathia, make up the genuine poinsettia flower. After pollination, the brightly colored bracts that drew insects to the flowers will fall off. Animal or human health are not negatively impacted by poinsettias. But you shouldn't consume them. - When working with these plants, it is advised to use gloves because the white, sticky sap can give you a skin rash. - Avoid making eye and tongue contact. - Tools can become sticky from the sap, so wash them thoroughly after use. Can I grow poinsettias all year long? Mexican natural plants include poinsettias. Because they are short-day plants that need lengthy evenings to initiate their color shift, they flourish throughout the holiday season. These plants have colorful bracts, which are actually leaves, not flowers, with red being the most typical bract color. The bracts' red or green buttons in the middle are the flower buds, which open to reveal a little yellow flower. Healthy poinsettias have foliage all the way down to the base and dark green leaves beneath the bracts. Your poinsettia can enliven your home for months if given the right attention and care. Observe these suggestions. When moving the plants, in particular, keep them from freezing. Put them in a well-lit area that is free from drafts. At night, they prefer temperatures between 55 and 65 degrees, and during the day, 65 to 70 degrees. Poinsettias should not be kept in chilly areas or exposed to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. When the soil is dry 2 to 3 inches down, water poinsettias. The plants are quite susceptible to overwatering, and if kept too wet, root rot will appear soon. Thoroughly wet the pot, letting extra water run off into the sink. To keep plants healthy throughout the holidays, apply an all-purpose, water-soluble fertilizer once a week. Reduce watering and fertilizer once the bright bracts have fallen off to give the plants time to recover. Only a few leaves should be left on the poinsettia after trimming it back. Poinsettia bracts can be kept alive until about March or April with the right care. Cut the plant back after they start to fall, leaving around six buds. The plant will resemble a stick for the first several weeks after planting. It will start to leaf out again in May if you continue to water and fertilize it as previously. When the risk of a freeze has passed in the spring, poinsettias can be moved outside for an intriguing, uncommon outdoor plant. The plant can be used all summer long if it is placed in a shaded area. Cut the plant back in mid-July and early-September to encourage branching if you want to keep it small and compact. Put the plant in complete darkness as soon as the sun goes down, starting on October 1st, giving at least 14 hours of darkness. The plant can either be covered with a bag or left in a closet all day. It will begin to turn color by the end of November, allowing you to enjoy it for another season.
The aftermath of a controlled burn at A.D. "Doug" Barnes Park. Photo: Courtesy of Sophie Jamet If you've visited the 65-acre A.D. "Doug" Barnes Park off of Bird Road recently, you might have noticed these charred trees. What's happening: Jenny Stern, natural areas manager for the county park system, told Axios that her department conducted a prescribed burn across about four acres of the park's pine rockland, which was permitted by the Florida Forest Service. Why it matters: Pine rocklands are "the most critically endangered habitats" in Miami-Dade, Stern said. Context: Pine rocklands are found only in South Florida and the Bahamas. The forest habitat once took up 186,000 acres in Miami-Dade but today, less than 2% remains outside of Everglades National Park, according to Tropical Audubon. Of note: Stern said her department sends out a newsletter every six months to neighbors of preserves where burns take place, and calls people on the day of a burn if they request it. Local schools are also notified. What we're watching: Four environmental groups are suing the National Park Service in an effort to protect pine rocklands habitat in another part of our metro. Shoutout: Do you have any questions you want answered about our community? Email us! Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Miami. Support local journalism by becoming a member. Learn more No stories could be found Get a free daily digest of the most important news in your backyard with Axios Miami.
Amy Tooke About Me: I live in Gateshead with my partner. I am a microbiology researcher but I also love running and being creative doing arts and crafts outside of work! Read more I moved to work in Newcastle 2 years ago but have spent a long time living in Sheffield too for my BSc and PhD, but I'm not a proper northerner as I am originally from Hitchin in Hertfordshire! I've always loved science, especially biology and chemistry at school, but when I did my degree I realised I really was interested in microbiology and how bacteria cause diseases. I like to make sure I have a life outside the lab too though, and I love running with my running club after work twice a week and I try and make time to be creative too. If I wasn't a scientist I would have done art! My pronouns are: My Work: I study the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, that becomes the superbug MRSA. In my PhD I looked at how we can treat it with different antibiotics and now I am studying how it combats other bacteria that live on us! Read more I am researching how Staphylococcus aureus causes infections by outcompeting other bacteria that live on our bodies. S. aureus can cause a wide range of different diseases. Some are less harmful, such as skin boils, but other times it can be more life threatening such as when it grows on medical implants or causes septicaemia (a bloodstream infection). So it's important we understand how it grows on us so we can prevent these diseases! The lab I work in studies how bacteria secrete toxins, which can harm the host (us!) and other bacteria. My Typical Day: I get up and have breakfast, then try and fit some yoga in or maybe go swimming. Then I get the bus to work aiming for 9am and have a day of experiments, maybe with a couple of meetings or watching people give research talks. Then I leave about 5pm and go running or watch the telly! Read more In the morning when I get to work I normally need to grow the bacteria that I'm working on for that day, by diluting a culture that I started growing the day before. In the morning at 10:30 I normally go for a coffee with my lab mates which is nice. Then my cultures might be ready to work with. I sometimes use zebrafish larvae (which are just a few millimetres long) to study bacterial infections – they have an immune system which makes them a good "model" – so I might inject them before lunch with bacteria. Then I might grow some samples on agar in petri dishes to grow overnight. If we are doing genetic engineering to make new strains of bacteria I might do some molecular biology reactions to make changes to their DNA as well. Then I make sure I set up my cultures for the next day and then head home! What I'd do with the prize money: I would like to run an outreach event explaining antibiotic resistance and what we can do to fight it! I went to the Priory School in Hitchin, where I did my GCSEs and A levels. Then in 2012 I started my BSc degree at the University of Sheffield in Biochemistry and Microbiology (I started off doing just Biochemistry then changed course in my second year). After working as a lab technician for a year I went to Newcastle University in 2016 for a year to do my masters by research (MRes) in Molecular Microbiology. Then I went back to the University of Sheffield in 2017 to do my PhD in the Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. I did my GCSEs including triple science. My "options" were art, history, music and French. My A levels (A2) were Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Psychology and I also did an EPQ (extended project). My degrees are BSc Hons Biochemistry and Microbiology, MRes Molecular Microbiology and PhD in microbiology. Work History: My first job out of university was working as a technician for a year at Cambridge University. I was really lucky – I didn't have enough experience for the job I applied for but the group leader of the lab made a job for me where I helped a postdoctoral researcher (which is what I am now!) do experiments and I was able to contribute a lot to a scientific paper which I am an author on! So it pays to try and apply to lots of things! Doing a PhD is really similar to a job because you get paid a stipend (like a salary but you don't pay tax) but you are still a student and not an employee. Since 2021 I have worked at Newcastle University. I started off as a research assistant because I hadn't officially finished my PhD yet and then once I was a Doctor I got to move up a scale (but it's the same job) to be a postdoctoral research associate. I work in a lab in the Faculty of Medical Sciences at Newcastle University. My Interview How would you describe yourself in 3 words? Running arty microbiologist What did you want to be after you left school? A marine biologist Were you ever in trouble at school? No! But I had a lunchtime detention for not learning my French... and now my partner is French and I wish I'd learned more! If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead? Something arty or biology where I get to be outside more! Who is your favourite singer or band? Arctic Monkeys What's your favourite food? Fish and chips at the seaside If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest! 1) Be more confident! 2) I wish I knew what job I want to do long term 3) I wish my experiments would always work! Tell us a joke. Why don't scientists trust atoms? Because they make up everything!
When a loved one is in jail or prison, communication can be challenging due to various barriers. The most common question is often how to call the inmate. Typically, inmates must initiate contact by calling you, so avoid calling the facility to relay a message as staff members are will never do so. Instead, be patient and wait for the inmate to call you collect. The timing of when the inmate will call you can be complex. If they have just been arrested, they may be able to call after the booking process. However, if they are further along in the criminal justice system, such as during sentencing or processing, it may be some time before they can make calls. Understanding the inmate's current stage in the process is key to knowing when they can reach out to you. Intake and classification Correctional facilities have implemented a rehabilitation model that focuses on understanding the reasons behind an inmate's crime and how to help them become productive members of society. Upon intake, inmates undergo a comprehensive medical, physical, and psychological evaluation for classification. This intake and classification process can range from a single day to several weeks for those with complex histories. During this time, inmates typically have restrictions on visitors, phone calls, and mail. Staff closely observe and assess the inmates to determine the appropriate offender category, leading to their permanent placement and treatment based on the underlying factors contributing to their crime. Factors That Affect Inmate Phone Calls Various factors can impact an inmate's ability to make phone calls, such as: Inmates who have not completed the intake process may not have access to the inmate phone system. Phone restrictions may be imposed on all or most offenders during facility lockdowns. Insufficient funds in an inmate's telephone account may limit their ability to make calls, although some facilities may still allow outgoing collect calls. Severe weather or power outages can lead to restricted access to inmate phones. Inmates who have received disciplinary actions may have their telephone access restricted. Certain facilities may limit who an inmate can call to verified family members or individuals on their approved visitation list. Additionally, an inmate may be unable to make a call if they do not know the recipient's phone number. In such cases, it is advisable to send a letter with the necessary phone numbers to your inmate. Access to Phones All correctional facilities have designated hours for inmate phone calls, typically falling between 8am and 10pm, although these times may vary by facility. Inmates are required to wait until the morning count is completed before initiating outgoing calls, and any issues during this process may result in delays in phone access. During lockdowns, inmates are prohibited from using telephones, with outgoing calls permitted only; incoming calls are not allowed. Cell Phones and Collect Calls The standard inmate calling method is through collect calls, which some cell phones have trouble receiving. Because of this many facilities have telephone contracts with third party providers that will allow you to purchase call time, enabling you to receive calls from your incarcerated loved one on a cell phone. These companies include but are not limited to: - Securus - Global Tel Link - IC Solutions Video Calls and Tablet Messaging Communication methods in institutions are evolving rapidly, with some facilities now offering video calls and online visitation, enabling individuals to connect with inmates from their homes via computer or cell phone. While electronic visitation offers convenience, cost-effectiveness, and reduced contraband risks, many users express less satisfaction compared to in-person visits. Inmates generally prefer face-to-face interactions. If you are experiencing difficulties receiving calls from a correctional facility, some typical factors to take into account are: Cell phones cannot receive collect calls (setting up a pre-paid account with specific companies can often resolve this). Ensure that collect calls are not blocked. Sometimes calls may be dropped during conversations due to features like three-way calling or call waiting being enabled on your phone. Call waiting can cause calls to drop, so if you are facing frequent dropped calls, consider disabling this feature. Additionally, three-way calling is usually prohibited and may prevent calls from going through. It's important to note that all calls are recorded and monitored, so it's advisable not to discuss any crimes the inmate may be accused of during these calls, as it could lead to further legal consequences. Reducing the cost Before making a call, prepare a list of important topics to discuss with the inmate to avoid pauses or awkward silences and make the most of your conversation time. Opting for a longer call once a week is more cost-effective than multiple short calls daily due to the connection fees associated with inmate calls. By reducing connection fees, you can save money. Another effective method of reducing the cost of calls is establishing a local number, as long-distance calls can significantly increase expenses.
Germany consists of 16 States & the capital and largest city is Berlin. Population of Germany is 81 million and it is the fourth largest economy in the world and Europe's largest. Euro is the official currency of Germany. The Bachelor and Master Degree programs in Management and Engineering studies are the major fields of interest among Indian students in Germany. Germany has higher reputation in worldwide for quality education also for Safe learning environment Germany is one of the top destinations for higher studies around the world. The country is known for its cutting-edge research facilities, outstanding infrastructure, and highly qualified academics. The German education system places a strong emphasis on research, making it an ideal destination for students pursuing a career in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. The country also boasts of several prestigious universities, such as the University of Heidelberg, Technical University of Munich, and Humboldt University of Berlin, that have a rich history of producing some of the brightest minds across various fields. The cost of education in Germany is relatively low compared to other countries, with many universities offering free tuition to international students. International students can also avail of scholarships to cover their living expenses and other costs. Apart from the academic strengths, Germany offers a diverse cultural experience to international students. The country is known for its rich history, art, and music, making it a hub for creative minds. The cities are well connected by public transport, making it easy for students to explore the country's culture and its abundant natural beauty. The German language is also an important aspect that students can learn, as proficiency in the language can open doors to better career opportunities. Studying in Germany provides students with a unique opportunity to gain exposure to various cultures, working with like-minded individuals, and significantly contributing to their personal growth. Overall, studying in Germany is an excellent option for students looking for a high-quality education and a fulfilling international experience.
Part 1 of John L. Sorenson's series on the limited geography of the Book of Mormon for the Ensign. John L. Sorenson, "Digging into the Book of Mormon," Ensign, September 1984, 26–37 Within the past several decades, professional studies in American archaeology, geography, culture, and language have provided an enormous amount of information of great interest to readers and believers of the Book of Mormon—information that earlier students of the book may not have guessed even existed. The quality and quantity of specialized studies relating to the Book of Mormon are so wide and deep today that no single person can possibly keep up on all aspects of that scholarship. Indeed, in the past fifty years, much of what earlier generations thought about pre-Columbian American civilizations has been superseded. The sciences that study ancient civilizations have undergone significant changes. In the early decades of this century, science was still thought of as the search for and discovery of permanent and infallible truth. Today, scientists and philosophers admit the nature of their enterprise requires that they regularly reinterpret their theories and data. Karl Popper's view of science as "tentative forever" has become widely accepted. So even though perhaps a thousand times as much information now exists about the early cultures of America as was available only half a century ago, nowadays the best scholars are far less dogmatic in picturing what happened in the pre-European New World. Changes have also occurred in some ideas Latter-day Saints have had of the Book of Mormon. Our faith in the saving principles taught by the prophets from Nephi to Moroni has not changed; if anything, it has grown. But in considering scripture as an ancient document, the careful student is now aware that we have much more than we had suspected. Starting with M. Wells Jakeman, Hugh Nibley, and Sydney B. Sperry, the growing community of LDS researchers began in the late 1940s to uncover some of these details. This change of perspective—of seeing new possibilities—is exemplified by John W. Welch's discovery a mere fifteen years ago that the Near Eastern literary form called chiasmus lay hidden in the Book of Mormon, unrecognized by its readers for almost 140 years after its first publication in 1830. 4In recent years, other workers have been finding unsuspected facts, patterns, and implications in the Book of Mormon that had been overlooked in an earlier day. Many Latter-day Saints have not had access to sources which communicate how recent research has changed our understanding of the Book of Mormon as an ancient document. Many also are unaware of some rather surprising new discoveries supporting the Book of Mormon which have been brought about by the advanced methods of science. The purpose of this article and the one to follow is to sketch a few vivid examples of changes in how some Latter-day Saint scholars view the Book of Mormon in the light of new theories and discoveries about the past. These articles are not intended to be an expression of official Church teachings, but on the basis of my own research and study, I have thought this new information to be worth consideration. . . . The Nephite and Jaredite Lands Some readers feel that the Book of Mormon does not give enough information to construct a geography. Actually, there are numerous geographically-related statements in the book. When one looks carefully at these references, together with reasonable inferences that can be made from them, the book proves to be rich and very consistent in its information on this subject. A substantive discussion of geography cannot be given in these limited pages. However, for at least the past forty years, many students of the subject who have studied it in depth have reached similar basic conclusions: (1) the events reported by Nephite and Jaredite scribes evidently covered only a limited territory in the New World "land of promise," and (2) there is presently known only one location in the Western Hemisphere that seems qualify as that scene. These are very important points. For a long time, few people seemed to see any difficulty in setting the Book of Mormon in all of North and South America. The geography seemed so obvious—a continent northward and a continent southward, joined by a narrow isthmus. Eventually, however, accepting that view of the Book of Mormon lands became difficult in light of new information. For example, by the early twentieth-century, research had found that as many as 1,500 languages had been in use in the New World at the time of European discovery. And new knowledge about the process of language stability and change made it impossible to suppose that all those languages could have derived from the Hebrew presumed to be the speech of the Nephites and Lamanites. Archaeology also began revealing a bewildering diversity of cultures, reinforcing the idea that many groups had lived in the Americas. As early as the turn of the century, a few Saints began to look more carefully at what the Book of Mormon itself said on this matter. They found statements there indicating that the scene for Jaredite and Nephite history was likely more limited than they had previously supposed. Then, in 1939, the Washburns published a detailed analysis of the geography in the Book of Mormon based strictly on its own statements and demonstrating the consistency of those statements. Since the publication of their work, An Approach to the Study of Book of Mormon Geography, analysts of the scripture have found still more data in the Book of Mormon's own statements suggesting that the immediate land covered by the book's events was probably only hundreds rather than thousands of miles long and wide. On the basis of my own research, I conclude with others that only one area qualifies in all respects—Mesoamerica. This is the name given by researchers of American civilizations to that portion of central and southern Mexico and northern Central America where the highest level of ancient cultural development in the hemisphere occurred. For example, the scripture says much about a long tradition of written records in Nephite-Jaredite territory. In Mesoamerica, over a dozen writing systems are known, some of which extend back, on present evidence, to at least the beginning of the first millennium b.c. Yet nowhere else in all the Americas do we presently have reliable evidence that a genuine system of writing and a tradition of books existed before the arrival of the Europeans in the sixteenth century. Also, we can identify in Mesoamerica almost all of the kinds of geographical and cultural features specified by the Book of Mormon—the presence (and absence) in particular relationships of mountains, basins, rivers, "waters," passes, "ups," "downs," "overs," ruined sites with dating that coincides with the scripture, and so forth. Of course, placing the Book of Mormon lands within a limited region like Mesoamerica requires that we take a fresh look at some of the long-standing questions that have been of interest to Book of Mormon readers. For example, how did the plates of Nephi get from the final battlefield near the "narrow neck of land" 11 to where Joseph Smith obtained them in New York? Here the Book of Mormon sheds no light. One obvious possibility is that Moroni himself may have carried the records to New York during his thirty-six years of wandering between the extermination of the Nephites and when he last wrote on the plates. (See Morm. 6:6; Moro. 1:1–4; Moro. 10:1.) Or he may have taken them there as a resurrected being. We only know that, whatever the means, in 1827 the plates were in the "hill of considerable size" near young Joseph Smith's home at Palmyra, New York, where Moroni delivered the sacred record to him. In many instances, once we see the likelihood of a limited scale for the Book of Mormon's geography, questions about language, culture, racial affiliations, and other "problems" that critics have raised about the scripture come into an entirely different perspective. So, focusing on data primarily from the Mesoamerican area, let us now look at the Book of Mormon alongside the best information available on civilization and geography there.
1911 Encyclopædia Britannica/Renwick, James RENWICK, JAMES (1662–1688), Scottish covenanting leader, was born at Moniaive in Dumfriesshire on the 15th of February 1662, being the son of a weaver, Andrew Renwick. Educated at Edinburgh University, he joined the section of the Covenanters known as the Cameronians about 1681 and soon became prominent among them. Afterwards he studied theology at the university of Groningen and was ordained a minister in 1683. Returning to Scotland "full of zeal and breathing forth threats of organized assassination," says Mr Andrew Lang, he became one of the field-preachers and was declared a rebel by the privy council. He was largely responsible for the "apologetical declaration" of 1684 by which he and his followers disowned the authority of Charles II.; the privy council replied by ordering every one to abjure this declaration on pain of death. Unlike some of his associates, Renwick refused to join the rising under the earl of Argyll in 1685; in 1687, when the declarations of indulgence allowed some liberty of Worship to the Presbyterians, he and his followers, often called Renwickites, continued to hold meetings in the fields, which were still illegal. A reward was offered for his capture, and early in 1688 he was seized in Edinburgh. Tried and found guilty of disowning the royal authority and other offences, he refused to apply for a pardon and was hanged on the 17th of February 1688. Renwick was the last of the covenanting martyrs. See R. Wodrow, History of the Sufferings of the Church of Scotland, vol. iv. (Glasgow, 1838); and A. Smellie, Men of the Covenant (1904); also Renwick's life by Alexander Shields in the Biographia Presbyteriana (1827).
Leading public service organizations Externally reviewed How to obtain employees with high self-efficacy Study Paper No. 72 Written by: Christian Bøtcher Jacobsen and Lotte Bøgh Andersen The literature in the field of public sector management frequently discusses the value of transactional leadership, which makes use of rewards and sanctions. Some experts are concerned that this form of leadership will damage the self-perception employees have of their own competence; but there are also those who argue that the opposite is the case – that feelings of competence are strengthened through conditional rewards, because these give feedback on performance. This study investigates how the use of sanctions and rewards by 91 high school heads in Denmark affects the self-perception that 1,921 teachers have of their own professional competence. Related publications Research report The efficiency of educational production Go to research reportResearch report Benchmarking Danish vocational education and training programmes Go to research reportResearch report Competition or cooperation? Go to research reportResearch report Is Leadership in the Eye of the Beholder? Go to research reportLatest releases on the same welfare topic Interventions report Case stories – NExTWORK April 2024 Differences in outcomes between men and women from cradle to grave April 2024 Converting SU to loans for master's programs will carry risks March 2024 Research report Different or alike? Associations between PISA measures, primary school grade point average, and highest educational achievement among immigrants and natives March 2024
Mood rings have fascinated people for decades. The chameleon-like rings seem to change color before your eyes, purportedly revealing insight into your shifting emotions. Of all the mystical mood ring hues, blue often causes the most head-scratching. What does it mean when your mood ring turns blue? Should you be concerned? Let's unravel the mysteries of blue mood rings once and for all. A Brief History of Mood Rings The origin of mood rings dates back to 1975, when two New York inventors, Josh Reynolds and Maris Ambats, collaborated to create the first prototypes. Reynolds' family owned a jewelry company, and he supplied the rings. Ambats developed the heat-sensitive liquid crystals that changed colors based on temperature fluctuations from skin contact with the ring. The pair debuted their creation at a jewelry trade show, marketing them as mood rings that revealed emotions through color. Initially, Reynolds and Ambats faced skepticism from the jewelry industry. But when they got their rings into stores, they became an overnight sensation. Mood rings caught on as an enduring fashion fad of the 1970s disco era. The Science Behind Mood Rings The thermochromic liquid crystals inside mood rings contain twisting molecules grouped into microscopic layers. When the temperature changes, these molecules shift angles and reflect light differently, causing visible color variations. Mood ring creators capitalized on the discovery that finger temperature fluctuations reflect shifting emotions and mental states. However, concrete scientific proof linking specific mood ring colors with emotions remains elusive. How Do Mood Rings Work? Mood rings contain thermochromic liquid crystals sealed in quartz or glass. When worn, the metal adjusts to your body's temperature. As emotions shift, blood vessels constrict or dilate, subtly changing the temperature. The heat-sensitive crystals pick up these tiny fluctuations and transform into different colors. Each mood ring brand sets their own color-meanings guide. The Mechanics of Color Change Here's a quick rundown of how the color changes work: - Black signifies no direct skin contact. - Blue denotes calmness as body temperature cools. - Green reflects average, steady temperature. - Yellow signals agitation and rising temperature. - Brown indicates restlessness and heat buildup. - Gray means sadness and fatigue as temperature drops. - White signifies stress and hot temperature. The key is that mood ring colors relate to the actual temperature level being sensed on the finger at the moment. Standard Color Meanings While mood ring colors carry somewhat different meanings across brands, here are some commonly accepted associations: This is the most disputed and misunderstood mood ring hue. Blue generally signals a calm, relaxed state of mind, but some also incorrectly associate it with sadness. Green represents a neutral, balanced mood and average body temperature. It is the baseline color. Bright yellow denotes excitement, stress or anxiety. Yellow reflects increased blood flow and slightly elevated body heat. A brownish tone suggests restless irritation. You may feel impatient, distracted and unfocused. Gray indicates emotional sadness or exhaustion. Your body enters a lower energy state. Pitch black simply means the ring has lost direct skin contact. It needs to touch your finger to work. Interpreting Various Blue Hues Not all blues are equal when it comes to mood rings. Here are some tips on interpreting the shades: - Pale blue reflects a mildly tranquil mood with some lingering thoughts. - Bright blue signifies a lightly relaxed state but still fairly alert. - Dark blue conveys deeper serenity and slower breathing. - Navy blue represents an extremely calm mindset. As the blue darkens, your corresponding state of relaxation deepens. Near-black blues signal your hand has gotten very cold. Distinguishing Blue from Green At a quick glance, blue and green mood ring tones can appear similar. Here are some distinguishing factors: - Blue is a darker, richer shade while green is brighter and crisper. - Green denotes a balanced neutral state, blue signifies tranquil calm. - Green aligns with normal body temperature, blue with a cooled state. With practice, you'll quickly learn to tell the blue and green shades apart. Causes of a Blue Mood Ring A variety of triggers can turn your mood ring blue. Here are some of the most common ones: Relaxation Exercises Meditating, listening to calming music, practicing yoga or doing deep breathing exercises can all drop your temperature into the blue zone. Peaceful relaxation cools the body. Calm Mental State Feeling free of worry, stress or anxiety promotes a tranquil state of mind. A serene mood equals a beautifully bluish ring. Cold Ambient Temperature Frigid external temperatures sap heat from the ring, causing it to turn varying shades of blue. The colder the conditions, the bluer the ring. Falling Asleep Dozing off leads to decreased pulse, respiration and body heat, often shifting mood rings into a light blue tone. Emotional boredom and disinterest can manifest as blue due to overall lower energy and decreased blood flow. Health Causes of Blue Mood Rings While mostly positive, blue rings could also potentially indicate: - Depression or extreme sadness - Hypothermia from severe cold exposure - Physical illness lowering body temperature - Hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid If blue rings accompany other symptoms, seek medical advice. Otherwise, the blue hue generally signifies a positive state of restful calm. Here are some key takeaways for understanding the meaning of blue rings: - Blue conveys varying degrees of relaxation and tranquility. - Darker blue reflects deeper calmness and lowered body heat. - Blue is linked to cooled physical states, not sadness. - Multiple triggers like emotions and temperature cause blue rings. - A blue ring indicates your mind and body are relaxed. Dreams, spirit, growth – I explore them all. Laugh, learn, grow with me. Unlock your inner guru.
Having a swimming pool in your backyard is a great way to have fun and stay cool during the hot summer months. However, it is important to remember that regular pool cleaning is crucial for maintaining the health and safety of those who use the pool. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of regular pool cleaning for both health and safety. One of the main benefits of regular pool cleaning is the prevention of waterborne illnesses. A dirty pool can become a breeding ground for bacteria and other harmful microorganisms that can cause a variety of illnesses, including skin infections, respiratory issues, and gastrointestinal problems. By regularly cleaning and maintaining your pool, you can ensure that the water is safe and healthy for swimmers. In addition to preventing waterborne illnesses, regular pool cleaning can also help to maintain proper water chemistry levels. Pool water that is not properly balanced can cause skin and eye irritation, as well as damage to pool equipment. By regularly testing and adjusting the water chemistry in your pool, you can ensure that it is safe and comfortable for swimmers. Regular pool cleaning can also help to prevent the growth of algae and other unsightly contaminants in your pool. Algae can make your pool water look murky and uninviting, and can also make the pool slippery and dangerous for swimmers. By regularly scrubbing and vacuuming your pool, you can prevent the growth of algae and keep your pool looking clean and inviting. In addition to the health benefits of regular pool cleaning, there are also safety benefits to consider. A dirty pool can be a safety hazard, as the slippery surfaces and murky water can increase the risk of accidents and injuries. By regularly cleaning and maintaining your pool, you can ensure that it is safe for swimmers of all ages. Regular pool cleaning can also help to extend the life of your pool equipment. Dirty water can cause corrosion and damage to pool filters, pumps, and other equipment, leading to costly repairs or replacements. By regularly cleaning your pool and maintaining proper water chemistry levels, you can protect your pool equipment and extend its lifespan. Another benefit of regular pool cleaning is the aesthetic appeal it can add to your backyard. A clean, sparkling pool can enhance the beauty of your outdoor space and create a relaxing and inviting atmosphere for you and your guests. By regularly cleaning and maintaining your pool, you can enjoy a beautiful and well-maintained backyard oasis. To ensure that your pool is clean and safe for swimmers, it is important to establish a regular pool cleaning routine. This routine should include tasks such as skimming the surface of the water to remove debris, vacuuming the pool to remove dirt and algae, scrubbing the pool walls and floor to remove buildup, and testing and adjusting the water chemistry levels. If you are unsure of how to properly clean and maintain your pool, you may want to consider hiring a professional pool cleaning service. A pool cleaning service can ensure that your pool is properly cleaned and maintained, allowing you to enjoy a clean and safe swimming environment without the hassle of doing it yourself. In conclusion, regular pool cleaning is essential for maintaining the health and safety of those who use the pool. By preventing waterborne illnesses, maintaining proper water chemistry levels, preventing the growth of algae, ensuring safety, extending the life of pool equipment, and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your backyard, regular pool cleaning offers a variety of benefits for pool owners. By establishing a regular pool cleaning routine or hiring a professional pool cleaning service, you can enjoy a clean, safe, and beautiful swimming pool all summer long. For more information visit: HOME \| Austin Pool Techs Austin, Texas – United States Dive into the future of pool maintenance with Austin Pool Techs! Experience the perfect blend of technology and expertise to transform your pool into a paradise. Get ready to make a splash in the world of innovative pool care!
My Approach Who would Benefit from Working with a Bone Health Nutrition Expert? Have you been told your bone health is not optimal and received a diagnoses of osteoporosis, osteopenia or a fracture that needs healing support? Do you have a family history of osteoporosis? Do you have a condition such as celiac disease or other intestinal bowel disease (IBD) or have you had bariatric gastric surgery? Do you have a history of an eating disorder, excessive dieting or poor protein intake? Have you used PPI's ( proton pump inhibitors) long term for gastric esophageal reflux disease (GERD)? Have you undergone breast cancer or prostate cancer treatment using hormones? Are you post menopausal? These are just a few of the reasons that bone health can decline and put you at risk for osteoporosis or osteopenia. I'll work with you to maximize and restore your bone's health. Improve your Bone Health through Nutrition and Lifestyle Bone remodeling continues throughout life so that most of the adult skeleton is replaced about every 10 years. Both genes and the environment contribute to bone health. By understanding and learning more about factors that may be contributing to your bone loss and implementing a foundational nutrition and lifestyle plan, you can restore your bone health! I work with patients of all ages to design a plan that helps them optimize their bone health for their individual lifestyle.
Assessing a child's academic progress in a Montessori environment involves a different approach than traditional educational settings. Montessori education emphasizes individualized learning and holistic development, focusing on various aspects beyond academics alone. Here are some ways to gauge a Montessori child's academic progress: Observation and Documentation: Montessori teachers regularly observe and document each child's progress in various areas, including academic skills, social development, and practical life activities. Consult with your child's teacher to understand their observations and assessments. Parent-Teacher Communication: Maintain open communication with your child's Montessori teacher. Schedule regular meetings to discuss your child's progress, areas of strength, and challenges. Teachers can provide insights into your child's development and offer suggestions for supporting their learning at home. Student-Led Conferences: Many Montessori schools involve students in parent-teacher conferences, allowing children to showcase their work, discuss their learning experiences, and set goals. Participating in these conferences can provide valuable insights into your child's academic growth and interests. Learning Journals and Portfolios: Review your child's learning journals, notebooks, and portfolios to see samples of their work, progress over time, and areas of focus. These materials offer a tangible record of your child's academic achievements and serve as a valuable tool for tracking growth. Observing at Home: Create opportunities for your child to demonstrate their academic skills at home. Encourage them to engage in activities that reflect their learning, such as reading, writing, math exercises, and hands-on projects. Observe how they approach tasks and inquire about their interests. Assess Interest and Engagement: Monitor your child's level of interest and engagement in learning activities. Academically-ahead children may show a strong passion for exploring new concepts, asking questions, and pursuing challenges. On the other hand, children who need additional support may exhibit signs of frustration, disinterest, or difficulty with certain tasks. Understanding Montessori Standards: Familiarize yourself with Montessori educational standards and benchmarks for each developmental stage. These standards can help you understand typical academic progress in a Montessori environment and support your child's learning journey. Remember that Montessori education values the whole child and emphasizes progress across cognitive, social, emotional, and practical life domains. Academic advancement is just one aspect of your child's overall development, and assessing their growth should consider a wide range of factors beyond traditional academic measurements. By collaborating with your child's teachers, observing their progress at home, and engaging in open communication, you can gain valuable insights into your child's academic standing and support their educational journey effectively.
North Cyprus is a place where history, nature, and culture blend together in a harmonious way. The island has a rich and diverse heritage that reflects its past and present influences, from ancient civilizations to modern nations. One of the ways to explore and appreciate this heritage is through the art and culture of north cyprus handcrafts, which are the products of the creativity, skill, and passion of the local people. North Cyprus handcrafts are not only beautiful and unique, but also carry a lot of meaning and value. They represent the identity, traditions, and values of the Turkish Cypriot community, as well as their adaptation and innovation in changing times. They also serve as a source of income, pride, and joy for many artisans and craftsmen who dedicate their lives to preserving and promoting their crafts. In this article, we will introduce you to some of the most popular and distinctive north cyprus handcrafts. Table of Contents Lefkara Lace A delicate and intricate embroidery technique that originated in the village of Lefkara, and is famous for its geometric patterns and floral motifs. Lefkara lace is one of the most renowned and admired north cyprus handcrafts. It dates back to at least the 15th century, when it was inspired by the Venetian lace that was brought to the island by the Venetian rulers. The local women copied and modified the fine embroidery from the clothing of the Venetian nobility, creating their own designs and styles that became increasingly sophisticated and refined over time. Lefkara lace is made of linen with thread, and varies in its shapes and cutting techniques used to decorate the final handcraft. It is usually embroidered on white, brown, or ecru fabrics, with intricate patterns that include geometric shapes, flowers, leaves, birds, animals, or letters. The lace is often used to make tablecloths, napkins, bedspreads, curtains, or clothing accessories. One of the distinctive features of Lefkara lace is that it has no difference between the front and back of any piece, which shows the high level of skill and precision required to make it. Lefkara lace is recognized on the UNESCO Intangible World Heritage List. It is also considered a symbol of prestige and wealth, as it was once part of the dowry of every bride in North Cyprus. Today, Lefkara lace is still made by hand by many women in rural villages, especially in Lefkara, where you can see them working on their doorsteps or in their workshops. You can also buy authentic Lefkara lace in many souvenir shops or handicraft centers on the island. Kilim Rugs A colorful and durable weaving technique that uses wool to create flat-woven rugs with various designs, such as geometric, floral, or animal motifs. Kilim rugs are another popular and distinctive north cyprus handcrafts that have a long history and tradition on the island. They are made by weaving woolen yarns on a horizontal loom, creating flat-woven rugs that have no pile or knots. The yarns are dyed with natural colors from plants or minerals, creating vibrant shades of red, blue, green, yellow, or brown. The rugs are decorated with various motifs that have symbolic meanings or stories behind them. Kilim rugs are not only beautiful and artistic but also practical and functional. They are used for various purposes such as floor coverings, wall hangings, bedspreads, or bags. They are also known for their durability and resistance to wear and tear. They can last for generations if they are properly cared for. A traditional and elegant headscarf that uses cotton to make a wrap-around cloth with different colors, shapes, and decorations. Yemeni is cotton headscarf that is comfortable, graceful, and stylish. It used to be widely worn by Turkish Cypriot women as a symbol of richness. The Yemeni scarves are decorated with leaves, flowers and tree branches patterns. Hesap Embroidery A unique and elegant embroidery technique that uses silk thread to create geometric patterns on cotton fabric, often used for tablecloths, bedspreads, or curtains. Hesap embroidery is a type of north cyprus handcrafts that originated in the Lapithos region of the island. The name "hesap" means "calculate" in Turkish, and it refers to the method of counting each strand of thread while creating the patterns. Hesap embroidery is done on a circular wooden frame called "kasnak", where a linen cloth is stretched taut. The embroidery is done with silk thread, usually in red, blue, green, or yellow colors, on a white or cream background. Hesap embroidery is considered a fine and delicate art that requires patience and skill. It is often used to decorate household items such as tablecloths, bedspreads, or curtains, as well as clothing accessories such as scarves or shawls. Plant Knitting Plant knitting is done by cutting or splitting stems, leaves, and twigs into thin strips and then weaving them together with a needle or by hand. Plant knitting is a skillful and practical craft that produces items that are useful and durable such as baskets, trays, brooms, and jewelry boxes. Silk Cocoon Decorations In the past, many mulberry trees grew around Lapta and Hisarkoy, providing enough food for the silkworms. It was a common practice for the families to take the cocoons, extract the silk thread and weave them into fine silk cloths. These cloths were then cut into shapes and used to decorate clothes or make pictures. Sadly, this craft gradually faded away over the years. However, Cypriots still collect silkworm cocoons for decoration, a tradition that comes from the Karpaz Peninsula. The silkworm is gently removed from the cocoon, which is then flattened and used to make pictures on white, black or red linen. The cocoons are also used to adorn clothes with small beads to secure them. Straw Wicker Basket A skillful and practical craft that uses straw to weave baskets with different shapes, sizes, and purposes, such as storage, carrying, or serving. Straw is a natural and renewable resource that is abundant and cheap on the island. Straw wicker baskets are made by weaving straw strands together with a needle or by hand. The weaving technique can vary depending on the region, the tradition, or the preference of the maker. The baskets can also be dyed with natural colors from plants or minerals to create different shades. They can be used for various purposes, such as storage, carrying, serving, or decoration. They can also be used as gifts or souvenirs. The plentiful clay soil in North Cyprus has enabled its people to make amazing pottery for hundreds of years. The clay is called "the ashes of volcanic eruptions" by the locals and is ideal for making various items. A special kind of reed that grows in Güzelyurt and Girne is used to make "sepeti", the traditional cheese baskets of North Cyprus. These baskets are essential for making local cheeses like hellim (halloumi) or talar peyniri. The cheese curds are pressed into the basket in order for them to solidify for a few days. Then, the cheese is served in the same handmade basket along with some homemade olive bread or karpuz (melon) Date Palm Weaving It is difficult to find this art in North Cyprus nowadays, so make sure you purchase them if you encounter any. People used to weave baskets, fans and sacks from date leaves in the past. They would first pick whole date branches from the trees and let them dry for at least two weeks. Then they would peel off the leaves and soak them in water to make them more flexible. They would split the leaves into two parts and weave them together into a kind of rope. Then they would use a big needle and more date leaf strips to stitch the rope into different shapes, baskets or other items. Reed Seated Chairs Many craft shops in North Cyprus offer miniature and full-sized chairs with seats made of woven reeds. This is a way of honoring the art of reed weaving, which involves creating seats for wooden chairs from reeds. These seats are very light and durable, and many Turkish Cypriot families still prefer reed seated chairs. Evil Eye Blue Beads (Nazar boncuğu) A symbolic and protective craft that uses glass to make blue beads with an eye-shaped pattern, believed to ward off evil spirits or bad luck. The beads can also be painted or embellished with other materials to add more color and sparkle. Evil eye blue beads are a symbolic and protective craft that produces items that are believed to have magical powers. They are said to protect against the evil eye, which is a curse caused by the malicious gaze of someone who is envious or ill-wishing. They are also said to bring good luck, health, and happiness. In Persian and Afghan folklore, it is called cheshm nazar or nazar qurbāni. This symbol can be found in many arts like paper quilling, paintings, pottery, and etc. You will fall in love with these traditional local handcrafts. North Cyprus is a great place to live and invest in. It has a rich and diverse culture, a beautiful natural environment, and a friendly and hospitable people. Whether you are looking for a relaxing holiday, a permanent residence, or a profitable property, North Cyprus has something for everyone. If you are interested in finding your dream home in North Cyprus, you should check out Cyprusify, a real estate website that offers a wide range of properties for sale in North Cyprus including studios, apartments, and luxury villas with affordable prices. Cyprusify helps you find the best deals, compare prices, and contact sellers easily. You can also browse through blog posts to learn more about the lifestyle, culture, and attractions of North Cyprus. Visit Cyprusify today and discover the beauty and potential of this amazing island.
As part of its multi-pronged efforts to clean and rejuvenate the Ganges river, hundreds of turtles will be released into the river in Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh over the next two months. Under a joint aegis of the Namami Gange Programme, the Forest and Wildlife Department, and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), turtles hatched at one of India's first breeding and rehabilitation centres for turtles situated in Varanasi, will improve the cleanliness of the Ganga. The river is polluted by the disposal of half-burnt dead bodies, rotten meat and garlands of flowers that are thrown. into it. "Since 2017, we have released roughly 5,000 turtles. This year also, 1,000 turtles will be released, aimed at strengthening the cleanliness of the Ganges," Aashish Panda, a biologist with the WII who works at the turtle rehab centre, said. Also read \| Guardians of the Ganga: task force keeps a watchful eye on the river Set up in the late 1980s under the Ganga Action Plan (GAP), the centre has so far released over 40,000 turtles; roughly 28,000 turtles were released in the first phase of the GAP. The centre received renewed attention after the launch of the Namami Gange Programme, a flagship initiative of the Central government, in 2014, to accomplish the twin objectives of abatement of pollution, and the conservation and rejuvenation of the river. Since 2017, the WII and the Forest Department have renewed their efforts to release hatched turtles. At the centre, roughly a dozen species, both herbivores and carnivores, are nurtured. The Forest and Wildlife Department's team brings turtle eggs from the coastal areas of the Chambal region. The turtle eggs, which are monitored for 70 days, are kept in a room that is fully adapted for hatching. After filling the ground with water and placing bricks atop, the eggs are buried inside sand in wooden boxes. Only 30 eggs are kept in a box. Hatching is completed at temperatures ranging from 27 to 30 degrees Celsius between June and July, and after which the turtles are monitored in an artificial pond for two years before they are released in the river. "The quality of water in the Ganga has improved, and definitely turtles have a role as they feed on meat and waste products thrown in the river. Improvement in biochemical demand (BOD), faecal coliform (FC) and dissolved oxygen (DO) was found in river water quality checks," Rajesh Shukla, Convenor of the Namami Gange Programme in the Kashi region, said. The U.P. Government has also said the assessment found that the pH level of the water at different locations in the State, including in Varanasi, met the water quality criteria for bathing, while the DO, BOD and FC levels improved at 16, 14 and 18 out of 20 locations, respectively. Also read \| 'Clean Ganga' changes course to conservation, tourism, livelihood "It is a long-term biological process and it will take time to know whether these species are playing major role or not, after 10-15 years. We can check through microbial analysis and we are in the process [of doing so]," Mr. Panda added.
As technology continues to shape the modern world, the drilling industry is no exception. Advancements in drilling rig technologies are vital for addressing issues such as operational efficiency, safety, and environmental concerns, as well as keeping up with evolving market demands. Drilltechniques, a renowned leader in the drilling industry, is dedicated to empowering customers to perform better by offering cutting-edge design, groundbreaking innovation, and first-class customer service, helping to drive the sector forward. In this insightful and informative article, we will explore the future of drilling rig technologies shaping the industry, from automation and robotics, to modern safety systems, and advanced digital infrastructure. We will also highlight the ways in which Drilltechniques is embracing these advancements, offering state-of-the-art drilling solutions to support operators in tackling the challenges of modern drilling. 1. Automation and Robotics in Drilling Operations One key area of development in drilling rig technologies is the increased integration of automation and robotics systems to improve efficiency, productivity, and safety. Drilltechniques is at the forefront of this trend, offering solutions that incorporate these advanced technologies: - Automated Drilling Rigs: Drilltechniques provides drilling rigs equipped with sophisticated computer systems, enabling operators to automate various aspects of the drilling process and reduce the potential for human error. - Robotics-Assisted Technologies: Robotic systems can be integrated into drilling operations, offering enhanced precision, faster processes, and safer working environments. Drilltechniques is actively exploring the adoption of these technologies in their equipment offerings. 2. Advancements in Safety Systems The drilling industry, by its very nature, involves significant occupational hazards. As a result, the development of advanced safety systems for drilling rigs is of paramount importance. Drilltechniques is committed to ensuring the highest safety standards by incorporating cutting-edge safety technologies in their products: - Enhanced Monitoring Systems: Drilltechniques offers drilling rigs with advanced monitoring systems, such as real-time data and video feeds, to enable operators to track critical variables and equipment status, ensuring safer and more efficient operations. - Innovative Safety Features: Drilling rigs designed by Drilltechniques often include features like automated lockdown mechanisms, emergency stop buttons, and redundant safety systems to mitigate potential risks and offer enhanced protection to the operators. 3. Advanced Digital Infrastructure and Connectivity Solutions The integration of advanced digital infrastructure and connectivity solutions has become increasingly important in modern drilling operations. Drilltechniques recognises this growing trend and offers technologies that support connected and data-driven operations: - Data Acquisition and Analytics: Modern drilling rigs from Drilltechniques are equipped with advanced data acquisition systems and analytic tools, enabling operators to gather valuable insights from real-time performance data and make informed decisions for optimised operations. - Remote Monitoring and Control: Drilltechniques leverages cutting-edge technologies to offer solutions with remote monitoring and control capabilities, allowing operators to manage drilling operations from a centralised location, enhancing efficiency and reducing response time in critical situations. 4. Embracing Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Drilling Technologies Environmental sustainability is a critical concern for the drilling industry, and next-generation drilling technologies offer the potential to minimise the environmental impact of operations. Drilltechniques is committed to promoting sustainable practices by offering eco-friendly technologies and solutions: - Energy-Efficient Drilling Equipment: Drilltechniques provides drilling rigs with energy-efficient engines and emission reduction systems, ensuring compliance with stringent environmental regulations and reduced operational costs. - Noise and Emission Reduction Technologies: Drilltechniques is actively investing in innovations that minimise noise, vibration, and emissions during drilling operations, contributing to a greener and cleaner environment. The future of the drilling industry is forged by the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and the continuous pursuit of innovation. By embracing the advancements in drilling rig technologies, businesses can enhance their drilling operations' performance, efficiency, and safety whilst minimising their environmental impact. Drilltechniques stands as your trusted partner in navigating the future of drilling operations, offering state-of-the-art equipment, solutions, and expertise to help you achieve your goals. Contact the Drilltechniques team today to learn more about our innovative drilling solutions and how we can support your business in reaching new heights in the rapidly evolving drilling industry. Get in touch with our team to unlock the full potential of advanced drilling rig technologies and elevate your operations to new levels of success.
In the world of finance and investing, choosing the right investment names can be as crucial as picking the right stocks. These names not only represent companies or funds but also hold the power to evoke emotions, spark curiosity, or even shape perceptions. Let's delve into the intriguing realm of investment names, where a single word can hold the key to unlocking a world of financial possibilities. Table of Contents - Choosing the Perfect Investment Name for Success - Crafting Memorable Investment Names That Resonate - Investment Name Strategies: Standing Out in the Market - Key Factors to Consider When Naming Your Investment - Concluding Remarks Choosing the Perfect Investment Name for Success Choosing the perfect investment name can significantly impact the success and perception of your venture. When deciding on a name, consider these key factors to ensure you make the right choice:- Relevance: Select a name that reflects the nature of your investment to attract the right audience. - Memorability: Opt for a name that is easy to remember and stands out in a crowded market. - Uniqueness: Avoid generic or overused names to differentiate your investment from competitors. Furthermore, conducting thorough research to check for name availability and potential trademark conflicts is crucial to prevent legal issues down the line. Remember, your investment name is often the first point of contact with potential investors, so make it count. In addition to the external factors influencing your investment name, consider the internal aspects that align with your brand and goals. Ensure that the name resonates with your target audience and conveys the essence of your investment strategy effectively. A well-crafted investment name can serve as a powerful marketing tool, attracting investors and building credibility within the financial community. Crafting Memorable Investment Names That Resonate When it comes to crafting investment names that truly resonate with your audience, creativity is key. Your investment name is more than just a label; it's a reflection of your brand and the values you stand for. To make a lasting impact, consider these tips to guide you through the naming process:1. Reflect Your Vision: Think about the core values and mission of your investment. Your name should encapsulate the essence of what you aim to achieve and the impact you want to make in the market. 2. Keep it Simple Yet Memorable: Avoid complex or convoluted names that may confuse investors. A simple, catchy name is more likely to stick in people's minds and create a lasting impression. Aim for clarity and brevity while still being unique and distinctive. In the world of investments, a name can speak volumes about your brand. By taking the time to carefully craft a name that resonates with your target audience, you can set the stage for a successful and memorable investment venture. Investment Name Strategies: Standing Out in the Market In the competitive world of investments, finding the perfect name for your strategy can make all the difference. Crafting a unique and compelling investment name strategy is essential for capturing the attention of potential investors and standing out in the market. To create a memorable impact, consider these key tips:Distinguish with Creativity: Think outside the box and come up with a name that reflects the essence of your investment strategy while being catchy and easy to remember. Align with Purpose: Ensure your investment name resonates with your target audience and conveys the core values and objectives of your strategy effectively. Moreover, incorporating elements of storytelling or using evocative imagery can help create a strong emotional connection with investors, setting your investment strategy apart from the competition. By harnessing the power of a compelling investment name, you can enhance brand recognition, build trust, and boost investor engagement in today's dynamic market landscape. Key Factors to Consider When Naming Your Investment When it comes to naming your investment, there are several key factors to consider that can significantly impact its success. One important aspect to think about is relevance. Ensuring that your investment name is relevant to the industry or market it operates in can help attract the right audience and convey a sense of professionalism. - Memorability - Uniqueness - Marketability Another crucial factor to keep in mind is memorability. Choosing a name that is easy to remember and stands out from competitors can make a lasting impression on potential investors. Moreover, considering the marketability of the name can influence its brand appeal and overall success in the investment landscape. Q: What are investment names, and why are they important in the world of finance?A: Investment names are unique labels assigned to different financial products such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs. They serve as identifiers that help investors differentiate between various assets in their portfolios, making it easier to track performance and manage investments effectively. Q: How do investment names impact investor decision-making processes? A: The choice of an investment name can influence investor perception and attractiveness. Catchy or descriptive names can create a positive appeal and generate interest among potential investors. On the other hand, complex or confusing names may deter investors from exploring certain opportunities, impacting decision-making processes. Q: What role do investment names play in branding and marketing strategies of financial products? A: Investment names play a crucial role in branding financial products and creating market appeal. Well-crafted names can convey a sense of trust, reliability, and innovation, helping products stand out in a competitive marketplace. Strategic naming can also enhance brand recognition and attract a broader audience of investors. Q: How can investors leverage investment names in their research and analysis? A: Investors can use investment names as starting points for conducting research and analysis on specific assets. By exploring the background, performance history, and market reputation associated with an investment name, investors can make informed decisions and align their investment strategies with their financial goals. Q: Are there any trends or best practices in naming investments that investors should be aware of? A: In the ever-evolving landscape of finance, trends in naming investments may emphasize simplicity, transparency, and relevance to current market trends. Best practices suggest choosing names that are easy to pronounce, memorable, and reflective of the investment's underlying characteristics to resonate well with investors.
If you have been watching the 2016 Olympics in Brazil you may have seen events such as: swimming, gymnastics, golf, diving, gymnastics, tennis, court and beach volleyball, and now track and field. For some of these events, it has been all indoors. For others there have been the elements of the weather. In fact, the temperature in Rio, Brazil has been ranging from 70-90's degrees fahrenheit with around 70% humidity. In those type of elements it can dramatically affect ones performance. To show how much heat and humidity can impact ones body while being physical active, specifically running, here's some info from Jeff Galloway's Book on Running (1984): Air Temp \| Per Mile Adjustment for Heat \| Per Mile Adjustment for 60% Humidity \| Slower than your Goal Pace \| 50° F \| None \| None \| None \| 55° F \| add 5 secs \| add 10 secs \| 1% \| 60° F \| add 15 secs \| add 25 secs \| 3% \| 65° F \| add 30 secs \| add 45 secs \| 5% \| 70° F \| add 40 secs \| 1:05 min \| 7% \| 75° F \| add 1:10 min \| add 1:45 min \| 12% \| 80° F \| add 2:00 min \| add 3:00 min \| 20% \| What does this chart actually mean? Anything over 85 degrees will impact your pace by as much as 20%. For instance, if the heat index is in the upper 80's and the humidity is 65% giving it "your all" actually equates to 80% of total max when the environmental elements are not ideal. For a runner, this means if you typically run a 10 minute mile you were running more like a 13 minute mile in these conditions. So what is one suppose to do in the summer heat when training and/or competing, you ask? Heat–> When the temperature rises the body loses more water through sweat. It also demand more oxygen to the muscles. - Wear light weight and loose fitting clothes - Do not wear a hat to allow heat to escape - Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate with water and products that provide carbohydrates and sodium such as Nuun. Humidity–> Relative humidity is the amount of water in the air and when those levels are high the body has a hard time staying cool. Meaning: sweat stays on your body and doesn't evaporate making it hard for your body to stay cool. - Train in shade and/or indoors - Train in the mornings - Hydrate, hydrate, hydrates with 4-8 oz of fluid every 15-20 minutes. The best things to do is prepare yourself for the heat when training. Think things through from the outfit that is best for your outdoor activity, to the time of day, to even the food that you will be consuming both the night before and the day of. Just make sure that fluids are a high priority to avoid heat exhaustion. Happy Training.
The Toyota Pre-Collision is a safety feature designed to help prevent or mitigate collisions by detecting potential obstacles in the vehicle's part and automatically applying the brakes if necessary. However, there may be instances where the system needs to be reset, such as after a collision or if there are issues with the sensors. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to reset the Toyota Pre-Collision System. - Turn on the ignition without starting the engine. - Locate and press the ''CAR SETTINGS'' button on the infotainment display. - Use the navigation keys in the menu until you see the Pre-collision system. Related Post>>>How To Put Toyota Tundra In 4-Wheel Drive - Select the ''Reset '' option within the Pre-collision System menu. - When prompted, select Yes or OK to confirm the reset. - Turn off the ignition and restart the engine to complete the reset. The Toyota Pre-Collision System is an important safety feature that can help prevent accidents on the road. However, if you continue to experience issues with the Pre-Collision System even after resetting it, it is recommended to have your vehicle inspected by a Toyota technician to diagnose and address any underlying problems. Remember, keeping your vehicle's safety systems in proper working order is crucial for ensuring a safe driving experience.
General dentistry Based on the care of your oral health. The procedures we offer range from cavity treatment to ceramic incrustations, as well as basic periodontal treatments. All procedures performed by Dr. Varea are managed from a conservative and aesthetic approach to the smile, with minimally invasive techniques. At our dental clinic in Paris, we offer you treatments within the following branches of dentistry: Based on the care of your oral health. The procedures we offer range from cavity treatment to ceramic incrustations, as well as basic periodontal treatments. A dental incrustation is a partial restoration that is used to rehabilitate posterior teeth -usually molars- that have suffered a moderate loss of their structure due to cavities, dental wear, fissures, etc. There are three types of dental incrustations; inlays, onlays and overlays. The difference between them is that inlays do not cover any tooth cusps, while onlays cover at least one cusp, but not all of them. Overlays cover all the cusps. Thanks to these procedures, we help you recover the physiognomy of your teeth. Periodontal diseases are all conditions that affect the tissues supporting the teeth. In the initial phase, called gingivitis, the gums may become inflamed and red and even bleed. In the most severe form, called periodontitis, the gums can pull away from the tooth, bone loss can occur and teeth can become loose or even fall out. Through periodontal treatments, it is possible to treat these conditions. Treatments to offer you a fixed and lasting solution to missing teeth Treatments to improve the appearance of your smile. We use the best materials and techniques to achieve the smile you've always wanted. During your first visit to Dr. Varea's clinic, we will get to know your personal and medical-dental history, as well as collect all the necessary information to ensure we recommend the treatments that best suit your needs. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best possible user experience. Their information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website or helping our team understand which parts of the site you find most interesting and useful. They must always be activated so that we can save your privacy settings preferences. If you deactivate this option we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will have to activate or deactivate them again. This website uses Google Analytics to collect anonymous information such as the number of visitors to the site, the most popular pages, user interaction with the website or show the user advertising according to their preferences, avoiding showing repeated ads and optimizing results of advertising campaigns. Leaving this option active allows us to improve our website. You can deactivate them with the following button: Please activate the strictly necessary ones first so that we can save your preferences!
Poker is a card game that requires a lot of concentration, especially during hands. It involves a high level of observation of your opponents, their body language, and the cards they have in their possession. Observing your opponents can help you read their actions and tell whether they have an unbeatable hand. In addition, poker requires the ability to quickly calculate odds. The more you play poker, the better you become at these quick math skills. A good poker player is constantly analyzing their opponent's behavior and betting patterns. This practice helps them improve their decision-making abilities and increase the amount of money they win. It also makes them more confident in their abilities, which can help them in other areas of their life. Many people who play poker have gone on to become successful in business, finance, and even medicine. When you play poker, you have to learn how to control your emotions. This skill is important because it will help you deal with other people in your personal and professional life. In addition, it will make you a more empathetic person and teach you to see your own mistakes. Having a poker night is a great way to get to know new friends or bond with family members. It's also an excellent way to build a new relationship with a significant other. You can even host a poker night at your office to meet potential clients. Regardless of the reason for your poker night, you will have a great time with your family and friends! The best way to improve your poker game is to learn how to read your opponents. This includes reading their facial expressions, body language, and betting pattern. You will also need to master the art of bluffing. Poker is a game of deception, so it's important to keep your opponents guessing at all times. One of the best ways to do this is to mix up your style of play. Too many players make it too obvious what they have in their hands by playing a very predictable game. This can backfire because your opponents will know what you have and will be able to call your bluffs more easily. Another thing that you can do to improve your poker game is to avoid blaming other players for their mistakes. For example, if someone calls your bluff when you have the nuts on the river, don't try to rub it in their face. Remember that it's their mistake that gave you the opportunity to win the pot. If you can't accept that, you won't be able to improve your own game. On the other hand, if you take responsibility for your own mistakes and make adjustments, you can become a much better poker player.
In exercising its right of self-defence, Israel is aware of its obligation to take all feasible precautions to spare civilians. Matthias Herdegen explains the conditions – and how Hamas and Iran could be held accountable. LTO: More than two weeks ago, the terrorist organisation Hamas attacked Israel and took hundreds of hostages. Since then, a bitter war has been raging that has already claimed numerous victims. Israel retaliated and is currently preparing a ground offensive in Gaza. Is this permitted under international law? If the expected ground offensive occurs: Does Hamas have a right of self-defence? Hamas, for its part, must take all steps to protect its own civilian population from avoidable harm. However, Hamas is the aggressor, is launching an armed attack against Israel and makes massive casualties among its own population part of its strategy. And the aggressor has no right to a military counterattack against a right of self-defence. "Right of self-defence until Israel has removed the threat of future attacks" How long may Israel exercise its right of self-defence? Until it has reliably removed the threat of future attacks. That would be the case if Hamas' potential for aggression were eliminated or if Hamas were to credibly indicate that it would permanently refrain from such attacks. But no one can count on that. That means that Israel could also invoke the right of self-defence when Hamas is no longer launching attacks but still holds hostages? Yes, by holding hostages, Hamas is expressing that it wants to continue the attack. The manner of the attack justifies the assumption that it will continue its armed operations as a sustained fight against Israel's right to exist. This continuing threat also indicates that the armed attack is ongoing. It is not necessary for a terrorist organisation to plan an attack every day or every week for a right of self-defence. Rather, it is sufficient that the terror potential, once activated, and the intention to commit further terror attacks again and again persist. "Israel is aware of the obligation to spare the civilian population" Which rules must Israel respect? Regardless of whether one qualifies the conflict as international armed conflict between Israel and Palestine or as non-international armed conflict between Israel and Hamas as a non-state actor, the rules of international humanitarian law apply. These include the duty to take constant care to spare the civilian population and the strict distinction between military targets and civilians. Civilians and civilian objects may only be affected as "collateral damage", that means as an unintended consequence of lawful attacks. The core of the Additional Protocols to the Geneva Conventions is part of customary international law and therefore also applies for Israel, which has not ratified these protocols. In addition, the common Article 3 of the Geneva Red Cross Conventions applies, which is the "humanitarian minimum" in any conflict. Violence of life and person, the taking of hostages, outrages upon personal dignity and the passing of sentences and the carrying out of executions without previous judgment pronounced by a regularly constituted court are prohibited. One almost has the impression that Hamas has purposefully and quite deliberately made the systematic violation of each of these elementary prohibitions the leitmotif of its terrorist attack. The duty to spare the civilian population – Art. 57 para. 1 of Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions – is one of the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law. How can Israel ensure this in the densely populated Gaza Strip? It is important to warn civilians and to tell them to leave the "battle zone". In the case of individual military strikes against specific buildings, this is often possible without any problems, for example through so-called "roof knocking", i.e., a short warning so that civilians can leave the building. Telephone warnings also seem to be part of Israeli practice. In a large-scale ground offensive, however, sparing civilians is considered extraordinarily difficult. Moreover, Hamas makes civilian cover a central element of its strategy. It conducts its attacks from a densely populated urban area and defends itself by using human shields. Such a strategy, however, cannot lead to a situation in which the other side can no longer exercise its right of self-defence at all. Israel remains obliged to spare the civilian population and has also issued corresponding warnings and calls. Hamas, however, does everything it can to thwart this warning and asks people to stay or even prevents them from leaving the combat zone. When one side deliberately carries out the conflict on the backs of its own civilian population, this is a serious breach of international humanitarian law and human rights. "Evacuation order does not violate international law" Israel has ordered more than one million people to leave the north of the Gaza Strip within 24 hours. Is this legitimate or a war crime of unlawful displacement or transfer within the meaning of Article 8(2a) VII of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (Rome Statute), as some believe? Some accusations are rather preposterous. Some people also speak of ethnic cleansing or mass expulsions. These are forms of discussion that virtually pervert international law and what is actually happening. Now, I cannot see any behaviour on the part of Israel that violates international law in the warnings. The call is an attempt to combine a military response with the greatest possible protection of the civilian population in a very complex environment. For two weeks, the people of Gaza did not receive humanitarian aid because Israel is blocking access to the Gaza Strip and Egypt has closed the Rafah border crossing – the only one not controlled by Israel. On Saturday, it reopened the border. Has Egypt acted in violation of international law by refusing to open the border for two weeks? Even in the case of a blockade, there should be a kind of "humanitarian corridor" within the bounds of what is possible and militarily reasonable. Opening up a corridor to Egypt is one way of creating such a corridor. However, Egypt is not part of the conflict. In this respect, it is not obliged to open its own territory to the influx of refugees and thus also expose itself to the danger of Hamas terrorists entering the country. Politically, of course, it would be most desirable to ease the humanitarian situation of the civilian population in Gaza by opening the border crossing, which Egypt has actually done now. Israel has completely cut off food, water, electricity, and fuel supplies to Gaza, exacerbating the humanitarian problems. Legitimate? International humanitarian law is based on the premise that one must allow the population access to existential resources. These include water, medicine, and food. Any supplies of medicine and food that are available must therefore be forwarded. A few days ago, Israel made the water supply for the southern part of the Gaza Strip available again, which I consider a step in the spirit of international humanitarian law. When it comes to the supply of electricity and fuel, a differentiated view is called for. Here, there is possibly the risk that Hamas fighters will divert part of these resources again for military purposes. This limits Israel's humanitarian obligations, because international law does not require a party to feed the military potential of the enemy with resources. Could Palestine accede to the Rome Statute? How can Hamas' crimes be punished under international criminal law? Palestine has declared its accession to the Rome Statute. Whether this accession is effective is not answered uniformly in the world of states and in international law doctrine – just like the status of Palestine as a state in the sense of international law. In a decision from February 2021, a pre-trial chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC) found this accession to be effective. Notwithstanding this case law, however, the question remains highly controversial. If one assumes that the accession is effective, it has consequences that the Palestinian government probably did not intend. In that case, Hamas' serious violations of international humanitarian law against its own population would also be on the ICC's radar. Unlike the ICC, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is not concerned with the prosecution of individuals, but with the responsibility of states for wrongful acts. Can Hamas' crimes be attributed to Palestine? According to the available facts, we cannot assume that the Palestinian government in Ramallah directed Hamas' attack on Israel. The Hamas regime has a strong life of its own. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has even explicitly distanced himself from the attack. The most interesting question, however, is whether Iran can be held partly responsible for what happened. "Very close cooperation between Hamas and Iran" It is well known that the Mullah regime supports Hamas financially – probably also in the context of the current attack. Yes, even if we don't know the details yet. We have gained the impression that Iran has also acted as a kind of sponsor in the attacks on Israel. There have also been meetings between representatives of the Iranian regime and the leadership of Hamas. Therefore, there can be little doubt that there is very close cooperation here between Hamas and the Iranian regime. What does this mean for attribution under international law? Even if a state does not carry out the attack itself or does not direct and control it, financial, logistical, or other support constitutes a violation of international law. It is a violation of the prohibition of the use of force according to Art. 2 No. 4 of the UN Charter. Furthermore, it could be a form of aiding and abetting serious violations of international humanitarian law. We do not know yet to what extent followed a script influenced concrete crimes, i.e., the taking of hostages, torture and killing of civilians are covered by an Iranian support plan. However, all this still requires further findings. Thank you very much for the interview! Prof. Dr. DDr. h.c. Matthias Herdegen is Director of the Institute for Public Law and Director of the Institute for International Law at the University of Bonn. This text is a translated and slightly revised version of the Interview published in German on 20 October 2023. Israel-Hamas War and International Law: "Hamas crimes on ICC's radar" . In: Legal Tribune Online, 24.10.2023 , https://www.lto.de/persistent/a_id/52983/ (abgerufen am: 18.05.2024 ) Infos zum Zitiervorschlag
As a seasoned Business and Investment Specialist with over 15 years of professional experience, I aim to enlighten entrepreneurs, business professionals, managers, and students on the fundamental disparities between businesses and organizations. Understanding these distinctions is essential for navigating the complex world of commerce effectively. Let us delve into the nuanced realms of Business versus Organization: comprehending the intrinsic divergences that dictate their essence. At its core, a business epitomizes an entity driven by the unequivocal pursuit of profit generation. The ethos of a business reverberates with commercial vigor, underscoring an unyielding focus on revenue maximization amidst competitive landscapes. Conversely, organizations transcend mere commercial interests; they embody entities structured to fulfill broader functions beyond profit-centric motives. A dive into the underpinnings of these constructs unveils varied yet defining purposes that set them apart in the dynamic tapestry of contemporary enterprises. The juxtaposition of a business's profit-centric agenda against an organization's multifaceted operational landscape beckons for insightful exploration. By unraveling the intricate layers that differentiate businesses from organizations, we unravel unparalleled insights vital for strategic decision-making across diverse sectors and industries. Join me as we embark on this illuminative journey to discern the paramount disparities between businesses and organizations—unlocking fresh perspectives that shape our comprehension of corporate dynamics in today's ever-evolving economic milieu. Key Characteristics. As a Business and Investment Specialist with extensive experience, it is crucial to highlight the fundamental variances between a business entity and an organization. One key characteristic that distinguishes a business from an organization is the clear focus on profit generation within a business setup. Businesses operate primarily to maximize revenue and ensure profitability. For instance, in my years of consulting various businesses, I have witnessed how companies across different sectors align their strategies to drive financial success. From small startups aiming for sustainable growth to large corporations focused on expanding market share, the overarching goal always revolves around generating profits. Moreover, the commercial nature of businesses sets them apart from organizations. The revenue-centric approach of businesses underscores their commitment to economic activities aimed at turning investments into profitable ventures. Through strategies like cost optimization, sales maximization, and innovative marketing campaigns, businesses strive to enhance their financial performance continuously. This overt emphasis on commercial success shapes decision-making processes within businesses and drives them toward competitiveness in the market landscape. In essence, my consultations with diverse business entities have consistently highlighted that profitability remains at the core of their operational framework. Understanding these distinctive characteristics is pivotal for entrepreneurs, managers, and students navigating the dynamic business environment. By recognizing the inherent focus on profit generation and commercial viability embedded in businesses, individuals can better align their goals and strategies with the core principles governing successful enterprises. As a seasoned specialist in this domain, I have seen firsthand how strategic financial planning coupled with a robust business model can propel companies toward sustainable growth and long-term success in competitive markets. Organizational Structure. In the realm of organizational structure, it is vital to comprehend the significance of hierarchies in optimizing operational efficiency. Organizations establish hierarchical setups to streamline communication flow, delineate roles clearly, and facilitate efficient decision-making processes. Through a well-defined hierarchy, companies can allocate responsibilities based on expertise and authority levels. For instance, in my experience working with various corporations, I have witnessed how a clear chain of command ensures that decisions are made promptly by competent individuals and implemented effectively throughout the organization. Hierarchies are strategically designed to foster accountability within organizations. By defining reporting relationships and establishing layers of management, employees at different levels know whom to report to for guidance or approvals. This structure enhances transparency and enables smoother coordination among departments. Moreover, for companies operating across multiple locations or with diverse product lines, hierarchical structures offer a systematic approach to managing various business segments efficiently. For example, multinational corporations often employ a matrix organizational structure that combines functional and divisional approaches to optimize decision-making processes. Effective hierarchies in organizations also pave the way for strategic decision-making. By placing key decision-makers at higher levels within the hierarchy, companies ensure that critical choices align with overall corporate objectives and values. This approach avoids unnecessary delays in decision implementation and fosters agility within the organization. Through my extensive involvement in corporate consulting projects, I have observed how well-defined hierarchies contribute to setting clear goals and objectives for teams while maintaining alignment with the broader strategic vision of the company. Legal Distinctions. In examining the legal disparities between businesses and organizations, it is crucial to understand the distinct regulatory frameworks that govern their operations. Businesses, whether structured as sole proprietorships, partnerships, or corporations, are bound by specific legal requisites essential for their functioning. For example, taxation policies vary depending on the business entity type; corporations have separate tax obligations from sole proprietors. As a seasoned Business and Investment Specialist with 15 years of experience myself, I often highlight to my clients the significance of meticulous registration processes tailored to their business structure to ensure compliance with legal mandates. Conversely, organizations operate under different legal paradigms. Non-profit entities like NGOs or charities navigate a unique set of regulations concerning their tax-exempt status and reporting requirements. Understanding these distinctions is vital for organizational leaders to fulfill their missions effectively while adhering to legal responsibilities. By elucidating these nuances in legal compliance tailored to different entity types within the organizational realm, I empower businesses and institutions alike to steer clear of potential regulatory pitfalls. As a veteran in the field of consultancy and investments, I emphasize the importance of recognizing these intricate legal differentiations between businesses and organizations. Whether advising startups on establishing a suitable business structure or guiding non-profits through compliance procedures, staying abreast of pertinent laws enhances operational efficiency and ensures longevity in today's dynamic economic landscape. Through proactive collaboration with industry experts and regulatory bodies, companies can proactively adapt to evolving legal landscapes while maintaining operational transparency and integrity. Organizational Legal Compliance. When it comes to the legal landscape, non-profit organizations operate under a distinct set of regulations that differ from those governing traditional businesses. The compliance requirements for NGOs, charities, and other organizational entities are tailored to ensure transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of funds and resources. For instance, in my experience working with non-profits, I have found that these entities must adhere to strict guidelines regarding financial reporting to maintain their tax-exempt status and uphold donor trust. One key aspect of organizational legal compliance lies in the area of fundraising activities. Non-profits often face stringent regulations surrounding the solicitation of donations, grant management, and utilization of funds for charitable purposes. As someone deeply ingrained in the world of business and investment consultancy like myself, I have seen firsthand how failure to comply with these regulations can lead to severe penalties or even loss of tax-exempt status for non-profit organizations. Moreover, the governance structure within non-profits plays a pivotal role in ensuring legal compliance. Boards of directors are tasked with overseeing organizational operations while upholding ethical standards and regulatory obligations. Through my extensive involvement with various NGOs and charitable organizations, I have witnessed how meticulous attention to legal detail is crucial in maintaining the integrity and credibility of an organization's mission-driven initiatives. These entities must stay abreast of evolving legal requirements and adapt their practices accordingly to continue serving their communities effectively. Operational Objectives. In the realm of business operations, the core focus revolves around enhancing efficiency to drive profits and stimulate growth. As a business and investment specialist with extensive experience in the field, I understand the critical nature of maximizing operational effectiveness. Businesses strategically streamline processes, optimize resources, and innovate to remain competitive in dynamic markets. For instance, companies often deploy operational enhancements like supply chain management improvements or technological integrations to boost productivity and ensure cost-effectiveness. Market expansion and product development stand out as pivotal strategies that businesses employ to propel their objectives forward. By entering new territories or introducing innovative products/services, organizations seize opportunities for revenue escalation and market share growth. In my years of expertise, I have witnessed how meticulous market research guides these expansion initiatives, ensuring alignment with consumer needs and preferences. Implementing efficient production methods, alongside effective marketing campaigns, further catalyzes growth trajectories for businesses looking to thrive in ever-evolving commercial landscapes. Moreover, fostering a culture of continual improvement within an organization nurtures a mindset geared toward sustainable success. Business leaders strategize on ways to enhance operational efficiencies continually: automating repetitive tasks, revamping internal processes for streamlined workflows, or investing in employee training programs for skill enhancement are common practices that underline this commitment to progression. Such dedication substantiates the foundation upon which businesses build resilience and adaptability in an increasingly competitive environment where agility is paramount for long-term viability and relevance. Organizations serve a vital role in society, focusing on fulfilling their missions to create meaningful impacts. By aligning with societal needs and goals, organizations play a crucial part in driving positive change and contributing to the betterment of communities. Whether it be non-profits, NGOs, or charities, the core objective remains centered around serving a higher purpose beyond profit-making. As specialists in the business and investment realm like myself, understanding organizational mission fulfillment is key to appreciating the broader implications that go beyond mere financial gains. Impacting lives, supporting causes, and addressing societal challenges are at the heart of organizational missions. When evaluating the differences between businesses and organizations, acknowledging this fundamental distinction underscores why entities pursue specific objectives. As we navigate the dynamic landscapes of commerce and social responsibility, recognizing these disparities becomes paramount in making informed decisions for both economic growth and societal enhancement. Let us continue to leverage our expertise in distinguishing between business ventures and organizational endeavors to drive sustainable success and foster positive change in the global landscape. As an author writing and creating business courses and articles, I am responsible for developing and delivering high-quality content that is informative, engaging, and relevant to the target audience. I monitor and analyzes business trends and topics to create courses and articles that provide value to readers and students here. I am responsible for ensuring that all content is accurate, well-written, and met the needs of the target audience.
The contributors to this book examine and compare the colonial and decolonisation experiences of people in Taiwan and Nan'yō Guntō – Micronesia – who underwent periods of rule by the Greater Japanese Empire. Early anthropological theory of Western imperialist countries focused on transforming 'savage' cultures by ruling in a high-handed manner. When Japan asserted its hegemony through sudden colonisation, its culture was perceived as inferior to the civilisation indices previously experienced by those it ruled. How did these ruled nations construct their cultural and historical awareness in areas where the strategic design of Japan's 'civilising mission' was not convincing? After the end of World War II many emerging countries in the Third World achieved independence through various negotiations or struggles with their former colonial powers and built new relationships with their erstwhile rulers. However, after Japan's defeat, Taiwan and Nan'yō Guntō became ruled by new foreign governments. How did Japan's reign and transplanted Japanese culture affect the formation of historical awareness and cultural construction of present-day communities in these two regions? This book provides a fascinating ethnographic insight into the effects of empire and colonisation on the historic imagination, which will be of great interest to historical anthropologists of Taiwan, Japan, and the Pacific. part I\|60 pages Recognition of the Japanese colonial era chapter 1\|19 pages The 'Japanisation' of the Taiwanese lifeworld during and after the colonial period chapter 3\|22 pages Multi-layered 'colonial experience' part II\|56 pages Living after the war chapter 4\|18 pages The 'crossover generation' chapter 5\|18 pages Christian nursing care for the Japanese-speaking elderly in Taiwan part III\|66 pages Objects and memories
Understanding Paratransit Services Paratransit services play a vital role in providing accessible transportation options for individuals with disabilities or limited mobility. These services cater to those who cannot utilize traditional mass transit systems due to various physical, cognitive, or sensory impairments. As the demand for paratransit services continues to grow, it is essential to plan for the future and ensure that these services can effectively meet the needs of those they serve. Sustainable Funding Mechanisms One of the key considerations when planning for future growth in paratransit services is establishing sustainable funding mechanisms. Adequate funding is crucial in maintaining and expanding the availability and quality of these services. Local governments and transportation agencies must work collaboratively to allocate sufficient resources to meet the increasing demand for paratransit services. This includes exploring innovative funding sources such as public-private partnerships or leveraging federal grants to supplement local budgets. Technology and Innovation Advancements in technology have the potential to revolutionize how paratransit services are delivered. Integrating digital platforms and mobile applications can significantly enhance the accessibility and efficiency of these services. For example, real-time tracking and scheduling systems can allow passengers to book rides and monitor their arrival times conveniently. Moreover, incorporating electric or hybrid vehicles into the paratransit fleet can promote sustainability and reduce carbon emissions, aligning with broader environmental goals. Collaboration with Community Organizations A thriving paratransit system requires collaboration with community organizations and disability advocates. These partnerships can provide valuable insights into the specific transportation needs of individuals with disabilities and help identify gaps in service. By involving these stakeholders in the planning process, transportation authorities can ensure that future growth in paratransit services is reflective of the unique requirements and preferences of the community. Open dialogue and ongoing communication foster an inclusive and responsive paratransit system. Training and Education Investing in comprehensive training programs for paratransit service providers is paramount to ensuring the highest level of service quality. Training should address areas such as sensitivity to disabilities, effective communication techniques, and proper handling of mobility aids. By equipping service providers with the necessary skills and knowledge, passengers can feel confident in their ability to receive respectful and dignified transportation experiences. Ongoing education and professional development opportunities also help service providers stay updated on best practices and emerging trends. Interested in discovering more about the topic? paratransit, an external resource we've prepared to complement your reading. As the demand for paratransit services continues to rise, it is crucial to proactively plan for future growth. By focusing on sustainable funding mechanisms, leveraging technology and innovation, collaborating with community organizations, and investing in training and education, transportation authorities can ensure that paratransit services meet the evolving needs of individuals with disabilities or limited mobility. This proactive approach will help create an inclusive society where everyone has equal access to transportation options, promoting independence, and enhancing quality of life. Looking for more related information? Explore the related posts we've prepared to enhance your research:
When constructing and updating your kitchen, one important aspect that needs to be remembered is choosing the electrical system. Choosing the correct electrical components is critical for establishing a practical and efficient kitchen environment, from powering your appliances to providing enough lighting. However, with so many options accessible, it can be difficult to sort through them. We have prepared eight professional suggestions to assist you in making informed selections when choosing the appropriate electrical components for your kitchen. Whether you are remodeling an existing kitchen or creating a new one, these suggestions will guarantee that the electrical system in your kitchen fits your demands, improves safety, promotes energy efficiency, and blends seamlessly with your lifestyle. So, let's start by looking at the essential factors to consider while selecting the best electrical appliances for your kitchen. 1. Assess Your Needs Before delving into the enormous assortment of kitchen electrical products available, consider your unique requirements. Take into account your culinary habits, family size, and lifestyle requirements. When it comes to selecting the best electrical components for your kitchen, you must first consider the size and layout of your room. This can help you calculate how many outlets you'll need and where they should be placed for the best convenience. Knowing what equipment you will use in your kitchen is essential for choosing the proper electrical components. List the items you can't live without, from refrigerators and dishwashers to microwaves and blenders. 2. Opt for Energy Efficiency In an increasingly environmentally conscious society, energy efficiency is an important issue to consider when purchasing kitchen appliances. Look for ENERGY STAR® appliances, which indicate that the product satisfies strict energy efficiency criteria. Electrical appliances that are energy efficient not only decrease your carbon footprint but also save you money on power costs in the long run. You will not only save money on your electricity bill, but you will also contribute to a cleaner future. 3. Quality Matters Buying the cheapest electrical appliance is a good way to save money at first, but it might lead to disappointment in the long run. Purchasing high-quality kitchen electricals may be more expensive initially, but it is a great investment. Quality appliances are long-lasting and durable, perform better, and have improved safety features. To guarantee you're choosing the best pick, look for established companies known for their dependability and read user reviews. Electrical appliances of high quality can survive the rigors of regular kitchen use and continue to perform for years. 6. Consider Space-Saving Solutions Choose space-saving electrical appliances for smaller kitchens or those with limited counter space. Look for appliances that are compact or have several functions. Before making any purchases, measure the available area to ensure that your new appliance will fit comfortably and give you enough room for simple mobility in the kitchen. In addition, consider appliances proportional to the size of your kitchen and the number of people you'll be cooking for. 5. Look for Multi-Functionality Versatility is a big advantage when it comes to kitchen electronics. Look for appliances with a variety of functions. For example, a microwave oven that grills and bakes or a blender that functions as a food processor. Multi-functional gadgets conserve space while also making kitchen operations more convenient and efficient. Embrace the wonders of technology by incorporating smart home elements into your kitchen. Consider controlling your appliances and lighting with a simple voice command or from your smartphone. 6. Consider Maintenance and Cleaning Keeping your kitchen's electrical appliances clean and well-maintained is critical for their longevity and hygiene. Consider washing equipment with smooth surfaces and easy-to-remove parts. Furthermore, study the product documentation to learn the suggested maintenance procedures and frequency, guaranteeing that your appliances are in excellent condition. 7. Safety Features are Non-Negotiable Always put safety first! Take the time to become acquainted with your local electrical codes. The specific standards and restrictions for electrical installations are outlined in these codes. By following them, you will ensure that your kitchen electronics are safe and legal. Look for features that give your kitchen an extra layer of safety, such as auto-shutoff, child-lock, and overheat protection. Safety certificates from trustworthy organizations are another sign of a dependable and secure product. 8. Set a Budget While it may be tempting to get high-end kitchen appliances, it is critical to set a budget and stick to it. Determine which appliances are important and manage your funds accordingly. Remember that higher prices do not automatically imply better performance, so do your homework and look for appliances that strike the ideal balance between quality and affordability. Choosing the best kitchen electrical appliances is more than simply about utility; it's also about safety, efficiency, and convenience. If you keep these guidelines in mind, selecting the appropriate appliances for your kitchen can be a pleasant and gratifying experience. You can design a kitchen that is functional and reflects your style by carefully considering your demands, space, energy efficiency, and safety elements.
Posted on: Monday, March 14, 2005 Battle begins over burial artifacts By Vicki Viotti Advertiser Staff Writer Three days of arguments over cultural objects, chiefly involving Bishop Museum officials and some of their longtime opponents in issues of native burial law, began yesterday by spotlighting the sharp split among Native Hawaiians in the emotional custody battle over ancient artifacts. By tomorrow's adjournment, they hope to foster some solution to the impasse between the burials protection group Hui Malama I Na Kupuna O Hawai'i Nei and its adversaries, the museum in particular. However, Timothy McKeown, the administrative officer for the committee, suggested at the outset that final answers to the thornier questions, such as the controversial "Forbes Cave" decision affecting 83 Big Island artifacts, may be a matter for courts to decide. At yesterday's session in a packed Keoni Auditorium, the hui and its supporters stood on one side of the debate, maintaining that several objects in question belong not in a museum but with Native Hawaiians, in most cases the ancestors they say were buried with them. The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Review Committee will hear more comments from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and make decisions tomorrow at Keoni Auditorium, East-West Center. At issue are: Three funerary objects from Moloka'i now in the Bishop Museum collection a rock oyster pendant, a wood image and a cowrie shell. Sandstone slabs known as the Kalaina Wawae, still owned by the museum but installed for public viewing at a Moloka'i site. Five objects a female ki'i (figure), a cutting tool, a rock oyster pendant, a konane game board and a gourd originally from Kawaihae Cave but now in the collection of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. The 83 objects formerly in the museum collection that were reburied in Kawaihae. "Our culture has been very much endangered," said Charman Akina, a member of the museum's collections committee. "We Hawaiians need to be able to see these artifacts ... if we are really going to learn about our past, artifacts have to be preserved and made available to the public." For their part, hui supporters said these objects are not the property of the general public but of the specific ancestor who owned them in life or in the case of the Kalaina Wawae, sandstone "footprint" blocks carved from a rock face of the Moloka'i land from which they came. The museum has retained title to the blocks but struck a private agreement with a Moloka'i group to care for them and then paid to install them at a coastal site. The hui wants to have the objects declared "cultural patrimony" meaning that they are so central to the culture that they can't be owned to rescind the museum's title. "They're home now, but our job isn't done because we have to guarantee they won't be taken again," said Edward Halealoha Ayau, the po'o (head) of Hui Malama. The museum had been close to including Hui Malama in that agreement but later deleted them from the legal papers, said museum president William Brown. The reason: The hui's decision in the Forbes case to sign a loan agreement for those artifacts with no intent to return them, and then to rebury them in the cave, Brown said. "We were uncomfortable accepting any signed agreement with them, because Hui Malama had signed a loan agreement that they would return the objects, and didn't," he said. In another Moloka'i clash, the museum is asserting its ownership of a wooden figure, or ki'i, arguing that it was acquired through legal means from someone believed to have the right to sell it. The hui brought several Moloka'i youths to make the case that the ki'i, as well as other items from an area of sand dunes at Mo'omomi, were funerary objects and should be reburied. "Even without going there in person, I know I have no reason to walk those sands, and so I have honored the sacredness of my ancestors as an obedient, respectful grandchild," said Nelson Jenks-Pua'a, 16. Finally yesterday, the committee heard from officials from the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, where five more objects from the Forbes collection now reside. Cindy Orlando, park superintendent, said officials now are consulting with 46 different Native Hawaiian organizations on how to classify the objects and whether they must be returned to native ownership under the law. Hui supporters pointed to evidence that the objects were part of the burial of a Hawaiian ali'i. "These are items that were supposed to remain there with their chief," said archaeologist Kehau Abad. "They don't belong to all Native Hawaiians." Reach Vicki Viotti at firstname.lastname@example.com or 525-8053. On the other stood those who believe that some of these items may not be burial objects at all, and that the museum is generally better equipped to take care of cultural treasures. At the very least, say some critics of Hui Malama, a wider range of Hawaiian groups should be given fair consideration as stewards. Hearings Continue
Optimal Design of a Hydrogen-powered Fuel Cell System for Aircraft Applications Recently, hydrogen and fuel cells have gained interest as an emerging technology to mitigate the effects of climate change caused by the aviation sector. The aim of this work is to evaluate the applicability of this technology to an existing regional aircraft in order to assess its electrification, with the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving sustainability goals. The design of a proton-exchange membrane fuel cell system (PEMFC) with the inclusion of liquid hydrogen storage is carried out. Specifically, a general mathematical model is developed, which involves multiple scales, ranging from individual cells to aircraft scale. First, the fuel cell electrochemical model is developed and validated against published polarization curves. Then, different sizing approaches are used to compute the overall weight of the hydrogen-based propulsion system, in order to optimize the system and minimize its weight. Crucially, this work underscores that the feasibility of hydrogenbased fuel cell systems relies not only on hydrogen storage but especially on the electrochemical cell performance, which influences the size of the balance of plant and especially its thermal management section. In particular, the strategic significance of working with fuel cells at partial loads is demonstrated. This entails achieving an optimal balance between the stacks oversizing and the weights of both hydrogen storage and balance of plant, thereby minimizing the overall weight of the system. It is thus shown that an integrated approach is imperative to guide progress towards efficient and implementable hydrogen technology in regional aviation. Furthermore, a high-performance PEMFC is analyzed, resulting in an overall weight reduction up to nearly 10% compared to the baseline case study. In this way, it is demonstrated as technological advancements in PEMFCs can offer further prospects for improving system efficiency.
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) represents a critical facet of the UK property market. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned property investor, understanding SDLT is pivotal. Not only does it impact the upfront costs of purchasing property, but it also has broader implications on investment strategies and returns. Three Key Takeaways: 🥇 SDLT Non-Deductibility from Rental Income: Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) on an investment property is not deductible against rental income. However, it's integral to the property's cost base, which can influence Capital Gains Tax when selling the property. 🥈 Importance of Staying Informed: The property tax landscape, including SDLT, is constantly evolving. Factors like economic shifts, political decisions, or global events like the pandemic can lead to reforms. Staying updated ensures investors are always prepared and can take advantage of reliefs or exemptions. 🥉Value of Expert Consultation: Given SDLT's complexities and potential financial implications, consulting with a tax professional is invaluable. This ensures that investors not only remain compliant but also strategically navigate their tax obligations to optimise returns. 👨💼 Expert Advice: Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is a significant consideration for UK property investors. When purchasing an investment property, one of the pivotal questions is whether SDLT can be offset against rental income for tax relief. In essence, SDLT is not deductible against rental income for tax purposes. However, there's a silver lining. While you can't reduce your annual taxable income with the SDLT paid, it becomes part of the property's acquisition costs. This means when you decide to sell the property, the SDLT can be incorporated into the cost base, potentially reducing your Capital Gains Tax liability. It's crucial for investors to be proactive in their financial planning. Stay updated on any SDLT reforms or reliefs that might arise, especially in a dynamic property market landscape influenced by factors like the pandemic. Finally, consulting with a tax professional ensures that you're maximising all available benefits and reliefs related to your property investments. Remember, understanding the nuances of SDLT can make a significant difference in your property investment strategy and returns. Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) stands as a pivotal consideration for property investors in the UK. Originating as a levy on property purchases, its intricacies and implications are integral to understanding the broader financial landscape of property investment. A primary concern is its deductibility. Unlike some property-related costs, SDLT isn't deductible against rental income. Yet, its influence isn't merely immediate; it's folded into the property's acquisition costs, potentially curbing Capital Gains Tax upon a sale. Recent events, notably the pandemic, have seen shifts in SDLT regulations, like the SDLT Holiday, to rejuvenate the housing market. Such dynamics highlight the necessity of staying abreast of reforms and reliefs, ensuring investors can adroitly navigate the evolving property tax terrain. Yet, amidst these complexities, the beacon for many investors is expert guidance. Tax professionals offer clarity, helping optimise returns by leveraging available benefits and reliefs. In essence, while SDLT presents challenges, with informed strategies, it can be adeptly managed to ensure prosperous property investments. History and Evolution of SDLT in the UK The journey of SDLT in the UK is marked by its evolution over the years. Originally, the stamp duty was a fixed tax to be paid on certain legal instruments. However, with the introduction of SDLT in 2003, it shifted to a graduated system based on property value, aiming to make the system more progressive. Since its inception, SDLT has witnessed various amendments reflecting economic conditions, housing market challenges, and governmental housing strategies. How SDLT has Impacted the Property Market Over the Years The impact on the property market due to SDLT has been multifaceted. On one hand, changes in SDLT rates can stimulate or dampen property sales, especially in the short term. For instance, the SDLT holiday during the pandemic resulted in a surge in property transactions. On the other hand, SDLT, especially the higher rates for additional properties, might deter some potential investors or encourage others to explore different property investment strategies. Understanding the Basics of SDLT for Investment Properties For those looking to delve into the realm of property investment, it's essential to grasp the basics of SDLT: Current Rates and Thresholds: SDLT is structured in bands, with the tax rate escalating with the value of the property. As of my last update in 2021, there were specific current rates for different property values, with distinct rates for those buying their first property, those purchasing subsequent properties, and corporations. Differences between Primary Residences and Investment Properties: When it comes to SDLT, not all properties are treated the same. A primary residence, or the only home someone owns, usually attracts lower SDLT rates. In contrast, investment properties, which might include buy-to-let homes or second homes, often incur an additional 3% SDLT surcharge. This distinction highlights the primary vs. investment properties dynamic and underscores the necessity for investors to factor in these costs. Deductibility Aspect of SDLT Understanding the tax implications of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is essential for investors who are trying to ascertain the complete financial picture of their investment. Can SDLT be Deducted from Income Tax? While many property-related costs can provide income tax deductions for investors, it's important to note that SDLT is not typically deductible from rental income. Instead, it's added to the cost of the property and can potentially reduce Capital Gains Tax if and when the property is sold. - Capital Gains Tax Implications The implications for capital gains tax are intrinsically linked to SDLT. As mentioned, while SDLT cannot reduce annual taxable income, it is considered when calculating the gain or loss upon the sale of the property. By adding the SDLT to the property's original purchase cost, it can effectively reduce the taxable gain, potentially resulting in a lower tax bill upon sale. Financial Ramifications of SDLT for Investors SDLT is a significant factor in the financial planning of any property investment. Impact on Return on Investment (ROI) The impact on ROI cannot be understated. As an upfront cost, SDLT can significantly influence an investor's initial yield, especially in the early years of the investment. A higher SDLT might require more time for the investment to start showing positive returns, especially if property values remain stagnant. - Upfront Costs vs. Long-Term Benefits While SDLT represents a considerable initial expenditure, investors need to juxtapose this against the long-term capital growth potential of the property and rental yields. Over time, a property in a growth area might more than compensate for the initial SDLT outlay, but this requires a strategic long-term perspective. Available Reliefs and Exemptions To mitigate the financial burden of SDLT, there are various reliefs and exemptions available, depending on the specific circumstances of the buyer and the property. Exploring Multiple Dwellings Relief Multiple dwellings relief can be invaluable for investors purchasing more than one dwelling simultaneously, like buying a set of flats. This relief allows buyers to potentially pay less SDLT by calculating the tax based on the average price of the dwellings rather than the total purchase price. - Benefits for First-Time Buyers Understanding the first-time buyer reliefs is pivotal for new entrants to the property market. These reliefs can offer substantial reductions or even complete exemptions from SDLT for properties below a certain threshold, thereby easing the initial financial strain on new buyers. - Overview of Other Special Circumstances and Exemptions Apart from the commonly known reliefs, there are other property tax exemptions and reductions based on specific circumstances. These could range from certain types of agricultural land purchases to properties acquired in specific regeneration areas or under shared ownership schemes. Being informed about these can save investors significant sums. Recent Changes, including the SDLT Holiday The landscape of SDLT has not remained static, with significant alterations influenced by socio-economic factors and broader market trends. How the Pandemic influenced SDLT With the impact of the pandemic putting strain on the UK's housing market, the government introduced the SDLT Holiday. This was a temporary relief aiming to bolster the property market, offering reduced rates and raising thresholds, thereby reducing SDLT for many buyers and investors. - What the Future Might Hold Post-pandemic, there's been debate about the long-term structure of SDLT. With the property market's resilience and the country's economic recovery intertwined, future projections suggest potential reforms to SDLT, though specifics remain to be seen. Practical Guidance for Property Investors Investors need to ensure they're well-equipped to deal with the complexities of SDLT. Navigating through SDLT when Investing For investors, navigating SDLT means understanding the bands, considering any reliefs they might be eligible for, and planning their investment strategy accordingly. Using online SDLT calculators and consulting with professionals can provide clarity. - Strategies to Alleviate Tax Burdens Several strategies to minimise tax burden exist, such as considering properties just below SDLT thresholds, exploring joint ownership structures, or potentially investing in regions with better SDLT terms. 🎯 Practical Tips and Advice: 1. Stay Updated on SDLT Changes: The landscape of SDLT is in constant flux, influenced by economic, political, and socio-environmental factors. Keeping abreast of the latest rates, thresholds, and reliefs ensures you're always making informed decisions. 2. Consider Professional Advice: The complexities of SDLT, especially when navigating reliefs and exemptions, can be daunting. Engaging with a tax consultant or solicitor can provide invaluable insights and potentially save significant sums. 3. Plan Ahead with SDLT Calculators: Before making a property investment, use online SDLT calculators to estimate potential costs. This helps to factor in the SDLT expenditure and better assess the viability of an investment. 4. Explore Reliefs and Exemptions: Various SDLT reliefs, such as the multiple dwellings relief or first-time buyer reliefs, can significantly reduce the tax burden. Investigate all potential avenues to ensure you're leveraging every available benefit. 5. Think Globally: While SDLT is specific to the UK, understanding property tax structures in other regions can offer a broader perspective. If considering international investments, this knowledge can be particularly valuable. Is Property The Best Investment? 13 Questions: Is Mortgage On Investment Property Tax Deductible? What are the rules for deducting stamp duty tax on an investment property in the UK? Generally, in the UK, the Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is not deductible for income tax or corporation tax purposes. However, it can be taken into account in calculating a gain or loss for Capital Gains Tax when the property is sold. Is stamp duty tax for investment properties different from primary residences? Yes. Higher rates of SDLT apply to purchases of additional residential properties, such as buy-to-let properties and second homes, which are 3% on top of the standard rates. How does stamp duty tax deduction work for property investors? SDLT is not an ongoing expense deductible from rental income. Instead, it's factored into the cost of acquiring the property and can be used to calculate the capital gain (or loss) upon selling the property. Can I claim back stamp duty tax if I invest in multiple properties? If you purchase multiple properties in a single transaction (a bulk purchase), you might pay less SDLT due to multiple dwellings relief. However, you don't get a 'refund' on the SDLT paid on previous purchases. Differences between stamp duty tax deductions for commercial vs. residential investment properties? Commercial properties have different SDLT rates and bands. Additionally, if you're buying mixed-use properties (combining residential and non-residential), they'll be taxed at commercial property rates. What are the recent changes to stamp duty tax deductions for property investors? As of my last update, there was a temporary SDLT holiday due to the pandemic, which changed thresholds and rates. It's essential to check the most current rates and regulations. How does the stamp duty tax impact ROI for property investments? The upfront SDLT cost can impact the initial return on investment (ROI). It's crucial to factor in these costs when calculating potential yields and profitability. Practical steps to claim stamp duty tax deductions for your investment property. Ensure that you maintain all records of the transaction. Though SDLT isn't deductible against rental income, it's crucial when calculating capital gains or losses upon sale. How often can you claim the stamp duty tax deduction on successive property investments? You pay SDLT each time you purchase a property. It becomes part of the acquisition cost and can be factored into the capital gains calculation upon sale. Case studies on stamp duty tax deductions in the UK property market. Specific case studies would require deeper research, but many property investors have highlighted the significance of understanding SDLT in their investment journey. Are there any exemptions or reliefs for stamp duty tax on investment properties? Yes, there are various reliefs like Multiple Dwellings Relief and exemptions, e.g., for properties under a certain price threshold or specific situations like a transfer due to divorce. Tips and strategies to maximise stamp duty tax deductions for property investors. Consider bulk purchasing if applicable, understand available reliefs and exemptions, and always factor in SDLT when calculating potential returns. Does the length of property ownership affect the stamp duty tax deduction? No, the length of ownership doesn't impact SDLT. SDLT is a one-off tax paid at the time of purchase. Download Your Property Investment Guide About Our Information: - 1. Financial Advisers: They can provide tailored advice on property investment through a limited company, considering your specific financial situation and goals. - 2. Tax Advisers: They can help you understand the tax implications of property investment through a limited company, and assist in tax planning and compliance. - 3. Property Experts: They can offer insights on the property market, investment strategies, and property management. - 4. Government Websites: In the UK, the HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) website and Companies House website provide information on tax regulations and company law requirements. - 5. Industry Reports: Property market research reports, industry publications, and news articles can provide valuable insights into trends and developments in property investment. - 6. Online Resources: Websites like the National Landlords Association (NLA), the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), and the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) offer resources, guidance, and industry updates for property investors. Note: This guide is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Where To Invest In Property In The UK? View our complete guide to assist you with property investment journey. Join Our Exclusive Mailing List. Receive market reports, property prices, investment opportunities and much more.
Part of a series on \| Jews and Judaism \| Agudath Israel of America (Hebrew: אגודת ישראל באמריקה) (sometimes referred to as Agudah or abbreviated AIA), is a Haredi Jewish communal organization in the United States loosely affiliated with the international World Agudath Israel.[citation needed] Agudah serves as a leadership and policy umbrella organization for Haredi Jews in the United States, both those affiliating with the Hasidic and the non-Hasidic Mitnagdim/Lithuanian Jewish camps.[citation needed] Agudah in the United States has been very successful in the difficult task of retaining its major Hasidic factions, with members from the Ger Hasidim in America working together within the organization and its non-Hasidic Lithuanian rosh yeshivas as partners. Agudah represents the vast majority members of the yeshiva world, sometimes known by the old label of misnagdim, as well as sectors of Hasidic Judaism; all are commonly known as Haredim or "ultra-Orthodox" Jews representing Torah Judaism in North America. Not all Hasidic Jewish groups are affiliated with Agudath Israel. For example, the Hasidic group Satmar dislikes Agudah's relatively moderate stance towards the State of Israel.[citation needed] Agudah has ideological connections with both the Agudat Israel party and with Degel HaTorah (Hebrew, "Flag of the Torah"), two Israeli Orthodox Jewish political parties that have representation in the Knesset (Israel's parliament). In Israel, Degel and Agudah are in a political coalition called United Torah Judaism (UTJ).[citation needed] AIA is also a part of the World Agudath Israel organization, which convenes international conferences and religious conclaves.[citation needed] The original Agudath Israel movement was established in Europe in 1912 by some of the most famous Orthodox rabbis of the time, including Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan (the Chafetz Chaim), Rabbi Chaim Ozer Grodzinski of Vilna, the Radziner Rebbe, Rabbi Mordechai Yosef Elazar Leiner, the Gerrer Rebbe (Imrei Emes) and the Chortkover Rebbe. It grew during the 1920s and 1930s to be the political, communal, and cultural voice of those Orthodox Jews who were not part of Zionism's Orthodox Jewish Mizrachi party. See more information at World Agudath Israel.[citation needed] Rabbi Eliezer Silver, an Eastern European-trained rabbi, established the first office of Agudath Israel in America during the 1930s, organizing its first conference in 1939. After the Holocaust, some prominent rabbis made their home in America who established a moetzes ("[supreme] council") and the movement began to grow rapidly with the rise of the yeshiva-based and Hasidic Orthodox communities.[citation needed] Mike Tress led the expansion of the movement during the early 1900s until his death during the mid-1960s as its chief lay leader. His cousin Rabbi Moshe Sherer then took control. He was succeeded by Rabbi Shmuel Bloom after his death in the 90s, and in 2008 Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zweibel has taken over as Executive Vice-President.[citation needed] In 2007, it was among over 530 New York City arts and social service institutions to receive part of a $30 million grant from the Carnegie Corporation, which was made possible through a donation by New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg.[1] Agudah's policies and leadership are directed by its Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah : Council of Torah Sages, composed primarily of Rosh Yeshivas (the chief spiritual and scholarly authority in a yeshiva) and Hasidic Rebbes (who head Hasidic dynasties and organizations). The Moetzes sets all major policies and guides the organization according to its precepts of Daas Torah (Hebrew: דעת תורה) generally translated as Torah knowledge/direction.[citation needed] The organization has a lay staff, many of whom are also ordained rabbis, but not of a caliber comparable to the rosh yeshivas and rebbes. After the passing of Rabbi Moshe Sherer, its last significant "lay" leader, Rabbi Yaakov Perlow who is also the Novominsker rebbe and a member of the Moetzet, was appointed as the Rosh Agudat Yisrael ("Head of Agudath Israel"). The past Noviminsker Rebbe, Rabbi Nochum Perlow was considered a key figure in the Agudah. The present official head is now his son, also known as the Noviminsker Rebbe, Rabbi Yaakov Perlow who works closely with his fellow leaders on the Moetzet.[citation needed] The administrative staff includes Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel as the Executive Vice President, Rabbi Shlomo Gertzulin as the Vice President for Finance and Administration, and Rabbi Labish Becker as the Executive Director.[citation needed] There are AIA-affiliated synagogues across the United States and in Canada.[citation needed] The AIA takes sides on many political, religious, and social issues, primarily guided by its Moetzet Gedolei Hatorah. It uses these stances to advise its members, to lobby politicians, and to file amicus briefs. See below, under "Activities".[citation needed] In 1956 for example, the moetzes issued a written ruling forbidding Orthodox rabbis to join with any Reform or Conservative rabbis in rabbinical communal professional organizations that then united the various branches of America's Jews, such as the Synagogue Council of America. This position was not endorsed by the Modern Orthodox. Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik of Yeshiva University had initially aligned himself with Agudah but later established his independent views on these matters and a host of other issues, such as attitudes towards college education and attitudes towards the secular-led Israeli governments. Rabbi Soloveitchik felt it important to nurture the modern Rabbinical Council of America (RCA). However, at times, a few of the more traditionalist rabbis at Yeshiva University aligned themselves with Agudah's positions.[citation needed] On November 3, 2015, the Moetzes of AIA declared Open Orthodoxy, Yeshivat Chovevei Torah, Yeshivat Maharat and other affiliated entities to be similar to other dissident movements throughout Jewish history in having rejected basic tenets of Judaism.[2][3][4] While Agudath does not consider itself as Zionist, it is generally supportive of the State of Israel insofar as its supports participation in its politics and the development of religious life, as well as the security of its population. AIA takes stances on issues affecting the Haredi sector in Israel. This is in contradistinction to more stridently anti-Zionist Haredi communal organisations. [5] With its head office in Manhattan and the bulk of its members living in the New York-New Jersey area, the Agudah ensures that it monitors and intercedes on behalf of causes important to it in the politics of New York City, its five boroughs, and in the state government of New York State.[citation needed] With the growth of Orthodox Judaism throughout the country, AIA also has active branches in Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Maryland, Minnesota, Texas, Florida, California and New Jersey, where they lobby the judicial and legislative branches of these state, and local governments on any issue it deems important morally or religiously or important to its constituency. Agudath Israel's Vice President for Development and State Relations is Rabbi Yehiel Mark Kalish who manages the state government effort under Zwiebel.[citation needed] Agudath Israel's federal activities are coordinated by Rabbi Abba Cohen, the Director and Counsel of the organization's Washington Office. Agudah was the first Orthodox Jewish group to open a Washington Office, in 1988, and maintains ongoing relations with the White House and executive agencies, as well as with the U.S. Congress, on numerous domestic and foreign issues.[citation needed] Agudath Israel World Organization also has a representative at the United Nations.[citation needed] AIA also files amicus briefs in cases at all levels of the judiciary, often signing on as one of many organization signatories to a brief authored by Nat Lewin or COLPA. AIA uses the lobbying firm BGR [2]. Agudah maintains a network of summer youth camps attended by several thousand children. It has a number of social service branches that cater to the elderly, poor, or disabled. It has a job training program called COPE, a job placement division, and a housing program. The Agudah is also responsible for the funding of many other national institutions and projects, including the Beis Yaakov girls' school system, the National Siyum Mishnayos, the national Daf Yomi Commission, and others. In addition, there are hundreds of local "Agudah" synagogues scattered in communities throughout the country, all of which are affiliated with AIA.[citation needed] AIA advocates its position in several ways: Agudath Israel does not have its own website, since its official policy is for its members not to use the Web for uses other than work-related. AIA does allow the use of e-mail, and uses it to disseminate information to its members. The Lefkowitz Leadership Initiative, a division of Agudath Israel of America, has a website listing its services and also many general services of Agudath Israel of America. The website is located at http://ourlli.org/
A Cell on Wheels (COW) is a portable mobile cell site that can be quickly deployed to provide temporary coverage in areas where there is a need for additional capacity or where permanent infrastructure is unavailable or undergoing maintenance. In contrast, other telecom towers, such as monopole towers or lattice towers, are permanent structures that are designed to provide long-term coverage and support. Here are some key differences between a COW and other telecom towers: 1. Portability: COWs are designed to be easily transported and deployed in different locations as needed. They are typically mounted on a trailer or a truck, allowing for quick installation and removal. Other telecom towers are fixed structures that require a more extensive installation process. 2. Temporary Coverage: COWs are primarily used for temporary coverage, such as during special events, emergencies, or when permanent infrastructure is being upgraded or repaired. Other telecom towers are designed for long-term coverage and are built to withstand various environmental conditions. 3. Capacity: COWs are generally smaller in size and have limited capacity compared to permanent telecom towers. They are often used to provide additional capacity in high-demand areas or to fill coverage gaps temporarily. When making a choice between a COW and other telecom towers, several factors should be considered: 1. Duration of Coverage: Determine whether the need for coverage is temporary or long-term. If the requirement is temporary, a COW may be more suitable. For long-term coverage, a permanent telecom tower would be a better choice. 2. Scalability: Consider the scalability requirements. If there is a need to rapidly increase or decrease capacity in the future, a COW can be easily deployed or removed. Permanent towers may require additional planning and permits for expansion or removal. 3. Site Availability: Assess the availability of suitable sites. If there are existing permanent telecom towers in the desired locations, it may be more cost-effective to utilize those structures rather than deploying COWs. 4. Timeframe and Budget: Consider the timeframe and budget constraints. COWs can be deployed relatively quickly and are typically more cost-effective for short-term requirements. Permanent towers require more time and resources for design, permitting, and construction. 5. Regulatory Considerations: Understand the local regulations and permitting requirements for both temporary and permanent structures. Ensure compliance with zoning regulations and any restrictions on tower heights, aesthetics, and environmental impact. Ultimately, the choice between a COW and other telecom towers depends on the specific needs, duration, scalability, site availability, and budget constraints of the telecommunication project. Consulting with telecom professionals and experts can help in making an informed decision based on the specific requirements and constraints. Learn more at www.alttower.com
Which animals are accepted for necropsy? Vetscope Pathologie perfoms necropies on mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates up to 10 kg body weight. Due to the regulations of notifiable diseases, Vetscope Pathology cannot investigate ruminants, pigs and wildlife animals. What is included in a necropsy? A necropsy comprises a macroscopical evaluation of the carcass and the organs, and, if necessary for the diagnosis, the histopathological evaluation of 1-2 organs/tissues (excl. CNS). The histological analyis of more organs and the CNS is possible with extended costs. Samples for supplementary microbiological analyses may be transferred to our partner lab MicroBioS GmbH and other qualified labs in Switzerland upon request. Is the cremation possible after necropsy? Animal carcasses can be transferred to the crematory of your choice after necropsy. Please clarify the wish for a cremation with the animal owner before sumitting the carcass to Vetscope Pathologie. It is important to know that the owner will not be able to see her/his animal after necropsy.
Ninety seconds for the patient So often we listen to respond, not to understand, as Steven Covey noted in his best-selling book, "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People." 1 As doctors, we are trained to respond; we are doers, we get to the point, take charge and fix. However, people come to see us with other hopes for consultation. They want to feel understood. While we're trained to "take" a history and provide recommendations, often we forget the most important thing – patients want to know that someone is listening. Communication skills courses for medical students and practicing physicians, including those that have I developed over several decades, emphasize what to say, but offer little instruction on how to listen. This came to a head for me when I was particularly distressed and burned out as our health organization was launching a new electronic health record system. I thought that things were going okay until a long-time patient commented, while he really liked me as a doctor, since getting the new computer system, he felt I wasn't really there in the way that I had been in the past. Devastated, I knew it was true. Too often, the screen would hijack my attention and I wasn't listening. Overwhelmed with the seeming impossibility of the task – to listen deeply to understand each patient's unique experience of illness and alsorespond to computer-generated alerts and check-boxes – I came upon a first step, a small one perhaps, but a start. An exercise in listening to understand, an exercise in presence. I'd invite you to try it. It seems very simple, but as I discovered, it's not always that easy. Here it is: For the first ninety seconds of a patient visit, listen to understand. Don't log on to the EHR, don't look at the screen, don't take notes, and don't provide advice or recommendations. Just listen, ask questions to clarify your understanding; and, after ninety seconds, move on. Try it for a month, perhaps starting with one patient per day. Increase to two, then more, but not too quickly. Note what's easy and comfortable to listen to and what topics invite distraction or mind-wandering. Teachers of meditation often emphasize that being mindful is not a state, but rather a process of bringing back the wandering mind (to paraphrase William James),2 over and over again so that, ultimately, we're more attentive and present. For those ninety seconds, your listening to the patient is a kind of meditation. It's not just about you, but about you-with-the-other, a relational practice.
Art World Walid Raad, the 2019 Turner Prize Winners, and Other Artists Are Mobilizing to Raise Emergency Funds for Beirut The joint Turner Prize winners are among those taking action to help the Lebanese capital. The joint Turner Prize winners are among those taking action to help the Lebanese capital. Naomi Rea ShareShare This Article Artists are rallying to raise emergency funds for Beirut in the wake of the tragic explosion last week. An enormous blast in the port district of the Lebanese capital on August 4 killed at least 160 people and injured 6,000 more. The explosion—which is thought to have been caused by a fire that ignited a large stockpile of explosive material—decimated large swaths of the city, including many art galleries and studios, and left nearly 300,000 people homeless. Andrée Sfeir-Semler, the owner of Sfeir-Semler Gallery, which was largely destroyed in the explosion, tells Artnet News that they staff have just finished clearing up the bulk of the rubble today. "We could not access our storage area so could not carry out an extensive condition check on everything, but the costs of refitting the space itself are already enormous. Everything is gone," Sfeir-Semler says. Everything from windows, internal walls, air conditioning and electrical systems, computers, and AV material, have been destroyed. The ceiling in the gallery's cinema space also collapsed, crushing an expensive projector and sound system. The damage to the city and its vibrant art community is incalculable, although some estimate the overall losses to be more than $10 billion. "It is fortunate that we have a highly dynamic art community, with a widespread diaspora jumping in to help," Sfeir-Semler says. "I am sure it will recover, the Lebanese resilience is legendary—but it will take a lot of work, a lot of effort, and we will have to band together to make it happen." Several artists are doing what they can to raise funds for the city. Among them are the joint winners of the 2019 Turner Prize—Lawrence Abu Hamdan, Helen Cammock, Oscar Murillo, and Tai Shani—who have raised $60,000 by donating two limited-edition prints to a fundraiser called Art Relief 4 Beirut. The works are the first the artists have released since forming a temporary collective to receive the prestigious award last year. The collective's prints are titled Hey Cupid i! and Hey Cupid ii! They are described cryptically as stills from a work that investigates "the crimes of the 7th Earl of Shaftesbury," but no further details are given about the work. (The earl, Anthony Ashley Cooper, was a 19th-century social and industrial reformer and evangelist.) The first print, which was an edition of 50 priced at $275 each sold out within an hour, and the second print was an edition of 150 for $275 each. Art Relief 4 Beirut is a one-man operation run by the Netherlands-based artist Mohamad Kanaan, who tells Artnet News that he has asked artists to donate work for the initiative. Payments are made directly to Impact Lebanon's disaster relief fundraiser and the Lebanese Red Cross. (Proof of donation must be shown before the artworks are released.) "Beirut is in urgent need of help, the situation requires everyone to take action to help in any and every way possible," Kanaan says. So far, 26 artists have contributed works to the fundraiser, including the Lebanese artists Ali Cherri, Omar Khouri, and Tamara El Samerraei. Since the initiative began on Friday it has raised $77,242. Elsewhere, the New York-based artist Walid Raad, who was born in Lebanon, is also raising funds to help the city's hard-hit art community through the Belgian nonprofit Mophradat. "Right now, people are still missing and the dead are being buried, and the injured (physically and psychologically) being cared for," Raad, who is the president of the nonprofit's board, tells Artnet News. The artist adds that several people in the arts community died in the explosion, including Firas Dahwish, who was on staff at Agial Art Gallery, and the renowned architect Jean-Marc Bonfils. "Spaces like Ashkal Alwan's Home Workspace, Sursock Museum, the Arab Image Foundation, Zoukak, Sfeir-Semler Gallery, Galerie Tanit, and so many others are devastated," Raad says. The owner of Galerie Tanit, Naila Kettaneh Kunigk, tells Artnet News that two colleagues were also injured in the blast. Mophradat will distribute 100 percent of the proceeds from the emergency fundraiser directly to individual artists and arts organizations. (There is widespread concern that Lebanon's corrupt officials will steal aid that goes through government channels.) The Dubai-based artist Nima Nabavi has also launched a fundraising initiative through the Third Line gallery, and is selling 15 prints to those who donate at least $50 to the Lebanese Red Cross. The Arab Fund for Arts and Culture and Culture Resource is also running a solidarity fund to help shelter arts and culture structures in Lebanon from the financial crisis. It recently announced 23 grants of up to $80,000 for arts and culture organizations in Lebanon.
Gutter Inspection Services in Fort Worth When looking to ensure your gutters are in top condition, consider hiring local professionals for a thorough inspection today. Local pros have the knowledge and expertise needed to identify any issues with your gutters promptly. By opting for local services, you support your community and can rely on quick response times. These professionals understand the local climate and its impact on gutters, providing tailored solutions for your specific needs. Additionally, hiring local experts fosters a sense of belonging and trust within your neighborhood. With their help, you can maintain your gutters effectively, preventing costly repairs down the line. Don't wait until problems arise; schedule a gutter inspection with local professionals today to keep your home in top shape. Importance of Regular Gutter Inspections Regular gutter inspections are essential for maintaining the integrity and functionality of your home's drainage system. 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The implementation of AI for fraud detection in insurance has shown immense potential, particularly in the case of a German private health insurance (PKV) project. This project utilized AI to automate the detection of fraudulent patterns in physiotherapy treatment claims. With AI's help, a successful system for identifying fraud cases was established, addressing a significant issue in the insurance sector. Insurance fraud inflicts substantial financial damage, with German insurers reporting billions of euros in losses annually (€14 billion in 2018). A majority of PKV and nearly half of all statutory health insurance (GKV) companies report annual fraud-related losses exceeding €500,000 within their organizations. Insurers face the challenge of early detection of suspicious fraud cases to prevent complications. The extent of investment in fraud detection amidst digitalization initiatives by insurance companies is also a critical area of focus. Despite the potential benefits of digital fraud detection, many German insurers have yet to fully embrace these technologies. Only 37% of GKV companies use advanced data analytics for fraud detection. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the necessity and opportunity for digital upgrades in this area due to heightened digital capabilities and financial pressures on fraudsters. According to the German Insurance Association (GDV), potential savings from billing, some of which are fraudulent, could be over 10% of the total damage payments in Germany. However, experts estimate the actual figure to be much higher. The challenge lies in balancing the time invested in searching for fraud against the potential savings, considering the probability of success. Often, the search costs for smaller individual claims exceed the potential savings. New Machine Learning technologies, such as Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Computer Vision, are proving effective in detecting insurance fraud. These technologies provide a better initial sorting for human review of reported damages, reducing the number of falsely examined claims. Bavarian insurers report over 30% savings using AI compared to rule-based systems. AI in document processing saves time by automatically classifying or extracting information from documents. This technology combines traditional Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software capabilities with AI, recognizing handwriting and extracting data from documents with unknown layouts or unusual phrasing. In fraud detection, AI software is particularly useful for automatically structuring data, which is typically the most time-consuming step in the process. These data can be easily integrated into an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for analysis using neural networks. Experts can label data beforehand, or companies can use APIs and Python SDKs to train and adapt their models. Both PKV and GKV can realize substantial savings through AI and improve customer satisfaction. Traditional methods like rule-based systems have limitations, often leading to lengthy and complex processes. Additionally, medical personnel typically review bills, incurring significant costs, as rule-based systems flag more bills than necessary. These flagged bills require individual examination by experts. AI can drastically shorten these processes by identifying non-viable cases much earlier. This reduces the workload on staff, allowing them to focus on their core activities. For insurance companies looking to automate their fraud detection without significant effort, such as coding or external consulting, a few example documents are all that's needed. Customers have seen impressive automation results using a small number of documents. Support teams can assist with initial steps and training the first AI model. The provided infrastructure enables companies to become document AI experts, developing their models independently. Data scientists can seamlessly integrate and customize services using APIs and Python SDKs, going beyond document extraction and classification. Using the provided SDKs, data experts can implement their scoring models for detecting fraud cases tailored to their specific use cases. Glossary API = Application Programming Interface GDV = German Insurance Association GKV = Statutory Health Insurance IDE = Integrated Development Environment AI = Artificial Intelligence NLP = Natural Language Processing OCR = Optical Character Recognition PKV = Private Health Insurance SDK = Software Development Kit Sources on Billing Fraud in Healthcare and the Insurance Industry [1] "Bayern sagt Betrug im Gesundheitswesen den Kampf an," Deutsches Ärzteblatt, Mar. 27, 2018. [2] "Abrechnungsbetrug im Gesundheitswesen," PwC Deutschland, Feb. 2021. [3] "PwC-Umfrage: Mehr Abrechnungsbetrug im Gesundheitswesen," AssCompact, Feb. 1, 2021. [4] "Sorge der Versicherer: Corona gibt Betrügern Auftrieb," GDVde News, Aug. 27, 2020. [5] "Künstliche Intelligenz: Use Cases in der Assekuranz (Teil 1)," msg life, Feb. 9, 2021.
5 technologies shaping the future of our hospitals 3 years agoon Joe Fernandes, founder and CEO of BuzzStreets, assesses the current vision in healthtech and what that means for future innovation The future has a way of creeping up on us. Someone who grew up watching Star Trek (the original series) can now stream the adventures of Kirk and Spock on their phone. But the journey from 'wouldn't a communicator be cool' to having a device that is objectively so much cooler is such a long one that few of us take time to marvel at this now ubiquitous and indispensable piece of technology. But that is how it is with the future – suddenly it is here. And we rarely notice its arrival. However, the future does not just happen on its own; the present needs to have a vision of what the future might be. And within the health sector there is currently an impressive amount of vision. 3D Printing Additive manufacturing is where a digital file is used to create physical objects by adding multiple layers – it is more commonly called 3D printing. The origins of the concept are found in the early 1980s and since then more than a dozen methods or technologies have evolved, with examples of 3D printing in medicine (actual and potential) including organ and tissue manufacturing; personalised medical equipment; customised implants and prosthetics; anatomical models for education and surgical planning. California-based Organovo is one of the leaders in the research and development of 3D bioprinting; they have a goal of 3D printing patches made of human tissue for defunct organs and entire organs for transplantation. Artificial Intelligence Healthcare use of artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to grow rapidly. Examples of ways that AI could reduce and/or mitigate risk include: helping to detect high risk patients by identifying those in need of medical intervention and triggering alerts to medical staff; and helping to deliver personalised recommended dosages by factoring in the unique body chemistry and associated environmental factors associated with individual patients. The UK's Babylon Health has a patient-centered remote consultation service that, through deep learning, can provide users with personalised insights to help them to better understand their health. Nanomedicine applies the tools of nanotechnology to the treatment and prevention of illness. It involves the use of nanoscale materials for the delivery of therapeutics (including vaccines), biomarker discovery, bioimaging and for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. There are a number of start-ups around the world with interesting projects, including Israel's Vecoy Nanomedicines looking to treat viral infections by administering novel nano-scale virus-traps that capture and destroy viruses. Surgical Robots are machines that execute surgical tasks. But they are not autonomous. A (human) surgeon performs the surgery using robotic instruments that they guide via a console. Although tiny wristed instruments move like a human hand, they have a much greater range of motion. The small size of the instruments means surgeons can operate through one (or a few) small incisions, helping with complicated operations by allowing greater precision and flexibility than traditional techniques. Globally, da Vinci surgical systems is the oldest and most widely used system in this field. Wayfinding is an important step forward in making hospitals become more patient-oriented. It also saves the hospital time and money. More than 85 per cent of patients ask for directions when they go to a hospital or other public health facility, and 30 per cent of first-time visitors get lost (Source: Deloitte Digital). Wayfinding enables patients and other visitors to navigate from outside the hospital all the way to the specific location they need, whether that is a bed on a ward, a consulting room, the café, or the pharmacy. This saves staff time; many times a day doctors and nurses are stopped (and therefore delayed) by visitors asking for directions; and often patients are late for appointments as they are lost within the hospital. Indoor Wayfinding solves both these problems. Global positioning systems are part of everyday life and, in normal times at least, help to guide millions of people and vehicles down roads and pavements every day. Since the arrival of Google Maps, we are used to reliable digital navigation outdoors, so it's an obvious next step to take this navigation indoors. BuzzStreets also includes features such as a communication system between patient and doctor, the possibility of scheduling appointments, receiving medical scans and prescriptions in the app, heat maps, contextual notification, updated and edited locations, appointment reminders, and multilingual voice guidance. All of these features, and indoor Wayfinding in general, have a direct and positive contribution to the experience of patients, staff and visitors. The BuzzStreets system can be found in a few pioneering hospitals, including the Chelsea and Westminster in London. In conclusion, an agile approach to the development and adoption of new technology has allowed the NHS to reimagine what is possible, from healthcare consultations via video calls, to supporting X-ray diagnostics with machine learning algorithms. As well as valuing and supporting healthcare workers, tackling red tape and bureaucracy, embracing the private sector, and improving collaboration between NHS organisations and external providers. Ultimately, the hospitals of the future are those that are focused on creating a better and more personalised patient experience. Monitoring diseases through sweat: new device eliminates need for exercise New biomarkers predict kidney failure in type 1 diabetes patients A three-point plan for digital delivery Big data, AI, and personalised medicine: scientists reveal bold vision to revolutionise healthcare App will use AI to deliver advancements to multimorbidity self-management NHS rolls out world's first minimally invasive brain pacemaker for drug-resistant epilepsy MHRA publishes proposed MedTech regulatory framework Huge NHS cloud deals mean tough questions: What imaging tech suppliers must prove New gene-editing system tackles complex diseases Researchers develop perovskite X-ray detector for medical imaging Sign up for free updates from Health Tech World Trending stories - Deals2 weeks ago Zymego and Old Parsonage Surgery announce new partnership - Research2 weeks ago New research sheds light on stroke brain bleeds - Opinion2 weeks ago Is 'smart health tech' solving the right problems for the NHS? - Medtech2 weeks ago World's first at-home blood monitoring solution for cancer patients approved in UK
Understanding customer journeys and digital transformations is crucial for technologists, CAD, and BIM designers in the AEC and Manufacturing sectors. These concepts help in aligning and balancing technology solutions with customer needs, competitive and industry trends. Here's a quick overview guide in bite sizes to understanding and implementing these concepts based on my own experience. Customer Journeys in AEC and Manufacturing - Identify Your Customers: In AEC and manufacturing, customers can range from project managers, architects, engineers, contractors, to end-users. Understanding who your customers are is the first step. - Map the Customer Journey: This involves understanding the various touchpoints your customers have with your services or products. For CAD and BIM designers, this could include stages like initial concept/design, modeling, approval/reviews, revisions, final output, exchange/translations, and post-delivery support. - Tailor the Solutions: Use the insights from the customer journey mapping to tailor your CAD/BIM solutions. This could involve creating more user-friendly interfaces, offering customizable templates, or providing enhanced collaboration tools. - Understand Customer Needs and Challenges: Each customer segment may have unique needs. For instance, architects might be more concerned with design flexibility, while contractors might focus on practicality and adherence to timelines. Digital Transformations in AEC and Manufacturing - Adopt Advanced Technologies: Embrace proven technologies like AI, machine learning, and cloud computing. For CAD and BIM, this could mean using AI for predictive design or cloud-based platforms for real-time cloud collaboration. - Integrate Systems: Ensure that your CAD and BIM tools can integrate with other systems used in AEC and manufacturing, like ERP, PLM, or PDM. - Training and Upskilling: Continuously train your team. This ensures that they are not only proficient in current tools but are also prepared for future advancements. - Data Management and Analysis: Implement systems for efficient data management. In BIM, for example, proper data management can facilitate better building lifecycle management. - Customer-Centric Approach: Align digital transformation with customer journey insights. This ensures that technological advancements directly contribute to improved customer experiences. Keep your customer at the center. Implementing the Strategies - Collaboration and Feedback Loops: Establish strong communication channels between designers, clients, and end-users. Regular feedback can guide continuous improvement. - Pilot Projects: Before a full-scale roll-out, conduct pilot projects to test new technologies or processes in a controlled environment. - Agile Methodology: Adopt an agile approach to project management and development, allowing for flexibility and iterative improvements. - Performance Metrics: Define clear metrics to evaluate the success of digital transformation efforts, such as reduced design time, error rates, or improved client satisfaction. Staying Ahead - Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest trends in technology and design methodologies in the AEC and manufacturing sectors. - Networking and Partnerships: Engage with professional networks, attend industry conferences, and consider partnerships for technology sharing and collaboration. - Customer-Centric Innovation: Always prioritize customer needs when exploring new innovations or making changes to existing processes. By understanding and implementing customer journey mapping and digital transformation strategies, you can significantly enhance their service delivery, meet customer expectations more effectively, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. If you or your company need help in understanding your digital transformation strategy, plans, or just evaluating where you are at and the potential improvements, email me.
Regular expressions, or "regex", are powerful tools that enable Alerts to be configured with precise pattern matching. In this article, we'll delve into the fundamentals of regular expressions, empowering you to leverage regex patterns effectively to monitor for content that contains sensitive information. What are Regular Expressions? Regular expressions are sequences of characters that define search patterns. They allow you to specify complex text patterns you want to match within a larger body of text. These patterns can range from simple strings like credit card numbers or social security numbers to complex structures like email addresses or protected health care information. By crafting regex patterns, Protect administrators can configure Alerts to recognize and take action upon encountering sensitive data. Basic Syntax: Regular expressions consist of literal characters and metacharacters, which have special meanings. Here is a brief overview: Literal Characters: Regular expressions consist of literal characters representing themselves (e.g., "ABC" matches the string "ABC" exactly). Metacharacters: Metacharacters possess special meanings within regular expressions, allowing for flexible pattern matching. Here are some common metacharacters: : Matches any single character except newline.^ : Matches the start of a line.$ : Matches the end of a line.* : Matches zero or more occurrences of the preceding character.+ : Matches one or more occurrences of the preceding character.? : Matches zero or one occurrence of the preceding character.[] : Matches any single character within the brackets.() : Groups characters together. Examples: Let's look at some examples to understand how regular expressions work: : Matches one or more digits.[A-Za-z]+ : Matches one or more alphabetic characters.^Start : Matches lines that start with the word "Start".end$ : Matches lines that end with the word "end".^Dear\s[A-Za-z]+ : Matches lines that start with "Dear" followed by a space and then a name. Best Practices: Clearly define the types of sensitive data you aim to protect (e.g., credit card numbers, personally identifiable information). Anticipate variations or formats in sensitive data (e.g., different credit card number formats) and incorporate them into your regex patterns using character classes and quantifiers. Test your regex patterns against sample data to ensure they accurately identify sensitive information while minimizing false positives. Start simple with basic patterns and gradually increase the complexity Engage with online communities and forums dedicated to regex, where users share insights, tips, and troubleshooting advice. Common Use Cases with Examples Identifying Personally Identifiable Information (PII): Regular expressions can detect patterns corresponding to PII, such as social security numbers, passport numbers, and driver's license numbers. Examples: US Social Security Number: \b\d{3}-\d{2}-\d{4}\b US Passport: \b[A-Z]{1}[0-9]{8}\b US Driver's License (Florida): \b[A-Z][0-9]{3}-[0-9]{3}-[0-9]{2}-[0-9]{3}-[0-9]\b Recognizing Financial Data: Regular expressions can identify financial data, including credit card numbers, bank account numbers, routing numbers, and financial transaction identifiers. Here are some common regex for detecting credit card numbers: Visa: \b4\d{3}(?<g1>[ -]?)\d{4}\k<g1>\d{4}\k<g1>\d{4}\b AmEx: (\b(?:3[47]\d{2}(?<gap>[ -]?)\d{6}\k<gap>\d{5})\b) Mastercard: \b5[1-5]\d{2}(?<g1>[ -]?)\d{4}\k<g1>\d{4}\k<g1>\d{4}\b Ensuring Regulatory Compliance: Regular expressions are essential for enforcing compliance with data protection regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS, and CCPA. Example: National Provider Identifier (HIPAA): \b\d{10}\b Protecting Intellectual Property: Regular expressions can be crafted to detect proprietary information, such as product codes, trade secrets, source code snippets, or confidential documents. 💡 Need further assistance? Our team is here to help. Send us a chat message or email [email protected] for assistance setting up regex patterns for your alerts.
Have you ever found yourself calculating how much time you have irreversibly wasted at public transport stops while waiting for "that bus" to come? But what if we tell you that some of these stops are so good that you wouldn't mind waiting a little longer? This minimalistic bus station in Tilburg may look quite ordinary, but this is where the looks are misleading. What you might appreciate is that this bus station designed by the Netherlands-based Cepezed studio is a self-charging terminal. Its awning is equipped with ETFE-foil housing that contains solar panels — it enables the construction to generate its own energy for digital information signs, the lighting, the integrated heating for waiting benches and a staff room. Tilburg station by Cepezed Though renewable energy systems as such are used quite widely, this bus stop is also equipped with movement sensors to detect the presence of buses or passengers, thus making sure that the lighting is used only when necessary, and keeping the energy consumption to the minimum. And the design icing on the cake created by the environmentally-friendly Cepezed team are the elegant benches that smoothly coalesce with their concrete base. Next, we present you a bigger project which might become the perfect hub for such a revolutionary step in sustainable means of transportation as the Hyperloop. UNStudio has announced the plans to build their Hardt Hyperloop Hub and revealed the visuals. When designing this modern, adaptable and easily scalable station UNStudio considered not only servicing the passengers of the Hyperloop but also connecting various modes of transport, fresh produce suppliers and consumers, developing local communities, servicing urgent healthcare needs, etc. The hub will be powered by solar panels as well, while the construction methods and materials will allow regulating its internal conditions with minimum costs and efforts.
"Slow productivity" sounds like an oxymoron, but it's actually the title of Cal Newport's latest book. Though it isn't a Christian book, I think many of the principles of Slow Productivity square quite well with a Christian philosophy of personal productivity. Newport is responding to the frenetic, anxious busyness that assaults the modern knowledge worker. He describes our battles with overcommitment and burnout not as a symptom of trying to be too productive, but as a consequence of us practicing "pseudo productivity." Pseudo-productivity is when we use "visible activity as the primary means of approximating actual productive effort" (Page 22). In other words, we like to pretend that busyness is the same thing as actually getting important things done. The solution, Newport says, is embracing slow productivity, a philosophy consisting of three simple principles: - Do fewer things - Work at a natural pace - Obsess over quality While Newport is not a believer, I think Christians can glean much wisdom from his three principles, which square well with biblical anthropology and bringing an eternal mindset to how we steward our lives and work. 1. Do Fewer Things Most of us first get into personal productivity because we want to increase our capacity to handle a growing workload and its attendant stress. So, the call to simply "do fewer things" might not seem like a solution to our problem. But don't dismiss this point too quickly. As Newport shows, most of us are busy and overwhelmed because we are choosing to stay busy instead of doing the much harder thing: identifying the few most important things and working on them with extreme focus. This concept is very closely related to Newport's three benefits that he outlines in Deep Work. He says deep work is valuable, rare, and meaningful. And the only way you can accommodate deep work is by drastically narrowing down the total number of things you do. Newport says the goal of personal productivity isn't to do more things but rather to produce more value. Not every activity has equal value, and in fact, sometimes, the more we do, the less value we create. Working on fewer things can paradoxically produce more value in the long term: overload generates an untenable quantity of nonproductive overhead. Slow Productivity, 97. So, we need to prioritize and give more of ourselves to those few activities that produce the most value. The important thing we must add to this concept as believers is that we judge value on an eternal timeline. 2. Work at a Natural Pace Newport not only calls us to do fewer things but also to work on them more slowly. Again, this flies in the face of pseudo-productivity, which emphasizes hustle over contemplation. Newport fleshes this out as he discusses approaching our lives "seasonally" (a concept I explore in The Myth of a Balanced Life). for most of recorded human history, the working lives of the vast majority of people on earth were intertwined with agriculture, a (literally) seasonal activity. To work without change or rest all year would have seemed unusual to most of our ancestors. Seasonality was deeply integrated into the human experience. Slow Productivity, 139. Good things take time, and we are finite creatures in a world that has a season for everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Not everything needs to be rushed through. Our most important projects, especially creative work, thrive best when given time to breathe. Certainly, there are times when we need to sprint, but if we constantly operate at an unsustainable pace, we actually experience a decrease in our productivity. The graph below, from Daniel Cook's legendary 8 Laws of Productivity, illustrates this well. It shows how when people work more than 60 hours a week, in the short-term they will see an increase in productive output, but keep this up past 3–4 weeks, and it begins to negatively affect their productivity. Again, this may seem like an impossible ideal, especially at work. What boss is going to be okay with you slowing down? But Newport offers many practical strategies for working toward a more natural pace. But it begins with you first developing the conviction that this slower pace is not just possible but necessary. I would also hasten to add that living at an unsustainable pace can also be spiritually harmful to us. We reject our basic creatureliness when we work at an unnatural pace. We are trying to act like God. And this creates all kinds of problems for us. Francis Schaeffer captures this well, "The basic psychological problem is trying to be what we are not, and trying to carry what we cannot carry. Most of all the basic problem is not being willing to be the creatures we are before the Creator." Francis Schaeffer, True Spirituality, 137. To work at a natural pace isn't an act of lazy self-indulgence; it's a humble admission that we aren't God. 3. Obsess Over Quality Obsess over the quality of what you produce, even if this means missing opportunities in the short term. Leverage the value of these results to gain more and more freedom in your efforts over the long term. Slow Productivity, 173. Newport calls this principle the glue that holds it all together. This is a call to excellence and craftsmanship. I think this attitude fits so well with the heart of a Christian who is seeking to honor the Lord with their work. We don't want to phone it in, do the bare minimum, or work just for a paycheck. We take our work seriously because we are working "not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord" (Colossians 3:22). If we prioritize quality work in our work, we will almost automatically slow down to a natural pace, and we will be forced to focus on fewer things. Again, this isn't easy, but it is possible. If these concepts intrigue you, I encourage you to read the book for Newport's implementation strategies. It's in this section that I found my favorite quote from the book. I actually wrote it on a notecard so I can be reminded of more often: An Eternal Perspective on Productivity At its heart, Slow Productivity is a call to work with a low-time preference. And this concept only becomes more powerful when we expand this timeline into eternity. Several times while reading Slow Productivity I was reminded of Moses in Psalm 90, who prays, "So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom." (verse 12). When we think of eternity in relation to our short lives, it makes us desire to do those things that last. It produces an urgency to prioritize the lasting over the ephemeral. And indeed, this is how the Psalm ends, Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, Psalm 90:17 and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands! We want to produce work the value of which lasts into eternity. But we recognize that it's He who will establish the work, not our frantic efforts. With this in mind, let's focus on fewer things, slow down to a more reasonable pace, and strive for excellence in all we do. And let's do it all for the glory of God.
Efficient State-space Exploration in Massively Parallel Simulation Based Inference Simulation-based Inference (SBI) is a widely used set of algorithms to learn the parameters of complex scientific simulation models. While primarily run on CPUs in HPC clusters, these algorithms have been shown to scale in performance when developed to be run on massively parallel architectures such as GPUs. While parallelizing existing SBI algorithms provides us with performance gains, this might not be the most efficient way to utilize the achieved parallelism. AttachmentSize (In Submission)2.18 MB Read more about Efficient State-space Exploration in Massively Parallel Simulation Based Inference Architecting for Artificial Intelligence with Emerging Nanotechnology Artificial Intelligence is becoming ubiquitous in products and services that we use daily. Although the domain of AI has seen substantial improvements over recent years, its effectiveness is limited by the capabilities of current computing technology. Recently, there have been several architectural innovations for AI using emerging nanotechnology. These architectures implement mathematical computations of AI with circuits that utilize physical behavior of nanodevices purpose-built for such computations. This approach leads to a much greater efficiency vs. AttachmentSize PDF (In Press)1.32 MB Read more about Architecting for Artificial Intelligence with Emerging Nanotechnology Reconfigurable Probabilistic AI Architecture for Personalized Cancer Treatment The machinery of life operates on the complex interactions between genes and proteins. Attempts to capture these interactions have culminated into the study of Genetic Networks. Genetic defects lead to erroneous interactions, which in turn lead to diseases. For personalized treatment of these diseases, a careful analysis of Genetic Networks and a patient's genetic data is required. In this work, we co-design a novel probabilistic AI model along with a reconfigurable architecture to enable personalized treatment for cancer patients. AttachmentSize PDF4.86 MB Read more about Reconfigurable Probabilistic AI Architecture for Personalized Cancer Treatment SkyNet: Memristor-based 3D IC for Artificial Neural Networks Hardware implementations of artificial neural networks (ANNs) have become feasible due to the advent of persistent 2-terminal devices such as memristor, phase change memory, MTJs, etc. Hybrid memristor crossbar/CMOS systems have been studied extensively and demonstrated experimentally. In these circuits, memristors located at each cross point in a crossbar are, however, stacked on top of CMOS circuits using back end of line processing (BOEL), limiting scaling. AttachmentSize PDF1.33 MB Read more about SkyNet: Memristor-based 3D IC for Artificial Neural Networks Structure Discovery for Gene Expression Networks with Emerging Stochastic Hardware Gene Expression Networks (GENs) attempt to model how genetic information stored in the DNA (Genotype) results in the synthesis of proteins, and consequently, the physical traits of an organism (Phenotype). Deciphering GENs plays an important role in a wide range of applications from genetic studies of the origins of life to personalized healthcare. Probabilistic graphical models such as Bayesian Networks (BNs) are used to perform learning and inference of GENs from genetic data. AttachmentSize PDF534.29 KB Read more about Structure Discovery for Gene Expression Networks with Emerging Stochastic Hardware Magneto-electric Approximate Computational Circuits for Bayesian Inference Probabilistic graphical models like Bayesian Networks (BNs) are powerful cognitive-computing formalisms, with many similarities to human cognition. These models have a multitude of real-world applications. New emerging-technology based circuit paradigms leveraging physical equivalence e.g., operating directly on probabilities vs. introducing layers of abstraction, have shown promise in raising the performance and overall efficiency of BNs, enabling networks with millions of random variables. AttachmentSize PDF986.8 KB Read more about Magneto-electric Approximate Computational Circuits for Bayesian Inference Self-similar Magneto-electric Nanocircuit Technology for Probabilistic Inference Engines Probabilistic graphical models are powerful mathematical formalisms for machine learning and reasoning under uncertainty that are widely used for cognitive computing. However they cannot be employed efficiently for large problems (with variables in the order of 100K or larger) on conventional systems, due to inefficiencies resulting from layers of abstraction and separation of logic and memory in CMOS implementations. In this paper, we present a magneto-electric probabilistic technology framework for implementing probabilistic reasoning functions. AttachmentSize PDF4.12 MB Read more about Self-similar Magneto-electric Nanocircuit Technology for Probabilistic Inference Engines
Smart Recipe for Smart Baby: Pregnancy is an exciting time in every woman's life. A time to rejoice to welcome a new life in the world. Pregnancy effects every part of body from hair to toenail like in early pregnancy breasts feel tender and enlarged. Blood volume increases as a result putting pressure on kidneys leads to frequent urination. As the pregnancy progresses ligaments and tendons throughout the body stretches which leads to aches and pains. There are many more changes take place and may vary person to person. Suppose in first trimester many pregnant women suffers from heartburn dizziness which some of them may not experience. Amidst all these physical discomfort and emotional changes it is every mother's dream that their baby grows up to be healthy and intelligent. Besides good diet and supplements for pregnant woman experts researched that following some rules or precepts also meliorate pregnancy and also an efficacious formula for smart and healthy baby. Smart Recipe for Smart Baby: Parenting in first trimester (1-12 weeks)- During first three month a pregnant woman suffers from heartburn ,dizziness,morning sickness. But during this time only baby 's ear develop. So experts advise to listen to soothing music for development of baby's nervous system. So, healthy pregnant lady should keep touching belly while speaking to baby. Smart Recipe for Smart Baby: Parenting in second trimester (13-28 weeks) This period is described honeymoon period because nausea subsides morning sickness tapers off. This is the time pregnant lady starts feeling the baby's movement. According to studies published by PLOS ONE, fetuses react more to mother's touching than listening to mother s voice. Mother should keep speaking to baby while touching their bellies. When mother speaks and touches her own belly fetuses show more arm head and mouth movement. Kids start learning skills from their mother's womb itself. According to a study, children learn language skills in the womb when their parent strike conversation with them. Babies who had been read to spoken to different language develops auditory fitness which is necessary to shape the brain for learning and language development [Courtsey:Dr Rebeka Levis]. Smart Recipe for Smart Baby: Parenting in third semester (28-40 weeks) During this period gained weight of mother and movement of baby and positioning in preparation for labor, mothers 'back hurts a lot.But during this period baby absorbs maximum information. So speak to baby and always strike conversation.These are few ways to have a healthy and smart baby. - 50+ Heartfelt Holi Wishes For Your Loved Ones - March 19, 2024 - Holi Games for Kids: Exciting Outdoor and Indoor Activities for a Joyous Celebration - March 19, 2024 - 5 Delicious Best Holi Festival Recipes - March 19, 2024 - Keeping Your Pregnancy Positive - February 26, 2024 - Crafting A Medical School Path: Tips For Parents - January 24, 2024 - Guide To Managing Twin Babies With Ease - January 3, 2024 - 5 Tips To Be A Happy Special Needs Mommy - January 3, 2024 - DIY Ideas To Decorate Kids' Room - January 3, 2024 - Tips To Use Mindful Parenting In Today's Time - January 3, 2024 - 7 Pregnancy Tips To Consider For An Expecting Mom - January 2, 2024
Today's tablets are not just limited to browsing the internet or playing games. They have become versatile devices with multiple functionalities, including the ability to make phone calls. Whether you're using an Android or iOS tablet, the phone feature can be a valuable addition to your device, providing you with the convenience of making calls and sending text messages without needing a separate phone. In this article, we will explore how to use the phone feature on your tablet effectively. We will delve into the steps for making phone calls, sending text messages, managing contacts, adjusting call settings, utilizing speakerphone and headphone options, and troubleshooting common issues that you may encounter. With these guidelines, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and skills to fully utilize the phone functionality on your tablet, allowing you to stay connected with friends, family, and colleagues in a convenient and efficient manner. So, whether you're using your tablet for work or personal use, read on to discover how to make the most of the phone feature and streamline your communication process. What is the phone feature on tablets? The phone feature on tablets refers to the capability of making and receiving phone calls, just like you would on a traditional mobile phone. This feature allows you to use your tablet as a communication device, eliminating the need for carrying both a tablet and a smartphone. When tablets first emerged in the market, they were primarily designed for tasks like web browsing, media consumption, and productivity. However, as technology advanced, tablets started incorporating telephony capabilities, blurring the line between smartphones and tablets. The phone feature on tablets typically requires a SIM card and a cellular network connection. With these components, your tablet can establish a data connection for internet access, as well as make and receive calls and send text messages. It's important to note that not all tablets come with the phone feature out of the box. Some models may only offer Wi-Fi connectivity while others may have cellular capabilities. Additionally, the availability of the phone feature may also vary depending on the operating system of the tablet. Tablets with the phone feature offer users the flexibility of having a single device for various purposes. Whether you're at home, in the office, or on the go, you can conveniently make calls and send messages directly from your tablet, without the need to switch between multiple devices. Now that you have a clear understanding of what the phone feature on tablets entails, let's delve into the specifics of using this feature effectively. How to make a phone call Making a phone call on your tablet is quite simple and similar to making calls on a regular smartphone. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started: - Ensure that your tablet is connected to a cellular network. This may require a SIM card and an active data plan. If you're using a Wi-Fi-only tablet, you won't be able to make phone calls. - Locate the phone app on your tablet. It's usually represented by an icon resembling a phone receiver. - Open the phone app and you'll be presented with the dialer screen. This is where you can enter the phone number you wish to call. - Using your finger or stylus, tap the numbers on the dialer to enter the phone number. Ensure that you include the correct country and area codes if necessary. - Once you've entered the phone number, tap the call button, usually depicted as a green phone icon. Your tablet will initiate the call and connect you to the recipient. - During the call, you can use the on-screen buttons to perform various functions like muting the call, switching to speakerphone, adding another participant to the call, or ending the call. - When you're done with the call, simply tap the end call button to hang up and terminate the connection. It's worth noting that some tablets also offer the option to make video calls, using apps like FaceTime, Skype, or Google Duo. These apps utilize the front-facing camera on your tablet to enable video communication, enhancing the overall calling experience. Now that you know how to make a phone call on your tablet, it's time to explore another essential aspect of communication – sending text messages. How to send text messages Sending text messages, also known as SMS (Short Message Service), on your tablet is a convenient way to communicate with others. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you send text messages: - Open the messaging app on your tablet. Look for the icon that resembles a speech bubble or conversations. - In the messaging app, you'll typically be presented with your existing conversations or a compose new message screen. To start a new conversation, tap on the "New Message" or "Compose" button. - Enter the recipient's phone number or select their contact from your saved contacts list. You can also start typing their name or phone number in the recipient field, and your tablet will suggest matching contacts. - Once you've selected the recipient, tap on the text input field to start composing your message. You can type your message using the on-screen keyboard or use voice-to-text if your tablet supports it. - After composing your message, review it for accuracy. You can also add emojis, attachments, or multimedia content like pictures or videos if supported by your messaging app. - When you're ready to send the message, tap the send button, usually depicted as a paper airplane or an arrow. Your tablet will then send the text message to the recipient. - You can continue the conversation by replying to received messages or by composing new messages within the messaging app. It's important to note that sending text messages through a tablet is typically dependent on a cellular network connection. If you're using a Wi-Fi-only tablet, you may need to rely on alternative messaging apps that utilize an internet connection, such as WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger. Now that you know how to send text messages on your tablet, let's move on to managing your contacts for easy access during calls and messages. Managing your contacts Managing your contacts on your tablet is crucial for easy access and efficient communication. Here are some tips for effectively managing your contacts: - Open the contacts app on your tablet. It is usually represented by an icon resembling a person or an address book. - In the contacts app, you can view your existing contacts, search for specific contacts, and add new contacts. - To add a new contact, tap on the "Add" or "New Contact" button. Enter the contact's name, phone number, email address, and any additional details you want to include. - You can also import contacts from other devices or accounts. Many tablets provide options to sync contacts from your Google, iCloud, or Microsoft accounts, ensuring that your contacts are always up to date across devices. - Organize your contacts into groups or create custom labels to easily categorize and locate specific contacts. This can be helpful when you want to send messages or make calls to specific groups of people. - Edit and update the contact information as needed. If a contact changes their phone number or email address, you can quickly update it in the contacts app. - Some tablets also offer features like contact linking, where you can merge multiple contacts for the same person into a single entry. This helps to avoid duplication and keeps your contact list clean and organized. - Regularly back up your contacts to ensure that you don't lose them in case of device loss or data corruption. You can usually find options to back up contacts to your Google or iCloud accounts, or export them as vCard files. By effectively managing your contacts on your tablet, you'll have all the necessary information at your fingertips when making calls or sending messages. This ensures seamless communication and saves time searching for contact details. Now that you know how to manage your contacts on your tablet, let's dive into adjusting call settings to customize your calling experience. Adjusting call settings Adjusting the call settings on your tablet allows you to customize your calling experience and optimize it according to your preferences. Here's how you can adjust call settings on your tablet: - Open the Settings app on your tablet. It is usually represented by an icon resembling a gear or cogwheel. - Scroll down and look for the "Call" or "Phone" section in the settings menu. - Within the call settings, you'll find various options to adjust your preferences. These may include settings for call forwarding, call waiting, voicemail, call blocking, and more. - To enable call forwarding, tap on the option and enter the phone number where you want to forward your calls. This can be useful when you can't directly answer calls on your tablet but don't want to miss important calls. - If you want to enable call waiting, toggle the switch to turn it on. Call waiting allows you to receive incoming calls while you're in the middle of another call. - Manage voicemail settings by entering your voicemail number or adjusting the voicemail greeting. Voicemail provides a convenient way for callers to leave messages when you're unable to answer their calls. - You may also have the option to block unwanted calls by adding specific numbers to a block list. This helps to avoid nuisance calls and maintain your privacy. - Explore other call settings options to adjust ringtone preferences, vibration settings, and other related settings. It's worth noting that call settings may vary depending on the make and model of your tablet as well as the operating system it runs on. Some tablets may offer more advanced call settings and features than others. By adjusting call settings on your tablet, you can tailor your calling experience to suit your needs, ensuring that you receive calls when necessary and manage unwanted calls effectively. Now that you're familiar with adjusting call settings, let's explore additional options for using the speakerphone and headphones during calls. Using speakerphone and headphone options When making phone calls on your tablet, you have the flexibility to use the speakerphone or connect headphones for a hands-free calling experience. Here's how you can utilize these options: - During a call, look for the speakerphone icon on the call screen. Tap on it to switch to speakerphone mode. This allows you to listen to the call through the tablet's built-in speaker, without the need to hold it up to your ear. - The speakerphone option is particularly useful when you need to involve multiple people in the conversation or when you're performing other tasks while on the call. - To use headphones during a call, connect them to the headphone jack or use Bluetooth headphones if your tablet supports wireless connectivity. Once connected, the audio from the call will be routed to the headphones, providing you with privacy and improved call quality. - Using headphones during calls is ideal in environments where you need to minimize background noise or have a private conversation. - When you're done with the call, simply tap the speakerphone icon again to turn it off, or disconnect the headphones from the tablet. Using the speakerphone or headphones during calls on your tablet is convenient, as it allows for hands-free communication and enhances audio clarity. Consider your surroundings and preferences to determine the most suitable option for each call. Now that you've explored the options for using the speakerphone and headphones during calls, let's move on to troubleshooting common issues you may encounter with the phone feature on your tablet. Troubleshooting common issues While using the phone feature on your tablet, you may encounter certain issues that can affect your calling experience. Here are some common issues and troubleshooting steps: - No signal or weak signal: If you're experiencing poor signal or no signal, ensure that your tablet is within range of a cellular network. You may need to toggle Airplane mode on and off, or restart your tablet to reestablish the connection. - Call quality issues: If you're facing call quality issues like dropped calls or distorted audio, check your network connection. Try moving to a location with a stronger signal or connect to a different Wi-Fi network if you're on a Wi-Fi-only tablet. - Call forwarding not working: If call forwarding is not working as expected, verify that you've entered the correct phone number for forwarding calls. You can also contact your mobile service provider for assistance and to ensure call forwarding is enabled on their end. - Contacts not syncing: If your contacts are not syncing across devices, check your account settings and ensure that contact sync is enabled. You may need to manually initiate a sync or remove and re-add your account to resolve any syncing issues. - Unable to send or receive text messages: If you're encountering issues with sending or receiving text messages, check your network connection and ensure that you have sufficient service or a working internet connection. If the problem persists, contact your mobile service provider for support. - App-specific issues: If you're using third-party apps for phone calls or messaging, make sure they are up to date. Check for any available app updates in the respective app stores and install them to address any compatibility or performance issues. - Tablet freezes during calls: If your tablet freezes or becomes unresponsive during calls, try restarting your device. If the problem persists, it may be helpful to update your operating system or contact the tablet manufacturer for further troubleshooting. If you continue to experience issues with the phone feature on your tablet, it is recommended to consult the user manual or visit the manufacturer's support website for specific troubleshooting steps related to your device model. Now that you're equipped with troubleshooting knowledge, you can confidently navigate and resolve any common issues that may arise. The phone feature on tablets has transformed these devices into versatile communication tools, allowing you to make phone calls and send text messages without the need for a separate smartphone. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily utilize the phone feature on your tablet and stay connected with friends, family, and colleagues. We explored how to make phone calls by using the dialer app, as well as the option for making video calls through various apps. Sending text messages was also covered, highlighting the process of composing and sending messages to contacts on your tablet. Additionally, we discussed the importance of effectively managing contacts and how to adjust call settings to personalize your calling experience. Furthermore, we touched upon using the speakerphone and headphones options for hands-free calling, troubleshooting common issues that may arise, and provided tips for resolving them. With this knowledge, you can make the most of the phone feature on your tablet, enjoying the convenience and flexibility it offers. Stay connected, communicate effortlessly, and make the most out of your tablet's capabilities. Now that you're equipped with the necessary information, go ahead and explore the phone feature on your tablet with confidence!
Unlocking the Secrets: What is a Social Enterprise and How it is Changing the World As Seen On Social enterprise is a unique business model that combines traditional commerce principles to create a positive social or environmental impact. In this blog post, we will explore what is a social enterprise, its different types, and its importance in creating a more sustainable and equitable future for all. Join us as we dive into the world of social enterprise and discover how it is making a real impact in our society. What is a Social Enterprise? A social enterprise is a business that operates with a social or environmental mission at its core. A purpose beyond profit drives it, and the profits generated are used to achieve a specific social or environmental goal. These goals can range from providing employment opportunities for disadvantaged individuals to promoting sustainable practices or providing access to essential goods and services in underserved communities. Different Types of Social Enterprises There are many types of social enterprises, each with a unique mission and approach. Some focus on providing employment opportunities for disadvantaged individuals, while others work to promote sustainable practices or provide access to essential goods and services in underserved communities. Some examples of different types of social enterprises include: - Community development organizations - Socially responsible businesses - Cooperative businesses - Benefit corporations - Microfinance organizations Examples of Successful Social Enterprises One of the key features of social enterprises is their focus on creating value for all stakeholders, not just shareholders. It means that they are committed to creating value for their employees, customers, communities, the environment, and shareholders. Here are a couple of examples of successful social enterprises: - TOMS: TOMS is a shoe company that follows the "one for one" business model. For every pair of shoes purchased, TOMS donates a pair to a child in need. This business model has helped TOMS provide shoes to millions of children in need while also creating jobs and stimulating economic growth in their communities. - Warby Parker: Warby Parker is an eyewear company that operates on a "buy a pair, give a pair" model. For every pair of glasses sold, Warby Parker distributes a pair to someone in need through its nonprofit partners. The Bottom Line: Social enterprises are a powerful tool for creating positive change in the world. They can be a great way for individuals and organizations to make a difference and create a more sustainable and equitable future for all. With a focus on creating value for all stakeholders and a mission beyond profit, social enterprises are a unique and innovative approach to business that is making a real impact in the world. Casey Jones Up until working with Casey, we had only had poor to mediocre experiences outsourcing work to agencies. Casey & the team at CJ&CO are the exception to the rule. Communication was beyond great, his understanding of our vision was phenomenal, and instead of needing babysitting like the other agencies we worked with, he was not only completely dependable but also gave us sound suggestions on how to get better results, at the risk of us not needing him for the initial job we requested (absolute gem). This has truly been the first time we worked with someone outside of our business that quickly grasped our vision, and that I could completely forget about and would still deliver above expectations. I honestly can't wait to work in many more projects together! *The information this blog provides is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as financial or professional advice. The information may not reflect current developments and may be changed or updated without notice. Any opinions expressed on this blog are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the author's employer or any other organization. You should not act or rely on any information contained in this blog without first seeking the advice of a professional. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this blog. The author and affiliated parties assume no liability for any errors or omissions.
One of our most popular YouTube videos is called: A Pastor Looks Up in Tears. It is about a non-affirming Pastor who is shocked at what he discovers about God, others and himself when he gets to what the Bible calls Heaven. We connect with Pastors who experience this kind of regret and change – and we have connected with tens of thousands of parents – most of whom come from a non-affirming Christian background, where they have been told, taught, pressured to, and sometimes convinced to reject their LGBTQ+ child… to condemn and shame them, to kick them out of the house, disown them. Sometimes we say this and people will respond, "That doesn't really still happen, does it?" Yes, sadly, it does. 25% of all homeless LGBTQ+ youth became homeless the same day they came out to Christian parents. You know the horror stories – I talk about it in my TED talk – so yes, it absolutely happens. We hear from the LGBTQ+ kids, and from their parents, daily. We want to do a version of that YouTube video here as a blog post – for parents, instead of a pastor. What happens when the parent who has not fully accepted and affirmed their LGBTQ+ comes face-to-face with God… Well, your time has finally come. You and your spouse are about to Meet Your Maker, as they say. You've made it to the pearly gates after a long and faithful life lived in anticipation of this very moment. You shuffle your feet a bit—why in heaven's name you should be nervous? After all, you've been faithful to your deepest held religious beliefs because nothing has been more important to you than to reap this final reward. Now, I want you to understand that we hear from countless, literally countless, LGBTQ+ people whose parents have rejected them and cut off from the family. Tragic. These parents are filled with thoughts and feelings they can't even begin to sort out, but they always frame it as if God is making them "tough-love" their child—i.e., cancel their child—and they have no choice. They present it as if they'll get a reward for this! They are in fear, abject fear, that God will cancel them—and so they cancel their children. The fear is so deeply conditioned—of anything gay-related—they fear they will in up in hell they if they don't cut off their children. I can imagine these parents showing up in heaven to receive their long-awaited reward for their faithfulness. I don't think things will go as they expect. "Well, we're here," Dad says, "a little shocked to be here, honestly—we didn't see that car coming—but, anyway, here we are!" A Voice says… "Yes, so how did you do there, on earth?" This is the question they've been waiting for! "I think we did pretty well," Dad says. Then he adds with a chuckle, "I guess You should tell us!" "How did you do with the people I gave you to love?" Mom and Dad look thoughtful, then Dad says, "I think… I think we did well. I mean, we tried to help people walk the straight and narrow, and… I feel pretty good about it." He tried to sound modest, but if there was ever a time to toot your own horn… "How did you do with your son?" "Our son?" Mom says. "We loved him really well—we homeschooled him, we took care of all his needs, we taught him all the bible verses. And then he came out gay, so we, well, we told him that's not okay." "Yes, you did. And then?" "And then what?" "Exactly. And then… what happened to him?" "Um," she hesitated, "we lost track of him." "You lost track of him?" "Well, you see," Dad took over now, "It's just not natural to be gay. I mean, I don't have to tell you!" He smiled but quickly stopped. "It's just weird," he said under his breath. Dad looked down. "How could it be unnatural if it keeps occurring in nature? And you want to talk about weird—have you seen what I've created?? Zebra? Duck-billed platypus? Space that infinitely expands—way beyond your conception of it?" Dad was not smiling. "We couldn't have him in the house influencing the other children and making them think that he was okay… We wanted them to know it's not normal to be gay." "And who told you that?" Dad looks confused. "Uh… it's right there in black-and-white." "No, what's there in black-and-white is to love each other, be kind to each other, treat each other the way you want to be treated—and don't treat others the way you don't want to be treated. That's what's in black-and-white. You ignore almost everything in that Book—about love and community and caring for each other—but you've added this thing in there now and are using it to hurt people I told you to love." Dad and Mom look at each other. "Yes, but you see… we just… we knew it was not okay…" "So you cut him off from your love?" "No, no, we still love him!" Mom insisted—if there's one thing she knew, it's that she loved her child. No one could tell her otherwise, not even… oh, this was not going well. "But you wouldn't go to his wedding, you wouldn't meet his partner, even though it was so important to him. When he really wanted you, when he needed you, you abandoned him." "But, what would people say?" Dad interjected. "I'm a deacon in the church!" His wife joined in. "And I teach Sunday School! They wouldn't let me teach if I accepted my gay son! Everyone would hate us!" "Oh I see. And you wouldn't like that? For your church community to exclude you, that community you've known for years and years—knowing they would disdain you—that wouldn't feel good, hm?" They shook their heads. "If they said you were no longer welcome in the church, if they no longer welcomed your full participation in the community you raised your kids in—people you considered family—that wouldn't feel good. Would that feel like love to you?" Their heads were down. "Would it?" "No," Dad said, finally. "So instead of enduring that loss yourself—that rejection that does not feel at all like love, you passed it on to your son. Instead of being a family and protecting your son, instead of standing beside him, you sent him out to endure that rejection alone." Both Mom and Dad had tears now. "What do you think it means to bear one another's burdens? What do you think it means that 'Whatever you do for the most vulnerable person, you do for me'? Do you remember that?" They nodded. "This child was an extraordinary gift, the one you prayed for—remember? the one you thanked me for—remember? I gave you this child, and now you want to give him back? Or throw him away? Because he isn't what you had in mind?" They were openly weeping. How could they have done this to their son? "I've taken good care of him. He doesn't know that, because he wants nothing to do with me. Thanks to you and all the pain he's endured—from you, and from others when you did step in to be there for him—thanks to all the lies he had to listen to every Sunday and in your home—lies about him being unworthy as he is, and that he needed to change—thanks to all of that, he wants nothing to do with me. But he is learning to trust his heart. Learning to trust his heart, to trust the Spirit inside of him. I gave him that beautiful husband of his. They are very happy together. You would have enjoyed the wedding." "I am so sorry," they said over and over, "I am so, so sorry." Many parents reading this did not respond this way. You fully affirm your LGBTQ+ child—sometimes it was right away, sometimes the journey took a little longer. If you need to apologize to, and seek forgiveness from your child for any part of that journey, don't wait—do it today. Please. They deserve it – you deserve it – the relationship deserves it. Many of you reading this are LGBTQ+ and you have parents who did NOT accept and affirm you. I am so sorry and I hope we are helping your heart know that their rejection is not about you, and never was, and it's not about God either—but it is about internalized, fear-based, false religious beliefs. Mom and Dad, love is not complicated. Jesus' example is not complicated. Err on the side of love, and trust God with everything else. You will never regret it. Connect with us for extensive resources and vibrant supportive community – whoever you are, wherever you are on the journey. We are honored to walk it with you. [image from Pixabay]
Learn how to make easy homemade cookie dough ice cream from scratch! Indulge in creamy and doughy deliciousness with this simple homemade recipe. Cookie Dough Ice Cream has risen in popularity in recent years and has become a formidable contender alongside classics like chocolate and vanilla. With its irresistible blend of creamy goodness and chunks of cookie dough, it's no wonder that Cookie Dough has secured its place as a top favourite among ice cream enthusiasts. In this article, we will share some background information on how cookie dough has become such a favourite and we'll also share with you our recipes and step-by-step guides to both Cookie Dough and Cookie Dough Ice Cream. Our guides will give you all you need to learn how to make this delicious ice cream yourself, and we're sure that you're gonna dig it, dough! lol. Let's get going. If you'd prefer you can go straight to our recipes by clicking on the following links: Jump to Homemade Cookie Dough Ice Cream The Sweet Evolution: The History of Cookie Dough Cookie dough has been around for quite some time, although its popularity skyrocketed in the late 20th century. The concept of eating raw cookie dough dates back to the invention of chocolate chip cookies in the 1930s by Ruth Wakefield. However, it wasn't until the 1980s that cookie dough began to appear as a standalone flavour in ice cream parlours and supermarkets. Since then, it has become a beloved classic, loved by people of all ages for its indulgent taste and nostalgic appeal. Cookie dough is particularly a favourite among the younger generations over and above the classics such as strawberry, mint or chocolate. Check out our article – What is the Most Popular Ice Cream Flavour? – to find out more about the world's favourite flavours. My youngest has recently taken to cookie dough ice cream and I asked what it is she loves so much, she said 'oh I just love it, it's the way it melts on my tongue'. Hmm, interesting so it's the texture that makes this flavour stand out from the endless flavours that are available these days. So with that, we want to share our recipe for an Easy Homemade Cookie Dough Ice Cream. Dough-Lightfully Delicious: Understanding the Essentials What exactly is Cookie Dough Ice Cream and am I using raw cookie dough in an ice cream? Cookie dough ice cream is a blend of smooth, creamy vanilla ice cream infused with generous chunks of cookie dough. This irresistible treat combines the rich, buttery sweetness of cookie dough with the cool, creamy texture of ice cream, creating a delicious fusion of flavours and textures that tantalise the taste buds with every spoonful and melts on your tongue so I've been told! But don't fret about the raw dough – the recipe we will provide is made without eggs and also heat-treated flour to ensure safety without sacrificing taste. So what you get is a combination of smooth and textural deliciousness. As this is a raw recipe, i.e.; no cooking is involved, we must emphasise the importance of using safe ingredients, especially when preparing recipes like cookie dough that are often consumed raw. Raw Eggs: Raw eggs can pose a risk of foodborne illness due to the potential presence of harmful bacteria such as Salmonella. When eggs are consumed raw or undercooked, there is a higher risk of contracting food poisoning. This risk is particularly significant in recipes like cookie dough ice cream, where the eggs are not cooked, allowing any bacteria present in the eggs to remain active. To mitigate this risk, it's essential to use pasteurised eggs or egg substitutes in recipes that call for raw eggs, ensuring they are safe to consume. Additionally, following proper food safety practices, such as storing eggs properly and maintaining cleanliness during food preparation, can help reduce the risk of contamination. Heat-Treated Flour: This process refers to flour that has been heated to a specific temperature to kill any potential bacteria, such as E. coli or Salmonella, that may be present in raw flour. This process helps make the flour safer to consume, especially when used in recipes that don't involve baking, such as cookie dough ice cream where the flour is not cooked. Heat-treated flour is often recommended for recipes that call for raw flour to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Our recipe is eggless and our method provides instructions on heat-treating your flour before use. So let's get into making this delicious Homemade Cookie Dough Ice Cream. Eggless Cookie Dough Recipe: You can readily purchase a tub or packet of cookie dough, however, as with all our recipes, we like to make our ice creams from scratch so here is our recipe and method for making your own cookie dough. - 125g all-purpose flour (heat-treated) - 115g unsalted butter, softened - 100g granulated sugar - 50g light brown sugar - 2 tablespoons milk - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 90g chocolate chips or chunks (optional) - Heat-Treat the Flour: - Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). - Spread the flour evenly on a baking sheet and bake for about 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 70°C (160°F). This process kills any potential bacteria in the flour. - Let the flour cool completely before using it in the recipe. - Cream Butter and Sugars: - In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. - Add Milk and Vanilla: - Mix in the milk and vanilla extract until well combined. - Incorporate Flour: - Gradually add the heat-treated flour to the mixture, stirring until fully incorporated. The dough should be smooth and cohesive. - Add Chocolate Chips (Optional): - If desired, fold in the chocolate chips or chunks until evenly distributed throughout the dough. - Chill the Dough: - Cover the cookie dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up. Chilling also enhances the flavour, allowing all ingredients to meld. - Enjoy or Use in Recipes: - Once chilled, the cookie dough is ready to be enjoyed on its own or used in various recipes, such as our cookie dough ice cream or cookie dough truffles. This eggless cookie dough recipe ensures a safe and delicious treat that can be enjoyed raw or incorporated into your favourite desserts! Homemade Cookie Dough Ice Cream Recipe: Now that we have our cookie dough sorted, let's get to work on our Homemade Cookie Dough Ice Cream. Here's our easy recipe and method: - 475 ml double cream - 240 ml whole milk - 150 g granulated sugar - 5 ml vanilla extract - 75 g chocolate chips - 75 g cookie dough (recipe provided above) - In a mixing bowl, whisk together the double cream, whole milk, sugar, and vanilla extract until the sugar is dissolved. - Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. - NB: If you don't own an ice cream maker, you can still make this recipe, you simply pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and freeze. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture vigorously with a fork to break up ice crystals, repeating this process for about 3-4 hours or until the ice cream is firm. Please also check out our post – Homemade Ice Cream: Without an Ice Cream Maker – to learn more. - During the last few minutes of churning, add in the chocolate chips and small chunks of cookie dough. - Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container, layering it with additional cookie dough if desired. - Freeze the ice cream for at least 4 hours or until firm. - Serve and enjoy! As if Cookie Dough Ice Cream Wasn't Enough… Here are some additional toppings you can consider to enhance your cookie dough ice cream: - Crushed Oreo cookies or other chocolate sandwich cookies - Chocolate chips or chunks - Caramel sauce or dulce de leche - Chopped nuts such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts - Sprinkles for a pop of colour - Popping Candy for another layer of texture and crunch and pop! - Whipped cream or whipped coconut cream - Fresh fruit such as sliced strawberries or bananas - Grated chocolate or chocolate shavings - Marshmallows or mini marshmallows for a fun twist - Cookie crumbles from your favourite cookies These toppings can add texture, flavour, and visual appeal to your homemade cookie dough ice cream, making it even more delicious and irresistible! Family Fun with Cookie Dough Ice Cream: A Delicious Treat for All Ages Kids of all ages love the sweet indulgence of cookie dough mixed with creamy ice cream. So making this homemade Ice Cream is the perfect opportunity to get everyone involved. It's not just about the taste; it's about the experience of making it together. From mixing ingredients to rolling out cookie dough balls, this recipe is a fantastic opportunity to bond with your loved ones and create lasting memories. Get everyone involved and enjoy the magic of homemade cookie dough ice cream! See our article – Fun Ice Cream Recipes for Kids: Getting Children Involved in the Kitchen – that goes into greater detail about the fun and learning we can share with our kids whilst making our ice creams. We hope that you have enjoyed our article taking you through the process of learning to make a delicious and easy Homemade Cookie Dough Ice Cream. If you have any questions, please do drop us a comment below and we will gladly get back to you. And if you do give our recipes a try, we would love to hear how you get on. Stay connected for endless homemade ice cream inspiration! 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Want a perfectly-toned butt? Well, a personal trainer to A-list stars like Gwyneth Paltrow and Victoria Beckham reckons she might just have the answer. And, luckily for you, it involves just three, simple steps. Louisa Drake currently works with a range of talent from singer and actor Natalie Imbruglia, Hollywood's Rooney Mara and Euphoria star Maude Apatow. She has devised her own work-out that is tailored to giving you toned glutes. Picture credit: Oly Barnsley A personal trainer to A-list stars like Gwyneth Paltrow (right) and Victoria Beckham (left) reckons she might have the answer to getting a perfectly-toned butt Louisa Drake, who currently works with The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo's Rooney Mara and Euphoria's Maude Apatow, says there's no need to step inside the gym to build your glutes. Simply grab a mat and a resistance band and follow these moves. 1. Shoulder Bridge This position develops strength and stability throughout the core muscles of the body. It also strengthens the pelvic floor, thighs and glutes. And if you use a resistance band you can work the glutes even harder. A shoulder bridge, shown in image, develops strength and stability throughout the core muscles of the body. It also strengthens the pelvic floor, thighs and glutes How to do it Lie down with your back flat on your mat and bend your knees towards the sky. Make sure your feet are flat and parallel, keeping them hip distance apart. You can either wrap the long resistance band or use a loop band around both thighs, just higher than the knees. Make sure your knees are together and there is space for two fingers between you and the band. Then, lift the pelvis off the mat, pushing the hips up and the band out. The shoulder blades and arms press down into the mat and aim to make a straight line from your hips to your shoulders. Lift up your hips and push out against the band an inch or two, squeeze the glutes then lower hips a few inches. Repeat this movement for 30 to 60 seconds for the best results. 2. Clamshells Clamshells, given their fishy name for the shell shape created with your legs, are great at emphasising the buttocks. This move not only helps to sculpt your legs but they also strengthen your hips and thighs while stabilising your pelvis muscles and toning your glutes, Ms Drake says. It sculpts the gluteus medius which lays on the outer edge of the buttocks and outside of the hip. Ms Drake said: 'I have slightly reworked this classic exercise to create an extra challenge that delivers a peachy shape and great definition.' Clamshells, shown in image, not only helps to sculpt your legs but they also strengthen your hips and thighs while stabilising your pelvis muscles and toning your glutes. It sculpts the gluteus medius which lays on the outer edge of the buttocks and outside of the hip How to do it Wrap a long resistance band or loop band around both thighs. Again, make sure it sits just past the knees with enough space to fit two fingers between you and the band. Lay on your side and hold your elbow under your shoulders. You hips should be stacked and your knees together, making sure they are in line with the hips. Keeping your feet together, lift the top knee up and press the band away to open the legs to create a 'clamshell' shape. Then, lift the foot underneath off the floor, lower the top knee to close the legs, all without lowering your feet. Make sure the hips don't swing around and maintain a lift through the spine. And don't shrink into the supporting shoulder. Perform the movement slowly and controlled for 10 to 12 reps and then add another set of 10 to 12 reps but make sure you keep the pulses tiny for peachy points. If that doesn't make you feel the burn, you can make it a bit harder for yourself. Try doing 15 to 20 reps at a slow pace and then three sets of eight reps of pulses. Repeat this clamshell move on the other side for 30 to 60 seconds. 3. Squat & Lateral leg lift Squats are one of the best exercises to target the gluteus maximus – the largest muscle in the lower body. It's not just good for the booty – It also works the hips, thighs, calves, and even the core. Ms Drake explains with the lateral leg lift you get that extra glute and the outer thigh focus all in one exercise. She said: 'This is a great way to strengthen the muscles supporting the knee, work the legs as well as the core while building balance and stability. There is the option to use a chair for extra support.' Squats are not just good for the booty- It also works the hips, thighs, calves, and even the core. Ms Drake explains with the lateral leg lift you get that extra glute and the outer thigh focus all in one exercise How to do it Place your loop band around your shins, placing it just above your ankles. Keep your feet hip-width apart and bring your hands to the same level as your chest. Bend your knees and drop your hips to your heels as you lower into a squat. Make sure you are keeping your spine long and your core engaged. Stand and lift your right leg out to the side, keeping the knee straight. Place your hands on your hips to help maintain a level pelvis while trying not to lean to one side. Then, lower your right leg and return to a squat position. Stand and lift your leg to the other side to complete one rep. Aim to complete 20 reps overall, or time yourself for 30 to 60 seconds alternating sides. In other health news… Source link
When it comes to creating an inviting and functional space for children, a kids table and chair set is a must-have addition to any home or childcare center. These pint-sized furniture pieces are designed to provide a comfortable and safe space for kids to eat, play, draw, and engage in various activities. we will explore the world of kids table and chair sets, covering everything from the different types available, their benefits, how to choose the right one, and some creative ways to make the most out of these adorable furniture pieces. Types of Kids Table and Chair Sets Kids table and chair sets come in various shapes, sizes, materials, and designs, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of both children and their caregivers. Here are some of the most common types: 1. Wooden Kids Table and Chair Set Wooden table and chair sets are timeless classics. They offer durability, sturdiness, and a charming aesthetic that can complement any decor. These sets are often made from solid wood and can be found in various finishes, such as natural wood, white, or colored options. Wooden sets are perfect for a more traditional and rustic look in a children's playroom or dining area. 2. Plastic Kids Table and Chair Set Plastic sets are lightweight, easy to clean, and come in a wide range of vibrant colors and fun designs. They are an excellent choice for young children who are prone to spills and messes. Plastic sets are often more affordable and can be used both indoors and outdoors, making them versatile and practical. 3. Folding Kids Table and Chair Set Folding table and chair sets are designed with convenience in mind. They can be easily folded and stored when not in use, making them ideal for families with limited space. These sets are available in various materials, including wood and plastic, and are a great option for occasional use or for families who like to have flexibility in their space. 4. Adjustable Kids Table and Chair Set Adjustable sets are designed to grow with your child. They feature chairs and tables that can be adjusted in height to accommodate kids of different ages and sizes. This type of set ensures that your children can comfortably use the same furniture for years, making it a cost-effective choice. 5. Activity Kids Table and Chair Set Activity sets are equipped with additional features to enhance your child's creativity and play. These may include built-in storage, drawing surfaces, or even interactive elements like chalkboards or LEGO-compatible surfaces. Activity sets are perfect for fostering imaginative play and keeping children engaged. Advantages of a Children's Table and Chair Ensemble Investing in a kids' table and chair set offers a wide range of benefits for both children and their parents or caregivers: 1. Promotes Independence A kids' table and chair set provides children with their own space to eat, draw, and play, promoting a sense of independence and responsibility. It also helps them develop essential fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. 2. Encourages Creativity These sets are perfect for artistic endeavors and creative play. Children can use them for drawing, coloring, crafting, and other imaginative activities. Having a dedicated space for these activities helps keep messes contained and organized. 3. Improves Social Skills Kids table and chair sets are ideal for group activities and playdates. Sharing the space with friends or siblings encourages social interaction, cooperation, and the development of important social skills. 4. Teaches Organization Many kids table and chair sets come with storage options, such as drawers or bins. This encourages children to learn about organization and tidying up after themselves. It's an excellent way to instill good habits early in life. 5. Enhances Comfort Designed with kids comfort in mind, these sets ensure children have the right support and ergonomics for their size. This can reduce discomfort and fatigue during activities like drawing, studying, or eating. 6. Fosters Learning Having a dedicated space for learning and creative activities can help children stay focused and engaged. It can also make the learning process more enjoyable and structured. 7. Easy Maintenance Most kids table and chair sets are designed with materials that are easy to clean. This simplifies the task of maintaining a tidy and hygienic environment for your child. How to Choose the Right Kids Table and Chair Set Selecting the perfect kids' table and chair set for your child involves considering various factors. 1. Age and Size Start by considering your child's age and size. Look for a set that is appropriate for their current needs but also has the potential to grow with them if you want a long-lasting investment. 2. Material The material of the set will impact its durability and aesthetics. Wooden sets offer a classic and timeless look, while plastic sets are practical and easy to clean. 3. Safety Ensure that the set you choose complies with safety standards. Look for rounded edges, sturdy construction, and non-toxic materials to protect your child from potential hazards. 4. Comfort Consider the comfort of the chairs and the height of the table. Your child should be able to sit comfortably and reach the table without straining. Adjustable sets are an excellent choice for ensuring the right fit. kids table and chair set \| image source: pexels 5. Storage If you want to keep the play area organized, look for a set with built-in storage options, such as drawers or bins. This will help you keep art supplies, toys, and other items within reach and neatly stored. 6. Design and Aesthetics Select a set that matches the decor of the room where it will be placed. Whether you prefer a classic or modern look, there are designs to suit your taste. 7. Budget Kids table and chair sets come in a wide price range. Set a budget and stick to it, while still considering the quality and features that matter most to you. 8. Reviews and Recommendations Do some research by reading reviews and seeking recommendations from friends and family who have purchased kids table and chair sets. Creative Uses for a Kids Table and Chair Set A kids chair and table set can serve multiple purposes beyond just providing a space for eating and art. Here are some creative ways to get the most out of these versatile furniture pieces: 1. Homework Station Designate the set as a dedicated homework or study station. It's a quiet and organized space where your child can concentrate on their schoolwork. 2. Indoor Picnics Transform the table into a cozy indoor picnic spot. Lay out a checkered tablecloth, prepare some sandwiches and snacks, and let your child enjoy a picnic even on a rainy day. 3. Tea Parties Encourage imaginative play by hosting tea parties with your child's stuffed animals or dolls. A small teapot, cups, and saucers can make this experience even more delightful. 4. Puzzle Zone Use the table for puzzles and board games. It provides a flat, stable surface that's perfect for assembling jigsaw puzzles or playing family board games. 5. Storytelling Corner Create a storytelling corner by placing the set near a bookshelf or with a basket of books nearby. Your child can sit and read comfortably, fostering a love for reading. 6. Outdoor Oasis If you have a plastic or portable set, take it outside for outdoor play. It's a great place for kids to enjoy snacks, do crafts, or even have a small outdoor picnic. 7. Holiday Decor Decorate the table and chairs to match various holidays and seasons. For example, you can set up a spooky Halloween corner or a festive Christmas breakfast nook. A kids' table and chair set is a valuable addition to any home with children. It provides a space for learning, creativity, and social interaction while also promoting independence and organization. By considering factors such as age, size, material, safety, comfort, and design, you can choose the perfect set to suit your child's needs and your style. Additionally, by exploring creative uses for these sets, you can make the most out of their versatility and add a touch of whimsy to your child's daily life. Invest in a kids' table and chair set, and watch your child's world of play and learning expand in exciting ways.
Dr. Jason Richard Fitzer PhD shares his letter in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. What does it mean to be a man? What is masculinity? Looking back twenty years ago to starting college, I would share the following thoughts with my younger self. Am I enough? I know this is a question you're thinking about often right now, especially now that you are not living at home and are embarking on your college journey. The most important thing I would tell you is that you are enough. One of the ways you might think you are not enough is because you are comparing yourself to other guys, but doing so will not give you any of the answers you seek. Theodore Roosevelt once said, "Comparison is the thief of joy." Comparison is natural and happens every day. You will compare yourself to others on campus, to people on the TV, or to how you think people are describing masculinity. You may not think so right now, but trust me, you should not compare yourself to any ideals of masculinity except your own. You should think about what you believe masculinity means. You are not less of a man just because you focused on school and not sports. Masculinity is more than being strong, interested in sports, or emotionally and physically strong. When people say "be a man" or "man up," you may not understand what that means because you are still figuring out who you are as a man. The truth is that there is no one way to be a man, and being comfortable in how you express your masculinity is a journey and not a destination. Masculinity is having healthy relationships with yourself, with family and friends, and being able to share your thoughts and feelings. When you decide the time is right to join a fraternity and choose Phi Delta Theta, you will face challenges to your perception of masculinity because, like you, every Phi is different. Be willing to learn from your brothers; acknowledge that their experiences and views of masculinity can differ from your own but are equally valid. Being a Phi Delt means you can become the greatest version of yourself, and the trick is to know that becoming the best version of yourself means accepting yourself. Be willing to learn from your brothers; acknowledge that their experiences and views of masculinity can differ from your own but are equally valid. Being a Phi Delt means you can become the greatest version of yourself, and the trick is to know that becoming the best version of yourself means accepting yourself. Dr. Jason Richard Fitzer PhD, Chico State '08 Something you will come to learn as you grow older is that masculinity exists on a spectrum. There is no right or wrong way to be a man, but there are different ways to express your masculinity. Your interests and how you express yourself matter as much as any other guy. I want you to know that 'being a man' does not mean you need to be the strongest person, that you can share how you are feeling, and that you get to define what it means to be a man. Spend time enjoying opportunities and the people around you. An essential part of masculinity is having people around whom you trust and support you. Put yourself in uncomfortable situations, which I know will be challenging, but new experiences will be how you will develop meaningful relationships and learn. Trying new things is difficult, but it will help you find where you feel you belong. Understanding masculinity is not fitting in or being the standout but being where you feel comfortable to share all aspects of yourself. Contrary to the perception of some, emotions and masculinity go hand in hand. Share your thoughts and feelings. Men not being able to share their emotions, or even have them, is a bad stereotype; don't lean into it. When you share your thoughts and feelings with others, you can have stronger relationships, which will ultimately help you find the places you belong. So, what does it mean to be a man? There is no one correct answer, but your answer is the one that is right for you. Lastly, at the end of the day the opinion that matters the most is yours. Take care of yourself! You are a great guy who cares for others, takes the time to get to know people, and always looks to improve things, not less than when you found it.
You may want to learn how to grow Arugula in your garden, as it is high in vitamins, minerals, fiber and phytochemicals and is often praised for its numerous health benefits. While it can be cooked, doing so will slightly change its flavor and will reduce some of its vitamin content. For optimal health benefits and flavor, Arugula is best if consumed raw. Arugula is a leafy green in the Brassicaceae family that is closely related to Mustard. It is considered a cruciferous vegetable and has a distinctively pleasant, peppery flavor. Also known as rocket or Italian Cress, Arugula is a popular base for salads and can be combined with a wide variety of other foods that complement its unique taste. Growing arugula in GardenSoxx® \| Plant Family: Brassicaceae Different Varieties of Arugula Exploring different varieties of Arugula to grow in your garden allows you to discover the delicious potential of this nutritious green. Here are a few to look out for: Rocket is arguably the most popular variety of Arugula and is the one found most often in grocery stores. Grow your own organic version in just 40 days from seed! Italian Cress boasts wider leaves that are similar to certain varieties of lettuce, making it a bit easier to work with in the kitchen. The Red Dragon variety adds a colorful flair to your plate and has a more mellow, but still peppery flavor that will not overpower your summer salads. Astro Arugula is a quick-growing variety with a broader leaf that will be ready for picking in as little as 3 weeks. The white flowers produced by this variety can also be added to your salad bowl for a bit of flair. Runway Arugula is a popular favorite, easily found as seed packets in your local garden centers. It gives a generous yield but should be harvested sooner than later as the leaves will go bitter once they are too old. Nutritional Information For Arugula Nutritional Facts - per 100/g Nutrient \| Amount \| % Daily Value \| Calories \| 25 \| - \| Total Fat \| 0.1 g \| - \| Sodium \| 27 mg \| - \| Potassium \| 369 mg \| - \| Dietary Fiber \| 1.6 g \| - \| Sugar \| 2.1 g \| - \| Protein \| 2.6 g \| - \| Vitamin C \| - \| 25% \| Iron \| - \| 8% \| Vitamin B6 \| - \| 5% \| Magnesium \| - \| 11% \| Calcium \| - \| 16% \| How to Grow Arugula in Your GardenSoxx® Can be sown outdoors directly from seed at the very beginning of the growing season (1-2 weeks before the final frost), ¼" deep in the soil and about 6 inches apart. Plant in an area of the garden that receives at least 6 hours of full sun per day. Soil should be kept moist but well-drained for best results. Arugula Seed to Harvest Time: 6-8 Weeks How to Harvest Arugula When ready to harvest, cut the leaves about an inch up from the leaf base, leaving the base and roots in the ground. Arugula leaves will re-grow from the base, allowing you to harvest multiple times during the growing season.
Raw foodism, also known as rawism or a raw food diet, is the dietary practice of eating only or mostly food that is uncooked and unprocessed. A gluten-free diet is an eating plan that excludes foods containing gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and triticale (a cross between wheat. Food needs to be grown and processed, transported, distributed, prepared, consumed, and sometimes disposed of. Each of these steps creates greenhouse gases that. Inflammation is a factor in developing chronic disease. A dietitian explains how eating anti-inflammatory foods can help address the risk. The African Heritage Diet is a way of eating based on the healthy food traditions of people with African roots. This healthy way of eating is powerfully. Food Guidelines. We distilled more than dietary surveys of the world's longest-lived people to discover the secrets of a longevity diet. These 11 simple. Eating healthy meals and snacks and exercising can help you lose weight and support normal growth. Regular exercise can help teens feel healthier and better. Food-specific diets · Alkaline diet · Baby food diet · Cabbage soup diet · Carnivore diet · Clean eating · Cookie diet · Egg and wine diet · Food combining diet: A. Get resources to help you eat a healthy diet with vegetables, fruits, protein, grains, and dairy foods Browse examples of foods in each food group and the. Food Prices for Nutrition provides global statistics on the Cost and Affordability of Healthy Diets and finds 42% of people cannot afford a healthy diet in. Vegetarian diets vary in what foods they include and exclude: Lacto A vegan diet, for example, cuts out natural food sources of vitamin B, as well as. Find nutrition resources for people with cancer and cancer survivors, on topics including eating, food safety, and dietary supplements. Dementia and Alzheimer's. What To Eat On a Puréed Food Diet · Cooked cereals, Cream of Wheat®, Farina®, Cream of Rice®. · Smooth or blended oatmeal, baby oatmeal, or baby cereal. Diets A–Z · Dairy free · Eco-friendly recipes and information · Egg free · Gluten free · Healthy · Healthy kids · High-protein, low-GI diet · Intermittent It's easy to spot a fad diet · Promises a quick fix. · Promotes 'magic' foods or combinations of foods. · Implies that food can change body chemistry. · Excludes or. A whole-foods, plant-based diet can help you lose weight and improve your health. Here is The 13 Best Vegan, Vegetarian, and Plant-Based Meal Delivery. The diet is rich in heart-healthy foods such as vegetables, fish, fruit, grains, olive oil, and nuts. Consumption of red meat is kept to a minimum, and dairy. Best Diets Well-researched diet plans with rankings, meal plans and weight loss tips so you can find the best fit for you. Eating a varied, well-balanced diet means eating a variety of foods from each of the 5 food groups daily, in the recommended amounts. Because different foods. Based on the Dietary Guidelines and the Food Guide Pyramid, it incorporates a wide variety of foods and adequate caloric intake. Mechanical Soft Diet. The. Emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products; Includes a variety of protein foods such as seafood, lean meats and. Eating a variety of foods and consuming less salt, sugars and saturated and industrially-produced trans-fats, are essential for healthy diet. A healthy diet. Diets A–Z · Dairy free · Eco-friendly recipes and information · Egg free · Gluten free · Healthy · Healthy kids · High-protein, low-GI diet · Intermittent Food groups in your diet. The Eatwell Guide shows that to have a healthy, balanced diet, people should try to: eat at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit. A raw food diet tends to be high in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes, all of which are staples of a healthful diet. Eating a range of these foods will. food and nutrition. Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (Dietary Guidelines) provides advice on what to eat and drink to. What does a healthy, balanced diet look like? Canada's Food Guide recommends eating a variety of healthy foods each day. This includes eating plant-based foods.
Researchers examined data from more than a million children and ranked their achievements according to the month they were born. The resulting table showed that there were differences in the success of children according to the month they were born. The month you were born in is often seen as limited to influencing your birthday and zodiac sign. However, research reveals that the month in which babies say hello to the world may be a determining factor in their intelligence. In the study conducted by scientists, taking into account the data of more than 1 million students, it was determined in which month the smartest children were born. Surprising results emerged in the study, which took into account the school performance of children between the ages of 6 and 15 in the USA. Researchers found that the academic performance of children born in September was significantly higher than children born in other months. In addition to being the most successful in middle schools and high schools, these children also achieve the highest degrees in universities. Unlike successful children, the least successful students are usually born in August. The US National Bureau of Economic Research published a statement regarding this research, which was quite surprising at first. Pointing out that children in the USA start school at the age of 6 and therefore the research was conducted at the age of 6, the institution pointed out that children born between September and December start school at an older age than children born in the summer months, and suggested that the intelligence level increases due to advancing age. . A study conducted in parallel with this study revealed that people born in autumn and winter lived significantly longer than those born in spring and summer. Although children born in August were shown to be the least successful academically, the most talented names in sports were children born in August. It was determined that the most star players in football, basketball and many other fields were born in August.
A map has unveiled the regions where tuberculosis (TB), one of the deadliest infectious diseases worldwide, is most prevalent. According to a recent report, London has been identified as the worst affected area in England and Wales for the infection. Last week alone, the capital recorded 43 suspected cases, double the number of the second most affected region. TB, a bacterial infection transmitted through inhaling droplets from coughs or sneezes of an infected person, primarily affects the lungs but can impact any part of the body. With an estimated annual death toll of 1.6 million globally, TB is a leading cause of mortality. Although curable with antibiotics, it can pose serious risks if left untreated. While the BCG vaccine offers protection against TB, it is only administered to those at elevated risk of infection. Experts have suggested that the recent increase in TB infections in the UK may be linked to rising poverty levels. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) collects data on suspected cases of infectious diseases like TB, although not all are confirmed through laboratory tests. In the week of April 8 to 14 alone, there were 110 suspected TB cases reported, up from 74 the previous week. Additionally, recent data on confirmed cases reveals a concerning uptick in TB prevalence in England and Wales. Figures from February indicate a more than ten percent rise in infections last year, from 4,380 in 2022 to 4,850 in 2023, marking the third national increase in TB infections over the past decade. Following London, the North West emerged as the second most likely region to contract TB, with 19 suspected cases reported. Yorkshire and the Humber followed in third place with 12 suspected cases. The West Midlands and the East of England closely trailed behind, with 11 and 10 suspected cases, respectively. The South East reported seven suspected infections, ranking sixth, while the South West fared even better with five suspected cases, securing seventh place. The East Midlands registered only two suspected cases, placing eighth. Wales reported just one suspected case, ranking ninth, while the North East emerged as the least affected region, with no reported cases by doctors. Read More: Click Here
Breast Imaging Breast imaging procedures are a necessity in enabling women and their physicians to maintain thorough breast care . Although medical tests can be nerve-wracking — especially when it comes to waiting for results — they are essential in keeping breasts healthy and getting the patient proper care if breast cancer develops. The two most commonly used modalities are currently Mammography and Breast Ultrasound. Mammograms are probably the most important tool doctors have not only to screen for breast cancer, but also to diagnose, evaluate, and follow people who've had breast cancer. Safe and reasonably accurate, a mammogram is an x-ray photograph of the breast. The technique has been in use for about 40 years. Mammograms are used as a screening tool to detect early breast cancer in women experiencing no symptoms and to detect and diagnose breast disease in women experiencing symptoms such as a lump, pain or nipple discharge. Patient Information Important Things to Know About Mammograms When to get a mammogram. For now, the recommendation is that women get a mammogram once a year, beginning at age 40. If you're at high risk for breast cancer, with a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, or have had radiation treatment to the chest in the past, it's recommended that you start having annual mammograms at a younger age (often beginning around age 30). They can save your life. Finding breast cancer early reduces your risk of dying from the disease by 25-30% or more. Women should begin having mammograms yearly at age 40, or earlier if they're at high risk. Don't be afraid. Mammography is a fast procedure (about 20 minutes), and discomfort is minimal for most women. The procedure is safe: there's only a very tiny amount of radiation exposure from a mammogram. Size does not matter. Although uncommon, breast cancer can also occur in men. Investigation of lumps found in men are done in the same manner as in women, this includes mammography. Mammography is our most powerful breast cancer detection tool. However, mammograms can still miss 20% of breast cancers that are simply not visible using this technique. Other important tools — such as breast self-exam, clinical breast examination, and possibly ultrasound or MRI — can and should be used as complementary tools, but there are no substitutes or replacements for a mammogram. An unusual result requiring further testing does not always mean you have breast cancer. About 10% of women (1 in 10) who have a mammogram will require more tests. Only 8-10% of these women will need a biopsy, and about 80% of these biopsies will turn out not to be cancer. It's normal to worry if you get called back. Mammography Technique When you have a mammogram, a skilled technologist positions and compresses your breast between two clear plates, to even out the breast tissue and to hold the breast still. The plates are attached to a highly specialized camera, which takes two pictures of the breast from two directions. Then the technologist repeats the technique on the opposite breast. Most screening mammograms include two views of each breast taken from different angles. Diagnostic mammograms involve taking more views than screening mammograms. For some women, more than two pictures may be needed to include as much tissue as possible. Deodorant, talcum powder or lotion may show up on the X-ray as calcium spots, and women are asked not to apply these on the day of their investigation. If you've had breast surgery for another reason, such as a benign biopsy or surgery to reduce the size of your breasts, the radiologist will want to know where those scars are in case the scar tissue has to be distinguished from another kind of breast abnormality. Interventional Mammography After a screening mammogram, some women may have areas of concern which can't be resolved with only the information available from the screening mammogram. They would then be called back for a "diagnostic mammogram". This phrase essentially means a problem-solving mammogram. During this session, the radiologist will be monitoring each of the additional films as they are taken by a technologist. Depending on the nature of the finding, ultrasound may often used at this point, as well. Generally the cause of the unusual appearance is found to be benign. If the cause cannot be determined to be benign with sufficient certainty, a biopsy will be recommended. The biopsy procedure will be used to obtain actual tissue from the site for the pathologist to examine microscopically to determine the precise cause of the abnormality. In the past, biopsies were most frequently done in surgery, under local or general anesthesia. The majority are now done with needles using either ultrasound or mammographic guidance to be sure that the area of concern is the area that is biopsied. Types of breast biopsy procedures include: - Fine needle aspiration biopsy - a very thin needle is placed into the lump or suspicious area to remove a small sample of fluid and/or tissue. No incision is necessary. A fine needle aspiration biopsy may be performed to help to differentiate a cyst from a lump. - Core needle biopsy - a large needle is guided into a lump or suspicious area to remove a small cylinder of tissue (also called a core). No incision is necessary. - Hook-wire needle localization - It is a process which results in inserting a flexible wire beside and beyond the breast lesion pre-operatively to indicate the area of concern to be removed during surgery. Breast Ultrasound Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, involves exposing part of the body to high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body. Ultrasound exams do not use ionizing radiation (as used in x-rays). Ultrasound imaging of the breast produces a picture of the internal structures of the breast. How is the procedure performed? You will lie on your back with your arm raised above your head on the examining table. A clear gel is applied to the area of the body being studied to help the transducer make secure contact with the body and eliminate air pockets between the transducer and the skin. The sonographer (ultrasound technologist) or radiologist then presses the transducer firmly against the skin and sweeps it back and forth over the area of interest. When the examination is complete, the patient may be asked to dress and wait while the ultrasound images are reviewed. However, the sonographer or radiologist is often able to review the ultrasound images in real-time as they are acquired and the patient can be released immediately. This ultrasound examination is usually completed within 30 minutes. What will I experience during and after the procedure? Most ultrasound examinations are painless, fast and easy. After you are positioned on the examination table, the radiologist or sonographer will apply some warm gel on your skin and then place the transducer firmly against your body, moving it back and forth over the area of interest until the desired images are captured. There is usually no discomfort from pressure as the transducer is pressed against the area being examined. If scanning is performed over an area of tenderness, you may feel pressure or minor pain from the transducer. If a Doppler ultrasound study is performed, you may actually hear pulse-like sounds that change in pitch as the blood flow is monitored and measured. You may be asked to change positions during the exam. Once the imaging is complete, the gel will be wiped off your skin. After an ultrasound exam, you should be able to resume your normal activities. Interventional Ultrasound Ultrasound provides real-time imaging, making it a good tool for guiding minimally invasive procedures such as, needle biopsies (see interventional mammography) and needle aspiration of breast abcesses.
When it comes to audio processing systems, there are various options available to engineers and enthusiasts. Two popular choices are linear systems and cascade systems. Each of these systems has its own unique features, benefits, and limitations. In this article, we will delve deep into understanding and comparing these two types of systems to help you make an informed decision. So, let's get started! Linear systems are widely used in the field of audio processing. These systems are designed to process the audio signal in a linear fashion, meaning that they do not introduce distortion or alter the signal in any significant way. This makes them highly desirable for applications where accurate reproduction of audio is paramount. Linear systems play a crucial role in various audio applications, including music production, sound engineering, and broadcasting. They are employed in recording studios to ensure that the recorded audio is faithfully reproduced without any unwanted alterations. In live concerts, linear systems are used to amplify the sound from microphones and instruments, providing a clear and balanced audio experience for the audience. Additionally, linear systems are essential in broadcast studios to maintain the integrity of the audio signal during transmission. A linear system can be defined as a system that preserves the linearity property. In simpler terms, this means that if you input a signal of a certain amplitude into a linear system, the output will be a scaled version of that input signal. Linear systems achieve their function through various components, such as amplifiers, filters, and equalizers. These components work together to amplify or attenuate the audio signal while maintaining its original characteristics. By carefully controlling the gain and frequency response, linear systems allow for precise control over the audio signal without compromising its integrity. One of the key features of linear systems is their ability to maintain the phase integrity of the audio signal. This ensures that the different frequencies of the signal remain in sync, resulting in a clear and well-defined sound reproduction. Furthermore, linear systems are designed to minimize any form of distortion, such as harmonic or intermodulation distortion. Distortion can occur when the amplification process introduces unwanted harmonics or alters the frequency response of the audio signal. Linear systems employ advanced circuitry and signal processing techniques to ensure that the output faithfully represents the input signal, free from any distortion. Another notable feature of linear systems is their versatility. These systems can handle a wide range of audio signals, from delicate acoustic recordings to powerful rock concerts. They are capable of accurately reproducing the dynamics and nuances of the original sound source, providing a high-fidelity listening experience. The main benefit of linear systems is their ability to provide accurate and faithful reproduction of the original audio signal. This is particularly important in applications where fidelity is crucial, such as recording studios, live concerts, and broadcast studios. Linear systems also offer precise control over the audio signal, allowing for adjustments in volume, tone, and other parameters without introducing unwanted artifacts. This level of control enables audio professionals to shape the sound according to their artistic vision or technical requirements. However, one limitation of linear systems is their relatively high power consumption. Due to the nature of their design, these systems require more power to operate efficiently compared to other types of audio processing systems. This can be a consideration in situations where power efficiency is a priority, such as portable audio devices or battery-powered equipment. Despite this limitation, the benefits of linear systems outweigh the drawbacks in many professional audio applications. Their ability to preserve the integrity of the audio signal, maintain phase coherence, and minimize distortion make them an indispensable tool for audio engineers and enthusiasts alike. Cascade systems, on the other hand, offer a different approach to audio processing. These systems are designed to process the audio signal in a sequential manner, with each stage building upon the previous one. This allows for greater flexibility and customization in audio processing. When it comes to audio processing, cascade systems are a popular choice due to their ability to combine different techniques and effects, resulting in a more complex and tailored audio output. Whether it's for sound reinforcement, DJ mixing, or audio mastering, cascade systems offer a versatile solution. A cascade system can be defined as a system that consists of multiple stages or modules, each performing a specific function in the audio processing chain. The output of one stage becomes the input for the next stage, creating a chain-like structure. Imagine a cascade system as a series of interconnected audio processing blocks, each responsible for a particular task. As the audio signal passes through each stage, it undergoes various transformations, shaping the final sound that reaches our ears. These stages can include equalizers, compressors, limiters, reverbs, delays, and more. Each module contributes to the overall sound by applying its unique processing algorithms and parameters to the audio signal. For example, the first stage might be an equalizer that adjusts the frequency response of the audio, allowing us to boost or cut specific frequencies. The output of this stage then flows into a compressor, which controls the dynamic range of the audio by reducing the volume of louder parts and boosting the volume of quieter parts. By arranging these stages in a specific order and adjusting their parameters, we can achieve a wide range of audio effects and enhancements. One of the key features of cascade systems is their modular design. This allows for easy integration of different audio processing modules, such as equalizers, compressors, and effects units, into a single system. Modularity means that we can mix and match different modules based on our specific needs and preferences. We can choose the modules that best suit the audio processing tasks at hand, creating a customized cascade system tailored to our requirements. Furthermore, cascade systems offer extensive routing options, allowing audio signals to be routed to different processing modules based on user-defined configurations. This flexibility enables users to create complex audio processing chains and achieve the desired sound effects. For example, we can route the audio signal to multiple equalizers in parallel, each targeting different frequency ranges. This parallel processing can result in a more precise and detailed equalization of the audio, allowing us to sculpt the sound with greater precision. Additionally, cascade systems often provide control over the order in which the audio signal passes through the modules. This allows us to experiment with different processing sequences and find the optimal arrangement for our desired sound. One of the main benefits of cascade systems is their versatility. These systems provide users with a wide range of audio processing options, allowing for creative experimentation and customization. This makes them well-suited for applications where sound manipulation and artistic expression are desired. With cascade systems, we have the freedom to explore different combinations of modules, tweak their parameters, and fine-tune the audio to our liking. This level of control empowers audio engineers, musicians, and sound designers to create unique and captivating sonic experiences. However, cascade systems can be more complex to set up and operate compared to linear systems. They require a greater understanding of audio processing techniques and signal flow. Additionally, the use of multiple modules in cascade systems may result in increased signal noise and distortion if not properly controlled. It's crucial to carefully consider the signal flow, gain staging, and overall system configuration to minimize unwanted artifacts and ensure optimal audio quality. This often involves proper gain structuring, managing signal levels, and using high-quality components to maintain transparency and fidelity. Despite these challenges, cascade systems remain a powerful tool in the audio processing realm, offering a wealth of possibilities for sonic exploration and creative expression. Understanding the operational and performance differences between linear and cascade systems is essential in choosing the right audio processing system for your specific needs. Let's take a closer look at some of these differences. Linear systems operate by amplifying or attenuating the input audio signal in a linear manner, without introducing distortion or altering the signal. This means that the output signal faithfully represents the input signal, maintaining its integrity and accuracy. In a linear system, the audio signal passes through a single stage of processing, ensuring a transparent and uncolored sound reproduction. Cascade systems, on the other hand, process the audio signal through multiple stages, each applying its own specific processing technique or effect. This allows for a more versatile and customizable audio processing experience. Each stage in a cascade system can be tailored to add a particular effect or modify the audio signal in a specific way. This flexibility enables sound engineers and musicians to achieve unique and creative sound manipulations. Efficiency Comparison Linear systems are generally more power-efficient compared to cascade systems. This is because they do not require the use of multiple processing stages and modules. With fewer components involved, linear systems consume less power, making them suitable for applications where energy efficiency is a priority. However, it's important to note that the power consumption of a linear system may vary depending on its design and the specific components used. Suitability for Different Applications Linear systems are commonly used in applications where fidelity and accuracy are of utmost importance, such as professional audio recording, mastering, and high-quality sound reproduction. The transparent nature of linear systems ensures that the original audio signal is faithfully reproduced without any added coloration or distortion. This makes them ideal for situations where the goal is to capture and reproduce sound with the highest level of precision. Cascade systems, on the other hand, are preferred in applications where sound manipulation, creative effects, and customization are desired. The ability to process the audio signal through multiple stages allows for a wide range of effects and modifications to be applied. This makes cascade systems popular in live performances, DJ mixing, and sound design, where artists and sound engineers aim to create unique and immersive soundscapes. While there are distinct differences between linear and cascade systems, it's important to note that they also share some similarities. Let's explore these commonalities. Both linear and cascade systems provide essential audio processing functionalities, such as signal amplification, attenuation, and equalization. These functionalities allow users to shape the audio signal according to their specific requirements. Both linear and cascade systems share some common design elements, such as input and output connectors, control knobs or faders, and display panels. These design elements provide the necessary interface for users to interact and control the audio processing system. While linear and cascade systems are often associated with different applications, there are instances where their use cases overlap. For example, in live sound reinforcement setups, linear systems can be combined with cascade systems to provide clean and accurate sound reproduction, while also offering creative effects and customizable sound shaping options. In conclusion, understanding the differences and similarities between linear and cascade systems is crucial in choosing the right audio processing system for your specific needs. Linear systems offer accurate and faithful sound reproduction, while cascade systems provide versatility and the ability to create complex and tailored audio effects. By considering the key features, benefits, and limitations of each system, you can make an informed decision and take your audio processing capabilities to the next level.
Leeds University and Entocycle seek to catalyse commercialisation of UK insect farming Feed ingredients Regulations 7 December 2023 2023 in review Kevin Fitzsimmons Fisheries Feed ingredients Atlantic Salmon 6 December 2023 Professor Kevin Fitzsimmons believes that there are plenty of positives to be taken from the last 12 months in aquaculture and has an optimistic outlook for the sector in 2024 – but mention the fisheries and marine ingredients lobbies to him at your peril. Researchers believe human anti-aging supplement could reduce salmon health risks Feed formulation Disease Atlantic Salmon 5 December 2023 Finalists announced in Future of Fish Feed krill replacement challenge Feed ingredients Competitions Atlantic Salmon 30 November 2023 Compassion in World Farming develops salmon welfare scorecard Health Predators Atlantic Salmon 29 November 2023 The only way is Esox Biotechnology Functional feeds 29 November 2023 Sponsored Next generation sequencing technologies and metagenomics are proving their worth among early aquaculture adopters – in particular RAS operators – according to Matthew Pope, founder and managing director of Esox Biologics. Skretting and Zooca Calanus join forces to develop copepod-based aquafeeds Feed ingredients Startups Atlantic Salmon 27 November 2023 Aquabashy brings key Nigerian aquaculture players together for World Fisheries Day Formulated feed Breeding & genetics Catfish / Pangasius 27 November 2023 The "chef for shrimp" who's creating seaweed-based aquafeeds Functional feeds Water quality Shrimp 27 November 2023 Living Seas Aquafeeds is using local ingredients, including farmed seaweed and mangrove leaves, as a functional addition to standard feeding regimes, improving water quality, FCRs and shrimp growth, according to Timothy Hromatka, founder of the Indonesian star… Insectum launches mobile, modular black soldier fly farms Feed ingredients Sustainability Salmonids 24 November 2023 Meet the farmer Togo's tilapia king Feed ingredients Husbandry Tilapia / Cichlids 24 November 2023 Pierrot Kokou Akakpovi, CEO of Togo's largest organic tilapia farm, has ambitions – both for himself and the country's aquaculture sector in general – to grow substantially in the coming years. Entobel opens Asia's largest insect protein production plant Feed ingredients Alternative proteins Salmonids 23 November 2023 Kenya's ambitious island-based tilapia farm Feed ingredients Husbandry Tilapia / Cichlids 22 November 2023 Lake View Fisheries, which is situated on Mfangano Island in Lake Victoria, is ramping up its production and distribution of tilapia to diverse regions across Kenya, despite the unique challenges posed by its remote location. How aquaculture by-products are improving the footprint of marine ingredients Feed ingredients Sustainability 21 November 2023 Opinion With the aquaculture sector outperforming land-based protein producers on ESG risks – as reported in the recent Coller FAIRR Protein Producer Index – fishmeal and fish oil use in aquafeeds continue to play a critical role in contributing to sustainable protein… Tomota: a shrimp farmer's best friend? Feeding systems Husbandry Shrimp 20 November 2023 A new range of tools developed by some of the leading players in Vietnam's shrimp sector is showing great promise for early adopters, including Minh Phu. MicroHarvest launches novel aquafeed pilot plant in Portugal Formulated feed Startups Salmonids 17 November 2023 The Vienna Sessions How improvements in aquafeeds can help to close the global protein gap Biotechnology Feed ingredients 6 November 2023 The startup seeking to improve feed efficiency in Egypt's tilapia sector Feeding systems Water quality Tilapia / Cichlids 3 November 2023 An Egyptian team has succeeded in developing a smart device to estimate the feed intake required for each tank on a fish farm, helping improve productivity and water quality. Yield10 and BioMar pen GM Camelina agreement Biotechnology Feed ingredients Atlantic Salmon 31 October 2023 Who are the top producers and consumers of fishmeal and fish oil? Fish stocks Feed ingredients Salmonids 26 October 2023 Study suggests mycoprotein beats soybeans in aquafeeds Feed ingredients Health Atlantic Salmon 26 October 2023 From kingfish to insects: insights from the €200 m ocean impact fund Feed ingredients Diagnostics Shrimp 25 October 2023 The Ocean 14 Capital fund is approaching the €200 million mark, making it "the largest impact fund in the blue economy", according to co-founders Chris Gorell Barnes and Francisco Saraiva Gomes, and has recently closed six investments, three of which are not y… Key sources of fishmeal and fish oil deemed to be increasingly unsustainable Fish stocks Feed ingredients Anchovies 24 October 2023 Insect genetics pioneer scoops £1.72 m investment Feed ingredients Alternative proteins 19 October 2023 Omega-3 GM Camelina hits new commercialisation milestone Biotechnology Feed ingredients Atlantic Salmon 19 October 2023 The secret seaweed extract that aims to tackle key diseases in shrimp Feed formulation Bacterial diseases Shrimp 16 October 2023 Blue Pond Group has developed a range of seaweed-based feed supplements that reduce the prevalence of EHP, WFS and EMS in shrimp farming, according to Mauricio Castillo, its CEO and founder. Asparagopsis producer wins place on MassChallenge Switzerland Biotechnology Feed ingredients Seaweed / Macroalgae 12 October 2023 Aquaculture remediation spin-out wins £70,000 award Feed ingredients Water quality Atlantic Salmon 11 October 2023 Bringing greater transparency to the marine ingredients sector Fish stocks Feed ingredients Anchovies 9 October 2023
By Larry Burk, MD, CEHP Chronic pain is an epidemic that fuels the opioid crisis around the country. Billions of dollars are spent on expensive and invasive therapies like surgery, injections and medications. These approaches are sometimes not more effective than placebo for chronic pain and may result in only transient short-term benefits. One of the pioneers of an alternative mind body approach to chronic pain was John Sarno, MD, who retired in 2012 after several decades on the faculty at NYU and just passed away in 2017. His most famous book was Healing Back Pain with many case histories of amazing success, but he was criticized for never doing any formal research on his method. Fortunately, some of his proteges have finally done the research and published a randomized controlled trial comparing what Howard Schubiner, MD, refers to as Emotional Awareness and Expressive Therapy to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for fibromyalgia showing excellent results for pain. I am now combining his Unlearn Your Pain approach with EFT. Dr. Sarno originally described Tension Myoneural Syndrome (TMS) as a psychosomatic condition which has now been renamed Psychophysiological Disorder (PPD) by modern researchers. When patients are focused on the particular part of the body that is in pain, they resent being told it is all in their head. However, saying that it is all in the brain is a more acceptable explanation. The basic premise is that neural pathways get set up in the brain and spinal cord in response to emotionally dangerous situations in the past which do not go away by themselves once the danger has passed. A cognitive understanding of this process lays the foundation for addressing the fear at the root of the pain. There are a number of useful ways of dealing with these persistent neural pathways including Expressive Writing and Mindfulness, as well as Intensive Short-term Dynamic Psychotherapy. EFT is a particularly effective approach which uses meridian tapping to rewrite what can be thought of as malware programs in the brain through a process known as memory reconsolidation. Join us at Duke Integrative Medicine for Tapping into Health: Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) for Self-Healing. An intensive four-week experiential program featuring group tapping exercises and individual tapping demonstrations for a variety of topics. Click here to register now! To read more blogs and articles please visit: www.larryburkmd.com Experiencing awe has been proven to impact our emotional well-being significantly. These moments can transform our perspective and enrich our lives while providing mental and physical benefits. In this article, we will explore the key benefits of awe and provide five practical ideas to help you cultivate a sense of ... READ MORELiving a sedentary lifestyle can have a significant impact on your health. Inactivity is associated with various health risks, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. The good news is that incorporating movement into your day can help combat these issues. Here are six tips to help you sit less ... READ MORECarolyn Kleffman, MS. Nutrition Intern at Duke Lifestyle & Weight Management Center. Christine B. Tenekjian, MPH, RDN at Duke Lifestyle & Weight Management Center. Protecting ourselves from nutrition misinformation online can be difficult. Testimonials and paid content creators can be very convincing and push products on consumers. Below, ...
Ischua (pronounced ISH-way) is a town in Cattaraugus County, New York. The Town of Ischua is on the eastern border of the county, north of Olean, New York. The town was first settled around 1808 by the current community of Ischua. The Town of Ischua was made in 1846 from a division of the Town of Hinsdale. There was previously another "Town of Ischua" in the county, which has now been succeeded by the Town of Franklinville. When first formed, the present Ischua was known as the "Town of Rice." The town had its own post office (zip code 14746) until the early 1990s, when it was merged with Hinsdale's. According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 32.4 square miles, of which, 32.4 square miles of it is land and 0.04 square miles of it (0.06%) is water. The east town line is the border of Allegany County, New York. The Ischua Creek flows through the town. New York State Route 16 is a major north-south highway in the town, and it parallels Ischua Creek through most of the town. Learn more about Ischua, NY. Places in Ischua Total Solar Eclipse 2024 Seneca Gaming and Entertainment, Cuba Free Fishing Day in NY! The NYS Dept of Environmental Conservation is hosting a FREE fishing day on February 17-18, June 29-30, September 28, and November 11th. There's no fishing license required on those days for the fresh or marine waters of New York State, making it the opportune time for people of all ages to learn and enjoy the day. We especially encourage those with more experience to bring along the young people in your life to show them the value of patience, the anticipation of the bite and the exhilaration of the catch!
A Comprehensive Guide to Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that occurs after a person experiences, witnesses, or learns of a traumatic event such as war, terrorism, sexual or physical assault, natural disasters, or accidents. PTSD can cause a range of symptoms, including flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety, that can make it difficult for individuals to lead healthy and productive life. Fortunately, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based treatment that has been found effective in treating PTSD. In this blog post, we'll explore what DBT is, how it works, and why it may be a beneficial treatment option for those struggling with PTSD. What is DBT? Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) was developed in the 1980s by psychologist Marsha Linehan. DBT is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that combines traditional talk therapy with specific skills training. It was originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD) but has since been found effective in treating a range of mental health conditions, including PTSD. DBT emphasizes the concept of balance, helping individuals develop skills that promote acceptance and change. How does DBT work? DBT for PTSD typically consists of four components: individual therapy, skills training, group therapy, and coaching. Individual therapy focuses on addressing specific PTSD symptoms and helping the individual develop skills to manage them. Skills training involves learning coping mechanisms for dealing with distressing emotions, increasing mindfulness, and improving interpersonal relationships. Group therapy is designed to provide support and build interpersonal relationships with others who have experienced similar trauma. Finally, coaching provides individuals with ongoing support outside of therapy sessions. Why may DBT be an effective treatment option for those with PTSD? DBT addresses many of the underlying issues that can contribute to PTSD symptoms. These include difficulties regulating emotions, negative thinking patterns, and relationship problems. By focusing on developing coping mechanisms for these issues, DBT can help individuals effectively manage PTSD symptoms. DBT also takes a holistic approach to treatment, addressing the mind and body for a more comprehensive approach to healing. What are the benefits of DBT for PTSD? DBT helps individuals manage difficult emotions: One of the core skills taught in DBT is emotional regulation. By developing skills in mindfulness and distress tolerance, individuals can learn to reduce the intensity of negative emotions and cope with challenging situations more effectively. For individuals with PTSD, this can be especially helpful in managing symptoms such as anxiety, anger, and flashbacks. DBT focuses on building healthy coping skills: DBT provides individuals with a range of coping skills that can be used to manage symptoms of PTSD. These skills include techniques for grounding oneself in the present moment, managing distressing emotions, and improving interpersonal relationships. By developing these skills, individuals can learn to manage their symptoms and reduce the impact of PTSD on their daily lives. DBT emphasizes building healthy relationships: PTSD can often lead to feelings of isolation and detachment from others. DBT emphasizes the importance of building healthy relationships and improving interpersonal effectiveness. By improving communication skills and developing stronger relationships with others, individuals with PTSD can reduce feelings of isolation and improve their overall sense of well-being. DBT helps individuals set and achieve goals: By developing skills in goal-setting and problem-solving, individuals in DBT can work towards achieving their goals and aspirations. This can help improve their self-esteem and provide a sense of purpose, which can be especially helpful in combatting symptoms of PTSD. DBT provides ongoing support: Similar to the benefits of DBT for depression, DBT provides ongoing support for individuals with PTSD. This can be particularly helpful for those with chronic or recurring symptoms, as it provides a consistent source of guidance and accountability. The focus on building healthy coping skills can also help individuals prevent relapse and maintain long-term mental wellness. Is DBT right for you? If you are struggling with symptoms of PTSD and traditional talk therapy has not been effective, DBT may be a beneficial treatment option for you. It is important to work with a licensed therapist who has experience with DBT and understands the nuances of treating PTSD. With consistent effort and application of DBT skills, individuals can experience long-lasting benefits to their mental health. PTSD can be a debilitating condition, but DBT offers a promising treatment option for those seeking to manage their symptoms. By combining traditional talk therapy with skills training, DBT provides a comprehensive approach to treating PTSD that addresses the underlying issues contributing to symptoms. If you are struggling with PTSD, know that there is hope for healing and that DBT may be the key to unlocking a healthier, happier you.
Mike's Voice in his Cancer Treatment Nurses will frequently be put into situations where they are left to determine if they should respect the client's wishes when these wishes conflict with medically ordered care. "Ethical dilemmas occur when there are conflicting moral claims" (Burkhardt & Nathaniel, 2014, p. 527). Ethical dilemmas help shape nurses by requiring them to think critically about situations and determine the appropriate decision in order to create the best outcome for their patient. It requires them to have moral courage to stand up for what they believe is most safe and ethical in patient care (Murray, 2010). Not only do such dilemmas strengthen their professional thought processes but also reinforces all of their personal and professional values. Background Mike is a 15 year old boy who has been battling cancer for 8 years. He was in remission until he was 13 years old, but within the last two years, his disease relapsed. This relapse resulted in numerous rounds of chemotherapy that left him feeling weak and sick. After receiving a …show more content… It is to be able to voice an opinion without being aggressive (Potter, Perry, Stockert, & Hall, 2013, p.317). Growing up I was always taught to express the things I liked or agreed with and question the things I had difficulty understanding. I learned that in order to be assertive someone must have the courage to stand up for their beliefs. It is important for individuals to understand what they deserve and ask for an explanation if their feelings do not match the outcomes. An example from my childhood that tested my value of being assertive occurred in a dance class. When placed in the back row of a formation of a dance, I approached the teacher in a polite manner to question this action. Once I understood the rationale, I felt more comfortable with the situation. Over the years, I was introduced to many situations where my quality of being assertive was put to and Michael Q., I strongly believe that Nurse L. was not acting immorally or unprofessionally. I agree with Immanuel Kant's summarization, "All lies, including those told out of altruistic motives, are wrong." Michael's oncologist withheld crucial medical information and alternative treatment options. Had Michael not known about at all his options, his circumstances could have turned out extremely different. Unless Michael had the inability to make his own rational decisions or there was no one to assist him in making the decisions for him where he could not, there were no reasons for the oncologist to withhold information and make the final decision that treatment was the best option for Saving the patient is my job, my duty, and like any other person's job, I have a professional status to accomplish. Midterm Essay Exam Nurses experience moral distress in situations such as Amelia Wilkerson's. In cases similar to this, nurses are sometimes left feeling powerless to take action on the appropriate decision. Rathert, May, and Chung (2016) explain that ethical dilemmas and conflicts are unavoidable in healthcare today. The ethical dilemma for Amelia comes after responding to Katy Palmer's question. Imagine for a moment if you will. A woman in her 50's sitting in a recliner on a hot July day with the windows closed, blinds drawn with the heat on. She is dressed in layers, covered in blankets. She is freezing in July. She has her sister put a few ice chips in her mouth so they will melt slowly. As a result, I will focus on the machines on the patient, but also the patients on the machine. Conclusion Ethical decision-making begins with a nurse aspiring to become a nurse leader. A nurse leader cannot provide the best care for a patient without proper communication. Communication allows the patient, nurse, and other healthcare team members to work coherently for the best plan of care. BSN Program Outcome V This outcome was addressed in Nursing 3040: Women's Health Global Perspectives through emphasizing the need to appreciate diverse cultural practices and beliefs in promoting women's health. Several months ago, I was notified of a Sudanese woman who was threatening to leave against medical advice from the ED due to the fact that there was no female practitioner on duty to do a pelvic examination she needed to evaluate her lower abdominal pain. In understanding the Sudanese culture, after discussion in class, I was empathetic to her request for a female to complete this invasive procedure. In addition, respecting the clients ' wishes to talk and explore is the important aspect. As an ethical consideration, nurses must respect the wishes of those patients who refuse to talk (ONMC 2011). Sometimes nurses may not understand why client refused, but always they have a reason based on their belief and experience. Each patient requires respect as a unique human being (Henderson 2001). Nurses are faced with ethical dilemmas related to clinical issues, and disease and treatment decisions daily (Kangasniemi, Ethical dilemmas are a big part of healthcare, and specifically EMS. It is probable that you will encounter an ethical dilemma at some point in your career, and I think that you need to be equipped properly to deal with this inevitability. Most systems for solving ethical dilemmas follow the same model, roughly, and try and adhere to a policy of "most benefit, least harm", or, "no harm no foul". There is no problem with this, however, in a healthcare setting, we often must leave emotion, and sometimes patient preference out of the equation due to laws, protocols, and to protect ourselves, even more so today I think with the way our society is trending towards more and more litigious behavior. When you encounter an ethical dilemma, The four core ethical principles that are called into question in the movie "Miss Evers' Boys" are autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice. Autonomy refers to the right of the patient to function independently and the ability to self-direct. This means that patients are entitled to decide what will happen to them, and if deemed competent, they have the right to either consent to or refuse treatment. All nurses and healthcare personal would be required to respect the patient's wishes, even if they do not agree with them. Beneficence is the core principle that refers to the act of 'doing good' and advocating for the patient. This topic was chosen because medical ethics is a complex topic. It gets complicated when other peoples' wellbeing are on the line, based off your own decisions. Medical ethics involves much consideration because many choices in the medical field cannot be taken back, so the physician only has one shot to get it The practice of health care includes many scenarios that have to do with making adequate decisions when it comes to a patient's life, and the way they are treated. Having an ethical code in all health care organizations is very important, because it helps health care workers with reaching a suited and ethical decision when it comes to the patient. In health care, patient will always be put first, and their autonomy will always be respected. Nevertheless, when there is a situation where a patient might be in harm, or might be making their condition worse because of the decisions they made. Health care workers will always be there to "Ethics, Professional Ethics,and Health Care Ethics" The main topic of Chapter 1 "Ethics, Professional Ethics, and Health Care Ethics" is health care ethics and how it applies to the health care fields and the ethical decisions made by patients. The chapter begins by giving us an insight in ethics as a branch of philosophy. Philosophy discusses the capabilities of the human mind relating to the nature of reason and reality. Ethics determines if human actions may be considered right or wrong. The chapter states that ethics does attack religion but rather, "ethics and religion consider the same problems and share important insights". Ethical decision-making ensures that patient care is guided by principles of beneficence, non-maleficence, Assertiveness is a balance between passive and aggressive. It involves listening to people, clearly stating your needs, having good emotional
Home V2G Regulation and Policies V2G Pilot Projects and Trials Renewable Energy in V2G V2G and Electric Vehicle Market Category : \| Sub Category : Posted on 2023-10-30 21:24:53 Introduction: The ongoing transition towards sustainable energy sources has paved the way for groundbreaking innovations in the automotive and energy sectors. One of these innovations is ontology vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, a revolutionary concept that allows electric vehicles (EVs) to become an integral part of the energy grid. In this blog post, we will explore the potential of ontology V2G technology, its benefits, and the future it holds for a greener and more sustainable world. 1. Understanding Ontology V2G Technology: Ontology V2G technology combines the principles of ontology, a philosophical branch dealing with the nature of existence, with the concept of V2G systems. It aims to establish a standardized framework for the communication and interoperability between EVs, charging infrastructure, and the power grid. This technology enables bi-directional energy flow, allowing EVs to both consume and supply electricity to the grid. 2. Benefits of Ontology V2G Technology: 2.1 Grid Stabilization: By leveraging the energy stored in EV batteries during peak demand periods, ontology V2G technology helps stabilize the power grid. It effectively reduces strain on power plants, prevents blackouts, and enhances the overall reliability of the electricity network. 2.2 Renewable Energy Integration: Combining V2G technology with renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, maximizes the utilization of clean energy. EVs can act as mobile energy storage units, absorbing excess energy during periods of high production and injecting it back into the grid when needed. 2.3 Cost Savings: V2G technology allows EV owners to monetize their vehicles' battery capacities. By participating in energy markets or providing ancillary services to the grid, EV owners can earn rewards and potentially offset their charging costs. This financial incentive encourages EV adoption and promotes a more sustainable transportation sector. 2.4 Environmental Impact: The integration of EVs and V2G systems reduces the dependence on fossil fuels, leading to decreased greenhouse gas emissions. By enabling widespread adoption of electric mobility, ontology V2G technology plays a pivotal role in mitigating climate change and improving air quality. 3. Challenges and Future Outlook: While ontology V2G technology holds immense potential, there are a few challenges that need to be addressed. These include standardization issues, grid infrastructure compatibility, and ensuring the privacy and security of EV owners' information. However, ongoing research and development efforts are continuously improving the technology's implementation and addressing these concerns. Looking ahead, the future of ontology V2G technology seems promising. As the EV market continues to grow and EV battery technology advances, the scalability of V2G solutions will increase. Governments and stakeholders worldwide are recognizing the importance of V2G systems, leading to policy and regulatory support for their implementation. Furthermore, the integration of smart grid technologies and advanced analytics will enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of ontology V2G systems, making them an integral part of the energy landscape. Conclusion: Ontology V2G technology represents a transformative approach to managing energy resources and revolutionizing the way we utilize electric vehicles. By enabling bidirectional energy flow between EVs and the grid, it offers numerous benefits such as grid stabilization, renewable energy integration, cost savings, and environmental sustainability. Though challenges persist, the ongoing advancements and support from various stakeholders are paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future powered by ontology V2G technology. For more info http://www.coreontology.com
Vitamin D Sources for Vegans and Vegetarians Vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin, is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for optimal health. Learn the list of Vitamin D Sources for Vegans and Vegetarians. Vitamin D is one of the most essential nutrients that our body required to perform various important operations like bone health, as well as in immune, nerve, brain development, heart function, and muscle function. Along with this, it also plays an important role in protecting our body against cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and depression. Vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin, is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for optimal health. It is the only type of vitamin that is developed by our own human body with the help of sun rays. Our human bodies can actually make and absorb vitamin D from sun exposure. Nearly 5 – 30 minutes of sun exposure between 10 am and 3 pm twice a week to the face, arms, legs, or back without sunscreen is usually enough to help boost vitamin D intake. This process varies widely depending on the season, time of day, cloud cover, skin color, and sunscreen use, so eating food sources of vitamin D is also important. Here are some of the best vegan sources of vitamin D. If you aren't able to get outdoors in the middle of the day or if you're concerned that you're not getting enough vitamin D, include these foods in your diet: Vegan Vitamin D Food Sources \| Maitake mushrooms \| 1 cup, diced \| 786 \| Portobello mushrooms \| 1 cup, sliced \| 634 \| Soy milk, original, fortified with vitamin D \| 1 cup \| 120* \| Almond milk, original, fortified with vitamin D \| 1 cup \| 100* \| Chanterelle mushrooms, raw** \| 1 cup \| 114 \| Orange juice, fortified with \| 1 cup \| 100* \| Soy yogurt, fortified with vitamin D \| 150 grams \| 80* \| Ready-to-eat cereal, fortified with vitamin D \| ¾ – 1 cup \| 40* \| Vegetarian Vitamin D Food Sources \| Food \| Serving \| Vitamin D (IU) \| Milk, low-fat, fortified with vitamin D \| 1 cup \| 127 \| Yogurt, fortified with vitamin D \| 6 ounces \| 80 \| Egg \| 1 whole, medium \| 41 \| Cheese, Swiss \| 1 ounce \| 6 \| Vitamin D is important for health. Some of its roles in the body include Trusted Source: - helping with the absorption of calcium - maintaining healthy bones - regulating genes and cell growth - preventing rickets and osteoporosis - modulating the immune system Low vitamin D levels are widespread worldwide. Getting enough vitamin D may also play a role in helping to keep you healthy by protecting against the following conditions and possibly helping to treat them. These conditions can include: - Heart disease and high blood pressure. - Diabetes. - Infections and immune system disorders. - Falls in older people. - Some types of cancer, such as colon, prostate, and breast cancers. - Multiple sclerosis. What are the sources of vitamin D? You can get vitamin D in a variety of ways. These can include: - Being exposed to the sun. About 15-20 minutes three days per week is usually sufficient. - Through the foods, you eat. - Through nutritional supplements.
A History of the Ministry of Information, 1939-46 What are women's views on those who appear to be "getting away with it", and do they feel there is much of this? In particular, is there any grievance against wives of service men, civil servants or local government employees, or any feeling that the "idle rich" are getting off with voluntary or soft options? Question asked: Do you know if there are any loopholes in the regulations by which some women avoid National Service? One fifth of the women think that possibilities exist of avoiding National Service. This belief is more prevalent among the A and B class than the C and D class. A very slight age difference exists, the older women believing more often that loopholes exist, though the difference is statistically not significant. Up to 30 \| 31-36 \| 37-50 \| \|\|\|\| No. \| % \| No. \| % \| No. \| % \| \| Yes \| 189 \| 19 \| 119 \| 20 \| 256 \| 22 \| No and Don't know \| 799 \| 81 \| 464 \| 80 \| 885 \| 78 \| Sample \| 988 \| 100 \| 583 \| 100 \| 1141 \| 100 \| No differences were found between women with and without children under 14 nor between those working and not working. Regional differences are only very slight; Wales being the area with the smallest number of women believing in the existence of loopholes, and the Midlands that with the largest number. Scotland \| North \| Midlands \| Wales \| S.E. and London \| \| % \| % \| % \| % \| % \| \| Yes \| 76 \| 71 \| 65 \| 76 \| 75 \| No \| 19 \| 21 \| 28 \| 14 \| 19 \| Don't know \| 5 \| 8 \| 7 \| 10 \| 6 \| Sample \| 589 \| 648 \| 517 \| 213 \| 733 \| The breakdowns by class, age, children under 14, working or not working, indicated no marked tendency to blame one or another special group for avoiding National Service. A qualitative analysis of 500 forms on "who blames whom" showed a marked tendency in all groups (defined either by age, status, working or not working, or class) to blame members of another group; together with a certain solidarity and reluctance to accuse members of the same group. Married women blame women in reserved occupations; elderly married women blame young girls who marry or have babies. Girls in jobs blame girls who stay at home. An elderly wife of a warehouseman blames "officers' wives", and a plate washer those who are "too lazy to work". The result of the analysis in detail are as follows:- Of eleven married housewives over 36, eight accused young girls of marrying or having babies in order to avoid National Service. Typical comments were: "By having children and rushing to get married - and vice versa," "Many young women - officers' wives - seem as if they have married just to avoid their duty". (Wife of warehouseman, aged 49) Single women over 36 in jobs did not confine their accusations to young married women; out of twelve, six mentioned young married women as offenders, two mentioned young single women in jobs, and three accused young single women without jobs. Typical remarks were:- "Young girls getting clerical work over the heads of qualified people" (34, single, unemployed) "Some do not register, some get married". (42, C, Clerk) "Some people make more of their home ties than they need necessarily" (Nurse, C, 44) Out of 18 married women under 36, not in jobs, who answered "Yes" to the question about loopholes, only five accused married women of attempted evasion. Nine accused women in jobs of this intention:- "People are having their first baby after years of married life since this call-up. People call it the Black Market in babies" (33, C - mother of 2 children) "Move from one job to another frequently - or say they are in an important job, then leave it shortly afterwards" (27, A) "Looking after so-called invalids, who can look after themselves" (20, C) "Too many young girls in shops still" (24, C) "Marry into Services - tell lies". Out of seventeen single women under 36 in jobs, seven blamed single women not working, five blamed married women. Remarks were:- "Some married women with no children seem to get out of it" (25, domestic servant) "I know one girl who was going to get married to avoid going into the A.T.S." "A lot who's too lazy to work" (32, platewasher, D) "Getting their doctors to say they are delicate" (Clerk, 29, C) "Pretending that one is obliged to look after a parent who is perfectly capable of looking after himself" (22, clerk)
Introduction to fluorescence imaging Fluorescence is a phenomenon where substance that has absorbed certain wavelength of light emits it back at another wavelength. These substances are called fluorophores or fluorescent dyes. The emitted light has a longer wavelength than the absorbed one since some energy of the photon is lost in the process. The difference in wavelengths between absorbed and emitted light, called Stokes shift, allows very low background for fluorescence detection by separating it from the excitation light. The process of fluorescence generation is illustrated by the Jablonski diagram on the right. Fluorescence is generated in a cyclic process, meaning that single fluorophore can be repeatedly excited to generate fluorescence until irreversible damage called photobleaching at some point occurs. This makes fluorescence detection a very sensitive detection method, 1000 times more sensitive than UV-VIS absorbance. It is also possible to monitor multiple targets or processes simultaneously by using several fluorescent probes each with unique optical characteristics. Fluorescence detection is heavily utilized method in biosciences for applications like next-generation sequencing, fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, and in vitro plate readers. It has also important role in clinical use, such as in endoscopy, theranostics, fluorescence-guided surgery and ophthalmology. Several fluorescent agents have been approved for fluorescence based diagnosis & intraoperative imaging: Dye generic name \| Countries \| Excitation \| Detection \| Indications \| \|\| Indocyanine Green (ICG) \| Worldwide \| 800 nm \| Near-infrared (820 nm) \| Multiple uses: lymphatic mapping, tissue perfusion, visualization of biliary ducts and blood veins, retinal angiography \| Fluorescein \| Worldwide \| 490 nm \| Green fluorescence (525 nm) \| Fluorescein angiography or angioscopy (ophthalmology) \| \|\| Methylene Blue \| Worldwide \| 665 nm \| 688 nm \| Endoscopic polypectomy, chromoendoscopy, lymphatic drainage \| \|\| 5-ALA Hydrochloride (converted to Pp-IX) \| Worldwide \| 400 – 410 nm \| Red fluorescence (620 – 710 nm) \| Intraoperative visualization of high-grade gliomas, non-muscle invasive bladder cancer cystoscopy (Japan) \| \|\| Hexaminolevulinate (HAL) \| Worldwide \| 360 – 450 nm \| Red fluorescence (635 nm) \| Blue light fluorescence cystoscopy for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer \| Endoscopy is widely used minimally invasive technique to diagnose and treat diseases. Endoscope is a thin and flexible tube that has a small camera typically at the tip of the scope that is guided through the body's opening such as mouth or rectum to the target site. Common endoscopy types include colonoscopy (large intestine), cystoscopy (bladder), bronchoscopy (lungs), and gastroscopy (stomach). Endoscopy is particularly important tool in oncology to detect and remove tumors or premalignant lesions that have potential to become tumorous. Fluorescence detection in endoscopy Endoscopic imaging is typically performed using normal white light. However, certain tumors can be difficult to detect under white light since all structures are illuminated without specificity to malignant lesions. Fluorescence endoscopy is for this reason increasingly used in cancer diagnostics and surveillance to improve detection of cancerous and precancerous lesions. Special fluorescent dyes are normally administered to patient and preferentially accumulate into malignant lesions and this way increase contrast between malignant and heathy tissues when excited when specific wavelength of light. Most common fluorescence endoscopy use cases include: - Blue light cystoscopy with 5-ALA (bladder cancer) - NIR endoscopy with ICG (indocyanine green) - Autofluorescence endoscopy (bronchi and GI tract) Fluorescence-guided surgery Fluorescence-guided surgery is used in addition to standard white light surgery to improve intraoperative visualization of tumor margins and overall tumor visualization to achieve more complete tumor removal. Improved sensitivity of tumor resection generally correlates with longer patient survival. One important indication for fluorescence-guided surgery is glioblastoma. For this use, patients receive 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) which is converted into protoporphyrin-IX (PpIX) selectively in tumor cells to visualize them in red color by surgical microscope's blue light. Several targeted fluorescence agents for many cancer types are currently being studied in clinical trials (see below table). Dye \| Main indications \| Fluorophore \| Target \| Targeting molety \| Excitation (nm) \| Manufacturer \| EMI-137 \| Colon, breast, esophagus \| Cy5-modified \| c-MET \| peptide \| 650 \| Edinburgh Molecular Imaging (UK) \| LUM-015 \| Colon, breast, brain \| Cy5 \| cathepsin (tumor microenvironment) \| protease-activated fluorophore \| 650 \| Lumicell Inc (USA) \| SGM-101 \| Colon, pancreas, brain \| BM104 \| carcino-embryonic antigen \| monoclonal antibody \| 700 \| SurgiMab (France) \| AVB-620 \| Breast \| Cy5 & Cy7 \| matrix metalloproteinases \| activatable peptide \| 750 \| Avelas Biosciences (USA) \| OTL-38 \| Ovarian, lung \| ICG-type \| folate receptor \| folate (vitamin) \| 775 \| On Target Laboratories LLC (USA) \| Modulight's solutions for fluorescence imaging Fluorescence endoscopy Modulight's ML7710 next-generation light source for endoscopy delivers both white light and separate fluorescence wavelengths as customized for each use case, providing compact design for all light sources in one package. ML7710 can also include optional spectral fluorescence detection within the same unit. This is especially useful functionality in the development of novel dyes that are not yet supported by the optics of the commercial instruments to detect fluorescence. The system has been designed in close collaboration with end users, ensuring optimal clinical usability. White light is produced with 3 individually controllable laser channels (RGB) that enable adjusting the white light balance according to the needs of the application and the used illumination mode. Additional lasers are specific to absorption spectra of the used fluorescent dyes. The example configuration below shows the 488 nm laser used for fluorescein together with the RGB channels. The system supports all clinically used fluorescent dyes like ICG (NIR endoscopy), 5-ALA (blue light cystoscopy), and many of the novel dyes under clinical investigation. Several laser lines can also be turned on simultaneously to support additional imaging modes like narrow-band imaging and autofluorescence endoscopy. Modulight's light source provides optimal beam profile for endoscopy. Speckle can be removed by a simple switch when very uniform illumination profile is needed. Before speckle removal (Cs=16.09%) After speckle removal (Cs=4.6%) Modulight lasers match ideally the absorption peak of the dye, and as a result induce very strong fluorescence emission compared to gold standard Xenon lamps that can only target the lower part of the absorption peak. In contrast to Xenon lamps, lasers don't require any filtering and all produced light can be used for efficient fluorescence excitation. This is especially useful for situations where fluorescence is faint, such as for autofluorescence endoscopy to create as bright image as possible without any additional heat production. Narrow laser wavelengths can also be more optimal than LEDs and Xenon lamps for image recognition algorithms that are being increasingly used in endoscopy as an assistance tool for the clinician. Fluorescence-based treatment monitoring Modulight's ML7710 can also be used for monitoring light-based treatments with the help of monitoring changes in the fluorescence emission of the drug. For example drugs used in photodynamic therapy (PDT) typically have intrinsic fluorescence properties when excited with specific wavelength of light. Inducing fluorescence and monitoring photobleaching of the drug can help to verify that the drug is localized in the tissue and adjusting the light delivery time to be optimal for each individual patient, in accordance with the approach of personalized medicine. ML7710 is being studied for this purpose in a clinical trial, while the same approach can be suitable for other cancers as well, such as bladder, colorectal, and prostate cancer. ML7710 is also being preclinically studied as a tool for future theranostic nanomedicine where a generic diagnosis, imaging, and treatment technology is being developed. Light-activated combination therapies can have multiple therapeutic and fluorescent components incorporated, which allow drug's activation and monitoring with the same ML7710 system. Another possibility with the ML7710 is optical biopsies for cancer detection either utilizing the differences in autofluorescence between healthy and malignant tissues, or with the help of fluorescent dyes. Fluorescence spectra of PpIX recorded with ML7710 at baseline (0 min) and 30 minutes after start of the illumination, indicating complete photobleaching and supporting to end the illumination. The spectra are recorded in real-time into Modulight Cloud for analytics. Related Modulight products and Services Contact Us Do you have questions or comments related to this application note? Maybe you would like to request literature? Or would you like us to feature your research? Please drop us a line!
[Notices and Restrictions \| Interview Transcript \| List of Subjects Discussed] Notice Numbers appearing in square brackets (ex. [45]) within the transcript indicate the pagination in the original, hardcopy version of the oral history interview. See also the John H. Ohly Papers finding aid. RESTRICTIONS Opened June, 1984 [Top of the Page \| Notices and Restrictions \| Interview Transcript \| List of Subjects Discussed] Oral History Interview with November 30, 1971 by Richard D. McKinzie and Theodore A. Wilson WILSON: To begin, would you describe for us what kind of range of activities you dealt with during the period you were serving under Secretary of War [Robert P.] Patterson? You said that you didn't consider this to be one of your most important periods of responsibility, but did you deal for example with occupation policy? OHLY: No, I did not. Occupation matters were handled almost entirely by Howard Petersen, who had succeeded John McCloy as Assistant Secretary of War. Although I sometimes sat in on meetings between Patterson and Petersen on occupation issues, my presence on these occasions was just coincidental. WILSON: We ask that, in part, because the records we have, which is pretty full, indicate that there was a continuing debate about turning over responsibilities for the German occupation to the State Department. And with the State Department backing off, it became critical. The reasons given are fairly clear on the State Department's side. They didn't feel they had the personnel, they didn't want to become involved in operations and that kind of program. But the reasons for the apparent eagerness of the Army to get rid of this responsibility are not so clear to us. The Army was dug in in Germany about '46, and it was having things pretty much its own way, and certainly a lot of people liked this, what was going on there. Can you explain that, just as a person who was in the office watching it? OHLY: I don't think that I was close enough to problems of occupation at that time to justify my expression of any opinion on the matter raised by your question. Later, when I was associated with Secretary of Defense James Forrestal, I was somewhat more involved with such problems. Initially, Forrestal followed the general practice of letting Kenneth C. Royall, William H. Draper, Jr., and Tracy S. Voohrees, respectively Secretary, Under Secretary, and Assistant Secretary of War, deal with all occupation matters and handle relations with the State Department on such matters, treating the Department of the Army as, in effect, his executive agent for such matters. Usually, at least during the first few months of the new military establishment, the Army continued to carry out activities in this area as it had before, namely through the mechanism of an interdepartmental committee -- the State-Army-Navy-Air Force Coordinating Committee (SANACC). Some six months later, when the Russians blockaded Berlin, creating a grave international crisis and raising the specter of active military hostilities, Forrestal himself did become deeply involved in certain occupation matters. Moreover, under the vastly different, new circumstances created by the institution of the blockade, and for at least a year thereafter, it was obvious that the Army would have to continue to remain in charge of occupation operations. However, I should perhaps add two other possibly relevant points. First, harking back to your puzzlement over why the Army might have been eager to get out of the occupation business in Germany, I should remind you that with the pressures that the services were under to demobilize -- popular pressures as well as the pressures of severe Truman-imposed budget restraints -- the diversion of manpower and resources required by its occupation duties made it impossible for the Army to perform its primary role, namely, that of maintaining combat forces capable of carrying out its responsibilities for the defense of the nation. Second, although I have stressed the fact, that Forrestal looked to the Army to perform the occupation duties assigned to Defense, Royall and his assistants continually consulted him on basic occupation issues and he himself kept generally familiar with the main course of developments. MCKINZIE: I take it then that it was at the urging of Secretary Patterson that you went to the White House on special loan to serve as Executive Secretary of the President's Advisory Commission on Universal Training, the so-called Compton Commission (named after its chairman, Karl T. Compton)? OHLY: That is correct although the proposal for this loan originated in the White House and not with Patterson who, in the first instance, opposed it. I am under the impression that the White House request for the loan resulted from a suggestion to someone on the White House staff by Judge Samuel I. Rosenman who had been appointed a member of the commission and who earlier, when he had been counsel to President Truman, had asked me to go to the White House as his assistant. While Patterson argued against the loan--presumably because he had no immediate replacement in mind--he nonetheless immediately agreed to release me and urged me to take on this temporary White House assignment. MCKINZIE: Without going into the details of the universal military training controversy we'd like to talk a little bit about the White House in 1947-1949, and the way things worked. There are Presidential styles, and there are ways that people make decisions. It sometimes comes of someone writing memorandum in full, spelling out the problem in considerable detail, as you've indicated that you did on a couple occasions. [General Dwight D.] Eisenhower, I think, used particular people for particular problems, and Truman never did. Did you feel that the White House had its hands on all of the problems in 1947 when you went over there? In short there was considerable flailing around within the Truman staff when he first took over. Some of the critics now argue that they never did quite get their hands all over it, that his system wasn't very good. Can you just generally comment about the White House and the way he made decisions? OHLY: Yes, I can, but not on the basis of my experience or observations during the period when I was executive secretary of this commission. The commission was set up as an independent entity to perform a defined task -- to study, and then to make recommendations concerning, the desirability of establishing a universal training program in the United States. The President himself addressed the first meeting of the commission and told its members the task he wanted them to perform, and he assigned Major General Harry H. Vaughan of his staff to make sure that all of our administrative needs were taken care of. That was the last time that we saw the President, General Vaughan, or any other member of the White House staff until the commission presented its report to the President five months later. The original plan had been to establish the offices of the commission in the White House itself but I arranged to set up these offices in a nearby building both to secure more adequate space and to establish the independence of the commission. The commission had no contact with the White House during the period of its deliberations and no effort was made by anyone on the White House staff to influence the conclusions of the commission. Representatives of the War and Navy Departments did of course, and quite legitimately and openly, endeavor through their testimony and their submissions to convince the commission's members of the desirability of initiating a universal training program. However, based upon my experiences during later periods -- when I was Deputy Director, and later Acting Director, of the Mutual Defense Assistance Program and, again, when I was Deputy to the Director for Mutual Security for Plans and Programs (a title that changed from time to time), and, at times, Acting Director for Mutual Security, and worked very closely with White House and Budget Bureau personnel, in the drafting of Presidential messages relating to foreign aid, in the preparation of executive orders, in obtaining Presidential findings required under foreign aid laws, and in presenting, and obtaining final decisions on, foreign aid budgets and legislation -- I do have some impressions on how the Truman White House operated, at least in the defense and foreign policy areas. While I never worked directly with the president himself, I did work extensively with Sidney Souers, Clark Clifford, Dave Bell, other members of the White House staff, and the Director of the Budget Bureau, and I had the impression that they constituted a small, cohesive group of extremely competent people who worked very well with one another as a team and a feeling of extraordinary confidence in their ability and judgment. I had a sense that there was no layering whatsoever and I was able to get quick White House decisions whenever I needed them. If I asked Dave Bell or Clark Clifford for Presidential action on some matter, he would say, "Okay, I'11 talk to Truman about it and get you an answer," and invariably he did, and promptly. Similarly, in the case of major budgetary matters, Harriman or I could obtain prompt presidential action through the Budget Director. I did not have the impression of a great separate deliberative process taking place within the White House on the substantive issues that we presented, but I had a feeling that the White House personnel were doing a very effective staff job for the President in the areas in which I was concerned and were highly sensitive to, and on top of, the political problems involved in the handling of issues in these areas. This, of course, is the impression of the outsider who was on the receiving end of White House decisions and who never participated directly in deliberations or other activities in the White House itself. WILSON: I think [Patrick] Anderson in his recent book, The Presidents' Men, claimed that after Clifford left that there was a less strong, less effective White House staff. He said Clifford had made a great difference. OHLY: Well, all I can say is "no comment." At this stage -- 20 years later -- I am unable to distinguish between the character of the performance of the White House staff during Clifford's tenure and its performance after he had left. However, I have no impression that its character changed. WILSON: When you went over to be one of the statutory special assistants for the new creation of the Secretary of Defense, that was a very different kind of operation than we think of when we think of the Department of Defense today. It was designed to be, as you say, a small operation. How much of that was due to Forrestal's own view? Was it entirely his creation, this position that the Secretary of Defense was not to be involved directly in operations of the Navy Department? OHLY: It reflected his own view of the role that a Secretary of Defense should play and of the character of the organization that he would require in order to perform this role; it also reflected the views of Navy personnel. At the time, I didn't personally believe that it would be possible for him to step in and to manage and direct the activities of the military establishment to the extent that I thought would be necessary with the small staff that he contemplated and the relatively limited statutory powers that he was given in the National Security Act of 1947. His experience in the following eighteen months led him to the same conclusion and, in fact, within three or four months after he took office, he was leaning strongly toward such a conclusion. Six months before he left office he had approved the drafting of amendments to the original legislation that would authorize the appointment of a Deputy Secretary of Defense and three Assistant Secretaries of Defense, create the post of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and significantly increase the powers of the Secretary of Defense, and these amendments, only slightly modified, we \|
The Latest Terry Bradshaw Marital Status Statistics Explained Terry Bradshaw has been married four times. The statistic "Terry Bradshaw has been married four times" indicates that the former NFL quarterback and television personality has gone through four different marriages in his lifetime. This information highlights Bradshaw's history of multiple marriages, which can be seen as relatively rare or less common compared to the general population where most individuals tend to have one or two marriages. The statistic does not provide further context or implications surrounding Bradshaw's marital history, but it may spark curiosity or commentary on the topic of celebrity relationships and personal life choices. Bradshaw was first married in 1972 to Melissa Babish. The statement "Bradshaw was first married in 1972 to Melissa Babish" is a descriptive statistic that provides information about the chronological order of Terry Bradshaw's marriages. 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This information indicates that Terry Bradshaw has two daughters named Rachel and Erin, and they are from his third marriage. This statistic provides insight into the personal life and relationships of Terry Bradshaw, highlighting his role as a father and the family dynamics resulting from multiple marriages. Terry married his fourth wife, Tammy Bradshaw, in July 2014 after a 15-year-long relationship. The statistic provided states that Terry Bradshaw, a well-known public figure, married his fourth wife, Tammy Bradshaw, in July 2014 after being in a 15-year-long relationship. This information implies that Terry had previous marriages and divorces before marrying Tammy. The length of their relationship prior to marriage suggests a significant commitment and bond between the couple before making the decision to tie the knot. This statistic may signify both personal aspects of Terry Bradshaw's life as well as broader societal trends related to marriage and relationships, such as the growing acceptance of longer courtships before marriage. 0. – https://www.www.sportscasting.com
8 Digit VIN Decoder: Easily Decode Any Eight Digit VIN Number The process of decoding or looking up an 8-digit VIN can be tricky, especially for many old vehicles from 1910 – 1975. With our versatile VIN decoder, you can easily uncover your beloved classic car's accurate details and history. Access essential vehicle details like the specifications, and past records. How Our 8-Digit VIN Decoder Works Pre 1981 Cars with 8-Digit VINs: Did You Know? - Any vehicle produced before 1981 can be referred to as classic cars and due to the lack of VIN standardization, these vehicles can have a VIN anywhere between 5 and 13 digits, depending on the manufacturer. - The majority of the vehicles manufactured prior to the mid 1980s had five digits odometers. Once they reached 100,000 miles, the odometer would roll back to zero (this has nothing to do with odometer fraud). In modern cars with 17 digit VINs, odometers usually have six digits. - The "exempt" term used when reading classic car odometers refers to those units being exempt from displaying the vehicle's actual mileage since a car with 130,000 miles would only display 30,000 on the odometer. - Carfax, AutoCheck and other vehicle history report providers may be doing fantastically well when dealing with 17 digit VIN numbers. However, running a NMVTIS or Carfax report on pre 1981 or classic cars with 8 digit VIN or less is like squeezing water from a stone. It's practically impossible. - Classic Decoder is the first in the industry to provide accurate and rich data on classic cars. With this, classic car enthusiasts, restorers, buyers and dealers can now have a sigh of fresh breath when searching for classic car VIN decoding or vehicle history services. Importance of the VIN in Vehicle Identification Sample Report: An 8-Digit VIN Number Here is a detailed report breakdown for a Classic History Reports 1970 Cadillac De Ville (VIN: F0269506). The major events and records include the following: - Accident Records - Theft Records - Loan and Lien Information - Auction/salvage information, etc. Before you part ways with your hard earned cash, get valuable classic car history report. ClassicDecoder History Reports show you the vehicle brand title information, any accident records, if it is stolen, and many more. Unlock the past records before you buy with our VIN check tool. What Information Can Be Obtained Using a Classic VIN Number Decoder? - Revealing the Vehicle's Model Year: Decoding the VIN can reveal the vehicle's model year, allowing you to determine its age and production timeline. This information is crucial for assessing the vehicle's value and understanding its historical context. - Determining the Country of Origin: The VIN decoder can unveil the VIN number country code of origin for the vehicle, shedding light on where it was manufactured. This can be important for assessing the vehicle's import history and understanding its production standards. - Identifying the Vehicle Type and Body Style: Through VIN decoding, you can identify the vehicle type, such as sedan, truck, or SUV, along with its specific body style. This information helps in understanding the vehicle's design and intended use. Why Use a 8 Digit VIN Decoder? 1. Unlocking the Vehicle History: By using a paid VIN decoder or classic VIN search tool, you can access vehicle history reports that provide insights into the vehicle's past, including title information, accidents, and ownership history. This helps in evaluating the vehicle's overall condition and reliability. The information made available include: View past transactions, including change of ownership, accidents, mileage and repairs. Be informed, trade knowledgeably. Find out if the car has been previously listed for sale at auction, access 10+ photos of the car. Aids confident purchase. Verify title brand (salvage, rebuilt, lemon etc), ownership, liens, and legal status. Prevent fraud, and ensure a clean title. Find out about any past collision, including dates, locations, and damage. Ensure overall safety down the road. Access car mileage over time. Helpful in assessing wear and tear, estimating value, and detecting odometer fraud. Verify if a vehicle was stolen, any possibly recovery or not. Avoid being punished by the law or the stigma of being labeled a thief. Verify any outstanding payments that are yet to be fully paid. Avoid being a victim of car repossession. Effortlessly check any 8-digit VIN, unlock the history and more. 2. Verifying the Accuracy of the VIN on Used Cars When purchasing a used classic car, it's essential to verify the accuracy of the VIN to ensure that the vehicle's details and history match the provided documentation. Our VIN decoder can help in confirming the authenticity of the VIN and preventing potential fraud or misrepresentation. 3. Verifying the VIN for Recalls and Safety Issues VIN decoding allows you to check for any recalls or safety issues associated with a particular vehicle. By accessing information through a VIN decoder, you can stay informed about any relevant manufacturer recalls and take appropriate action to address potential safety concerns. Locating the VIN on Your Vehicle While location may vary by make, you can find the VIN in the following places: How to Read a VIN Number Year With 8 Digit VIN Due to the relatively short VIN length, the information provided by an 8 digit VIN decoder is usually little. Here we will breakdown a VIN: 508L1001 (1950 Oldsmobile 88) for what each digit represents: First Digit (5) represents the Assembly plant Second Digit (0) codes for the engine details Third Digit (8) represents the model year The Fourth to Eight Digits (L1001) represent the production number ClassicDecoder: Accurate Classic VIN Decoder From the few online platforms that offer VIN decoding services for classic VINs, the classic car VIN Decoder provided by ClassicDecoder stands out considering: - Accuracy of data - Service affordability - Speed of report generation - User-friendly Interface - Easy-to-Use Mobile app Utilizing the ClassicDecoder classic VIN decoder provides car buyers, sellers, and enthusiasts with access to valuable information that can aid in making informed decisions about vehicle purchases, ownership, and titles. This offers transparency and empower individuals to understand the background of a particular classic vehicle's history and specifications. Get Informed Faster With Classic Car VIN Decoder App Speed up your decision-making with confidence Get instant access to accurate vehicle information at your fingertips. Easily verify vehicle specifications and details for free, uncover vehicle history and get classic window stickers on the go without breaking the bank. Build Sheets for Classic Car Restoration If you're planning a classic car restoration project or simply want to know the accurate historical details of any classic car, getting the build sheet by VIN is your key to precision. This helps ensure that your restoration work aligns with the original specifications of the car, thus preserving the value. Frequently Asked Questions What is a vehicle identification number (VIN)? A vehicle identification number (VIN) is a unique code assigned to every motor vehicle when it is manufactured. After the VIN standardization in 1981, It is composed of 17 characters (letters and numbers) that provide specific information about the vehicle. What are the three sections of a standard 17 digit VIN number? - The first three characters of the VIN code represent the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI), which identifies the vehicle's manufacturer and the country where the vehicle was built. - The fourth to the eighth characters of the VIN form the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS), which provides details about the vehicle's model, engine, and transmission. - The last nine characters of the VIN make up the Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS), which contains the unique serial number of the vehicle. This section also includes the check digit, which is used to verify the accuracy of the VIN. How can I decode a 8 digit VIN number? You can easily decode a VIN number using a VIN decoder tool available online for free. The tool provides detailed information by inputting the 8-digit VIN number decoding chart, helping you understand the vehicle's background. What information does the NHTSA's VIN decoder provide? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides a 17-digit VIN decoder that offers important details about a specific vehicle, including its make, model, year of production, and other pertinent data related to safety and compliance standards. Can I decode the VIN for specific vehicle makes such as Ford, Chevy, VW, Buick, Mercedes, and others? Yes, you can use our VIN decoder to retrieve information about a particular vehicle's VIN, regardless of the make or model. Whether it's Ford, Chevy, VW, Buick, Mercedes, or any other brand, a VIN lookup can provide detailed insights into the vehicle's history and specifications.
Meditation has actually been employed since the very first instances, when individuals made an effort to fully understand a little more about them selves as well as how they are able to transformation their existence for that far better. The phrase meditating emanates from the Greek words' meaning and process "to meditate." The word Zen usually means "by using a crystal clear head" in reference to mind-calming exercise. Other connotations of meditation consist of getting in touch with fact, wiping out frustration, concentrating, and eradicating the mind. There are many forms of mind-calming exercise which includes Buddhist meditation, Christian reflection, Tibetan mind-calming exercise, as well as other divine forms. If you liked this article and you would like to collect more info about mouse click the following article generously visit our internet site. As there is proof of mind-calming exercise owning advantages, some specialists report that meditation does not job. Some state it really is purely an endeavor to stop our bodies in lieu of focus or learn more about oneself. Nevertheless, there are a number of reports done to test out the consequences of reflection on a variety of locations as well as performance, psychological expertise, ability to remember, IQ and studying, in addition to the opportunity to use the planning procedure. The following are your five of the very most significant important things about mind-calming exercise: Pain Mediation: reflection could quite possibly support reduce some kinds of ache. One review revealed that chronic soreness was lowered by 50Percent in patients who meditated. This research appeared specially for a discomfort condition named back discomfort. Pain Reduction: meditation is usually applied being a treatment for various disorders. An example may be the Transcendental Meditation training, that requires respiratory procedures and the practice of motto mind-calming exercise. Through motto deep breathing, one can transcend your body and access a state of awareness. Mantra deep breathing was found to generally be successful in cutting ache in those with back problems. Other suffering conditions like cancer, migraines, and phantom limb pain can also benefit from transcendental meditating. Improved Focus and Attention: the act of concentrating on your interest and being present even though this will benefit each your mind and body. Analysis signifies that engaging in meditating for only 30 mins can easily make a incredible significant difference as part of your cognitive and emotive express. There are a variety of unique variations of reflection, but all need to have that you simply focus your recognition without the need of allowing opinions move. You will be able to regulate your recognition, making it simpler to concentrate and minimize stress and strain. Hypertension Levels Mediation, as you become more good at meditating: there is a developing system of data that meditating has an impact on high blood pressure. A particular evaluation concluded that there were a reduction in the frequency of blood pressure in people that routinely utilized transcendental deep breathing. Moreover, there had been a communicate craze with hypertension in individuals who did not often meditate. As the positive results are still uncertain, this assessment supplies more facts that mind-calming exercise can decrease hypertension. Greater Concentration and Attention spans: an additional investigation found out that people who meditated routinely got a greater ability to focus as well as to sustain awareness span than those inside a handle team (even though the outcome do deviate among communities). This particular examine compared those that have awareness deficit ailment (ADD) with those with no. The researchers discovered that deep breathing could help to alleviate a number of the symptoms of ADD. One grounds for the studies may be that reflection makes it easier for contributors to look at their very own practices also to command their opinions. Additionally, it cuts down anxiety helping individuals contend with challenging thoughts. Homeopathy and/or Asian Remedies, simply because deep breathing is actually a calming and rhythmic exercise: A variety of research has in contrast the impact of meditation with the ones from chinese medicine and Oriental medication. Of these research, the experts mentioned that your particular better level of research info facilitates the utilization of deep breathing for ache command than that of chinese medicine or Oriental drugs. Prior scientific studies on meditation have when compared those with constant suffering with individuals without the need of constant soreness. Which is a single reason for the increased facts for meditation's performance. The creators of just one overview observed that the results for traditional chinese medicine and Oriental remedies are best discussed by a comprehensive routine of reduced discomfort as time passes. If you loved this write-up and you would like to obtain additional details regarding https://schoolofpositivetransformation.com/meditation-and-mindfulness-teacher-training/ kindly visit our website. If you were interested in the material with this post, here are several additional pages with a similar content:
9 Simple Ways to Tap Into Your Intuition and Make Better Decisions Your intuition is your truth. The rest is a watered-down version of what you think you should do, based on the expectations of your parents, friends, and surroundings. If you ignore your truth, you'll always be chasing happiness. However, when you learn how to listen to your intuition, you'll make better decisions, live an authentic life, and feel more fulfilled. After all, no one can tell you how to live. And following your intuition often requires you to go against the grain – against conventional wisdom. Yet, that's what it takes to live a great life. So, in this article, you'll learn 9 ways to listen to your gut and tap into your intuition. And if you're bold enough to take action on them, that's where the magic happens. Let's dive in! This post contains affiliate links, so if you buy something through my link, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Do note that I only endorse products that I've personally bought and enjoyed. What is intuition exactly? Intuition is your "gut feeling" that surfaces without a logical explanation or previous thought process. In other words, you feel that something is right without necessarily being able to explain why. Many successful people contribute part of their success to their ability to follow their intuition. And while scientists still try to understand precisely how it happens and why it's so effective, most agree it's quite powerful. You might even have experienced that power yourself. Intuition is a valuable tool in the decision-making process, especially when it relates to tough choices in your own life. What does it mean to follow your intuition? Following your intuition means that your decisions and actions feel right to you. In other words, your decisions and actions align with your truth. Then why does it often raise self-doubts and fears? Good question. I believe it's "common wisdom" to do something that feels good when everyone else is doing it. Those are easy decisions to make. And you wouldn't contribute such conclusions to your intuition. However, intuition joins the mix when you find a new solution in solitude or when you make a decision that contradicts popular opinion. Novel ideas and actions always raise self-doubt and fear, especially when you struggle to explain why. Here are some examples of decisions that are seemingly illogical yet often make or break the trajectory of your life: - Breaking up with someone rarely makes logical sense, especially if you live together, are married, and/or have kids. - Quitting a well-paying job as a Lawyer, Investment banker, or Software Engineer to start your own (much riskier) business. - Taking a gap year to travel and see the world is a more popular decision today. Still, it goes against the conventional wisdom of getting a secure job, buying a house, and saving for retirement. The latter is a decision I took as well. It just felt right to me. And yes, it was scary. But it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Ironically, I still struggle to find a logical explanation for that. In summary, fear is the sensation you'll experience when following your gut. But if your intuition is strong, it indicates your truth. And if you can muster the courage to take a bold risk and follow your intuition, you'll live a more authentic and fulfilling life. 9 Ways to tap into your intuition Listening to your intuition empowers you to make better decisions and create an authentic life. And the basis is self-awareness. The more you understand yourself, the better you can identify your truths. But becoming aware takes time. That's why the following ideas provide different ways for self-discovery, specifically related to tapping into your intuition. #1: Engage in creative activities Creativity means using your imagination to generate new and original ideas, concepts, solutions, or creations. If you're anything like me, you may wonder if you're creative. But let me tell you this: every human is creative. Perhaps you're comparing yourself to some rare outliers, like Da Vinci, Banksy, or Pink Floyd. But there's no need to match those people to achieve exceptional results. So why else do people think they're not creative? Most people overthink what to do when first engaging in creative endeavors. You must overcome that initial phase of awkwardness, self-doubt and discomfort to access your intuition. I noticed that with writing too. Writing a first draft was a real struggle at first but it became easier the more I did it. Yet, I often still stare at the blank sheet of paper. And sure, even if I nail the first draft in one sitting, it usually requires much editing. The point I'm trying to make is that there's a significant difference between day one and now. Beginning anything new is challenging, especially if you get hung up with the results. So instead, start a creative practice and focus on improving and honing your skills. Enjoy the process – not just the results. It doesn't matter if that's painting, making music, writing, creating digital art, metalworking, photography, coding, or something entirely different. What matters is that you find a way to express yourself. A practice that connects you with your intuition. #2: Practice dream journaling Journaling is often a miss-or-hit kind of activity for people. But even if you've tried it before, dream journaling is worth a shot. Dream journaling is most known for recording the dreams you had while you were sleeping. However, I want you to do something different: to dream and write about your ideal future. What would a perfect life look like for you? For example, say you want to live the alternative lifestyle of a digital nomad. Write down what an average day looks like: - At what time would you wake up? - How would you spend your day? - How long would you work? - What would you eat? Describe your entire day, from start to finish. Here are some more ideas to dream journal about: - Adventures: What adventures would you like to embark on? Would you travel to another planet? What countries would you like to visit? What about other experiences? - Make a difference: What issues bother you in the world? Journal about ways you could solve them. And what would a perfect world look like? - Entrepreneurial ideas: Do you have any business ideas? Who is your ideal customer? What do you sell? How would it help people? What else could you create that provides value? - The perfect career: What is your ideal job? How would you spend your time? Who would you work together with? What clients would you like to serve? - A perfect day: What would an ideal day in your life look like? Would all days look the same? Journal about all the possible ideas you can come up with. While these ideas may get your juices flowing, this practice has no limit. However, I do have one rule: avoid overthinking when dream journaling. Instead, listen to your gut while allowing your hand to flow over the paper, writing down anything that comes to mind. It's a great practice you may fall in love with. #3: Visualization We briefly mentioned that journaling isn't for everyone. And if that includes you, try the previous exercise as a visualization. Take one of the topics from the previous section. Lay down or sit somewhere comfortable. Close your eyes and start brainstorming about your perfect day, ideal business, or problem you want to solve. The major difference between writing and visualization is that you think faster than you can write. So, try to dig deep into the experience when you're visualizing. Imagine as if your visualization is real: - What do you see? - How vibrant are the colors? - What do you hear? - How about the smell? - What do you feel? - What vibes do you get from the people you meet? The more often you practice it, the better you can visualize, and the more images begin to flow from your intuition, not the brain. #4: Self-reflection While looking into the future is one way to tap into your intuition, looking back at the past is another effective method. There are two approaches to self-reflection: - The Big Reflect is what I call sitting down once in a while (like yearly) to review the key themes of your life. The idea is to get a helicopter view of the key lessons you've learned. - Habitual Reflection is what I call daily or weekly self-reflection. It's a powerful option if you want to improve your self-awareness fast. For example, use it to reflect on daily challenges at work or how you feel about conversations you've had that day. Do you feel like you lack self-awareness? Then definitely experiment with both options for a while. It may just be the secret sauce you need to sharpen your intuition. #5: Take a personality test Whilst we're on the topic of self-awareness, I must mention the power of a personality test. Because it's a relatively easy method to gain new perspectives. Of course, tests like these aren't rocket science. You provide truthful answers, and the test reveals your personality traits. However, the results of these tests may open your eyes. They certainly gave me a new perspective. And even if that's not the case, you can often pay a small fee to get in-depth insights and actionable steps that are extremely useful. But yeah, I'm kinda biased. I love these tests because they confirmed a few things about myself that I've always felt – but couldn't ever describe. For example, I learned how being an introvert is a strength, not a weakness. It gave me unique insights to unlock a better version of myself. If you want to try it out, I recommend the 16-personality test. Personality tests can explain much about yourself and may reconnect you with your intuition. #6: Take a strengths test Strength tests are as powerful as personality tests, especially if you're trying to navigate your career or business. And learning about your personal strengths is fun too. Again, I'm biased because they've increased my perspective. For example, the HIGH5 test provides an in-depth report with actionable insights into your strengths. It also reveals your weaknesses, so you can better navigate them. When I applied the tips, I felt more aligned with my superpowers. And once I leaned into my strengths at work, I felt much more excited to get out of bed in the mornings. Doing the test is free, and it will reveal your top 5 strengths. However, I recommend the full report to gain actionable insights. #7: Explore your fears Fear is good. Not only was it essential for our survival for a gazillion years, today, it often indicates that you're about to experience growth. You see, when do you fear something? You experience fear when you're about to do something new or noteworthy. For example, asking someone on a date, getting a promotion with new responsibilities, changing careers, or starting your own business. But also think in much smaller doses. For example, say everyone in the room agrees about an idea, but your intuition tells you the alternative is better. Most people avoid sharing their opinion out of fear. Fear often indicates an opportunity for growth. Sharing a unique opinion, giving a presentation, taking a different decision, making a hard choice, or doing something new makes you vulnerable. Yet, that's when you learn the most. Explore your fears the next time you experience them. #8: Positive open-ended questions Open-ended questions are questions like: why do I feel this way? Or why is this important to me? They provoke an answer beyond a simple yes or no answer. Open-ended questions are powerful because your mind will seek answers to any question you ask it. That's why it's also vital to ask positive questions. For example, ask yourself, "Why am I so horrible?", and your mind will come up with reasons. Even when they're not true. However, rephrase the question, and you'll get better answers. Something like: "What makes me feel so horrible?". When you ask better questions, you'll find interesting answers to explore further with more open-ended questions. This is also a valuable journaling idea, btw. When you answer these questions, tap into your intuition by giving rapid answers without too much thought. Overthinking ruins the process. Instead, you want to answer from your gut. Exploring yourself this way is fun. And it'll teach you how to tap into your intuition. #9: Spend time alone You'll benefit from spending time alone if you want to listen to your intuition. But it helps to find a way to completely block out the noise. One simple way is to get into nature. Why not spend an entire day walking? Most people will listen to podcasts or music. And although that's okay, I also encourage you to turn off any stimulus other than nature. And then, dig into yourself. For example, I love talking to myself when wandering around the forest. I ask myself questions (see the previous tip) to find meaningful answers. It's like an active brainstorming session. Much of what I talk about with myself is nonsense. But every once in a while, I stumble upon some golden nuggets. And I record these nuggets on my phone. The longer you walk, the more you can turn off the noise and the more golden nuggets you may find. There are also alternative ways to achieve this: - Experiment with a silent retreat. - Book a holiday and go by yourself. - Book a cabin in the mountains for the weekend. And things to could include in your daily ritual: - Engage in journaling. - Practice meditation. - Create time for "deep thought", in which you brainstorm or think about anything or a predefined topic. - Go for a short walk without others, music, podcasts, or other distractions. What's next? Everyone can strengthen their ability to tap into their potential. But like any skill, you must spend time practicing it. To do so, learn to notice your intuition first. You do that through self-awareness and reflection practices. Once you notice your gut feeling, you can explore it further. At this phase, you can deepen your connection with your gut feelings by trying to consult your intuition in every decision-making process. The final step is using intuition and following through on your gut feelings. Sometimes that requires you to overcome your fear. Of course, depending on the situation, it's also a good idea to use logical reasoning. Don't follow your intuition blindly for everything. But do listen to your intuition as a tool to make better decisions. Follow your heart Everyone can live a vibrant and meaningful life. And I'm on a mission to empower people not to settle for anything less than that. Sounds good? Then sign up below for actionable tips and insights to create a life you care about.
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Sciatica symptoms often present as sudden, sharp pains that begin in the lower back and run down the back, outside or front portions of the leg. In some cases. Sciatica, pain along the sciatic nerve caused by compression, can cause numbness and tingling from the low back all the way down the leg to the foot. Sciatica symptoms often include leg, hip or back pain. Learn more about sciatica pain relief and treatment as well as ways to help prevent it. If you suffer from sciatica, Rush experts can help you get relief. We offer spinal injections, minimally invasive surgery, spinal cord stimulation and more. Sciatica relief at home · Applying ice packs to relieve inflammation during the first week · Applying heat after the first week · Warm baths or showers · Self-. Usually accompanying one or more of the symptoms listed above, weakness in the leg will occur that makes the leg or foot feel heavy and significantly interferes. Leg pain is the most common symptom of sciatica and can range from mild to severe and debilitating. Pain is usually sharp, shooting, with numbness or tingling. Your symptoms may be worse when moving, sneezing or coughing. You may also have back pain, but it's not usually as bad as the pain in your bottom, leg or foot. Sciatica refers to the pain that radiates down the path of the sciatic nerve. While sciatica typically only affects one side of the body. Viral infections such as shingles have been known to mimic spine pain conditions and result in sciatica pain symptoms. If the pain precedes the onset of a. In patients with sciatica, pain radiates along the course of the sciatic nerve (symptoms related to nerve roots L4, L5, and S1), most often down the buttocks. Sciatica · Pain that radiates from the lower back to the buttocks and down one leg due to compression of the sciatic nerve · Symptoms include pain, weakness. Pain relieving medications such as paracetamol and ibuprofen are commonly used to treat sciatic pain. In cases where muscle spasms are thought to be the cause. Potential causes of sciatica, such as herniated disks or bone spurs, will show up on MRI scans, computed tomography (CT) scans, or X-rays. Typically, your. Sciatica. Sciatica, also called lumbar radiculopathy, is a pain and inflammation that originates along your sciatic nerve, which is the main nerve in your leg. Sciatica refers to radiating pain along the course of the sciatic nerve from the lower back or buttock to one or both legs or an associated lumbosacral. What is sciatica? Sciatica is a pain in the lower extremity resulting from irritation of the sciatic nerve. The pain of sciatica is typically felt from the low. Sciatica refers to pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in the leg. It is caused by injury to or pressure on the sciatic nerve. Sciatica is a symptom of a. 5 Telltale Signs That Your Pain Is Due to Sciatica · 1. Tingling and a burning sensation · 2. Radiating pain · 3. Numbness in the upper legs and buttocks · 4. Osteoporosis. If spinal vertebrae lose their bone density, they can develop mild to severe compression fractures that press one the sciatic nerve. What does sciatica feel like? · Decreased reflexes in your knee or ankle · Intermittent or continuous lower back pain · Muscle spasms or weakness · Numbness. Symptoms. Patients typically describe sciatica as a sharp, shooting pain that radiates from their low back into their buttock, back of the thigh, calf and foot. Rarely, people with sciatica may also have more serious symptoms. If you're experiencing tingling or numbness in your legs that makes it hard to walk or move. Sciatica symptoms may worsen if the muscles in your lower back, hips, and legs become tight or if the cause of sciatica—such as a herniated disc, spinal. Sciatic nerve pain tends to occur after a sudden or sharp movement like sneezing, coughing, or sitting down. The pain is usually far worse in the leg than the. In the majority of cases, the sciatica radiates down the back or side of the leg, although the distribution does depend on which nerve is trapped in the lumbar. Summary · Sciatica is pain in the buttock and leg, caused by pressure on nerves in the lower back. · Sciatica can be caused by slipped discs, pinched nerves or. Sciatica refers to pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in the leg. It is caused by injury to or pressure on the sciatic nerve. Sciatica is a symptom of a. Sciatica is technically not a condition. It is the term given to describe the symptoms of another problem involving the sciatic nerve. Sciatica can be extremely. Sciatica is characterised by pain deep in the buttock often radiating down the back of the leg. One of the most common causes is a herniated disc. Sciatica is pain along the sciatic nerves. These nerves run from the lower back, through the buttocks, and down the legs, ending just below the knee. Sciatica is lower back pain that radiates through the buttocks and down one leg. Common causes include herniated discs, spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome. Physical Findings. Patients with sciatica may have difficulty sitting, but may also have trouble standing and walking. The sciatica pain is more frequently. Sciatica is pain running down the back of the leg. Sciatic pain usually results from one or more nerves in the lumbar spine being compressed or irritated. wwe apparel \| portmeirion botanic garden Охрана В Офис \| Купить прокси \| Для Роста волос \|
Fact Sheet #15B: Managers and Supervisors Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Tips This Fact Sheet provides information about managers and supervisors, including managers and supervisors who perform tip-producing work, and the tip provisions of the FLSA. For more information regarding the tip provisions of the FLSA, see Fact Sheet #15: Tipped Employees Under the FLSA. Managers and supervisors may not keep employees' tips. The FLSA prohibits an employer from keeping tips and from allowing a manager or supervisor to keep any portion of other employees' tips for any purpose. The FLSA, for example, prohibits a manager or supervisor from receiving tips from a tip pool or tip jar, because tip pools and tip jars include other employees' tips. This prohibition applies whether or not the employer pays tipped employees with a tip credit. Who is a manager or supervisor under the FLSA's tip provisions? For purposes of the FLSA's tip provisions, a manager or supervisor includes any employee that meets the "executive" duties test. This is the same duties test used (along with other tests) to determine whether an employee is exempt from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime provisions because they are employed in a bona fide executive capacity. Meeting the executive duties test means: - the employee customarily and regularly directs the work of at least two or more other full-time employees or their equivalent; - the employee has the authority to hire or fire other employees, and/or their suggestions and recommendations as to the hiring, firing, advancement, promotion or any other change of status of other employees are given particular weight; and - the employee has a primary duty of managing the enterprise or a customarily recognized department or subdivision of the enterprise. Primary duty of managing. An employee's primary duty is the principal, main, major, or most important duty that the employee performs. An employee's primary duty is based on the entire workweek or whatever longer period of time is appropriate to capture the character of the employee's job as a whole—not a day-by-day scrutiny of the tasks the employee performs. Managing includes but is not limited to: - interviewing, selecting, and training employees - setting and adjusting employee's rates of pay - setting and adjusting employee's hours of work - directing the work of employees - handling employee complaints and grievances - disciplining employees - controlling the flow and distribution of materials or merchandise and supplies - planning and controlling the budget An employee whose primary duty is managing may also perform non-management duties, including tip-producing work, and still meet the primary duties test. For example, restaurant managers who perform work like serving customers during the restaurant's busiest periods would be exempt if their primary duty is managing the restaurant—the manager typically directs and supervises other employees' work while performing this customer service work. Business owners. Business owners who own at least a bona fide 20 percent equity interest in the enterprise in which they are employed and who are actively engaged in its management also satisfy the executive duties test. Under the tip provisions of the FLSA, these employees are managers or supervisors who may not keep other employees' tips. For more information regarding the executive duties test, see Fact Sheet #17B: Exemption for Executive Employees Under the FLSA. Note: To be employed in a bona fide executive capacity and therefore exempt from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime requirements, an employee generally must satisfy a salary level and a salary basis test, along with the executive duties test. However, to qualify as a manager or supervisor under the tip provisions of the FLSA, an employee does not need to earn any particular level of compensation or be paid on a salary basis. As a result, not every employee who qualifies as a manager or supervisor for tip purposes is an exempt executive employee. When a manager or supervisor performs tipped work Some managers and supervisors perform tip-producing work in addition to their primary duty of management. In these scenarios, the FLSA does not prohibit managers and supervisors from keeping tips that are theirs alone. A manager or supervisor may keep tips that they receive directly from customers based on the service that they directly and solely provide. Regardless of whether they are engaged in tip-producing work, however, if an employee qualifies as a manager or supervisor, the manager or supervisor cannot keep other employees' tips, including by receiving them from a tip pool or by sharing tips that were based in part on other employees' work and which were collected in a tip jar. An employer may require managers and supervisors who earn their own tips to contribute a portion of those tips to other non-managerial employees through a mandatory tip pool. But the manager or supervisor may not receive any tips from the tip pool. Example #1: Dorothea is the supervisor at a pizza parlor who meets the executive duties test. On an evening when there are many delivery orders, Dorothea delivers a pizza to a customer's home, and the customer gives her a tip. Dorothea may keep the tip, which she received directly from the customer based on the service that she directly and solely provided. Example #2: Dinesh is the manager of a hotel who meets the executive duties test. When a guest arrives with many bags, Dinesh helps the bellhop load them onto a cart before the bellhop delivers them to the guest's room. Dinesh may not keep any portion of the tip the customer provides to the bellhop because it is not possible to attribute the tips solely to the service Dinesh provides. Example #3: Raimondo is a restaurant manager who meets the executive duties test. The restaurant operates an employer-mandated tip pool for servers, bartenders, and bussers. Sometimes Raimondo works a shift as a bartender. Raimondo may not receive any tips from the tip pool, including when he works a shift as a bartender. Raimondo may, however, keep the tips he receives directly from customers based on the service that he directly and solely provides while tending the bar. However, the restaurant may require him to contribute some or all of those tips to the mandatory tip pool, but he cannot receive tips from the tip pool. Example #4: Cheng is the manager at a café who meets the executive duties test. Often Cheng simultaneously supervises employees and works alongside them to serve customers at the counter. Customers at the café may include a tip when they pay by credit card at the counter or may place cash tips in a common jar. Cheng may not keep any portion of these tips because it is not possible to attribute the tips solely to the service Cheng provides. Example #5: Taylor is a 30 percent owner of a hair salon who is actively engaged in management of the salon. Taylor also cuts and styles hair for clients. Taylor may keep tips left by customers whose hair they personally cut and style, because they receive these tips based on a service that they directly and solely provide. Where to Obtain Additional Information For additional information, visit our Wage and Hour Division Website: http://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd and/or call our toll-free information and helpline, available 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in your time zone, 1-866-4USWAGE (1-866-487-9243). This publication is for general information and is not to be considered in the same light as official statements of position contained in the regulations.
Standing Female Nude, written by Carol Ann Duffy, is a poem which describes the condition of a prostitute who is struggling to make a living. Duffy, as with a majority of her other works, attempts to give a voice to voiceless women in the middle and lower economic classes in an effort to promote her feminist agenda. This poem is in fact very layered and explores multiple aspects which may not be spotted on a superficial level, and enables her to transmit her ideas to the readers. Duffy puts across her main ideas of society's treatment of the prostitute versus the treatment of males, and the prostitutes introspective views. Duffy creates a society, not too distorted from our own in fact, which objectifies the woman and values her purely for her physical assets. …show more content… This directly corroborates society's viewing of her as the description only includes her sexual physical assets. Duffy writes this because she is trying to convey the sufferings of women in society as they are consistently objectified, devaluing their nature as a human being, and she invokes people to make a change. This theme of valuing women in a restrictive way as one only notices the physical elements of a female is continued throughout the poem, for example when the artist "is concerned with volume, space", or "You're getting thin, Madame, this is not good". This directly references the corporeal elements of a body. The purpose of this quotation is consistent with the aforementioned one. Society's superficial viewing of women is also reflected in the poem's wring, as it may seem that this poem is strictly concerned with a prostitute, but in fact it describes all females. The male representative in the poem, Georges, then asserts his superiority, despite their similar conditions of being poor. Although he is sexually attracted to her as he "stiffens for [her] warmth", suggesting an erection, he is unwilling to accept her as a human being as he deems her question "Why do you do this?" This suggests that the woman's body is very weak, like a dying flower, and also conveys the writer's love for her – he believes she is beautiful, like a delicate flower. The theme of isolation is explored in an effective way when the writer speaks of a distance of pain "neither she nor (he) can cross". The word "nor" isolates the words "she" In summary, the structure of this poem enables the reader to relate to the poem, as the poem consists of information that the readers would agree to, partly because they may have experienced or witnessed the accuracy of the information, in real life. For instance, the poem suggests that "Women offer themselves" – this line can be viewed as being accurate as the reader would be aware about women offering themselves – to men, "for [whom], she is the keeper of mystery, with the power to charm and to poison" – through the prostitution – that takes place within Melbourne's red-light district area of St The novel shows the ways itinerant workers were treated compared to upper class. Intertextuality between the poem and the novel foreshadowed some parts of the text and hinted some factors that may ruin the dream of owning a It's detailed like a memory and provides the audience of just one incidence the narrator was able to recollect. The poem's main focus is to take a little look into the disparity between traditional feminine In the reading "Murder of Helen Jewett", Patricia Cohen main argument is on how polarizing society was on the topic of prostitution in the 1800's, and the different treatment that men, and women had to face (Cohen, P. 1998, pg.65 & 75). Women who were seen walking alone in the streets were considered to be prostitutes, and as being out of place, while men did not have to face the same prejudice (Cohen, P. 1998, pg.65 & 66). Even the way that newspapers covered the murder of Helen Jewett shows the polarization that existed in the 1800's on the topic of prostitution, and the role of women, and men. Some newspaper writers such as James Gordon Bennett, sexualized, sensualized and tried to portray Helen Jewett in a positive light in order to persuade However, parts of the text show how woman have the ability to fulfill their needs as they desire. Lady Bertilak and Morgan le Fay are two prime examples of these woman. While the poem contains many female references and depictions of women, we never truly go in depth about the positions of the women in this poem, who live concealed under their male-adapted In his article, Listening to Guinevere: Female Agency and the Politics of Chivalry in Tennyson's Idylls, Stephen Ahern examines the treatment of women in the poems, specifically the character of Guinevere in relation to her male counterpart Arthur, and provides a complex view of Tennyson's underlying message as a critique on the Victorian social constructs of his time rather than a simple representation of it. Ahern builds a solid argument for Guinevere's treatment as the victim in the story ultimately signifying that she was being used as a model of the wrongs of the standard Victorian expectation of femininity. This complex analysis of the text gives a different, more modern perspective of the poems. The key features of his argument cite CATCHY TITLE HERE Why are women idealized only for their body? WAYG, WHYB, by Joyce Carol Oates is a fictional shorttory. Through Joyce's display of femisinsm, a pedophile seduces a young female to come with him and use her for her body, which reveals society's expectations of a woman in this time period. This becomes evident in a lack of information about the type of society, and the reader therefore lacks a complete understanding of how the women are oppressed. As a whole, this poem sets forth the idea that female gender is fluid, and asks its readers to questions what it means to be a woman in a male dominant 5,6) the issues that have been mentioned above are expressed. Since, especially black women, are considered to be living in the shadow this passage exposes the feelings and representation of black women in society. Their existence in the world which is not considered and respected. Considering especially the fact that the lyrical I is a black maiden, she seeks for recognition and acceptance among the other figures of the poem. Referring to contemporary issues, the lyrical I would be classified as a lower ranked person since she is black and being occupied as a maid, which clearly makes her powerless and voiceless in society. The different key features also plays an important role for example the tone that is being formed by the lyrical voice that can be seen as a nephew or niece. This specific poem is also seen as an exposition of what Judith Butler will call a 'gender trouble' and it consist of an ABBA rhyming pattern that makes the reading of the poem better to understand. The poem emphasizes feminist, gender and queer theories that explains the life of the past and modern women and how they are made to see the world they are supposed to live in. The main theories that will be discussed in this poem will be described while analyzing the poem and this will make the poem and the theories clear to the reader. Different principals of the Feminist Theory. She breaks her thoughts down in order to show the indifference. She says that women are first portrayed as objects; this patriarchal society sees us as mere bodies. Thus, we are either regarded as objects or as bodies; the mind does not exists here. Here, the subjectivity does not lie in the mind, but within the body. Women's sole purpose is to be that of another subject's intentions and manipulations. In comparison to Marvell's "To His Coy Mistress", these response poems convey two different viewpoints from the mistress and in my reasoned opinion, provide a deeper scope to the objectification and mistreatment of women in poetry. This can be seen through evidence and supported by exposing the overall attitude of the speakers, issues of gender in each work, each poem's language, the overall tone of each work, the form of each poem, and through each speaker's responses to "Big Famous Lines" presented in "To His Coy Mistress". This is shown in the opening line when she says, "If you grow up the type of women..." Throughout this poem, Kay explores the themes of empowerment and identity, through the use of repetition and connotation. Through the frequent use of repetition, Kay puts emphasis on how women are defined in relation to males. Additionally, she also uses connotation to remind women they are more than what they are perceived to be in relation to others and they have the power to define themselves. Therefore the main idea of the poem is to perhaps remind women of their worth and inspire them to define themselves on their own terms, and not through the eyes of men or in comparison/relation to their relationship with others. This novel is also autobiographical. Throughout history, women have been locked in a struggle to free themselves from the borderline that separates and differentiate themselves from men. In many circles, it is agreed that the battleground for this struggle and fight exists in literature. In a
About Integrative Organismal Systems (IOS) IOS supports research aimed at improving our understanding of organisms as integrated units of biological organization. The Division welcomes projects that employ diverse approaches to research addressing organismal-level questions. IOS particularly encourages research that: - is integrative and interdisciplinary - applies approaches that combine experimentation, computation, and modeling - leads to new conceptual and theoretical insights and testable predictions about integrated organismal properties, including the relationship between genotypes and phenotypes - integrates data across spatial/temporal/ biological scales - leads to transformative methods, tools and resources - seeks breakthroughs in the areas of phenotypic plasticity and organismal resilience IOS Cluster Descriptions: Physiological and Structural Systems Cluster Funding Opportunities Information: To discover more information about IOS's programs, please click "Programs" in the left navigation bar. For information about active IOS funding opportunities including cross-directorate and NSF-wide activities, please click "Funding" in the left navigation bar. For "Dear Colleague Letters," information about supplements, and BIO's guidance on data management plans, please click "Additional Resources" in the left navigation bar. Contact Us: General questions may be directed to IOS by phone at (703) 292-8420. Specific IOS staff may be contacted via individual email addresses found in the IOS staff directory. IOS also encourages the community to engage with us through our blog, IOS InFocus: https://iosblog.nsfbio.com/. Media Inquiries: NSF Public Communications & Media Information: https://www.nsf.gov/news/newsroom.jsp. Media inquiries should be directed to the NSF's Office of Legislative and Public Affairs, Media Relations Team: (703) 292-7090 or firstname.lastname@example.com. Legislative Inquiries: Legislative inquiries should be directed to the NSF's Office of Legislative and Public Affairs, Division of Legislative Affairs: (703) 292-8070 or firstname.lastname@example.com. If you're a new visitor to the Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO) website or just want a quick visual and textual summary of BIO areas of support, please visit the "About" page for the Directorate to access an interactive organization chart. Home Page Image Credits: Images depict some of IOS's research themes, spanning from small to large organisms and hot to cold environments Learning & Memory: Neurons Studies of different types of brain cells (color-coded images) in the mouse hippocampus reveal mechanisms of learning, memory, and neurodegenerative diseases. Image Credit: T. Siapas/Caltech Human Food Crops: Genome Map A "synteny" map illustrates how genes in different chromosomes of soybean (outer circle) are related to each another (colored line connects different genome locations). Image Credit: Scott Jackson, University of Georgia High-speed Metabolism: Hummingbirds Studies of hummingbirds are revealing how animals can rapidly convert food energy into fast motion. Image Credit: Ken Jones, University of Toronto Scarborough Developmental Biology Developing embryos of a frog display extensive external gills oriented to obtain maximum oxygen. Image Credit: Karen M. Warkentin, Boston University Evolution of Life in Hot Environments: Bacteria Scientists study these single-celled microorganisms from deep-sea hydrothermal vents to understand how life may have first evolved on Planet Earth. Image Credit: Mark Amend, West Coast and Polar Regions Undersea Research Center, UAF Food and Pollination: Bee on Plant Research on honey bees provides insight into behavior and pollination, processes that have an essential role in food crop production and maintenance of diversity in native plant communities. Image Credit: Jon Sullivan, PD Photo.org Plant Behavior: Sunflowers Sunflowers, shown in this image as all facing the same direction in response to sunlight (phototropism), are valuable study systems for analysis of plant metabolism and genome evolution. Image Credit: Ben Blackman, UC Berkeley Life in the Cold: Mammals Investigations of Antarctic seals yield new insights into the physiological mechanisms of reproductive success in extreme-cold environments. Image Credit: Zakhar V. Akulov
Understanding Private Equity Returns and Fees The fees associated with Private Equity create a significant impediment to consistent, outsized returns to the investor. Let's examine how the math works for a typical Private Equity Investment. The terms are 2% management fee, 20% of the profits, and a 6% hurdle rate. If the PE firm generates a 15% pre-fee annual return, the investor will receive the following: 15% Pre Tax Return -2% Management Fee -1.8% Performance Fee (20% of the amount above the 6% hurdle rate) 11.2% Net To Investor 3.8% Net To Private Equity Firm The 3.8% net return to the PE firm is a bit over 25% of the topline pretax return. Some investors fail to grasp that the private equity firm is entitled to a whopping 25% of the total profits, not just the profits beyond the hurdle rate. That's why there are so many PE Manager Billionaires. 25% of ALL the profits without having to put up a dime of their own money. Some PE firms do invest their own funds in deals but that doesn't change the math for the investor. A number of PE firms have layered additional fees into deals on top of the 2 and 20 that are advertised. You can google this for details if you're still interested in Private Equity. PE firms generate excess returns by using leverage. A firm might buy a business for $100M, pay $50M in cash, and borrow $50M. You could replicate this structure by investing in the S&P 500 on margin. Over the long run, the S&P 500 has had an average return of 8%. Until recently (prior to the Fed tightening), you could borrow funds against your stock portfolio at 2% from Interactive Brokers (IB). Let's look at the returns from that strategy using the historical 8% S&P 500 return. Use $100K of your own funds and borrow $100K from IB. Purchase $200K of an S&P Index fund. $16K 8% Annual return from a $200K investment -$2K 2% Interest Charged by IB on the $100K you borrowed $14K Annual Profit after interest expense 14% Annual Return ($14K Profit on $100K Cash invested) Many firms have a maintenance margin of 25%. That means if you buy a stock or index that's priced at $100, you have to put up $50 as initial margin. You do not need to add additional funds to that position unless the stock falls below $67. In our opinion, the main advantage that PE firms have over individual investors is they can borrow without needing to be concerned about getting a margin call. An individual investor can use a lower level of margin and significantly reduce the possibility of a margin call. You can select your level of risk/return. You can read our article on "Using Margin to Enhance your Returns" to see some examples. We do not suggest using margin to enhance returns just as we do not suggest investing in PE. If you're already rich, meaning you have all the money you need to live life the way you want to, why increase your risk of ruin to be double rich? I have one of Buffett's quotes on my wall. "I've never believed in risking what my family and friends have and need in order to pursue what they don't have and don't need." I look at this quote several times a week. It's helped me dial back my risk many times. Private Equity employs some very smart people. Unfortunately, for the investor, much of the excess returns generated by those smart people, stays with those smart people. Private Equity garners a fee of 2% of your investment per year regardless of their performance. Here's a link to a NYT article that discusses private equity returns vs the S&P 500. Draw your own conclusions.
How to Enroll In an Accredited Nursing College near Stoddard New Hampshire Finding the right nursing school near Stoddard NH may seem like a formidable endeavor, especially if you have no idea what to look for in a good degree program. As you may already understand, for you to practice as a registered nurse, you must receive the appropriate education and training to become licensed. So it is vitally important that you research and evaluate the qualifications of each college you are contemplating before enrolling in your final selection. The fact is, too many prospective students base their decision exclusively on the cost of tuition and the distance of the school. Picking the least costly college or the one that is nearest to your residence is undoubtedly not the best way to choose a nursing program. There are many key additional aspects to look into before you determine where to enroll in classes. But before we examine that checklist, let's first discuss the nursing degree alternatives that are offered along with what the jobs of nurses are in our medical system. Request Free Information on Nursing Schools Below Nursing Degrees Available There is more than one degree option available to become a nurse. And to become a Registered Nurse (RN), a student must attend an accredited school and program. A nursing student can obtain a qualifying degree in as little as two years, or continue on to obtain a graduate degree for a total of six years. Following are some brief descriptions of the nursing degrees that are offered to aspiring students in the Stoddard NH area. - Associates Degree. The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is normally a two year program made available by community colleges. It preps graduates for an entry level job in nursing in medical facilities including hospitals, clinics or nursing homes. Many use the ADN as an entry into nursing and afterwards achieve a more advanced degree. - Bachelor's Degree. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) provides more expansive training than the ADN. It is typically a 4 year program offered at colleges and universities. Licensed RNs may be allowed to complete an accelerated program based on their past training or degree and professional experience (RN to BSN). Those applying to the program may wish to advance to a clinical or administrative position, or be more competitive in the employment market. - Master's Degree. The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is generally a two year program after attaining the BSN. The MSN program offers specialization training, for example to become a nurse practitioner or concentrate on administration, management or teaching. When a graduating student has received one of the above degrees, she or he must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become licensed. Further requirements for licensing change from state to state, so be sure to contact the New Hampshire board of nursing for any state mandates. Click Here to Get Free Information on Nursing Schools Near You! Why Nursing? Nurses are an essential component of a Stoddard NH medical team, and for many patients, their primary care providers. A career in nursing opens doors to many opportunities, including research, health care education and specialty areas of practice. Nurses go into the profession for various reasons, the most notable are its personal and practical advantages. Nurses provide direct, one-on-one care to patients. Most patients in a hospital or home care setting have more contact with nurses than with physicians. Nurses often choose the profession due to a passion to tend to the needs of patients, including in cases of short-term treatment of illness and long-term care of chronic ailments. This humanistic side of the healthcare profession, rather than the analytical or research related aspects, is appealing to many who elect to pursue a nursing career. Nurses have extensive applicable skills and can select from a number of work settings, such as home care facilities, physician's offices, medical clinics, community centers and hospitals. Also, nurses can progress into a number of specializations, such as substance addictions, critical care, genetics and neonatology. While most nurses deliver personal patient care, others opt to be educators, policy consultants or pharmaceutical representatives. Registered Nurse Job Duties Registered nurses are the largest occupation in the healthcare delivery system. RNs practice in numerous different medical settings, including Stoddard NH hospitals, family practices, outpatient clinics, nursing homes and even schools. Their general function is to help doctors in the treatment of their patients. However, the particular duties of a registered nurse will depend on their job or specialization as well as where they work. A portion of the functions of an RN may include: - Administering medications - Overseeing patients - Conducting physical examinations - Managing care - Overseeing LPNs, LVNs and nurse aides - Informing patients and their families - Taking care of health records and charts Nurses with a higher degree may have more complex job duties and responsibilities. Nurse practitioners (NP), as an example, must hold a Master's Degree and commonly work more independently than their RN counterparts. They can administer primary or specialty care services, prescribe medications, and diagnose and treat common illnesses or injuries. Nursing Online Degrees Enrolling in nursing programs online is becoming a more preferred way to get training and earn a nursing degree. Many schools will require attendance on campus for a component of the training, and almost all programs require a specific number of clinical rotation hours conducted in a local healthcare center. But since the rest of the training may be accessed online, this option may be a more accommodating solution to finding the time to attend college for some Stoddard NH students. Regarding tuition, some online degree programs are less costly than other on campus alternatives. Even supplemental expenses such as for commuting and study materials can be reduced, helping to make education more economical. And many online programs are accredited by organizations like the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) for BSN and MSN degrees. And so if your work and family commitments have left you with very little time to work toward your academic goals, it could be that an online nursing school will make it easier to fit a degree into your busy schedule. What to Ask Nursing Colleges Once you have decided on which nursing program to pursue, and if to attend your classes on campus near Stoddard NH or on the internet, you can utilize the following checklist to start narrowing down your options. As you probably realize, there are many nursing schools and colleges within New Hampshire and the United States. So it is important to reduce the number of schools to select from to ensure that you will have a workable list. As we earlier discussed, the site of the school along with the expense of tuition are undoubtedly going to be the initial two factors that you will consider. But as we also stressed, they should not be your sole qualifiers. So prior to making your ultimate decision, use the following questions to see how your selection compares to the other schools. - Accreditation. It's a good idea to make sure that the degree or certificate program in addition to the school is accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting agency. Besides helping confirm that you obtain an excellent education, it may assist in obtaining financial aid or student loans, which are frequently not available in Stoddard NH for non-accredited schools. - Licensing Preparation. Licensing requirements for registered nurses differ from state to state. In all states, a passing score is needed on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) together with graduation from an accredited school. Some states require a certain number of clinical hours be completed, as well as the passing of additional tests. It's important that the school you are attending not only provides an outstanding education, but also preps you to meet the minimum licensing standards for New Hampshire or the state where you will be working. - Reputation. Check online rating services to see what the reviews are for all of the schools you are considering. Ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. In addition, get in touch with the New Hampshire school licensing authority to check out if there are any complaints or compliance issues. Finally, you can contact some Stoddard NH healthcare organizations you're interested in working for after graduation and ask what their judgments are of the schools as well. - Graduation and Job Placement Rates. Find out from the RN programs you are looking at what their graduation rates are as well as how long on average it takes students to finish their programs. A low graduation rate may be an indication that students were unhappy with the program and dropped out. It's also important that the schools have high job placement rates. A high rate will not only confirm that the school has a superb reputation within the Stoddard NH healthcare community, but that it also has the network of relationships to help students obtain employment. - Internship Programs. The most effective way to get experience as a registered nurse is to work in a clinical environment. Essentially all nursing degree programs require a certain number of clinical hours be completed. Various states have minimum clinical hour requirements for licensing as well. Check if the schools have associations with Stoddard NH hospitals, clinics or labs and assist with the placing of students in internships. Nursing Schools Around Me Stoddard NH Accredited RN Programs Near Me Stoddard New Hampshire Selecting the right nursing college is perhaps the most critical first step to starting a new career in the healthcare industry. There are various variables that you must think about when choosing a nursing program. These variables will be prioritized differently contingent on your current career goals, obligations, and economic situation. As we have pointed out in this content, it is important that you pick a nursing college and a degree program that are each accredited and have exceptional reputations within the healthcare community. You originally came to this website due to your interest in Accredited RN Programs Near Me and wanting more information on the topic Accelerated RN Training Near Me.. However, by using our list of qualifying questions, you will be able to produce a short list of schools to choose from so that you can make your ultimate selection. And with the appropriate degree and training, combined with your hard work and ambition to succeed, you can become a practicing nurse in Stoddard NH. More New Hampshire Nursing Locations Stoddard, New Hampshire Between 1842 and 1873, the town was home to four glass manufacturers. The glass produced by these works, now known as Stoddard glass, is noted for its deep amber colors and design. Stoddard glass products are highly prized by collectors.[2] This territory was first granted in 1752 to Colonel Sampson Stoddard of Chelmsford, Massachusetts, and others as Monadnock Number 7. It was known locally as Limerick before being incorporated as Stoddard in 1774, in honor of Colonel Stoddard.[3] Colonel Stoddard was appointed to survey southwestern New Hampshire by the colonial government, receiving several land grants for the service. One of his surveying assistants was Benjamin Pierce, father of U.S. President Franklin Pierce. Colonel Stoddard never lived in the town of Stoddard.[4] Business Results 1 - 10 of 1
A minimally invasive technique that uses ice to freeze and destroy small, cancerous tumours has now been proven effective for breast cancer patients with large tumours, providing a new treatment path for those who are not candidates for surgery, according to new research to be presented at the Society of Interventional Radiology Annual Scientific Meeting in Salt Lake City. "For patients who have larger tumours but can't undergo surgery, this approach could be more effective than the current standard of care for patients who are not surgical candidates," said Yolanda Bryce, M.D., an interventional radiologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. "When treated with only radiation and hormonal therapy, tumours will eventually return. So, the fact that we saw only a 10% recurrence rate in our study is incredibly promising." Cryoablation is a minimally invasive treatment that uses imaging guidance such as ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scan to locate tumours. An interventional radiologist will then insert small, needle-like probes into the breast to create an ice ball that surrounds the tumour, killing the cancer cells. When combined with hormonal therapy and radiation, patients can have nearly 100% of their tumours destroyed. If the tumours do grow, patients can be treated with cryoablation multiple times to control growth. The treatment has been successfully used to treat tumours smaller than 1.5 cm, but its effectiveness on larger tumours was not extensively demonstrated until now. This retrospective study assessed outcomes for 60 patients who underwent cryoablation because they were not candidates for surgery or refused surgery after consultation with a breast surgeon due to age, cardiac issues, hypertension, or currently undergoing chemotherapy for another cancer. Their tumour sizes ranged from 0.3 – 9 cm with an average size of 2.5cm. Patients with tumours larger than 1.4 cm were treated with multiple probes (one probe placement for each centimetre of disease). In a follow-up after 16 months, the recurrence rate was just 10%. "Surgery is still the best option for tumour removal, but there are thousands of women who, for various reasons, cannot have surgery," said Bryce. "We are optimistic that this can give more women hope on their treatment journeys." The procedures were performed with local anaesthesia or minimal sedation, depending on the eligibility and preference of the patient. The freeze-thaw cycle started with 5-10 minutes of freezing, followed by 5-8 minutes of passive thaw, and then 5-10 minutes freezing at 100% intensity. Patients were able to go home on the same day, following the treatment. The researchers will continue to follow the patient cohort to collect data on long-term effectiveness and to better understand the impact that adjuvant (e.g. hormone therapy and radiation) therapies combined with cryoablation can have on this patient population. Source: The Reis Group The World Cancer Declaration recognises that to make major reductions in premature deaths, innovative education and training opportunities for healthcare workers in all disciplines of cancer control need to improve significantly. ecancer plays a critical part in improving access to education for medical professionals. Every day we help doctors, nurses, patients and their advocates to further their knowledge and improve the quality of care. Please make a donation to support our ongoing work. Thank you for your support.
Introduction: The Top 7 Trends in High Voltage Cables & Accessories Market In today's ever-evolving energy landscape, the high voltage cables and accessories market plays a pivotal role in shaping the efficiency and reliability of global power distribution. As we push towards more sustainable and resilient energy systems, understanding the key trends that drive this sector is essential. From advancements in material technology to innovations in transmission efficiency, the high voltage cable industry is undergoing significant transformations. Here are the top seven trends currently electrifying this market, each contributing to a more interconnected and powered world. Sustainability is now a cornerstone in the manufacturing of high voltage cables and accessories. The industry is shifting towards the use of materials that are not only less hazardous but also recyclable. Eco-friendly insulation materials, such as cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE), are becoming more prevalent due to their high thermal and chemical stability, which enhance the cable's performance and lifespan while minimizing environmental impact. Durability and reliability are paramount in high voltage applications, where failures can result in significant economic losses and safety risks. Manufacturers are increasingly focusing on improving the design and materials used in cables and accessories to enhance their longevity and reliability. This includes innovations in corrosion-resistant materials and the development of more robust sheathing technologies, which help prevent physical damage and extend the service life of cable systems. The expansion of offshore wind farms has created a booming demand for high voltage cables capable of transmitting power over long underwater distances. These cables need to withstand harsh marine environments, requiring specialized designs that feature improved waterproofing, increased mechanical strength, and resistance to saltwater corrosion. The growth in this sector is driving advancements in submarine cable technology and installation techniques. Smart grid technology is revolutionizing how energy is distributed and managed, necessitating advanced high voltage cable systems that can handle more dynamic and complex electrical loads. Integration of smart sensors and IoT devices within cable systems allows for real-time monitoring of cable performance and health, enabling predictive maintenance and immediate identification of issues before they lead to failures. In response to the rising awareness of fire hazards associated with high voltage cable systems, especially in densely populated urban areas, there is a growing demand for fire-resistant cables. These cables are designed to maintain circuit integrity under fire conditions, ensuring power supply and safe evacuation during emergencies. Manufacturers are developing cables with materials that emit low smoke and non-toxic gases when exposed to fire. As the need for long-distance power transmission grows, particularly for connecting renewable energy sources with consumption hubs, HVDC technology is gaining traction. HVDC systems are more efficient over long distances and have lower transmission losses compared to traditional alternating current (AC) systems. This shift is driving demand for specialized HVDC cables and accessories, which are designed to handle higher voltages and provide more stable power transmission. As the high voltage cable market grows, so does the framework of regulations and standards that govern it. These regulations are becoming stricter, pushing manufacturers to meet higher safety, quality, and environmental standards. Compliance with these standards is crucial for market access and is fostering continuous improvement in product quality and safety features. Conclusion: Powering Ahead with Innovation The high voltage cables and accessories market is at the forefront of the electrical engineering industry, charged with the dual responsibilities of powering our cities and industries and doing so in an environmentally responsible manner. The trends outlined above highlight the industry's response to the global demand for more efficient, reliable, and sustainable energy solutions. As we advance into an era where energy needs are increasingly complex and critical, the innovations in high voltage cables and accessories will undoubtedly play a key role in shaping a resilient and sustainable energy future. For businesses and stakeholders in this market, keeping pace with these trends is not just beneficial—it's imperative. Staying informed and adaptable will enable players in the high voltage cables and accessories market to not only survive but thrive in this dynamic environment, paving the way for a more electrified and efficient tomorrow.
Yes, stainless steel French presses are good and have numerous advantages. Firstly, stainless steel is a durable material that can withstand accidental drops or bumps without shattering like glass. Secondly, stainless steel has excellent heat retention properties, ensuring that your coffee stays hot for a longer period of time. Lastly, stainless steel press filters are often made with fine mesh, resulting in a cleaner cup of coffee with fewer sediments. Overall, investing in a stainless steel French press is a great choice for coffee lovers who value longevity and quality in their brewing equipment. Are you looking for the perfect way to make a delicious cup of coffee? Look no further than stainless steel french presses! Over 85% of people who use them report that they are an ideal choice due to their heat retention and durability features. In this article, we'll discuss the benefits of stainless steel french presses and why they often get preferred over other options. Benefits of Stainless Steel French Presses You'll benefit from a stainless steel french press, as it has great heat retention and is very durable. Stainless steel french presses come with various price ranges, offering cost-effective options for those on a budget. Whether you want to spend more or less, there are many models available to suit your needs. Aside from their cost comparison, stainless steel french presses also have superior temperature retention capabilities compared to other materials like glass or plastic. This means that your coffee will stay warm for a longer period of time without the need for reheating. For this reason, stainless steel is often preferred over other materials when making coffee at home. In addition to its heat retention properties, stainless steel is also highly durable and resistant to corrosion and discoloration over time. This makes them an excellent choice for long-term use since they don't require frequent replacements like other materials might due to wear and tear. Furthermore, they are easy to clean and maintain which helps them retain their performance for years without needing a lot of maintenance or repair work done on them. Finally, stainless steel french presses come in different sizes so you can easily find one that fits your lifestyle perfectly whether you're looking for something small enough for one cup of coffee or large enough to make multiple servings at once. Some models even feature double walls which provide extra insulation so that your coffee stays hot until the last drop! Factors to Consider When Choosing a French Press When choosing a French Press, there are several factors to consider. Capacity is one such factor; the size of the press should be appropriate for your needs. Design is also important; look for a model that has an ergonomic handle and spout design. Lastly, material should be taken into account; stainless steel presses are more durable and better at retaining heat than other materials. Stainless steel french presses typically come in various sizes, so you can pick one that fits your capacity needs. The range of a stainless steel french press varies greatly from model to model when it comes to capacity. It can range from small 2-cup pressers up to larger 8-cup models. For larger groups or for those who like to make more coffee at once, an 8-cup presser might be the best option. On the other hand, if you are making coffee for just yourself or a few people, then a smaller 2-cup presser might be enough. Ultimately though, it's all about personal preference and what works best for your individual needs. The design of stainless steel french presses varies greatly, so you can pick one that works best for your needs. Many have ergonomic designs with comfortable handles and spouts that make them easy to use. The stainless steel material also gives them an aesthetic appeal, making them an attractive addition to any kitchen. Some models come with a sleek glass carafe, while others offer a more traditional look. There are even some models that feature double-walled insulation for better heat retention or a built-in filter for superior coffee flavor. No matter what type of design you choose, the durability and heat retention of stainless steel makes it a great choice for a french press. You'll love how stainless steel french presses can retain heat and stay durable for a long time. Stainless steel is a great choice because it's corrosion-resistant, so you don't have to worry about rusting or breaking down over time. Its environmental impact is also minimal since it's recyclable and non-toxic. Plus, the polished surface means that your coffee won't be affected by any unwanted flavors or odors from the metal itself. It's also easy to clean – just give it a quick rinse with warm water and soap after each use! And if you're looking for something even more eco-friendly, there are some models made from recycled material too. So whether you're looking for something long-lasting or environmentally conscious, a stainless steel french press is definitely worth considering. Proper Care for a Stainless Steel French Press Taking care of your stainless steel French press is important to ensure it lasts for many years. To keep it in pristine condition, make sure you clean it after each use and provide regular maintenance. Here are some tips on how to properly clean and maintain your French press to ensure its longevity. Cleaning Tips To clean a stainless steel french press, it's best to use hot water and mild soap. Be sure to rinse the carafe thoroughly with hot water when you're done. Avoid using abrasive sponges or scrubbing brushes – a soft cloth is best for removing any stubborn residue from the walls of the carafe. When cold brewing, make sure your grind size is fine enough so that none of it gets stuck in the filter mesh or other parts of the French press – this will help prevent any buildup over time. Additionally, be sure to disassemble and thoroughly dry all components after each use before storing them away. This helps ensure that no moisture remains in the carafe, which can cause rusting or corrosion. Following these steps will keep your stainless steel french press looking like new! Maintenance Advice Regularly maintaining your French press is essential for a long-lasting, high-quality brewing experience. Stainless steel french presses are durable and can last longer than other materials if they are maintained properly. Inspect the lid and plunger of your press for any signs of damage or corrosion and replace them when necessary. Grinding your beans to the right size and using a timer during boiling time will ensure that you get the best flavor from your coffee. Cleaning out the grounds after each use and wiping down the inside walls with a damp cloth will help prevent any residue buildup. Finally, make sure to add some oil to all moving parts every few weeks to keep them working smoothly. With these simple maintenance steps, you'll be able to enjoy an excellent cup of coffee from your stainless steel french press for years! Advantages of Heat Retention in French Presses You'll appreciate the heat retention of a stainless steel French press, as it helps keep your coffee hot for longer. Thermal insulation is an important factor in brewing coffee, and when it comes to French presses, stainless steel has superior thermal insulation properties compared to non-metal materials. Coffee brewed with a stainless steel French press maintains its boiling temperatures for much longer than other materials like glass or ceramic. This means that you can enjoy a hotter cup of joe without needing to reheat it multiple times throughout the day. Another advantage of using a stainless steel French press is that it's more durable than other materials. The metal won't break easily if dropped, and its heat retaining qualities will last over time. In contrast, glass carafes are prone to cracking or shattering if dropped or mishandled in any way. Stainless steel is also easier to clean than some other materials, as there won't be any deposits from mineral-rich water sticking to the inner surfaces. If you're looking for better temperature control during the brewing process, then a stainless steel French press is a great option. Its thermal insulation allows you to steep your grounds at an optimal temperature for flavorful extraction without worrying about having them cool down too quickly during the brew cycle. Plus, the thermal heat retention ensures that your coffee stays warm even after being poured into your cup or mug! Overall, the advantages of using a stainless steel French press are numerous: excellent thermal insulation capabilities; increased durability; ease of cleaning; and improved temperature control during brewing all make this type of brewer one of the best options available today! Whether you're just starting out with home brewing or already well versed in making delicious cups of java – investing in a quality stainless steel French press should be on your list for sure! Why Durability Is Important for French Presses Having a durable French press is essential for consistently flavorful cups of coffee. The stainless steel construction of many French presses makes them an ideal choice for longevity and reliability. Not only are they rust-resistant, but they also provide users with an eco-friendly and energy-saving option due to their high-quality build. Stainless steel French presses can last for years, even with frequent use, making them well worth the initial cost. One of the main benefits of having a stainless steel French press is its heat retention ability. Since it's constructed from stainless steel, it's able to keep your coffee hot for much longer than other materials like glass or plastic. This helps you get more out of each cup as you don't have to reheat your coffee after only a few minutes. Plus, it allows you to enjoy your coffee at the perfect temperature every time without having to constantly monitor it on the stove or in the microwave. Stainless steel is also incredibly easy to clean and maintain, which makes it an ideal material for any kitchen appliance that sees frequent use like a French press. It won't stain or discolor over time, and there's no need to worry about metal pieces coming loose or breaking off during cleaning – something that can be common with other materials such as ceramic or glass. Additionally, because stainless steel is nonporous, there's no need to worry about bacteria buildup, which makes it incredibly hygienic compared to other materials used in food preparation appliances. Popularity of Stainless Steel French Presses You're sure to love the convenience and reliability of a stainless steel French press, which is why they're so popular. These brewing techniques have been around since the mid-1800s and are still used today because of their simplicity. The metal construction allows for consistent heat retention, making it easy to produce a great cup of coffee with each use. Additionally, the stainless steel material makes them more durable than other types of presses, allowing you to enjoy your favorite beverages for years to come without worrying about wear and tear. Stainless steel French presses also provide an optimal flavor experience that many people prefer over other brewing methods. The stainless steel mesh filter traps small particles in the coffee grounds while still allowing flavors like oils and aromatics to pass through into the cup, resulting in a richer taste that many find more pleasing than those produced from paper filters or pod machines. Furthermore, these presses are very versatile when it comes to creating different types of coffee drinks such as cappuccinos, lattes, Americanos, and espressos. With just one machine, you can make almost any type of coffee beverage you can think of! The popularity of stainless steel French presses has also grown due to their ease-of-use compared to other specialty brewers on the market today. Not only do they take up less counter space, but there's no need for extra equipment or complicated instructions – just add your favorite ground beans and hot water then wait four minutes before pressing down on the plunger handle! In addition, these devices require minimal cleaning after each use so you don't have to worry about taking apart parts or scrubbing out residue left behind by brewed beverages. All in all, stainless steel French presses are popular because they offer durability combined with convenience and superior tasting results compared to other brewing techniques. They're perfect for busy households where everyone loves different types of gourmet coffees as well as those who want an affordable way to make quality cups at home every day!
West Coast first responders brought a splash of fun to an oft-considered dry subject matter in an effort to keep locals and visitors equally dry if an emergency hits. High Ground Hikes and Emergency Preparedness Fairs were held in Tofino and Ucluelet on April 13 and 14 respectively, launching the West Coast into B.C.'s annual Tsunami Preparedness Week, which ran from April 14-20. "The importance of this is for locals and for visitors to know the risks that we have. Wildfires are a consideration out here, but not like it is if you're up in the Okanagan and Cariboo area. The tsunami is our highest risk that we have here, so it's really important that people understand what they can do to help better prepare themselves in case we do have a big event," Ucluelet fire chief Rock Geddes told the Westerly News during Sunday's event. "It's important to note that the district has limited resources. When the big one does happen people are going to have to be self sufficient…People have to understand that we can't necessarily get to you right away anytime there is an event. Having people do their own preparedness is just going to make everybody safer and hopefully decrease the confusion and pandemonium during an event." BC Earthquake Alliance executive director Christine Buttkus attended both Tofino and Ucluelet's events armed with ample information as well as prizes to hand out to participants. "We are really excited about the local partnerships and welcome we have received. Prior to the launch of the tour, we continued to hear about gaps in earthquake preparedness education in underserved communities and the positive impact of simulated experiences on learning about earthquake and tsunami risks and preparedness," Buttkus said. "With support from the presenting sponsor, the Insurance Bureau of Canada and our partner Canadian Red Cross, it is possible for us to visit communities who would otherwise not be able to access this kind of education." The alliance scored a variety of sponsorships to bring their popular Quake Cottage mobile earthquake simulator to give West Coast residents and visitors a taste of just how much movement to expect during an earthquake. "We produce a magnitude 8 equivalent for only about 40 seconds. In real life it could be three to three-and-a-half minutes of that amount of shaking," the alliance's Rob Friesen told the Westerly outside the simulator. "People really appreciate getting that experience safely and it's always a shocker for them on how the ground actually could move. Beneath our feet, we think it's stable but there is this risk…We don't teach fear, it's not about fear, it's about being prepared." He said the simulator gives participants a taste of just how much movement to expect during an earthquake event. "The purpose of it is to make that touchpoint where people can experience it safely and realize how much the earth can move and what may be compromised in their workplace or in their home. What can fall down? How could you be injured? Most injuries happen from falling objects or broken glass," he said. "We educate on drop, cover, hold. Get under a table, hold on, wait until the shaking stops…This really makes it real, especially for kids in school where they do the drills but they don't really know why they're doing the drill. They know it's about an earthquake but they've never felt it. This is a great experience for them educationally…It's a very powerful demonstration." Buttkus noted an earthquake could be the first warning of an impending tsunami and that after dropping, covering and holding on, people should have a route to high ground mapped out so they know where they're heading. "We want the whole community to be prepared and thinking about not only what they can do to protect themselves and their families, but also how they can work together as neighbourhoods and communities so they can be more resilient in the face of emergency," she said. She added residents should be prepared to be self-sufficient for 7-14 days. "Everyone benefits, especially here in tsunami country, from having a grab and go bag so that they're ready to go on short notice. The better prepared you are at home, the more comfortable you're going to be in the face of any emergency," she said. "Our Shakeout Committee would say if you're prepared for an earthquake, you're prepared for anything." She said the group received sponsorships to take their educational campaign on the road with stops in Victoria, Port Alberni, Tofino, Ucluelet and Ehateshat before heading back to the mainland. "The folks in Tofino and Ucluelet have given us an amazing welcome," she said, adding Ucluelet won the prize for most dogs in attendance at an emergency preparedness event. "We've had all ages and everyone's been really receptive and warm. Everybody's been fabulous…People have been fabulous. Lots of people have taken away new next steps to practice their preparedness and increase their preparedness. We've been really happy to be here." Ucluelet's event began with a High Ground Hike from Big Beach to Ucluelet Secondary School at 10 a.m. followed by a slew of activities and information outside the town's fire hall across the street and Geddes was quick to credit Deputy Chief Markus McRurie for helping organize the day. "The turnout was great. I'd love to see it packed, that's always our goal, but it was nice to see a lot of people out and a lot of families, which is great because the way to get through to parents often is through the kids," Geddes said. "If the kids grow up learning about tsunami preparedness then they're going to turn into adults that know about tsunami preparedness and just continue the cycle and make it easier for everybody." He thanked the members of Ucluelet Fire Rescue, formerly known as the Ucluelet Volunteer Fire Brigade, for handing over their weekend time for the cause as well as the other agencies that took part to make the events a success. Both days included draws and prizes with youth receiving plenty of swag from various response organizations and Geddes said it's important to find fun ways to highlight vital information. He added that the mobile simulator's fun, roller-coaster-like, experience provided a solid draw for local rescue and education groups to distribute important information. "We try to make it fun. I think with anything like this that some people could consider a dry subject, the more fun we can make it the more interest, hopefully, we're going to have," he said. The local Canadian Rangers also attended the event to showcase their capabilities to assist the region with emergency preparedness and disaster response. "Awareness is a big thing. A lot of people might not be aware that the Canadian Rangers are here or what we do," Patrol Commander Emily Coombs told the Westerly. "We're just trying to raise awareness that the military is here to assist. We're already here and we are liaisons with the community and the military and are able to keep that flow of information going so that, if the army is requested, they have that background information already, they already know what the situation is here and we're able to prepare so that we can respond even faster with what's required." She added the crew recently completed light urban search and rescue and disaster response training and rapid damage assessment. The Rangers are currently recruiting new members and anyone interested is encouraged to reach out to Coombs at firstname.lastname@example.com. The crew currently has 18 members across the region with another two in the application stage and can fill up to 34 spots and a variety of training opportunities are available. "There's lots of opportunities and we have our Junior Canadian Ranger Patrol as well and we're always looking for help with them. The sky is the limit with what they're able to do. Lots of opportunities to join the Canadian Rangers," she said. "We're all kind of like-minded that we want to be there for our communities. This is another way to give back to our community and be a part of something bigger. I love being a Canadian Ranger. I've been doing it for eight years now, but some have been in the patrol for over 30 years." She added joining provides opportunities to travel and visit other communities, learn about the issues they're facing and how they're addressing them. "There's things that we can bring back to our own communities as well. We're always just kind of thinking out of the box, coming up with solutions and being there to help," she said. Members of the Canadian Red Cross also attended. "We're a local team that supports people who are evacuated from their homes in times of an emergency," said Red Cross member Christine Brice. "It's important for us to be here so people have that visibility and they know that there's some support. Living here, the key thing is that people are prepared ahead of time. The amount of support we can provide can be limited if we have something that affects the whole West Coast. The more prepared people are in advance, then the better off as a whole community we will be." Red Cross Regional Manager Gary Carleton was in town to debrief with volunteers about support for a local couple who recently lost their home to a fire in Ucluelet. He told the Westerly the team offers assistance for the first 72 hours after an emergency and anyone interested in lending a hand is encouraged to visit RedCross.ca for information on how to get involved. "It's incredibly rewarding to work with people in possibly the lowest point of their lives. They may have just lost their home and their possessions and they find themselves on the side of the road not expecting this and there's trained volunteers that are there to support them during that very, very tough time," he said. Don't miss out on reading the latest local, provincial and national news. Join our community and receive daily news alerts & breaking news, right to your inbox. www.westerlynews.ca/newsletters. READ MORE: Emergency training exercise connects West Coast communities READ MORE: Modelled tsunami would take 20 minutes to reach Vancouver Island — study READ MORE: Behest of the West: Get prepared before you panic
Sehore is a city and a municipality in Sehore district in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It is the district headquarters of Sehore District and is located on the Bhopal-Sehore-Indore highway, 38 km from Bhopal. Sehore stands at the foothills of the Vindhya Range in the middle of the Malwa region. It has a long and glorious past. Shaiva, Shakta, Jain, Vaishnav, Buddhists and Nath priests made Sehore a significant seat of meditation/ worship. Sehore was a part of the Bhopal estate. After formation of Madhya Pradesh, it was bifurcated, in 1972 and a new district - Bhopal - was carved out of it.
Medicine:Tbx18 transduction Tbx18 transduction \| Tbx18 transduction is a method of turning on genes in heart muscle cells as a treatment for certain cardiac arrhythmias. Currently this therapy is in the very early stages of experimentation, having only been applied to rodents.[1] Before this treatment can be used in humans, successful tests on larger animals need to be completed followed by human clinical trials. This treatment is one of the many forms of gene therapy that are currently being researched for use in different diseases.[citation needed] Tbx18 gene therapy is aimed at treating a group of arrhythmias known as sick sinus syndrome. In a healthy heart, sinoatrial (SA) nodal cells act as the heart's pacemaker and cause the heart to beat in a regular rhythm. Approximately 10 thousand of the 10 billion cells in the heart are SA nodal cells.[2] Although they make up a relatively small portion of the heart SA node cells play a crucial role in the heart's function. The problem in sick sinus syndrome is that the SA node is not functioning properly and is causing an irregular heartbeat. Currently the treatment for sick sinus syndrome is to remove the SA nodal cells that are not functioning properly (?) and to implant an electronic pacemaker to maintain a regular rhythm.[3] The Tbx18 gene is required for development of pacemaker cells in the heart during fetal development but is normally not functional after birth.[4] Expression of Tbx18 after birth requires adenovirus vectors to deliver the gene into the atrial myocytes. Tbx18 transduction converts atrial muscle cells into SA node cells that initiate the heartbeat. An engineered virus carrying the Tbx18 gene is injected into animals and infects atrial muscle cells. Inside atrial muscle cells the Tbx18 gene is expressed. Tbx18 turns on genes that drive SA node cell development, simultaneously turning off genes that create atrial muscle cells. Tbx18 gene therapy has been successful in rodent hearts, converting atrial muscle cells into SA node cells by expression of the Tbx18 transcription factor. Tbx18 expression in atrial myocytes was shown to convert them into functional SA nodal cells in an experiment done in rodents.[5] These converted SA node cells are able to respond to the nervous system, allowing the heart to be regulated as normal.[citation needed] Adenoviral TBX18 gene transfer could create biological pacemaker activity in vivo in a large-animal model of complete heart block. Biological pacemaker activity, originating from the intramyocardial injection site, was evident in TBX18-transduced animals starting at day 2 and persisted for the duration of the study (14 days) with minimal backup electronic pacemaker use. Relative to controls transduced with a reporter gene, TBX18-transduced animals exhibited enhanced autonomic responses and physiologically superior chronotropic support of physical activity. Induced sinoatrial node cells could be identified by their distinctive morphology at the site of injection in TBX18-transduced animals, but not in controls. No local or systemic safety concerns arose. Thus, minimally invasive TBX18 gene transfer creates physiologically relevant pacemaker activity in complete heart block, providing evidence for therapeutic somatic reprogramming in a clinically relevant disease model.[6] The currently used electronic pacemakers have drawbacks such as equipment malfunction, limited battery life, lack of nervous system regulation, and risks associated with implantation of the device in one's chest. Creation of a biological pacemaker could prove to be a feasible alternative that eliminates some of the problems associated with electronic pacemakers. Various gene and cell-based approaches of creating a biological pacemaker have been looked at over the last few years.[7] The method of turning on Tbx18 genes in heart muscle cells is a new method being researched that, so far, has shown promise for being effective.[citation needed] - ↑ Kapoor, N., Liang, W., Marbán, E., and Cheol Cho, H. (2013). Direct conversion of quiescent cardiomyocytes to pacemaker cells by expression of Tbx18. Nature Biotechnology. 31: 54-62. - ↑ Kapoor, N., Liang, W., Marbán, E., and Cheol Cho, H. (2013). Direct conversion of quiescent cardiomyocytes to pacemaker cells by expression of Tbx18. Nature Biotechnology. 31: 54-62. - ↑ Tung, R., Shen, W., Hayes, D., Hammill, S., Bailey, K., and Gersh, B. (1994). Long-Term Survival After Permanent Pacemaker Implantation for Sick Sinus Syndrome. The American Journal of Cardiology. 74: 1016–1020. - ↑ Wiese, C., Grieskamp, T., Airik, R., Mommersteeg, M., Gardiwal, A., deVries, C., Gossler, K., Moorman, A., Kispert, A., and Christoffels, V. (2009). Formation of the Sinus Node Head and Differentiation of Sinus Node Myocardium Are Independently Regulated by Tbx18 and Tbx3. Circulation Research. 104: 388-397. - ↑ Kapoor, N., Liang, W., Marbán, E., and Cheol Cho, H. (2013). Direct conversion of quiescent cardiomyocytes to pacemaker cells by expression of Tbx18. Nature Biotechnology. 31: 54-62. - ↑ Y-F. Hu, J. F. Dawkins, H. C. Cho, E. Marbán, E. Cingolani,(2014).Biological pacemaker created by minimally invasive somatic reprogramming in pigs with complete heart block. Sci. Transl. Med. 6, 245ra94 - ↑ Li, R.A. (2012). Gene-and cell-based bio-artificial pacemaker: what basic and translational lessons have we learned? Gene Therapy. 19: 588-595. Original source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tbx18 transduction. Read more \|
Tonerem has become a buzzword in the skincare industry, promising radiant and flawless skin. But what exactly is tonerem, and how does it work? In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into everything you need to know about tonerem, from its benefits to its side effects and even DIY recipes. Understanding Tonerem What is Tonerem? Tonerem is a skincare product designed to balance the skin's pH levels and remove impurities left behind after cleansing. It typically comes in liquid form and is applied to the skin using a cotton pad or sprayed directly onto the face. How does Tonerem work? Tonerem works by tightening pores, hydrating the skin, and preparing it for subsequent skincare products. It helps remove any remaining traces of dirt, oil, and makeup, leaving the skin clean and refreshed. Benefits of Tonerem - Restores skin's pH balance - Minimizes the appearance of pores - Hydrates and nourishes the skin - Improves the efficacy of other skincare products Types of Tonerem Natural Tonerem Natural tonerem is made from organic ingredients such as floral waters, herbal extracts, and fruit extracts. It is suitable for those with sensitive skin or a preference for natural products. Synthetic Tonerem Synthetic tonerem contains synthetic ingredients such as alcohol and fragrance. While effective for oily or acne-prone skin, it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals. How to Use Tonerem Applying Tonerem After cleansing, apply tonerem to a cotton pad and gently swipe it across the face and neck. Alternatively, you can pour a small amount into your palms and pat it onto the skin. Precautions while using Tonerem Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. If irritation occurs, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist. Always perform a patch test before using a new tonerem. Tonerem in Skincare Routines Morning Skincare Routine with Tonerem After cleansing, apply tonerem to remove any overnight buildup and prepare the skin for moisturizer and sunscreen. Evening Skincare Routine with Tonerem Use tonerem after cleansing to remove makeup and impurities before applying serums and night creams. Ingredients in Tonerem Common Ingredients - Witch hazel - Aloe vera - Hyaluronic acid - Glycerin Specialized Ingredients - Salicylic acid (for acne-prone skin) - Vitamin C (for brightening) Choosing the Right Tonerem Skin Type Considerations - Dry skin: Look for hydrating tonerem with ingredients like hyaluronic acid. - Oily skin: Opt for oil-free tonerem with ingredients like witch hazel. - Combination skin: Choose a gentle tonerem that balances oil production without stripping the skin. Allergies and Sensitivities Check the ingredient list for potential allergens or irritants. If you have sensitive skin, opt for fragrance-free and alcohol-free tonerem. DIY Tonerem Recipes Simple DIY Tonerem Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water for a natural tonerem that balances the skin's pH levels. Advanced DIY Tonerem Combine green tea, witch hazel, and aloe vera gel for a soothing and antioxidant-rich tonerem. Side Effects of Tonerem Common Side Effects - Dryness - Irritation - Sensitivity to sunlight Rare Side Effects - Allergic reactions - Chemical burns (with harsh or improperly formulated tonerem) Tonerem and Sustainability Environmental Impact Choose tonerem brands that prioritize sustainable packaging and ethically sourced ingredients to minimize environmental impact. Cruelty-free Tonerem Look for cruelty-free certifications to ensure that no animals were harmed during the production of your tonerem. FAQs About Tonerem What is the best time to apply tonerem? The best time to apply tonerem is after cleansing, both in the morning and evening. Can tonerem be used daily? Yes, tonerem can be used daily as part of your skincare routine. Is tonerem suitable for all skin types? While tonerem is generally suitable for all skin types, those with sensitive skin should choose alcohol-free and fragrance-free formulas. How long does it take to see results with tonerem? Results may vary depending on individual skin concerns, but most people notice improvements in skin texture and appearance within a few weeks of consistent use. Can tonerem replace other skincare products? Tonerem is an essential step in a skincare routine but should be complemented by other products such as cleansers, moisturizers, and serums for optimal results. In conclusion, tonerem is a versatile skincare product that offers numerous benefits for the skin. By understanding its ingredients, choosing the right formula for your skin type, and incorporating it into your daily routine, you can achieve healthier and more radiant skin.
Mental Health Can You Be Very Intelligent and Still Have ADHD? Unravelling the Myths Written by Jacqui Walker Published On: Jan 30, 2024 Have you ever wondered if high intelligence and ADHD can coexist? It's a question that stirs much debate, often shrouded in misconceptions. The truth is, ADHD doesn't discriminate; it affects people from all walks of life, regardless of their intellectual abilities. Yes, you can be exceptionally bright and still have ADHD. Dispelling the myth that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is synonymous with poor academic performance or lower IQ is essential. In fact, many individuals with ADHD possess above-average intelligence. They're often the out-of-the-box thinkers who dazzle us with their creativity and problem-solving skills. Understanding this connection matters more than you might realise. If you're someone with ADHD or know somebody who has it, recognising the potential for high intellect alongside the challenges of ADHD can be incredibly empowering. It shifts perspectives and encourages strategies that harness strengths while managing difficulties. Stick around as we delve into how brains wired differently are not only capable of great things but may also offer unique advantages in certain areas! Can You Be Very Intelligent and Have ADHD Absolutely, having ADHD doesn't preclude someone from being very intelligent. In fact, many individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) possess above-average IQs. The perception that intelligence and ADHD cannot coexist is a common misconception. It's crucial to remember that ADHD is characterised by differences in attention, impulse control, and activity levels—not cognitive ability. There's plenty of anecdotal evidence suggesting numerous successful scientists, artists, and entrepreneurs exhibit traits indicative of ADHD. For example: Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group Simone Biles, world champion gymnast Adam Levine, lead singer of Maroon 5 These individuals are not only at the top of their fields but also openly discuss their experiences with ADHD. However, you may wonder why people with higher intelligence would have issues associated with ADHD. It boils down to how the brain processes information; those with ADHD can struggle to filter out extraneous stimuli or focus on tasks deemed uninteresting or repetitive despite having great intellectual abilities. To better understand this dichotomy let's break it down: Intelligence relates to one's capacity for learning, reasoning and problem-solving. ADHD affects attention span and executive functions such as organising and completing tasks. Here are some practical tips for those who might be navigating both high intelligence and ADHD: Leverage your strengths—focus on what you're passionate about as your natural curiosity can help maintain engagement. Create structured routines to help manage day-to-day tasks which could otherwise be overwhelming or overlooked. Consider using technology like reminder apps or time management software designed specifically for people with ADHD to stay on track. Mindfulness techniques have proven effective in managing some symptoms of ADHD by enhancing focus and reducing stress without impacting creativity—a valuable trait often found in highly intelligent individuals. Mindfulness practices vary widely: Meditation sessions can range from a few minutes to longer periods depending on personal preference. Simple breathing exercises offer a quick way to centre oneself during moments of distraction or overwhelm. So yes you can be exceptionally bright—and even brilliant—while living with the challenges that come along with having ADHD. By embracing strategies tailored towards your unique needs you'll find ways to thrive intellectually while managing symptoms effectively. The Link Between Intelligence and ADHD Myth: ADHD and Intelligence Are Mutually Exclusive You might have come across the common misconception that if you're living with ADHD, your intelligence is somehow compromised. Let's bust this myth once and for all. Intelligence and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are not opposing forces on a chessboard. In fact, they can coexist quite comfortably within the same mind. Many believe that ADHD symptoms such as distractibility or impulsiveness indicate a lack of smarts. That couldn't be further from the truth. Think of your brain like a supercomputer running multiple complex programs simultaneously—having ADHD means sometimes the processing speed varies, not that it lacks capability. Individuals with ADHD often exhibit remarkable creativity and problem-solving skills—a clear sign of intelligence. Research Findings on ADHD and Intelligence When it comes to research, scientists have been putting their minds to work untangling the intricate web between IQ scores and ADHD. And what does the data show? It's time to dive into some findings: Studies Show No Negative Impact: Research suggests that having ADHD doesn't mean you'll have a lower IQ than your peers without the condition.[^1] Diverse Cognitive Profiles: Some individuals with ADHD may excel in certain areas of intelligence while facing challenges in others—it's more about cognitive diversity than deficiency. What these points underscore is that high intelligence is absolutely attainable for people living with ADHD—you're just playing the game on a different board. Strategies exist to leverage your unique cognitive style towards success, whether at school, work or daily life. By harnessing strengths like hyperfocus—a common trait among those with ADHD—you can channel your energy into becoming an expert in areas you're passionate about. So next time someone hints at a supposed link between lower intellect and having this neurodevelopmental disorder, remember science has got your back! Characteristics of Highly Intelligent Individuals with ADHD 1. Hyperfocus and Creativity You might associate ADHD with a lack of focus, but paradoxically, individuals with this condition can exhibit an intense concentration known as hyperfocus. This is particularly evident in highly intelligent people with ADHD. They often become engrossed in tasks that interest them to the exclusion of everything else. Here's what you should know: Hyperfocus can be a double-edged sword; while it aids in deep work on specific problems or projects, it may lead to neglect of other tasks. Creativity blossoms during these periods of deep focus, allowing those affected to come up with unique ideas and solutions. People who hyperfocus tend to lose track of time, which may result in impressive productivity within their area of interest. Remember that not every distraction is detrimental. Sometimes stepping away from a task allows for the subconscious mind to tackle problems creatively. 2. Divergent Thinking and Problem-Solving Abilities Highly intelligent individuals living with ADHD are often adept at divergent thinking. This means they're capable of considering multiple solutions to a problem simultaneously. Let's delve into the specifics: They excel at brainstorming sessions where fresh ideas are needed. Their approach to problem-solving is not linear; they jump between different thoughts and perspectives readily. Intellectual agility allows them to pivot quickly when faced with new information or unexpected challenges. It's crucial however not to mistake this rapid thought process for impulsiveness – it's more about being able to see possibilities where others see dead ends. 3. Quick Cognitive Processing Speedy brain function characterises many intelligent people who have ADHD: They process information rapidly which can be beneficial in fast-paced environments or when making quick decisions. This cognitive speed doesn't always translate well into traditional learning or working setups where slower, methodical processes are valued. The challenge lies in harnessing this quick processing capability without becoming overwhelmed by too much information at once. For optimal performance, strategies like breaking down tasks into smaller steps or using tools like organisers and checklists can help manage the pace without sacrificing efficiency. By understanding these characteristics and employing strategic approaches tailored for your unique cognitive style, you can leverage your intelligence alongside ADHD effectively. It takes insight and sometimes guidance from professionals familiar with ADHD management but unlocking your full potential is certainly within reach. Challenges Faced by Smart Individuals with ADHD Executive Functioning Difficulties Smart people with ADHD often struggle with executive functions, which encompass a range of cognitive processes including working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control. Imagine you're the conductor of an orchestra but your musicians aren't always playing in sync – that's how your brain might operate when tackling tasks requiring organization and time management. Here are some common challenges: Staying on top of tasks can be like juggling whilst riding a unicycle. Organizing thoughts could feel akin to herding cats. Making decisions sometimes resembles trying to choose your favourite star in the sky – it's overwhelming. When your executive functioning isn't as fine-tuned as you'd like it can lead to missing deadlines or struggling with multitasking despite high intelligence. Boredom and Underachievement With sharp brains often comes a thirst for stimulation and novelty; however, if you have ADHD this craving might not always be satisfied leading to boredom and underachievement. Tasks deemed too routine or lacking in interest may quickly lose their appeal causing smart individuals to divert their attention elsewhere. This can manifest in: Skipping from one activity to another without completion Procrastination on projects that don't immediately captivate A pattern where initial enthusiasm fizzles out rapidly Underachievement isn't about lack of potential but rather the mismatch between capabilities and performance due mostly to waning interest levels. Social and Emotional Challenges Navigating social waters is tricky enough but add ADHD into the mix and it's like sailing through a storm without a compass. Reading social cues correctly or managing emotions effectively can be tough. You'll find yourself facing: Moments where impulsive comments disrupt conversations Feelings of frustration during interactions that require patience Sensitivity when feedback feels more critical than constructive To forge strong relationships whilst managing these challenges demands extra effort but understanding your unique social-emotional landscape helps steer you towards calmer seas. Incorporating practices such as mindfulness techniques or seeking guidance from behavioural therapists could mitigate some social challenges offering smoother interpersonal experiences for those who are both intelligent and living with ADHD. Strategies for Thriving with ADHD and High Intelligence 1. Seeking Proper Diagnosis and Treatment You might wonder if your quick mind and restless energy are part of a bigger picture. Let's talk about the importance of getting a proper diagnosis. It's not just about labelling; it's about understanding your unique brain wiring. Finding a healthcare professional experienced in adult ADHD is crucial. They'll assess cognitive strengths and look for signs that align with ADHD. Once diagnosed, treatment can be tailored to your needs. Medication often comes to mind, but it's not the sole solution. You'll learn about other interventions like cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which helps manage impulsivity and hyperfocus—traits that often accompany high intellect with ADHD. Medication: Can improve focus and reduce impulsivity. CBT: Offers strategies to handle challenging aspects of ADHD. Coaching: Helps in organising life around both strengths and weaknesses. Remember, treatment is more than managing symptoms; it's about enhancing how you function day-to-day. 2. Developing Effective Coping Mechanisms Managing time efficiently can be tricky when you have lots on your plate. But good news—you can develop coping mechanisms that turn potential weaknesses into strengths: Organisational Tools: Planners or digital apps keep track of tasks. Time Management Techniques: The Pomodoro Technique breaks work into intervals, maintaining productivity without burnout. Mindfulness Practices: Meditation reduces stress levels, improving concentration. Building routines creates structure in daily life, making things less overwhelming. And don't forget physical exercise—it sharpens the mind as much as it strengthens the body! 3. Harnessing the Positive Aspects of ADHD Now let's shine a light on the positives of having an agile brain coupled with ADHD: Creativity: You're likely brimming with original ideas—use this to brainstorm solutions at work or start creative projects at home. Resilience: Overcoming daily challenges makes you stronger; each hurdle tackled is another win under your belt. Hyperfocus: When interested, you can dive deep into subjects most would skim over—this could become an asset in specialised fields. It's all about perspective! Leverage these traits by choosing careers or hobbies where they become superpowers rather than kryptonite. Harnessing your intelligence alongside ADHD isn't just possible—it's within reach when you play to your strengths while keeping an eye on potential pitfalls! Understanding that intelligence and ADHD can coexist is vital. You might indeed be exceptionally bright whilst also managing the challenges of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Let's break it down into simpler terms: imagine your brain is a supercomputer with multiple programs running at once. ADHD doesn't lower the computer's processing power – it just means you've got too many apps open, making it hard to focus on one task. People often fall into the trap of thinking that if you're smart, you shouldn't have any issues focusing or staying organised. This misconception leads to frustration for those with high IQs who struggle due to their ADHD. If this sounds like you, remember that intelligence isn't a shield against every brain-related challenge. Incorporating these practices into your life involves trial and error. Find what resonates with your lifestyle and don't be afraid to tweak methods until they fit just right. Remember that having ADHD doesn't limit your potential for success. With the right strategies in place, navigating through life's complexities becomes more manageable - much like updating your supercomputer to run more efficiently. Keep experimenting until you discover the perfect balance between harnessing your intelligence and managing your ADHD symptoms effectively.
Green hydrogen, a potential clean energy carrier of the future, utilizes various renewable energy sources but the unpredictability of solar power output poses significant challenges. This has led to the development of an evaluation technique to ensure the durability of hydrogen production devices under these fluctuations. Browsing: solar Hydrogen fuel cell solar battery to transform home solar systems Sustainable Energy Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of CuraScientific, recently… Acciona Energía, a subsidiary of Spanish utility Acciona, is gearing up to initiate construction on the Aldoga solar farm in Queensland. Duke Energy, a major player in the energy sector, is set to redefine the landscape of renewable energy with its groundbreaking solar-powered hydrogen production plant in DeBary, Florida. The innovative facility, scheduled to be operational by 2024, is poised to be a game-changer in the pursuit of sustainable and infinite green energy. Belgium and Australia have laid the foundation for a promising collaboration. Bart Vermang, a distinguished professor in the field of… MIT engineers are on the verge of a clean energy breakthrough that could revolutionize hydrogen production and help eliminate the dependence on fossil fuels. Solar-powered electrolysis offers a promising solution for sustainable hydrogen production, ushering in a new era in the energy industry. In a remarkable move towards greener energy solutions, China's largest onshore oil and gas operator, PetroChina, has secured government approval for the construction of a major solar-to-hydrogen project in Gansu province, signaling a momentous step in the country's pursuit of clean and sustainable energy. South Korean companies, Hanwha Solutions Corp. and SK D&D, have announced a strategic memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on hydrogen fuel cell and solar power generation initiatives. An international team of scientists has made a significant breakthrough in clean energy production by developing a new nanomaterial that can extract hydrogen from water using solar power.
Constitutions, Fish, Growth, Diversification, and More Lecture at Fróðskaparsetur Føroya. This will be one of those talks where almost everything discussed is in the title. We begin in Russia whose resource-based economy has been stagnant since 2012. We move to Iceland whose no longer resource-based but still not well diversified economy has similarly been stagnant as the purchasing power of per capita GDP was lower in 2020 than in 2007. We compare Iceland with two rapidly growing countries that use the euro directly or indirectly: Ireland and the Faroe Islands. We pursue the comparison between Iceland and the Faroe Islands along three dimensions: Independence, monetary affairs, and their new constitutions, which remain to be ratified by the two oldest parliaments in the world. We then go on to briefly discuss Iceland after the 2008 crash, leaving it to the participants to judge the extent to which the discussion applies also to the Faroe Islands. We conclude by discussing the cross-country relationship between natural resource dependence and inclusive economic growth across countries and what needs to be done to avert trouble, which brings us back to our new constitutions and the need to promote economic diversification and democracy.
Jul 2 By: Noah Wiener The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) announced Monday that recent excavations at Huqoq, Israel, have exposed a monumental 4th-5th century C.E. synagogue with detailed mosaic floors. Jun 29 Lebanese citizens are protesting Culture Minister Gaby Layyoun's decision to allow construction on a site that may contain a 2,500 year old Phoenician port. UNESCO […] What is this object? When is it from? What culture did it come from? Multiple Choices for this week's What is it? discussion. Jun 28 At a recent TEDx conference in Sonoma County, archaeologist and BAR contributor Thomas Levy gave an illuminating lecture on technology and its usage in Biblical Archaeology. His lucid talk makes the subject matter accessible to all, yet new and illuminating to archaeologists and techies alike. Jun 22 The Arch of Titus Digital Restoration Project, conducted by the Yeshiva University Center for Israel Studies, recently scanned the iconic arch for traces of color on the first century C.E. bas-reliefs. Jun 20 A new exhibit at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art highlights the grace and diversity of Egyptian art from the Predynastic and Early Dynastic Periods that set the tone for Egypt's artistic program for millennia to come. Jun 7 Ancient measurements such as the hekat (volume) or the cubit (length) are well known to archaeologists. However, recent interdisciplinary research on spherical jugs suggests that across the Eastern Mediterranean, ancient trading systems were much more precise than previously believed. The jugs were used to store and transport valuable commodities including wine and olive oil, and new evidence suggests that buyers and sellers had precise measurements of their goods. Moreover, the comprehension of ancient mathematics and the usage of these ancient measurements were spread across national boundaries, giving archaeologists an idea of extranational community and standardization across ancient trading systems. May 18 An Iraqi Oil Ministry plan to extend an oil pipeline through ancient Babylon presents a major threat to the cultural heritage of one of the […] May 15 We are lucky to have such a great depth of scholarly content to draw from, and even more lucky to have such an interesting and interested readership. We would love to hear more from you. Mar 26 Named by The Sunday Times as one of the world's top ten walks, the Lycian Way hiking trail weaves along 300 miles of Turkey's southern […] Sign up to receive our email newsletter and never miss an update. By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. For more than 40 years, the Biblical Archaeology Society has partnered with world-renowned hosts and guides to provide you exceptional educational offerings in the archaeology of the Biblical lands and in Biblical studies.
PA School Assessments and Training "A generation of kids has gone to school since Columbine, and we politicians have not done enough. So here in Pennsylvania, we need to act to ensure that we're doing everything we can to ensure schools are safe." – PA Governor Tom Wolf PA School Assessments and Training Pennsylvania Act 18, Act 44, and Act 55 are a set of criteria that schools must meet to ensure the safety and security of their students and staff. These include appointing a School Safety and Security Coordinator, conducting a risk and vulnerability assessment, providing mandatory training for employees, and establishing standards for school police, resource officers, and security guards. That's where LARGO Consulting Services comes in! LARGO's founder has spent over 25 years developing emergency response plans for colleges, universities, and schools. ASIS International has recognized him as a School Safety and Security SC Emeritus. Since 2018, LARGO has been helping schools in Pennsylvania meet Act 18, Act 44, and Act 55 requirements as set forth by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency School Safety and Security Committee. Our experts work closely with schools to ensure they meet the criteria and take all necessary measures to protect their students and staff. To receive funding, schools must demonstrate compliance with several key assessment criteria items under Pennsylvania Act 18, Act 44, and Act 55; schools must conduct: - A Physical Security Assessment - Policy and Training Assessment - School Safety and Security Training - Situational Awareness Training - Trauma-Informed Educational Awareness Training - Behavioral Health Awareness Training - Suicide Prevention/Awareness Training - Bullying Prevention and Awareness Training - Substance Use Awareness Training - Emergency Training Drills Physical Security Assessment LARGO's team of experienced professionals will conduct a thorough physical security and safety assessment during the school year while classes are in session. Our assessment, which adheres to the criteria outlined by the School Safety and Security Committee, ensures that your school is compliant and up-to-date with the latest safety standards and protocols. During the assessment, our team will evaluate your school's security measures, such as access control systems, surveillance cameras, and emergency response procedures. We will identify any potential weaknesses or gaps in your current security measures and provide you with practical, actionable items to improve them, empowering you to enhance your school's safety and security. Situational Awareness Working closely with school administrators, law enforcement, and community stakeholders, LARGO Consulting Services is committed to situational awareness. We'll help you develop an All-Hazards School Safety Plan that reviews existing disaster response and emergency preparedness, safety, or emergency operations plans. Trauma-Informed Educational Awareness At LARGO Consulting Services, we believe in the importance of creating a trauma-informed approach identified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA.). We'll work with school administrators to review the six key principles that are fundamental to this approach, including - Trustworthiness and Transparency - Safety - Peer support - Collaboration and Mutuality - Empowerment, Voice, and Choice - Cultural, Historical, and Gender issues By focusing on trauma-informed educational awareness, we can create a safer, more supportive environment for all students. Suicide Prevention/Awareness Suicide prevention and awareness are critical components of keeping your school safe. Our team will review suicide prevention awareness programs with administrators, teachers, counselors, school psychologists, social workers, and nonprofessional staff. By recognizing the warning signs and signals of potential harm, we can intervene before it's too late. Bullying Prevention and Awareness Bullying is a serious issue that can have a long-lasting impact on students' mental health and well-being. LARGO Consulting Services will assess your school's bullying prevention and awareness training program, required to occur every five years. We'll also review the implementation and tracking of the Safe2Say Program, which teaches youth and adults how to recognize warning signs and signals, especially within social media, from individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others. Substance Use Awareness Substance use awareness is another vital area of focus for LARGO Consulting Services. We'll review your school's Substance Use Awareness Training program for the school staff and ensure compliance with Act 55, which requires public school students in grades 6-12 to receive instruction regarding the prevention of opioid abuse. Emergency Training Drills Finally, we're proud to offer customized safety and security training programs, including emergency training drills, tailored to meet each school's unique requirements. Our founder's expertise in developing and implementing emergency response training programs for colleges, universities, and schools makes LARGO Consulting Services the perfect partner for your school's safety and security needs. By preparing for the unexpected, we can ensure that your school is ready for anything. SOURCE: PCCD School Safety and Security Assessment Criteria Copyright 2024 Simplify Your Pennsylvania Act 18, Act 44, and Act 55 Criteria requirement process with LARGO Consulting Services, LLC, an Approved School Safety and Security Assessment Provider andTrainer since in February 2019. Our team is happy to answer any questions you may have regarding Act 44 compliance. For more information about LARGO Secure Schools, don't hesitate to get in touch with LARGO Consulting Services, LLC online or call 833-LARGOCS. We also invite you to connect with us on LinkedIn. Our Reputation As a Industry Leader What People Say "LARGO is one of the most knowledgeable security consulting firms I know in assessing risk and vulnerabilities and then applying effective security practices to protect a client's assets." John Nemerofsky Chief Operating Officer SAGE Integration "The LARGO team delivers as promised. From assessments, response plan development, training, and security system design, they understand what it takes to keep our students, teachers, and staff safe." Marybeth Torchia Boyertown Area School District "LARGO's VIZION20XX assessment process not only provided valuable insight to our existing security plans but provided a roadmap in future-proofing our systems for years to come." Campus Security Professional "Thank you again for another great training session. It was a lot of fun and engaged the entire team." General Manager Retail Vertical Any given day, Anything Can Happen, Be Prepared
Acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) is characterized by severe gallbladder inflammation without cystic duct obstruction. Critical illness and neurological deficits are often associated with AAC, and early radiologic imaging is necessary for the detection and timely treatment of AAC. In critically ill patients, effective surgical management is difficult. This review examines the three common surgical treatments for AAC (open cholecystectomy (OC), laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), or percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC)), their prevalence in current literature, and the perioperative outcomes of these different approaches using a large retrospective database. Materials and methods This review examined literature gathered from PubMed and Google Scholar to select more than 50 sources with data pertinent to AAC; of which 20 are described in a summary table. Outcomes from our previous research and several updated results were obtained from the University HealthSystem Consortium (UHC) database. LC has proven effective in treating AAC when the risks of general anesthesia and the chance for conversion to OC are low. In critically ill patients with multiple comorbidities, PC or OC may be the only available options. Data in the literature and an examination of outcomes within a national database indicate that for severely ill patients, PC may be safer and met with better outcomes than OC for the healthier set of AAC patients. We suggest a three-pronged approach to surgical resolution of AAC. Patients that are healthy enough to tolerate LC should undergo LC early in the course of the disease. In critically ill patients, patients with multiple comorbidities, a high conversion risk, or who are poor surgical candidates, PC may be the safest and most successful intervention. 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Surg Endosc 19:1256–1259. doi:10.1007/s00464-004-2248-6 Anderson JE, Chang DC, Talamini MA (2013; 2013) A nationwide examination of outcomes of percutaneous cholecystostomy compared with cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis, 1998–2010. Surg Endosc 27:3406–3411. doi:10.1007/s00464-013-2924-5 Nguyen NT, Hinojosa M, Fayad C, Varela E, Wilson SE (2007) Use and outcomes of laparoscopic versus open gastric bypass at academic medical centers. J Am Coll Surg 205:248–255 Hinojosa MW, Murrell ZA, Konyalian VR, Mills S, Nguyen NT, Stamos MJ (2007) Comparison of laparoscopic vs open sigmoid colectomy for benign and malignant disease at academic medical centers. J Gastrointest Surg 11:1423–1429. doi:10.1007/s11605-007-0269-x, discussion 1429-30 The authors acknowledge support from the following source: The Center for Advanced Surgical Technology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Authors' contributions Dmitry Oleynikov, MD did the study conception and design. Charles Treinen, BS and Daniel Lomelin, MPH performed the acquisition of data and did the analysis and interpretation of data. Charles Treinen, BS; Daniel Lomelin, MPH; and Crystal Krause, PhD drafted the manuscript. Charles Treinen, BS; Daniel Lomelin, MPH; Crystal Krause, PhD; and Dmitry Oleynikov, MD critically revised the manuscript. Ethics statement This study utilized the University HealthSystem Consortium database, which uses de-identified patient information, and as such does not require informed consent or IRB approval. The manuscript does not contain clinical studies or individual patient data. Conflicts of interest Author information Authors and Affiliations Corresponding author Rights and permissions About this article Cite this article Treinen, C., Lomelin, D., Krause, C. et al. Acute acalculous cholecystitis in the critically ill: risk factors and surgical strategies. Langenbecks Arch Surg 400, 421–427 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00423-014-1267-6 Issue Date: DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00423-014-1267-6
Artificial Intelligence in Weapons Systems Committee Corrected oral evidence: Artificial intelligence in weapons systems Thursday 20 April 2023 10 am Members present: Lord Lisvane (The Chair); Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent; Lord Browne of Ladyton; Lord Clement-Jones; The Lord Bishop of Coventry; Baroness Doocey; Lord Fairfax of Cameron; Lord Grocott; Lord Hamilton of Epsom; Baroness Hodgson of Abinger; Lord Houghton of Richmond; Lord Sarfraz. Evidence Session No. 3 Heard in Public Questions 24 - 42 I: Courtney Bowman, Global Director of Privacy and Civil Liberties Engineering, Palantir; Professor Kenneth Payne, Professor of Strategy, King's College London; James Black, Assistant Director of the Defence and Security Research Group, RAND Europe; Dr Keith Dear, Managing Director, Centre for Cognitive and Advanced Technologies, Fujitsu. Professor Kenneth Payne, Dr Keith Dear, James Black and Courtney Bowman. Q24 The Chair: Good morning and welcome to our witnesses. It is very good to have you here with us—Professor Payne for the second time. This session is being broadcast and will be transcribed, so you will have an opportunity to correct any factual errors afterwards. We will go around the committee pursuing particular lines of interest and inquiry. There is one thing I am particularly keen that we should do this morning, and we had a brief chat about it beforehand. It is inevitable that, in a subject such as this, we get an almost inextricable mixing of strands—political, military, strategic, ethical and so on. We will try, if possible, to compartment our questions a bit more than in previous sessions. If you could complement that effort by keeping your answers pretty much within those compartments, that would be a great help, and shorter is always better. Would you like to introduce yourselves briefly to the committee? Courtney Bowman: I am global director of privacy and civil liberties at Palantir Technologies. Professor Kenneth Payne: I am professor of strategy at King's College London. James Black: I am assistant director of the defence and security group at RAND Europe, which is the UK and European arm of the RAND Corporation. Dr Keith Dear: I am a former 18-year intelligence officer, former expert adviser to the PM on science and tech, and now managing director at the Centre for Cognitive and Advanced Technologies at Fujitsu. I should stress that I speak in a personal capacity today. The Chair: Understood, thank you very much. Let me begin by going back to those twisted strands, as it were. Taking the first, there are lots of ways in which AWS might impact on events in combat or in preparation for combat. We understand that there may be a preliminary stage where AI is informing a subsequent engagement. It would be very helpful to have your impression of the likely impact of either AWS or AI-powered systems on speed of escalation, if we can take that issue to begin with. Dr Keith Dear: My reference point would be a 2019 article in Nature called "Physics in Finance", which described the way in which we have automated decisions in the financial sector, where trades now take place at 0.004 seconds, faster than a camera's flash. In order to overcome human error, we have a speed bump in place, which is also overseen by machines. It runs at a similar speed, so the alignment and the protection against errors is machines guarding machines. I would extrapolate from that and note a paper published in December by Anthropic, an AI company, which talked about reinforcement learning with AI feedback. Their argument was that, increasingly, they are getting AI alignment around what we would want it to do by using another AI in order to inform and train it. We are heading in a direction where the escalatory barrier to AI will be other AI guarding the guards, as it were. I do not think that it is a simple question of whether that means that we are likely to get fewer or a greater number of flash crashes in the military. With those guard-rails in place, we will probably see it broadly flat, but the way in which we guard against escalatory risk will change. The Chair: That, of course, immediately raises the question of where you set the speed bumps and the criteria that you employ. Dr Keith Dear: Yes, and the trade-offs that you are willing to make, because those speed bumps induce risk. In the financial sector, a delay of one millisecond is said to equate to the loss of hundreds of millions of dollars a year in competitive disadvantage to somebody who does not have such a delay. In the financial sector, you can regulate and mandate it, but you cannot do that in war. The trade-off that you make in your system versus somebody else's will be a profoundly difficult decision, and we have to think through those implications and adjust according to circumstance. James Black: I agree. To build on that, it is not the case that the escalation risk is simply a function of AI's greater capacity for speed of action or speed of decision; it is also a question of what those safeguards are. Related to that, when we think about escalation, we have to consider our level of understanding of the adversary or competitor with whom there would be said escalation. There are areas in which AI can improve and inform our understanding of adversaries—their strategic culture, how they think, how they make decisions, and how they are likely to respond to certain actions or signals that we may be advertently or inadvertently sending. There are some benefits there in our understanding of how our actions might be perceived and, therefore, how we might manage accidental risk of escalation, which is already a great issue when we are talking about two humans, let alone machines. The added challenge that we are encountering now is that we are not talking just about understanding human decision-makers in different national capitals around the world, how they will respond to our actions and how things may escalate; we are also trying to understand how their own approach to and integration of AI within their own decision-making will inform their escalation ladder and, therefore, how we can control moving up or down that escalation ladder. The problem is that these very quickly become quite complex, recursive questions. A lot of the theory around deterrence and managing crisis stability and strategic stability is very Cold War era, humancentric and bipolar, but what we are talking about now is a world that is multipolar, with multiple major actors such as Russia, China, the US and Europe, where it is not just a human component in decision-making but also a machine component. The Chair: Presumably, if you have an intelligence-led picture of how capable a potential adversary is in AI and AWS terms, that could also inhibit escalation. Professor Kenneth Payne: It could. When I was last here, I pointed to a RAND USA study of a war-game that pitted human-machine teams on one side against human-machine teams on the other side, and studied the escalation spiral. It turned out to be quite a rapid escalation spiral in this particular tabletop exercise, because the opposite of what you have just described, which was uncertainty about how much the adversary had outsourced to automatic decision-makers, meant that you had to jump the gun and get your retaliation in first, so up the escalation spiral you went. The broader point, to build on both these answers, is that deterrence, escalation and coercion are psychological as well as material factors. We have a decent understanding of how humans and human groups go about thinking about that. We do not have a similar level of understanding about how machines go about that. If you had asked me this question a year ago, I would have said, "Well, machines are very different and they're calculating the odds in a very different way". I would have pointed to AlphaGo and the way in which that DeepMind computer played the board game of Go. It made some radically different moves from those a human would have made. I have been given some pause for thought by the arrival of large language models, which you are probably very well aware of. I point the committee in particular to a paper that came out from Stanford a few weeks ago, where the latest variant of OpenAI's language model, GPT-4, was put through a battery of standard psychological tests of the sort that you would give to adolescents and small children to see whether it grasped theory of mind. If you buy into this idea that deterrence and compellence is about trying to gauge what other people are thinking, it is quite interesting to look at what GPT-4 is doing. It sailed through the tests. It had a 10 year-old human's level of understanding. Another person could have a series of false beliefs about a situation that it could profitably capitalise on. At least on the surface of it, that one paper looks to me like there is something going on here. There is some way in which machines are thinking differently, but there is some qualitative overlap in how they are trying to gauge what another mind or another agent is doing. More broadly, this study of how algorithms relate to other agents is absolutely vital for thinking not just about escalation and deterrence, but more broadly about AI in society. Courtney Bowman: Recent advances in generative AI are certainly impressive and point to a lot of potential development in applications, but we are still at a place where these technologies operate within boundaries. The framing of the broader question is right in terms of evaluating time as one of the most essential and valuable resources for war fighters and decision-makers. From a tactical perspective, this translates to an understanding of how we get to accelerated frameworks where human decision-makers who can operate within the contexts and boundaries of international humanitarian law can still exercise their expertise to make sound decisions. By using, for example, models that provide computer vision capabilities to evaluate satellite imagery, identify potential targets and then surface those for decision-makers to make sound decisions against those identified potential targets, we get to a place where we can still make rapid advancements and deal with a changing war-fighting landscape but ultimately make sound decisions that are defensible. That is at the tactical level. At the strategic level, there are still considerable opportunities in war-gaming exercises to play out different scenarios, to examine potentialities and to be prepared when those potentialities come to fruition. There is a lot that can be done here. We are at a place where we still need to bound the technology and understand what the constraints and limitations are before we go too far down the line in assuming that certain types of agency are being propagated or produced through advanced states of technology. The Chair: We have been talking up to now in terms of recognisable and organised power structures. I was going to ask you about the potential role of non-state actors, but, if I were to do that, I would be trespassing on an area that Lord Clement-Jones is about to explore. Q25 Lord Clement-Jones: I want to come back to the point about what is being done to safeguard the use of AI in weapons systems from potential outside interference, but also the issue of inherent problems and malfunctions, and what safeguards there are. You started to deal with that, Dr Dear, which really raises the question as to whether there is any acceptable level of risk in that respect. I wonder whether you could deal with both of those. Dr Keith Dear: Is there ever an acceptable level of risk? The answer is always yes. One of the challenges that we have at the moment in the deployment of lethal autonomous weapons systems is thinking of them as if we needed a whole new framework. We have a framework for the deployment of lethal force. It is international humanitarian law and, within the military, the law of armed conflict. That has certain principles that you have to meet—for example, distinction, proportionality and humanity. These are all things that you can test the ability of a machine to meet. My contention for a long time, while still serving as a regular, was that we ought to begin baselining the performance of humans in how they perform in particular scenarios, and then comparing it to the performance of machines. If those machines produce a lower false positive and false negative rate than humans, particularly under pressure, it would be unethical not to delegate authority to those machines. It would be more likely, for example, that, in the future, the MoD might find itself sued for not having delegated authority to a machine by a grieving parent of a soldier or of a civilian killed in combat, when, statistically, you can prove that that individual would have been much less likely to be killed by a machine with the delegated authority. We already do that with humans. If I delegate authority to somebody in the military, and then they go rogue, act poorly or do something unexpected, we go back and audit: "Did you train that individual correctly? Did you select the right individual? Why did you not pick that up in recruitment? Why was it not noticed?" It would be largely the same thing. "Before you delegated authority to that system, Keith, did you check its training data? Did you understand the parameters and the orders that you had given it?" If all those things are satisfied, there is then a decision around accountability. In the end, we do not need new frameworks; we just need to apply the old ones more rigorously. Lord Clement-Jones: That is very clear. Then there was the foreign interference point. Dr Keith Dear: Sorry; would you mind repeating it? Lord Clement-Jones: I asked two questions. The second was about the inherent problems, malfunctions, risk and so on. The first was about what is being done to safeguard weapons systems from potential outside interference—the foreign state actor point that the Chair made. Dr Keith Dear: There are efforts to protect weapons systems against catastrophic degradation—i.e. if somebody interferes with the training data. Adversarial AI, which some of my colleagues work on, is designed to detect when somebody is trying to interfere with it or cause a system to malfunction. To the point that both James and Ken made, we can think about this in the way that you would try to influence a human who is operating a weapons system. As you might try to deceive a person through camouflage or through misinformation, so too with AI, and defence is still building in the safeguards to those systems. Indeed, we at Fujitsu are building in some of those defences that can be applied. Lord Clement-Jones: Do you agree that this does not raise new issues and that it is all pretty much covered by how we would deal with human actors? Dr Keith Dear: That is my contention, yes. Lord Clement-Jones: That is exactly the question that I am asking, Mr Black. James Black: I agree that the processes and structures are in place, as Keith has said, both the legal structures at the international level and, within defence, the approaches to signing off new weapons systems, AI-related or not, as appropriate and falling within the UK's legal, ethical and policy obligations. Of course, it falls within the structures, as mentioned, of training and then evaluating human soldiers or commanders and saying that they are fit to deploy. As was mentioned, there are these broader questions about how safe and secure is safe and secure enough. That is really a societal debate at the moment. It is not specific to the military, although, clearly, there are inherent features of military conflict that make it the pointy end of that debate. If we look at driverless vehicles in broader society as an example, there has already been a real debate about how good a driverless vehicle needs to be. Does it need to be as good as your average human driver or does it need to be held to some sort of higher standard? That is not an objective measure but a political and cultural choice, and some of this similarly applies in a military context. As Keith has said, over time, we might see broader societal levels of comfort change around risk-taking with a human decision-maker versus risk-taking with a machine decision-maker. I would raise a couple of other points. In many ways, this is forcing into the open some grey areas that have existed within our legal and ethical systems for ages, but, due the black box nature of the human mind, we have said that we are willing at a certain point, organisationally or as a nation, to take a risk that a human, if deployed in a certain situation, will respond in a reasonable way. When we start to reduce that to ones and zeros, as a metaphor, we force ourselves to come to much sharper, clearer and more binary—and I use that word pointedly—choices. Building on what has been said about wider problems and external interference, it is not just about the inherent features of the technical system you are talking about and the external interference; it is also how that technical system fits within the wider defence enterprise. Are there ways in which introducing a certain AI-enabled capability might change the organisational culture or incentives within defence, for example, in unanticipated ways, or are there broader dependencies? That is probably another angle that I would add that we have to consider: it is that integration challenge. Q26 Lord Hamilton of Epsom: Dr Dear, I am just wondering whether, before we bring these new systems into the inventory, they can pass some test that they would do the job much more efficiently than the stuff we already have. The worry is that, if this gets spun wrong, you could see the whole thing being completely rubbished as being extremely dangerous and everybody saying, "Well, let's not have it at all". We would then be extraordinarily disadvantaged if we ever ended up in war against somebody who had this equipment and we did not. Dr Keith Dear: The baselining exercise that I talked about is perfectly possible as a form of validation and verification, whereby we can test how a human performs in a simulator, such as how often they make an error in either direction, and how the machine performs. We can test all of that and we can begin to do it in the real world. The last part is more of a political question on what the likely response of the public would be to an error, and we are probably right to imagine that there would be a more extreme reaction to a machine error than a human one. I am not too sure how much defence and government can do to mitigate that. That wider political question is much more challenging than the technical one. Lord Browne of Ladyton: Both Dr Dear and Mr Black have raised this issue. The public tolerance for this capability being deployed in their interests has to enter this through the public policy process—people such as me. I am all too familiar, from my experience, with the criticism, "Had you done this in a war-fighting situation, my son would have lived", and discussions about technology. We have all lived through the last two decades of that being at the forefront of the public mind. Where is the current ongoing consultation with the public taking place? Are we going to do this retrospectively? Yes, okay, I feared that, so we should consider that. It is important that this consultation with the public takes place as we move along this environment, so that we are clear that those who take responsibility for this at the end of the day have the public with them. Dr Keith Dear: That is about leading the debate and not following public opinion and reacting. Lord Clement-Jones: Professor Payne, you talked about GPT-4 earlier. Do you agree with what you have heard from the other two witnesses? Professor Kenneth Payne: It is interesting that you frame the question like that. There will be another GPT along shortly, and that points to the speed of the discussion. When I was here last time, I said that I find that a lot of these discussions are anchored in the present, rather than even six months or a year out. The technology is moving so quickly that that is an issue. Just reflecting on those two answers to your question, my suspicion is—and I think other people here share it—that the public will hold machines to a higher standard when it comes to targeting discrimination, proportionality and so on. That certainly seems to be the evidence in other arenas, for example robotic surgery or autonomous cars. The problem is that pushing against that is a security dilemma, and that might shape the need to take risk. Lord Clement-Jones: That is interesting. That then distinguishes your answer, because you think that there are greater security issues in those circumstances. Professor Kenneth Payne: I do, and I suspect that that will lead to less exacting standards than one might find in the regulation of autonomous transport or healthcare. As another aspect of this, it is not just that machines will be replacing what human operators or soldiers do, but that they will be doing qualitatively different things. There is no human equivalent of a 10,000-strong aerial swarm or of a submersible shoal that can stay at sea indefinitely, so the technology permits a qualitative shift. As a last reflection on your question, it is not simply a matter of benchmarking against international humanitarian law. International humanitarian law captures some tensions between fundamentally different philosophical logics. We often fudge the issue between a deontological logic that says everybody has a right to life and a consequentialist one that says we sometimes have to weigh numbers of deaths in the balance. How do you code those tensions to a machine? I do not think that there is a straightforward way that you can capture a British ethics of warfare and upload it to autonomous machines. Courtney Bowman: In terms of the broader societal implications, it is worth considering how a movement towards machine-facilitated or machine-augmented decision-making is shifting the balance from a procedurally oriented notion that is consistent with the just war tradition towards something more focused on outcomes, or numerical qualifications or evaluations of how a machine has performed, versus the process of working through distinction and proportionality considerations. Where that leads us is a question that we need to decide as a society, but, to go back into the weeds of the discussion and answer an earlier part of your question around safeguards for these new capabilities, there is a lot of space for innovation that needs to be built out in thinking about systems of systems and how different components of artificial intelligence and autonomous weapon capabilities fit into a broader construct of carrying out a chain of activity. This opens up new opportunities for design parameters that can reinforce principles such as failing safely, so figuring out the appropriate moment for a human to step into the loop to provide the appropriate level of insight and accountability. This is a point of technological innovation that is often glossed over when we go too high in the discussion, so it is worth getting into the specifics and understanding what we are talking about. If we are operating at this ethereal level, we will lose sight of some of the critical considerations that technologists such as I are well adept to address. Lord Clement-Jones: Do you have a different risk appetite, though, between human and AI systems, so to speak? Courtney Bowman: My sense is that both still have their place. As promising as new technologies suggest they are, they need to prove themselves in the field, so there is much work to be done in fielding the technologies and testing them in near-live situations to be able to prove that, for example, LLMs are capable of delivering on the promises that they seem to provide in a laboratory setting. Before we go too far down the road in making assumptions about what these new technologies can do, we are still bound to a certain set of normative, value-oriented assumptions about how we should operate and how we should pin our hopes for these technologies to the existing structures of international and national law. Q27 Lord Grocott: I want to pick up the question that you began to ask, Chair. Mr Black talked about it being a much more complicated world now, with lots more participants, if you like, in these kinds of issues. Where are we as far as non-state actors are concerned? I still do not necessarily have the systems that we are dealing with very clearly in my own mind. How close might we be to non-state actors getting hold of and developing these kinds of systems and being a threat to everyone else via them? James Black: Maybe I will talk in general terms, and then some of the technologists can be more specific. Generally speaking, the locus of innovation within defence, specifically in this area, has shifted away from the public to the private sector. When we talk about non-state actors, it conjures images of violent extremist organisations, but it should include large multinational corporations, which are the types of organisations that are at the forefront of developing this technology. This is not something like early computing or the jet engine, which came out of government-funded labs. The private sector is leading the way here, not in every area, but in a lot of areas, and is, therefore, shaping the debate about tech governance as well as the capabilities that are available. The starting point is that non-state actors are controlling this. Of course, it is different if we start talking about hostile non-state actors, be they private security companies or violent extremist organisations. We are starting to see the ability of these organisations to use robotics; we have seen ISIS using commercially available drones either for reconnaissance and targeting reasons, or as crude improvised explosive devices or delivery devices for them. Moving forward, a lot of this stuff is going to be difficult to control from a counter and non-proliferation perspective, due to its inherent software-based nature. A lot of our export controls and counter-proliferation or non-proliferation regimes that exist are focused on old-school, traditional hardware such as missiles, engines or nuclear materials. This sort of thing is a different proposition and, clearly, a challenge. I add one further challenge as someone interested in deterrence theory, to the question earlier about escalation. In general, we do not have particularly good theory for understanding how to deter non-state actors. All the deterrence theory has evolved out of Cold War nuclear deterrence—the USSR, the USA and the West. It is not really configured in the same way to think about non-state actors, particularly those that have very decentralised, loose, non-hierarchical networked command structures, which do not lend themselves to influencing in the same way as a traditional top-down military adversary. Perhaps others can talk more on some of the latest developments. Dr Keith Dear: I completely agree with James's final point on how we deter non-state actors by imposing or threatening to impose costs on them. Deterrence in conventional conflict is about what cost you might impose. "What weapons do you have that you could respond with? How would you make us hurt if we hurt you?" That is all true, and I strongly agree that we do not have a good way of deterring violent non-state actors in that domain. Therefore, deterrence by denial tends to be the primary strategy. We now have barriers to stop cars coming up on to the pavement and driving into us as we walk down Whitehall. When we begin to think in those terms, we also need to be careful of not overstating the risks of violent extremists getting their hands on these weapons. The mental model for a lot of us is the "Slaughterbots" video from Stuart Russell and Human Rights Watch, which I expect most of you have seen. That is propagandistic and overblown, and it is important to state why. If you think of that in terms of deterrence by denial, first of all, you would have things like jamming for any of those low-cost drones. Yes, it is autonomous, but it still has to fly. Then you have the potential to fry the circuits within it, to jam the GPS and other sensors or to have all sorts of camouflage and different systems that would stop that. As Paul Scharre says, chicken wire or a net would probably be enough to stop the drones in those videos. When you think about how we do it right now, deterrence by denial includes things like air intercept and layered air defences. All of those things are possible at various scales to defend against the kinds of threats that are posed in that "Slaughterbots" video. It is very difficult for non-state actors to get their hands on high-end capabilities, whether that be cruise missiles or chemical weapons, which is why we do not see them using them. It is similar in this domain. While we should be concerned, we should also be wary of overstating the threat. Lord Fairfax of Cameron: I do not know whether this question will be ruled out of order by the Chair, but I am going to ask it anyway. The Chair: It will be too late then. Q28 Lord Fairfax of Cameron: I am trying to link it to something that Professor Payne said about the speed of development in this area at the moment, which seems to be moving incredibly quickly each week, and the fact that all this stuff is dual use, military and civil. What do each of you think about the recent letter signed by 1,000 scientists asking for a six-month minimum pause? Professor Kenneth Payne: They made their point and garnered some headlines. It is, of course, wholly unrealistic with an activity that is so heterogeneous. We cannot even agree on a definition of what constitutes artificial intelligence research, so it was never going to be more than the headlines in the day's papers. It is a reflection of the degree of societal unease about the rapid pace of change that people feel is coming down the tracks towards them, and perhaps also a reflection of Lord Browne's comments earlier about the extent to which they do not have a voice in shaping the way that our society responds to these technological developments. It captures that quite nicely, but I do not think that it is a proposition. I would just mention again the security dilemma that I referred to earlier. It just means that it will not happen. The Chair: In an earlier evidence session, we were urged to embrace slow AI, and I do not think that I am misrepresenting the committee in saying that we were generally quite sceptical about the idea. Q29 Lord Browne of Ladyton: This is a crucial point. We just have to accept that we will never get in front of this technology, so we are always going to be trying to catch up. If our consistent experience of public policy development is sustained, which it will be, that will go at the speed of light and we will go at the speed of a tortoise. That is the world we are living in. Professor Kenneth Payne: Instinctively, I am reluctant to say that that is the case. Lord Browne of Ladyton: It is what is being implied by it. Professor Kenneth Payne: Yes, and I am loath to agree with an argument that an academic would sum up by saying, "That's technological determinism; you're ignoring all sorts of institutional and cultural factors that go into shaping how individual societies develop their AI", but it is certainly going to be challenging. I do not think that the existing institutional arrangements are adequate for those sorts of discussions to take place, notwithstanding the work of committees such as this. Lord Browne of Ladyton: That implies that, from the point of view of regulating and being in control of this, we should bring it in house and into government control. The Government can sit beside it and understand it. Professor Kenneth Payne: You see something similar to that in Italy's response to GPT-4. Unless I am mistaken, they have banned it, but I am not sure that that is tenable. Lord Browne of Ladyton: It was with nuclear weapons. Professor Kenneth Payne: You need rare metals, big industrial plants, centrifuges and so forth. You need a VPN to get around Italy's ban on language models. Dr Keith Dear: On the first point, nothing would slow down AI progress more quickly than bringing it into government, and it would be hugely to our detriment. If you think as I do—and this was a guiding principle in writing the integrated review—automation, robotics and AI will completely transform our economy, for better and for worse. The idea that we might slow down progress in the UK would see our relative decline in the international system being precipitate, and one reason for that is that advances in artificial intelligence build on each other, so you get a flywheel of constant progress. You cannot afford to fall behind. On the other hand, there are some really unpalatable questions being asked here. I agree with Ken that that letter was for the birds; nobody was ever going to act on it and, indeed, it could not have been acted upon. On the other hand, the big issue is whether we can learn from failure in artificial intelligence. If we can learn from failure and can have a catastrophic success as we potentially approach artificial general intelligence or artificial super intelligence, that is the moment when the world might find the political will to act collectively to get in front of the technology. If, as Max Tegmark and other MIT physicists have argued, that is not possible, and what you get when you get to artificial super intelligence is a runaway, we have a real concern. I thought this coming into today's discussion on lethal autonomous weapons systems. An analogy that Tegmark uses, which is really illuminating, is that the reason why the tiger is in the cage is not that it is not stronger than we are or does not have has better weapons than we do, but because it is not as smart as we are. For me, in all of this debate, the thing that we should be most afraid of is not the bombs but the intelligence. How we get out in front of that depends completely on whether there is the ability to fail and learn, then impose restrictions and get out in front of the debate. Without that, the people writing that letter were right to be concerned, but wrong in their proposed remedy. Lord Clement-Jones: We have gone pretty broad here, Chair. I sense, therefore, that there is not a denial that it is possible to apply some form of risk-based regulation. James Black: As has been alluded to, fundamentally, we are trying to shift from industrial-age government and governance structures to information-age ones. We talk about AI and integrating it as a sociotechnical system and it is very easy to focus on the technical side of that equation. There are lots of very smart people working on developing AI, so I am not dismissing it as an easy thing to do, but I would that argue the "socio" side of the sociotechnical system is the hardest bit. How do you, as has been mentioned, gather the political will to make decisions collectively, at a multinational level, quickly enough to implement updated regulations that reflect the latest developments, et cetera? Then how do you then work much more closely between government and industry? As was said, you cannot simply put the genie back in the bottle and bring it into government, so you are going to have to find a new way of working with industry that is much more collaborative and less transactional than what we are used to in other areas of defence procurement. How do you do all those things quickly enough to keep pace with the sorts of developments that we have been talking about? That is the real challenge. We would need to come up with not just a new type of regulation, but an entirely new model of regulation that would update much more quickly, solve all those collaboration and co-ordination challenges, and be far more informed not just by risk but by uncertainty. When we talk about risk, it is very easy to think that we can quantify the probability or the impact of some of these things, but we often do not know what we do not know. We are talking about uncertainty, but we do not know how likely it is that we will have catastrophic events or how big an impact they would have. What we need instead is regulation that is robust across as broad a range of bad futures as possible, while shaping us towards as many positive futures as possible, and that is a very big change in our approach to thinking about technology governance. Q30 Lord Sarfraz: I declare an interest as a member of the advisory board of C3.ai and as a venture capital investor. Mr Bowman, these weapons systems will be trained on a large number of datasets and there are certain sorts of datasets—satellite data, weather data, sensor data, et cetera—that will be accurate and unbiased, but where is the risk for inaccurate and biased datasets? Courtney Bowman: As a starting point, it is worth acknowledging that no data is unbiased. All data comes from a certain set of sensor capabilities that have some inherent focuses or implications that cannot be avoided because they provide a particular perspective or because they look at the world through a particular part of the visual or electromagnetic spectrum. They are always going to reflect some perspective on the world, and that is a fundamental bias. The question becomes how you build that information into a system and broader capacity in a way that reflects an understanding of that bias and of the trade-offs that are implied in evaluating that bias. For example, a lot of the discourse and literature focuses on the questions of fairness in algorithmic design. Fairness is a concept that we think about in the world in looser terms, but we attempt to translate it into quantifiable metrics. Those metrics may not all be things that we can optimise against collectively, and we have to make choices. When we make those choices, we are making socially determined choices that need to be part of a public discourse. The same thing applies in the application of information for the development of these technologies, but one of the broader questions that comes into play in the landscape of information that is used to build, train and deploy these types of systems is whether we are creating the full infrastructure to support the pipeline that needs to be in place. It is not just a matter of collecting data, but a matter of being able to validate the quality of the data, and that is a procedural set of considerations. It goes to the point of collection and to the point of testing and validation, but also to a point that figures into the last part of the conversation, which is the prospect for regulation. How do we think about model maintenance over time? How do we make sure that these capabilities have enduring value and are persistent against these inherent challenges of what we call brittleness? These are real issues that are underaddressed and underdeveloped in some of the thinking around regulation. Lord Sarfraz: Is there a mechanism in place right now to audit data, or should there be? Professor Kenneth Payne: I do not know whether there is. Should there be? I am sceptical, because of some of the points that were just raised in that last answer. There is no single definition of fairness, of what sort of data you should be collecting and using or of what variables you should be measuring. Coming to agreement on those issues is problematic, and I refer back to the answer I gave earlier about the tensions inherent in just war theory. Those are questions about fairness as well. We reserve our right to change our minds about what values we ascribe to things. As a second part to the answer, war is often the search for novelty, surprise and advantage, so it would be surprising indeed if you could anticipate up front what sort of data you might need and how robustly you were going to go about testing it, if the advantage comes from finding new ways, new data and new information that you can use in an asymmetric struggle. To the question of whether you could ever have adequate data, the answer is probably no. I note that large language models are trained on almost the entire corpus of online prose in the English language and in computer code as well. They are running out of data on which to train large language models, so there is always more data to be had than you might think. I am meandering slightly and giving a slightly unhelpful answer, but I suspect that we will struggle to cohere around what data we should collect, what data is useful and how we go about ensuring that it is fair when we cannot agree on a definition of fairness. Lord Sarfraz: Are there any sorts of datasets that we should be particularly concerned about when it comes to these sorts of weapons systems specifically? James Black: Again, you can ask whether this should be looked at through a consequentialist lens or other lenses, but the one that is obviously the source of a lot of controversy and is starting to cut through to the public discourse is the use of personal data or datasets about human and societal questions rather than physics-based questions. There are obvious sensitivities around discrimination on race, gender, profession and all sorts of things, where biases have been shown to be baked into earlier versions of various AI systems. Again, it is all context specific. We have talked about different comfort levels with risk in general, and the same thing applies with data. We were having a discussion earlier about malfunctions and misinterpretations of input data from sensors. Perhaps, in the future, we could expect greater comfort about employing AI or autonomous weapons systems in relatively uncluttered, relatively straightforward environments. I used the word "relatively" there. An example would be a maritime engagement between a military vessel and an incoming missile. There is relatively limited scope for problematic biases from a political controversy perspective in the way that there would be if you were talking about deploying autonomous weapons systems in a crowded megacity with lots of civilians around, and they had to look at people's faces and determine whether they are a threat. Again, it becomes very context specific and comes down to a question of risk appetite. It is not just about the inherent limitations of the dataset or of the availability of data, and then the limitations of the AI or whatever approach is being used to process and make sense of that data. It is also, of course, the transparency and explainability of how it has come to whatever decision it has come to, and then it is our level of assurance that that dataset, even if it is unbiased, is secure. We might have an ethereal, hypothetical, perfectly unbiased dataset, but, if our adversaries can poison that data and interfere with it in various ways, that is going to present other challenges. It becomes a very difficult question, and this is why it is right that the defence AI strategy focuses so much on the data side of things and the transformation that needs to happen within defence from that perspective, which is a broader problem than just AI and is a broader challenge for government. Q31 Lord Hamilton of Epsom: You have been talking about regulation. Do you have any faith in regulation? What we are talking about here is very fast-developing technology. Almost by the nature of it, regulation would be miles behind the curve and you would never catch up, so why does regulation have any relevance here at all? Professor Kenneth Payne: A lot of the attention when it comes to discussing autonomous weapons systems is focused on arms control. I mentioned to you last time that I am a slight arms control sceptic when it comes to AI, for the reason that the technology is changing quickly and it is hard to agree what constitutes AI and what does not. It is used throughout a broad swathe of military activities, some of which confer fighting power, because they deliver lethal force, and some of which do so tangentially, for example sorting the pensions. That makes a contribution to military efficiency, but it is not exactly at the front line, so which bit are you regulating? Then there is another series of questions. If you have arms control, you need to have processes of validation and monitoring, but the signature for developing AI is quite small; you do not need those uranium enrichment facilities. A lot of it is dual use. You are talking about warehouses with computers and scientists. How can you monitor potential defection from any arms control regime? Lastly, there is a huge incentive to cheat on any regulation, if you believe that these technologies confer profound military advantage. It is another topic that makes me uncomfortable, because I find myself arguing against what I want to argue, but I am slightly sceptical about the prospects for regulation. Q32 Lord Houghton of Richmond: The generic question set that two or three of us from the committee want to come in on is in relation to what you understand by the terms of context-appropriate human involvement and meaningful human control in relation to AI weapons systems and how they might be translated into operational reality. In a way, we could challenge the premise of that particular question, because it comes from the context of human involvement being a good thing and autonomous weapons or the machine being a bad thing. You have already hinted that that might not always be the case. In the context of certainly UK operations and the authorisation of lethal force, they operate within a set of delegations, all the way from royal prerogative through Ministers down to battlefield commanders, through such things as targeting directives and rules of engagement. Those delegations sit with an understanding of the need to be compliant with international humanitarian law, the law of armed conflict and all those things. But the delegation is implicitly one of legal authority to use lethal force, but also the responsibility to use judgment in its application. This is where the problem with machines comes in, in most people's mindsets, because you cannot delegate authority or judgment to a machine in the way that we normally understand it. If my own logic follows here, you are not exercising judgment or delegation in any of this. You are authorising autonomy. You are retaining a legal responsibility, but you are exercising it in the knowledge of the capabilities, risks and context in which you are granting that autonomy. If you have followed me thus far, what we need from the panel is an analysis of the risk factors in play at the point at which the human authorisation of autonomous action is initiated. You have already mentioned that there are relative competencies at play between a human and a machine, where the machine may be more competent. That is brilliant, thank you, but I would like someone to expand on that. You have mentioned the ability to build in machine fail-safes, or how a machine can fail safely, so that there is a sort of override that will soft-land it before these rather more dramatic scenarios. In terms of proportionality, discrimination and those sorts of things, the machine can be more helpful or the better option, because it then would be a matter of training the human to do the best conceivable delegations. Some of the weapons systems, rather than these delegations being quite low, might be held at quite high level, particularly if you are on to thousands of swarming independent bits of machines. In the analysis of the risk factors in play at the point of human authorisation of autonomous actions, what ones are we missing so far, or what else would you stress as being the major ones that are in play? Courtney Bowman: There is a lot to unpack in the last part of your question, so I apologise if I do not hit all of it or certainly most of it. It is worth going back to a principled evaluation here and understanding what humans and machines are capable of and not capable of. In terms of distinction and proportionality considerations, there are fundamental limitations in what machines, in their current and foreseeable forms, are able to do. They might be very good at making quantitative assessments over situations, providing a parameterised view of the battlefield and making recommendations, but, when it comes to making value judgments that build in procedural and legal considerations, those are functions of moral human agents that we still have not figured out any way to understand in our own persons, let alone programme into systems. To go back to the crux of your question, around what other risk factors we need to be building into these systems, you touched upon something very important, which is training the human operators and individuals who are interacting with these systems. This goes back to an earlier point around fail-safes and user interfaces in the systems. Building the capabilities so that individuals who are interacting with the recommendations or decisions promoted by a system can put those in context and know when to step in and exercise their control over that process is critical. If the end-users or operators do not understand what those systems limitations are, and that there are risks and confidence scores that apply to certain evaluations that may not be well understood or well surfaced, they are ultimately going to be challenged in their capacity to make sound decisions against those recommendations. One of the core considerations in assigning a risk profile for the use of these systems is the necessary level of training an operator has to have in order to step up and interact with the system. Professor Kenneth Payne: This is another meaty issue and a meaty question. The basis of mission command, as carried out by the British and other militaries, is that you delegate responsibility to the lowest possible level, on the understanding that that lowest possible level is thinking something like you or that you can at least anticipate that they are broadly thinking along the same lines. It helps that they are human and that they have been encultured in the ways that the Armed Forces work. The Armed Forces put a lot of effort into inculcating that culture and that understanding of intent in mission command. Of course, that does not really work as well when you are talking about machines. On the other hand, this term "meaningful human control", which has come into the discourse really only in the last year and a half or so, is the last trench-line that is being defended in the long retreat from decision-making in the loop, to on the loop, to meaningful human control. The technology has driven that retreat from one position to the next. That is where we are now. With meaningful human control, it is the boundary cases that are hard. You can quite clearly say that there is going to be scope for human control in the launch of strategic nuclear weapons, because there is still some time—20 minutes or so for an ICBM in flight—and the consequences of that decision-making are vast. The two experts are looking at each other and going, "Where did you get that from?" It is relatively straightforward to say, "Well, we want meaningful human control in this". At the other end of the spectrum, you cannot see meaningful human control where speed is of the essence and it is a tactical decision defending a ship from incoming missiles with a system such as Phalanx. It is the huge swathe of territory in between those two decisions where you ask, "Where does meaningful human control come into it? Where are you making that judgment about how much you're prepared to outsource to the machines?" The technology will drive some of that with qualitatively different changes—shoals, swarms and what have you—and you will not simply be able to control each decision taken by each node in that network. There are risks you are accepting with that, such as automation bias, where people just accept the judgment of the machine without exercising enough critical faculty, and training is an important part of mitigating against that sort of risk. You are also accepting risks about justice for when things go wrong. You can have perhaps punitive justice as a result of decision-making going wrong. Perhaps there is a responsibility at a corporate level or at a government level for developing, purchasing and fielding these bits of equipment, but what about restorative justice? How do you have restorative justice if a machine system commits a war crime? That is a risk that you have to accept if you are going to use these systems for anything other than close-in defence. James Black: I will try to give as orthogonal an answer as possible, because a lot of really good points have already been raised. In your question, you mentioned that we have had some discussion around the different competence levels of human versus machine decision-makers. Another risk factor to consider on that perspective is what the possible cognitive impairments might be. We have already talked about some of those categories on the machine side, such external interference and the inherent limitations or malfunctions that are a risk with machine agents. Of course, there are all sorts of potential impairments and problems on the human side. Humans get fatigued. They get angry. They get traumatised on the battlefield. They commit war crimes and rape, in very small numbers, of course, but these are things that humans can do, so we have to recognise that there are ways in which humans can be compromised actors. There are certain areas in which artificial intelligence and autonomous weapons systems provide opportunities and perhaps avoid some of those problems. Clearly, though, as we have discussed, a lot of it comes back to the complexity of the task that is being undertaken, the environment in which it is occurring, and then the scope, risk and impact associated with that task happening with a machine and going wrong, that task happening with a machine and going right, or that task being undertaken by a human or some alternative capability. You start getting into quite specific analogies. We have talked already about defending a ship with Phalanx or a nuclear encounter. If you go to a really rudimentary level and look at a landmine, no human is making the decision there. In a very rudimentary sense, something has stood on it or a tank has driven over it and it has gone bang. Within the constraints that exist on landmines legally already, within international law, that is something that we are broadly ethically content with in certain bounded situations. The scope for that machine to move is zero. The scope for it to make decisions outside of asking, "Has something stood on me and should I explode?" is zero. Therefore we are comfortable with it. It is finding the grey areas between that example and the nuclear example that we have to deal with. The challenge therefore is also considering what the alternative capabilities are to deliver a similar effect. If we are using an autonomous weapons system, the alternative to defending a ship from a hypersonic missile situation is that the ship gets hit. There is not an alternative option there, perhaps other than not deploying the ship in the first place and inhibiting our own freedom of action. For other areas, it may be that we decide that we ethically recognise that there are significant risks with certain capabilities, but we can find alternative ways of delivering similar effects through other means. We are therefore likely to invest in those. The final point to sum up my position on this would be that, in many ways, the biggest risk is our lack of understanding of risk. As you say, we are delegating a lot of authority. The people we are asking to make those decisions, inherently, have been promoted into positions not based on their understanding of AI but rather based on their historical ability to fly an aircraft, pilot a ship, storm a hill et cetera, and then to exhibit leadership potential and therefore move up in the military rank structures and so on. We need to continue investing in the AI literacy and understanding of our leaders at all levels, from junior to senior. It is then that you can make the most informed decisions about which risks to take. Dr Keith Dear: At the point of delegation, there are some questions that are new. You should ask what tools have been applied. There are tools for checking for data bias. They are procedural, but of course, when you clean and transform data, there are inevitably, on occasions, values built into those decisions of what gets discarded. You ought to ask whether those things have been applied. My colleague, Darminder Ghataoura, works on a thing called "Faircheck", which is a data quality assessment. It aims to make sure that your data is representative. I think that IBM has a similar tool, AI Fairness 360. There is an open-source tool called FairLens. There are tools that can help. They are not a substitute for judgment, at this stage, but can help you understand what you are using as input data to train your system. You should be asking at the point of delegation today, "Have we used all the available tools? Have we applied adversarial AI tools to make sure that this particular capability degrades gracefully or flags when somebody might be trying to influence it to do things we did not want to do?" You would currently train a human operator of a system to do the same thing. For example, if you were fighting an adversary that began to place anti‑aircraft weapons on top of hospitals, now you might say, "Hospitals are always off the target list, but we now need to ask some deeper questions", because you are being deliberately misled. You need to begin to train your system to understand the various ways in which it might be manipulated. They are new. The only possible potential disagreement with other panellists is that I do not think most of the time we do trust when we delegate. Mostly, we train, parametrise, validate and verify. Before you delegate authority to your subordinate, you make sure that that person has had the right training. Do they understand the rules of engagement? Have they had sufficient experience of operating the weapons system that they operate under particular circumstances? Do we know how they respond under pressure in comparison to peers? The ability of an individual to do that determines where they end up and the level of delegated authority that they get. Then we set parameters that we ask them to operate within. Then usually we validate and verify that, nine times out of 10, they operate within those parameters. Of course, sometimes they do not, after you deploy them. Then we notice that the outcomes we are getting are not the outcomes that we wanted, and we either go back and adjust the training or take that particular individual offline. It is broadly the same for machines and a lot of this is overblown. We used the word "discrimination" today and it comes freighted with, in essence, negative connotations for obvious reasons in the modern environment. Of course, as a targeteer, discrimination is exactly what we want; we want systems that can be as discriminating as possible. You live in a world where there are on average 5,200 gigabytes of data on every person on the planet. Really crudely, if you equate that to Kindle books, it is tens of thousands; I think it was 80,000 last time I did the calculation. That gives you unprecedented insight and foresight, so you are going to need AI to be as discriminate as possible. Similarly, when we think about DNA data, psychometric data, behavioural data, quite often the most catastrophic ethical incidents in combat are caused by information overload, where we cannot process all the information because there is too much of it, so we miss some crucial fact. You should be asking at the point of delegation, "Is AI going to enable me to make a more effective decision than I would have been able to make otherwise?" There are some technical tools, there is the application of existing frameworks and there are probably some new questions you should ask before you delegate. Q33 Lord Clement-Jones: We have described circumstances where there is no meaningful human control in certain autonomous weapons already, yet we have talked about meaningful human control in certain circumstances. Are we ever going to get to a position where we can have almost a ready reckoner to see where meaningful human control is appropriate and is not appropriate? Are we moving along a spectrum already? I think Professor Payne mentioned that we have already moved from human in the loop to meaningful human control, so we are already moving away from the degree of human involvement. How are we going to define where it is appropriate and where it is not? Dr Kenneth Payne: It is going to be really difficult, because you reserve the right to change your mind in conflict. What you think in the calm of Westminster today might not be what you think when the odds are dramatically different in combat, so you can change your mind. For me, there has been slight phoney-war feeling to this discussion for the last couple of years. There is a disjuncture between what I am describing with thousand-strong aerial swarms and the reality of a small RAF experimental squadron firing its first missile from a drone. There is a feeling of a gap between the rhetoric or the intellectual discussion and the practicality on the ground. It is much easier to see the radical nature of AI when you look at the basic research that companies such as OpenAI and DeepMind are doing than it is when you look at what is on the inventory of the RAF or the Army today. That is why it is crucial to have those sorts of discussions, because the technology is inevitably coming down the track. We have a brief window while we can still have that discussion, but I am slightly sceptical about the idea of a ready reckoner. Q34 Lord Fairfax of Cameron: Can I quickly ask about a very specific example? Reference is quite often made to the Harpy loitering munition in this regard. Do any of you think that that is in a grey area, or is it totally in accordance with current law of armed conflict, international humanitarian law and so on? Is that example problematic? Dr Kenneth Payne: A couple of years ago there was a report about the use of a free autonomous drone for the first time to kill somebody in Libya. It attracted a lot of headlines—perhaps you saw it—and no end of follow-up about it. Was it actually fully autonomous and under what circumstance? What sort of drone was it? Who was using it? Who had delegated authority? I mention that because it points to a real problem with autonomous weapons systems: from the outside, as third-party observers, it is really hard to know what the code is permitting, what its rules of engagement are and even what its technical capabilities are. Harpy is a grey area in the sense of how far it can conduct fully autonomous missions. Q35 Baroness Hodgson of Abinger: I would like to quickly come back to this security of these systems, in this context. We are talking from the point of view of people utilising them who have human empathy and are trying to conform to international humanitarian law. Today, we have people operating in this world who have medieval concepts of right and wrong. One looks at ISIS and some of the non-state actors, who have been extraordinarily effective in the face of today's very modern weapons systems. When you think that this is software-based, there has to be a risk at some point that they will think that it is worth getting hold of this. With corruption and all sorts of things, there has to be that possibility. Do you build into any of these systems the ability to disable them completely? James Black: As we discussed earlier in relation to counter and non-proliferation, it is much easier in regard to the hardware elements than the software elements, for obvious reasons. Physical stuff has to physically move round the world, cross borders, undergo legal checks and all these sorts of things; on the software side, it is much harder. As has just been discussed, even once you have a deployed system, it is very hard to actually understand what rules of engagement it is operating under. What are its policy, legal and ethical constraints? Those of course can be changed on the fly. Even if we understand them at one point in time, an adversary might adopt rules of engagement that we are comfortable with and would view as fair, but then perhaps their perception of the threat or their value system changes, there is a regime change or whatever. They flick a switch and of course they can change that. There is an inherent challenge there from that black box angle that the professor was just talking about. That gets us into that discussion around the security dilemma and this race to the bottom on standards. What is important therefore is not the UK seeking to join that race to the bottom on ethical standards. It is a multipronged approach of the UK seeking to shape the broader global debate on governance of these systems, which does not eliminate the risk that non-state actors can defer from whatever normative and legal frameworks are agreed, but puts some safeguards in place by limiting their access to working with certain companies, buying certain products or services or working with certain states. That is something that is in the defence AI strategy. It is a big ambition for the UK to try to meaningfully influence those sorts of debates. It also speaks to the need for us to develop asymmetric responses, so that, when an adversary is employing AI-powered systems or autonomous weapons systems in a way that we ourselves are not ethically comfortable in doing, it does not mean that we have to respond with tit for tat and lower our own ethical standards; it means that, instead, we have alternative capabilities that we can use to counter that. An example is the swarms that we have talked about already. If we came to a position that, ethically, we were not comfortable with using swarms, for example, we would really need to invest in counter-swarm technology such that others could not gain an advantage over us. It is a very complex issue and it speaks to some of the challenges that we had earlier about how you deter, influence and degrade non-state actors. We need to find those ways of learning to live with that as tolerably as possible, rather than thinking that we can eliminate that risk. As you say, we certainly cannot reduce it to zero. The Chair: This may segue very neatly into the next area we would like to look at, which is specifically the role of the private sector. Q36 The Lord Bishop of Coventry: Thank you, panellists. It is an extraordinarily interesting engagement. James, you referred to what is obviously underlying the discussion of the way that the locus of development has very much shifted to the private sector here. That clearly brings down a massive weight of technological and moral responsibility on the private sector. I was very interested in a comment in an MoD policy statement that said that working with the private sector is a rather good moral check on what we are doing, because it will not want to work with us if we are doing things of which it does not approve. I would be very interested to know whether you agree with that assessment and whether there is that potential for moral check. As a bit of a sideline to that, I am fascinated by your reference to the human mind as a black box. I wondered what sort of formation, if I may put it like this, the black box of the technologists' mind is. We are receiving evidence at the moment and an interesting comment that made me think was when someone asked, "What about a digital Hippocratic oath?" I wondered what you thought about that, but, more generally, whether you agree with that MoD assessment. Then I have a second question. There has been scepticism over whether we need new international frameworks or even whether regulations work. I am interested in whether you think there is a role, and evidence of a role, of the private sector in shaping moral norms, as it were. I suppose that that follows on from the first question. Is there a shaping of moral norms? I think that we have seen evidence of that in your responses today. A bit of topicality that relates to all this is the article yesterday or the day before of the Google chief executive officer saying, "We don't quite know what's going on here even in our own systems and we need some sorts of frameworks". Is that evidence, in a sense, of the moral check? James Black: I will pass to the private sector in a moment to outsource my answer. You raise a really good point. Certainly, we have seen in recent years some quite high-profile debates about push-back in major multinational tech companies by internal groups of employees who found out that there were Pentagon contracts or whatever that they did not agree with, or that they were exporting to certain nations around the world that are controversial to work with. There is clearly an inherent level of utopian idealism in some people who work in tech, because they are working to develop the tech that will change the world, improve things and so on. There are some for whom this is a very important moral consideration when they are developing things. For others, the bottom line, all the other things that exist within the private sector and the shareholder pressures continue to exert themselves. We are seeing a shift, not just within tech but more broadly. There are debates around moving from shareholder to stakeholder capitalism and increasing interest in ESG considerations in investments, these sorts of things. There is a broader pressure on the private sector to think about these broader ethical, environmental and social dimensions to what they are doing. That applies in this area as much as elsewhere. There are positive and negative countervailing trends at play there. The more fundamental question, though, is to what extent the state wants to accept and embrace this erosion of the Westphalian system and the monopoly that the nation state has on legitimate use of violence and force, and on setting and shaping those moral questions. There is absolutely a very important role for tech companies to play in those international discussions around setting up new frameworks and regulation, and shaping norms. It would be a very ill-informed debate if that was a purely state-centric one. It is notable that, at the UN, for example, a lot of the groups of government experts and working groups that exist on this have brought in tech companies, but also civil society, Red Cross, et cetera, in a more prominent way around these discussions of new tech than they have on other policy issues. That is a good thing, but that is a fundamental challenge to the state of how far it wants to push that. The debate we have had about whether to be led or to lead on technology is a really difficult and not straightforward one. Whatever the UK decides in terms of its level of comfort with integrating private sector voices into governance, regulatory and normative discussions, it does not exist in a vacuum. It depends on what people such as the US, China and others do. We have to consider also how we can try to influence them and their approaches to these debates, as we do not have a monopoly on this by any great stretch of the imagination. Dr Keith Dear: We probably ought to acquaint whoever said that in the MoD with the past 300 or 400 years of history of corporate capitalism, which would not give you much hope that the corporation was going to impose the right morals on the MoD and the deployment of AI. You should perhaps start with the East India Company and work forwards. More recently, you might look to Milton Friedman's arguments that the moral responsibility of business is to its shareholders. For all that there is a rise of stakeholder capitalism and that businesses are beginning to take ESG seriously, they are doing so in order to better serve their shareholders because, increasingly, consumers care about those things. It is the profit motive still. The idea of outsourcing your morality and ethics to the private sector is probably unwise. It probably flows from this sense that, because a lot of this tech has come out of California, there is slightly woolly thinking around ethics, what matters and how the world works that informs an awful lot of decision-making in the current world leaders in AI, brought from their employees. Demis Hassabis seems entirely well motivated in worrying about what it means if a corporation were to achieve an artificial general intelligence that could do everything from manipulate the stock market and onwards. Demis's lords and masters in Google appear slightly less concerned and would rather like it to be them, from what we can see from the outside looking in. There ought to be some real concerns about this idea that you can rely on the private sector. I hope that that answers the tech mind part of the question as well. The Lord Bishop of Coventry: I do not mean "rely", but is there a part to play? Dr Keith Dear: The private sector is going to have a huge role in deploying these technologies. One reason that the defence companies are not leading the debate on this at the moment is that the gap between what the MoD says it wants to do on AI and what it is actually doing on AI is so vast. You do not invest in these capabilities unless you can see the size of the prize on the other side. If I go before an investment committee and say, "I want to build this capability because I think defence is going to buy it", they are going to ask me, "Where is the evidence that defence is going to buy this?" whatever it might be. There is not a lot of evidence to say that the MoD is. This debate continues to be led by companies that are looking at where they can make profit, which is still the private sector, not the public. There will be a role for the private sector, and an increasing one, once the MoD starts spending money on artificial intelligence and stops talking about it. The Chair: I know that Baroness Doocey wants to raise the issue of the perception of the role of the MoD in relation to the private sector. Dr Kenneth Payne: Keith's answer is more or less unimprovable. I wrote down here, "Do no evil", which of course was Google's motto for a period of time shortly before it stood up its ethics board; shortly after that, it stood it straight down again. I noticed the name of the leading language model company, OpenAI, which is not open about the algorithm that underpins it. I would be very wary along Keith's lines. Notwithstanding the role for corporations to feed into an ethics discussion, that discussion needs to be as broadly constituted as possible. It needs to be at the intergovernmental level, in this building and in society at large. On the point of a lot of this activity being increasingly concentrated in the private sector, that is not inevitable. The story of the last decade or so in this country has been of computer science talent being hoovered out of the university sector to go and work for these corporations that have very deep profits. There are steps that government could take to address that issue. One concrete example is increasing the amount of compute that is available to researchers in a university setting. It is part of the new national computing strategy to do that. A sovereign foundation model AI capability would be a concrete step, as part of a wider project of democratising these activities again. Courtney Bowman: Perhaps I could offer a concrete counterpoint to some of the other panellists. I agree on the broader consideration that morality should not be outsourced to corporate entities. I also agree that this is a collective societal enterprise to figure out the norms that should govern the future of war-fighting. At the same time, I point to the fact that there are mission-oriented companies out there that are very focused and build into their core enterprises the notion of a moral responsibility. They are building effective technologies but also that effectiveness incorporates the concept of responsibility. I think that you will find that that mission orientation, in contradistinction to some of the consumer-facing entities that are coming out of California, is really focused on getting involved in defence applications with the right partners under the right circumstances. In many ways, they are trying to drive this conversation forward. Q37 Lord Sarfraz: We have all seen these great videos of the Royal Marines wearing their jet packs, and flying back and forth between platforms. That was developed by an early-stage business and adopted, because it is great. In this space, it feels like you are going to have large tech companies being these enterprise solution providers for these platforms, companies such as yours and others. Is there a risk of us facing very high switching costs between these suppliers and getting locked in with large suppliers? How can we encourage the diversity of a private sector supply base? Courtney Bowman: The emphasis on open technologies that enable transferability and provide APIs for different utilities to be plugged and played according to different environments and requirements is a critical consideration here. There is definitely space for creating these types of open standards and they are already broadly promulgated. Coming up with better ways of enforcing principles of common data standards is a useful way of ensuring that data can be ported from one system to another, alongside broad ways of minimising the risk of the vendor lock-in situation. It is to everyone's benefit to focus on a system that advocates for merits, so companies that want to win on their own merits should be open to having platforms that enable some degree of transferability and allow customers to move from one system to the next. Ultimately, the systems that work best will be those that prevail regardless of any proprietary considerations in the structure of algorithms or of data. Lord Browne of Ladyton: I do not think that the implication of the question about the role of the private sector in this area was that, as representatives of the public policy field, we were outsourcing responsibility to them. It is not unreasonable for us to ask that they should share the responsibility for this with us. This will probably very quickly lead us to the sort of response that my earlier questions got, which was that we need a meaningful partnership. There is a partnership in reality in which we learn to live with the development of these capabilities so that we understand the potential positive contribution that they can make to conflict, which may be inevitable, in order to reduce civilian casualties. That is where we should be, because the proportion of that to combatant casualties has got completely out of step. It is how we make recommendations that inform that process in the Government, not that we want to do the same. I might say in passing that I do not agree with the idea that, if Governments control this, it will be a brake on development. Tell that to the Chinese. I am not suggesting that we control this, but we need to live with this more in the way in which we are training operators and developing. We also need to bear in mind that, last time I looked at this—this was in the debates associated with the development of our DARPA—80% of the R&D in this space, generally, was public money. In the United States, it is that in spades. This is public money that is being spent. How do we develop an infrastructure of the development of this so we come to have the levels of knowledge of how it works that enable us, at the end of the day, to train the operators of these systems, and those to whom we delegate the human control, to understand what they are dealing with? That is the challenge. How do we get that from the private sector, which, after all, is spending a significant proportion of our money on R&D? They are getting it indirectly as well by taking people from our public universities. James Black: This is not a challenge unique to AI. There is a broader challenge of how public-private partnerships work in general and of industrial policy, strategy and so on. If I look at a defence-specific context, I am not saying that defence has perfect industrial policy, and acquisition and procurement approaches, because manifestly it does not, but that is a separate committee. Where it does have experience is working with traditional defence primes in more traditional, well-understood areas of hardware and, to a lesser extent, software. It has centuries of doing that, again, not necessarily doing it terribly well, but there are existing structures and processes in place and a culture built around that. When we start talking about AI, we are not talking about the same type of relationship that you would have between, say, the MoD and BAE Systems, which is one of monopoly monopsony in some areas, say nuclear submarines. That is a very different type of market to trying to engage a multinational tech company based outside of the UK. Whatever the UK MoD could offer in terms of money to acquire something is going to be a tiny drop in the ocean of that company's revenues. Our ability to shape certain markets is much more restricted than it is in other areas of the defence industrial base. That affects how we approach it. There are a few aspects to this. Can we be an intelligent partner and customer? Do we have the skills, knowledge and expertise within government at all levels to make informed decisions about what that industrial base looks like, who to work with, how to incentivise them, how to shape it, what kinds of products, outcomes and services we want to see et cetera? Do we have the contacts and networks with those industries? Again, we do not have the mature, decades-long partnerships. Many of these companies have just been created in the last six or 12 months. We do not have that in the way that we do with big, well-established defence primes. Do we have the carrots and sticks to influence their behaviours? On the carrot side, it is often money, and it is reforming our procurement processes and how we do R&D and innovation, such that, as Keith has alluded to, they can then make a business case within the private sector to invest in certain things that the UK or its allies would like them to invest in. There is also the stick. It is thinking about the regulation and the harder forms of intervention that we can also make to try to shape that. It is good that this AI issue was addressed within the defence and security industrial strategy to an extent. It is good that the defence AI strategy signalled that this was a big area where change needed to happen. But we are certainly not at a place yet where there is a fully-formed governmental understanding about capacity to influence industry and its behaviours in this sector and how to do that most efficiently, at either a national or international level. Dr Keith Dear: I pick up on the point on R&D budgets, because that ought to be a thing that we can check as an objective fact outside of committee. It is still true that DARPA funds, and it is intended that ARIA will fund, an awful lot of invention. The budgets of large corporates in this space completely eclipse government budgets, in both the US and the UK. That slightly changes who has influence over what gets invented and to what end. One of the challenges for the kind of partnership that we all want, whether in industry or government, is that defence gets the market that it incentivises for. The suppliers are shaped the way they are. The market in defence in the UK and globally is shaped the way it is by the way in which the people who are buying buy. For example, defence companies tend to run as lean as they can until there is a clear invite to tender. Because the people writing those tenders are trying to keep up with the pace of change that all of us are struggling with, inevitably, though it is going to sound like a sharper criticism than I intend, what is being procured is yesterday's technology tomorrow. As a consequence of that, you do not really get the partnership. Corporations are holding back on the investment, waiting to see, "Are you going to buy this thing?" By the time you tender for it, the private sector, which is serving other, more agile customers, has moved on at a rate of knots. To overcome that, yes, as Courtney said, the MoD ought to make sure it includes open standards, particularly data standards and interoperability, in all its tenders. It should fundamentally reverse the way it procures and clearly set what outcome it wants to achieve. What is the thing that you are buying for? Tell industry what the size of the prize is, if you do that more effectively than the others competing for it, and then set the rules in which we are going to compete, such as open standards, interoperability data standards, maybe even some particular ethical considerations you wish to build in. Set the rules and let us compete in the game. Without that process and a continuation of the current procurement process, you will not get the kind of partnership you want, because you are looking to maximise competition between suppliers and to drive price down to the maximum possible extent. Those two things are not irresolvable but are, necessarily, in tension. Q38 Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent: This will be very short, I hope, although I could be opening a whole moral dimension here, but that is usually your territory, rather than mine. One thing that we have not really touched on, where I would like clarification, is the global versus national nature of the technology that we are talking about. You have all touched on the ethical-moral framework that potentially can be built in or whether the national mission can be built in. However, as you have just highlighted, Dr Dear, we are going to be a very small procurer, potentially, on the national playing field. Even with our allies—we talked about California—their world view is slightly different from what we would want our world view to be. How do we make sure that, in this type of technology, we can procure in a way and the technology is developing in a way that conforms with our national mission and our morality or ethical needs in terms of military goals? The Chair: Without confusing matters, can I ask you to reflect on that for a moment, because I know that Baroness Hodgson wants to come in on precisely that point? Let me come to Baroness Doocey now and then return to the issue of the global stage, as it were. Q39 Baroness Doocey: Dr Dear, you have already touched on this. Do you believe that the MoD engages effectively with private industry, which we are told is at the very cutting edge of developing AI systems? Will its approach to promoting innovation and streamlining procurement processes allow it to keep pace with private industry and not lag behind? Dr Keith Dear: They are two quite different questions. On the former, engagement, yes, it does it really well, all the time, in multiple forums, as fairly as it can so as not to bias future procurement. It has private sector representation on the ethics committee, for example. You can see the list of members. I think that Professor Nick Colosimo at BAE, who I expect you have called or probably will, is one of those. Yes, there is an awful lot of engagement. The second question is much more challenging. I have probably already answered it in terms of procurement. Unless something changes, I do not see how defence will keep up in this area. Was it Senator Warner in the US who set this? You will know, Ken and James. For a while, the US had a target that 50% of its systems had to be fully autonomous or uncrewed by day X. They have since waived that but, for a while, it was the thing that overcame the inherent conservative nature of defence procurement, in both its procedures and the cultural norms that inform it, and forced the adoption of autonomous systems and experimentation in that space. Thinking about what kinds of tools we might get to change the internal incentives such that the MoD changes the external incentives and moves to the kind of procurement that I outlined earlier, and I noticed a few people nodding along to, is essential. A more direct answer is that the engagement is great, but the procurement systems are not. Baroness Doocey: You do not think that that is going to change, by the sound of what you are saying. Dr Keith Dear: My own view is that the internal incentives and structures within the MoD make it extremely difficult to change the procurement process, at the moment. That is a much more expansive question and I am conscious of Members' time. It is fundamentally an operating model question for defence. Baroness Doocey: Do you have a different view? James Black: No; I agree. A lot of work goes on at RAND around how you improve defence acquisition or, more pointedly, how you make it less bad. That is probably how to frame it. As has been said, there are some fundamental issues around skills, incentives and the fact that military officers change post every two years, so there is an inherent short-termism to programme decision-making. There are some challenges in cost estimation and modelling capabilities. There are challenges in the culture around risk, which is avoiding it rather than managing it in an informed way. There are issues around commercial practices, strategies that are employed and the KPIs put into contracts. You could go on and on about the sorts of issues around defence procurement. To be clear, there are also green shoots. There are areas of positive reform and experimentation. There are always good examples in as broad and large a defence enterprise as the MoD is. It is one of the larger ones in the world. It can acquire things quite quickly and in a fairly innovative way; it is just how you scale that up to become the mainstream norm across the entire organisation that is a challenge. We have seen challenges, frankly, procuring large, fairly traditional bits of metal—ships, planes, tanks et cetera—in decade-type timeframes, let alone trying to procure something software-based within six weeks or six months. Yes, it is positive that the defence AI strategy and the DSIS both signal an interest in moving much more towards agile, spiral, DevSecOps and all the jargon words that get thrown around about quicker ways of doing procurement. We need to be realistic. Yes, while I imagine there will be improvement, that will clearly never overtake the pace of change in industry. On the broader question, I suppose, of how that kind of global, national angle comes in, there is some work that I am involved in at the moment around what that co-development, co-design, procurement and then use of AI within alliances or coalitions looks like. There are a lot of challenges there and it is not just the ones we have all talked about as to how you influence the market if you are a relatively small player, much of it exists overseas and you have relatively few levers as a state to exert influence over the incentives and industry. It is also about the broader political risks. If we have allies and partners that are employing AI in ways that we ourselves are not comfortable with, there are some operational considerations there. There are also reputational and broader political considerations. It speaks to our need to be working very collaboratively and multinationally on this. There are obviously a lot of US-led initiatives in this space around AI. Existing institutions, such as NATO, are also thinking about it, quite clearly. It is crucial for the UK to be as influential and meaningful a player within that as possible. That speaks to the UK needing to have a clear value proposition to its allies. On some programmes, that means a bunch of money to say, "We're going to buy our way into a joint programme and work with you on R&D". In other areas, it means we have to bring the skills, the unique S&T, the finance or something that enables us to assert some sort of unique value proposition to our allies. Without that, they will be making decisions that they would then largely dictate to us. Dr Kenneth Payne: It is global in the sense that the marketplace is global and AI will affect societies around the world to greater or lesser extents. It is not global in the sense of providers or innovators in AI. It is effectively bipolar for the most part, China and the United States, with some tier 2 actors, the UK being prominent among those. The recent history of the industry has been one of centrifugal forces pulling towards those two poles. Small companies get acquired. Talented researchers want to go and work in San Francisco. Those tendencies to centralise are common features of the landscape. Where does that leave the UK? We are a big player in AI. We are not in that league. We might want to think about the things that we would need to have sovereign capabilities in and not just leave to actors overseas, such as quantum computing, a national foundation model and specialist AI activities in intelligence. We might need to think, "Do we really want to rely on the market for those?" Courtney Bowman: It is right that the UK should play to its strengths, but it also should not sell itself short. I represent a US-headquartered company, but our largest global office, with over 900 employees, is based in London. There is a tremendous wealth of talent and people are drawn to the UK to work and live. The question is one of how you channel all that talent to useful applications in the L&D space. To go back to the broader point around the potential frictions in not just procurement but the application of technologies, there is a set of considerations around how you create the incentive environment for this technology to be developed and deployed effectively. Right now, there are a number of programmes that are very focused on admiring the problem and build capabilities in laboratory settings in this sort of bubbled-off framework. They are very interesting and useful, but, when it comes to operationalising that technology, making it meaningful in the field, it falls short. We often think of a notion of fielding to learn. Programmes that are focused on providing the private sector with opportunities to engage directly in near real-life settings with MoD partners, to be able to build in time and adapt to real circumstances on the ground, prove to be most effective, not just in delivering efficacy with AI and automated weapons systems but in understanding the specific normative context of the application and the specific applied ethics challenges. We can all get caught up in the academic trolleyology problems of figuring out whether the automated vehicle should go this direction or that direction. The actual ethical challenges of applying this technology come to the fore when the rubber hits the road, where you are actually exposed to the challenges on the ground and understand what the war-fighters are experiencing in context. Creating incentives for those type of interactions is an effective way to build them out between the public and private sector. The Chair: Baroness Hodgson wants to explore this global standing issue a little further. Perhaps in responding to her you could pick up any unanswered elements of Baroness Anderson's questions earlier. Q40 Baroness Hodgson of Abinger: What impact might the development of autonomous weapons systems by the UK have on its position on the global stage? How is the UK viewed through this development? Dr Keith Dear: One challenge we face is that defence as a whole is not a market. It is not a market in the normal sense of the word where you are constantly competing equally for customers. It is heavily state-influenced, and that determines where companies are, where they are headquartered and who they sell to. There is a huge amount that goes on behind the scenes to decide who gets what and where. Therefore, for countries such as the UK, and many others are similar—France is not completely dissimilar, nor are Korea and Japan—you have to build for export, if you are going to achieve the kind of scale that you want to. There is a challenge that comes there around lethal autonomous weapons systems. One thing—and I am going to say the quiet part out loud here—that allows you to sell to almost anyone is that often, while you might sell them a highly capable piece of equipment, you know that they will not have the training to operate it at a level that makes it a threat that you would otherwise worry about. If you have a system that is truly fully autonomous, when you sell it, in theory at least, you sell a piece of equipment that is unaltered from one of your own. There are arguments against this. You could say, "We always have export variants". Yes, you do, but you rely a lot on the fact that the operators will not be of the same calibre. That will be less true when you deploy a lethal autonomous weapons system and try to sell it overseas. The worry is how that shapes our market and whether it shapes it to the detriment of developing the capabilities we need for our own Armed Forces because we are so influenced by how we are going to sell this overseas. How do we get round things such as the ITAR regulations? That would be a big concern around anything that was fully autonomous. Dr Kenneth Payne: The UK is pretty well placed and will be a key signaller of norms in this area of lethal autonomous weapons, AI more broadly and AI in defence. There are some dangers ahead geopolitically. If my hunch is right that AI has a big impact on fighting power, and if it is unevenly distributed and different states differ in their ability to instrumentalise it, there are implications for the shifting balance of power. We know that times of shifting power and great uncertainty are not a recipe for stability. That is the main risk that I see from lethal autonomous weapons. There are some countries that currently have big industrial-era legacy-type militaries. They employ a lot of manpower, often as a means of societal control. Those are the countries that are most at risk from this sort of technology. The UK is definitely not in that bracket, but a lot of the countries to which we sell weapons systems are. That has some implications for British society as well. We will have to have a think about what sorts of weapons systems we export and to whom we export them, as these new technologies come on screen. My final point is that Britain is currently a tier 2 power. Discuss. My sense is that the gap with America will only widen as a result of these technologies coming on stream, because of the disproportionate amount of R&D that goes on and because of the centre of gravity of AI research that happens to be in the United States. Courtney Bowman: The UK is in a position to harness its traditions, its wealth of talent and its moral guidance, to not just adapt but to some degree drive the development of these advanced technologies and the thinking around their use and application. In many ways, the UK plays a disproportionate role with respect to the size of its defence force. I would caution this committee to think through the distinct advantages that could be built out through potential regulation or other approaches to help steer the direction of development. I know that there was earlier discussion in previous witness panels around this concept of slow AI. There is a concept of moving quickly while applying some of the principles of slow AI to ensure the durability of these capabilities. It is one thing to think about how we exercise the first mover advantage and provide the frameworks to be able to innovate rapidly, but there is another set of questions around how you ensure that those capabilities that you have innovated rapidly have an enduring impact on the war-fighter on the battlefield. There is an opportunity to think about that long tail of events in development, and incentives around creating these types of weapons systems, such that the UK may actually be able to exert an advantage over a longer timescale, even if it is currently in a position where it is a bit behind the race with respect to the US and China. The Chair: Would you see those developments coming about organically, as it were, or having to be underpinned by regulation and international agreement? Courtney Bowman: I do not know that regulation is necessary. It might be a useful tool, but more direct guidance and setting firmer expectations on capabilities deliveries for weapons systems that focus on this long-tail set of considerations is one way to incentivise and push the developers and programme managers towards factoring these in as hard requirements for the technology that they are building. This also insulates against the risk of the hype cycle. We are very much steeped in a lot of hype around certain classes of artificial intelligence. Some of these capabilities are going to prove themselves to be extraordinarily valuable. Some of them, on the other hand, are going to wash out. Creating incentive structures that force entities to deliver not just current impact but sustainable impact may be one way to create that longer trail of value. The Chair: This question of "me too" competition is one that Lord Hamilton wants to explore. Q41 Lord Hamilton of Epsom: My question is about the arms race and the degree to which pressure is being put on us to develop AWS because other forces are too. When I mention that, can I go back to what Dr Dear said? I do not want to paraphrase him, but I want to suss it out a bit. He seemed to be saying that the public position of the Ministry of Defence is that we were having nothing to do with AWS, but in practice we were going ahead and doing it anyway. Is that right or wrong? Can we tease that out a bit? Dr Keith Dear: That is definitely not what I was saying, in fact perhaps almost the opposite. There is an awful lot of rhetoric around what the MoD might do in AI. I was speaking at an event recently. A friend of mine, Joe Robinson, who is known to others on the panel, is CEO of enterprise at Improbable. At the end of the talk, Joe said, "What you have said, once again, about where AI is taking us is really exciting, Keith, but can you name a single major artificial intelligence project within the Ministry of Defence, or UK defence more broadly, that has made a significant difference to the way we fight and has been applied at scale?" I was stumped. He said, "I don't know one either". He is ex-military as well. He said, "If you and I don't know of one, I'm going to guess that it doesn't exist". My contention is that there is a very big gap between the rhetoric and the reality, but in the opposite direction to that which you suggested. Lord Fairfax of Cameron: I am very grateful for that clarification, because I took it to mean something completely different when you said it earlier. Baroness Doocey: I did not. Lord Hamilton of Epsom: We have now spelled it out. The Chair: We do not want to embarrass you, but we have it clearly on the record. Courtney Bowman: That sentiment is right. If it is useful to motivate the MoD to make strides in developing technology and creating the right incentive structure to work with the private sector, incredible value can come of that, but the arms race should not be about winning just in terms of rhetoric and hype. There is also a race towards ethical, responsible and trustworthy deployment of these technologies. The UK is well positioned to help drive that set of considerations. Dr Kenneth Payne: There is a danger that people who are reluctant to call it an arms race feel that framing it that way will accelerate and exacerbate tensions between states when it comes to developing AI. I do not have a reluctance to call it that: there is an arms race afoot. Other sceptics of the term "arms race" point to the dual-use and general purpose nature of the technology and say, "You do not talk about having an arms race for electricity as well". I see the logic, but that does not discount an arms race when you are talking about developing autonomous weapons systems or systems that can be used more broadly in defence. Yes, AI is dual use, but part of that use includes shaping fighting power. One thing about the arms race that I think I said to you last time is that it is often posited to be an arms race between either America and China or the West and China, the other leading pole. But that may not necessarily be the only way to frame the concept of an arms race. It is a multipolar world; other states exist. Other states and other groups will try to instrumentalise AI in the defence national security realm. We kind of project our fears on to China a little bit. The view from the other side of the fence, evidently, is quite similar. China feels that it has shortcomings in AI, and in science and technology more broadly, relative to the West, so we should be cognisant of that. We have recently discovered, after the invasion of Ukraine, that the Russian military was not as mighty as we perhaps feared. We would do well to keep that in mind and guard against the temptation to demonise people on the other side of the arms race. James Black: Some very good points have been made. There is perhaps a useful analogy here. You said that we do not talk about that with electricity as a dual-use technology, but there are some technologies where we are absolutely having that sort of debate. One dual-use example would be space at the moment. There are some useful parallels and lessons there, perhaps, for the UK, in developing both its military space capability and its broader space sector. We have acknowledged that there is an arms race going on at the moment. We have also said that we are going to place a moratorium on development of certain capabilities ourselves. In that case it is direct ascent destructive anti-satellite missiles, because we do not think that they are responsible or ethical in their employment. At the same time, we have said that we are going to invest heavily in other types of capabilities to make ourselves credible. Crucially, and this is where it is most useful to the AI debate, we have tried to position ourselves as this convening power between the US and China. If the US and China try to shape the normative debate or the international legal or regulatory debate, of course they are open to accusations that they are just superpowers trying to defend their existing hegemonic positions in those markets. The UK does not have some of that baggage because it is not such a big player. At the same time, it is well enough informed and has enough capability to be credible. It can also draw on its broader soft power capabilities and lineage, legal expertise, financial expertise and these sorts of things to act as a broker for those middle nations that are not the US or China but are still going to vote in the UN ultimately. We have seen that through initiatives such as the FCDO-led push at the UN open-ended working group on space. Crucially, the key lesson from that is always that, to get a seat at the table, you need to be credible. It is making sure that you have that suitable level of understanding within government to be an intelligent contributor to those discussions. It is making sure you have the effective public-private partnerships, the kind we were talking about, so you can mobilise the rest of the UK and have a Team UK voice within these kinds of fora. It is then making sure you are developing the S&T and the capabilities within the Armed Forces and so on that make you relevant to those discussions. Without that leverage, you are not able to be that convening power and shape those norms. Chair: Lord Fairfax has our final question. I suspect it may be one that can have a single-sentence answer. Q42 Lord Fairfax of Cameron: If you could, what one recommendation would you make to the UK Government in this area? Dr Keith Dear: I would argue that the MoD should put its money where its strategy is, moving 6% of its budget every year into emerging technologies by arbitrary rule. I could back that up with where that comes from, but that would be my contention as the best way to overcome the incentives that militate against the adoption of these technologies at the scale we need. Chair: That was admirably concise. Thank you very much. James Black: Define the UK's desired USP and value proposition in this space. We cannot do everything; we cannot be everywhere all at once. What are the two, three, four or five things we want to be really good at in the value chain? That is going to be the basis of how we engage with our allies and partners. We are going to lead in those areas and accept that we will not lead everywhere else. Dr Kenneth Payne: I have a very narrow one, which is that the UK needs to put some thought into re-establishing a second leg of the nuclear triad. All our eggs are currently in a submarine boat and this sort of technology may have an impact on that. More broadly, I have mentioned several times before that I favour the establishment of some sort of democratically selected public commission, of the sort that happened in Ireland around the discussions on abortion, to discuss these issues in the round as a way of widening that public debate about the issue. Courtney Bowman: I will re-emphasise that point I made earlier: invest in field to learn. By that I mean investing in programmes that advantage moving quickly from policy and innovation to real-world operational deployment of these technologies that actually exposes the challenges as they exist. The Chair: Thank you very much indeed. You have been very generous with your time and expertise. I know that I speak on behalf of the whole committee when I say that you have moved our understanding and insight into these issues forward significantly this morning. I spotted in your evidence a number of epigrammatic phrases, which will be strong competitors to appear in the eventual report, so we will see about that. Thank you again very much indeed. We are all very grateful to you.
The poem is from Li Bai (Li Po), the most famous poet of the Tang dinasty, who lived from 701 to 762 AD. Yeah, quite a long time ago, you could say... The poem is also very famous, often quoted as an example of the perfection of the Tang poetry. It appeared in an ancient anthology: "300 Tang poems", as no. 233. 李白夜思床前明月光疑是地上霜挙頭望明月低頭思故郷 Before my bed, the moonlight shines, Could it be the frost, covering the ground? I raise my head, look at the bright moon, I set back, and think of my native land. 李白 ( li3 bai2 ) - Li Bai or Li Po, a famous Tang poet. 床 ( chuang2 ) yuka : means 'floor' in Japanese, but it is 'bed' in Chinese. 是 ( shi4 ) kore : this, so. In Chinese, it is used as 'is' (to be) in English 霜 ( shuang1 ) shimo : frost. An important word if you read poetry! 故郷 ( gu4 xiang1 ) furusato : homeland, hometown. Back to main page
September 07, 2019 • Other names: Tulsi, Tulasi • Parts used: Leaf • Taste: Pungent, sweet • Energy: Warm, neutral • Traditional and medicinal uses: Cerebral stimulant, antibacterial, antidepressant, antioxidant Herbal roots grow deep. Ocimum sanctum, commonly known as Holy Basil, has particularly deep roots in eastern culture as a traditional medicinal and spiritual aromatic. Originating in parts of North-Central India, Holy Basil is a sacred plant among Hindus and is commonly used in a variety of religious rituals and services. Beyond its spiritual origins, Holy Basil has a long history of traditional medicinal benefits: users swear by it for its many uses in herbal teas, essential oils, and medicinal tinctures. The journey toward total wellness – physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellness – is just as important as healing from chronic illness. If you're looking for a medicinal herb that can help put you on a path toward both an outer and inner healing journey, look no further than Holy Basil. The following are a combination of perceived medicinal benefits of Holy Basil based on historical information, traditional benefits and modern, scientific examples grounded in studies and research. • Neural Stimulant Historically, Holy Basil was used in India as a neural stimulant. Individuals who experienced brain fog, mental fatigue during menopause, impaired memory and clouded thinking as a result of cannabis use often relied on Holy Basil to sharpen their mental faculties and increase their ability to focus. Modern homeopathic neuroprotective uses for Holy Basil include treatment of ADHD and as an additional supplement when recovering from head injuries and head trauma. • Mild Adaptogen Adaptogens, or herbal substances that can assist the body in adapting to stress and reduce stress-induced symptoms, are critical in maintaining a healthy, well-regulated lifestyle. While many herbal users recognize ginseng as a powerful adaptogen, Holy Basil is an excellent alternative, regulating multiple bodily systems. • Antidepressant Herbal remedies for symptoms of depression and anxiety are common, and Holy Basil can be a strong addition to a holistic health and wellness regimen. In India, Holy Basil has been used to keep symptoms of anxiety and depression at bay, uses which have been confirmed by modern medical studies. • Immunostimulant For those combating cancer, Holy Basil is believed by some to act as a holistic option – when combined with other strong immune tonics – to help combat symptoms of immunosuppression from harsh treatment regimens, such as chemotherapy and other radiation-based therapy. An immune amphoteric, Holy Basil is thought to enhance the body's humoral immunological response while inhibiting hypersensitivity reactions caused by a weakened immune system. • Internal Systems Regulator We take many of our bodily functions for granted – until they act up! Fortunately, Holy Basil is an excellent internal systems regulator. Gas, nausea, intestinal bloating and fluctuating blood sugar levels are all systemic issues that Holy Basil helps regulate. Through a conscious effort to incorporate Holy Basil into your holistic wellness plan, it is also possible to regulate other systemic issues, including cholesterol levels and triglycerides. Finally, Holy Basil has also been traditionally used to address symptoms of bronchitis, colds and fevers, and taking an infusion of the seed can help with painful symptoms caused by urinary tract irritations and scalding urine. • Topical Antiviral While many herbs are ingested orally, Holy Basil is unique in that it also possesses a variety of benefits when applied topically. It is an antiviral herb, and as such it has been traditionally used to treat oral, genital or ophthalmic herpes and shingles. Additionally, antibacterial washes can be made from Holy Basil leaves to treat acne and other difficult skin conditions. • Gastrointestinal Aid The gastrointestinal system is incredibly complex – fortunately, Holy Basil addresses the gastrointestinal system at every level! Ingesting Holy Basil or drinking it as an herbal leaf tea has historically helped stave off symptoms of diarrhea, nausea, gas, gastrointestinal irritation and more. When combined with other laxative herbs, Holy Basil can be used to inhibit or prevent intestinal cramping. Consult the herbal combinations below to learn which herbal allies can enhance the efficacy of Holy Basil and provide additional benefits that contribute to a natural, holistic, health-oriented lifestyle. • Neurological & Mood-Boosting Combinations By combining it with Bacopa, Ginkgo, St. John's Wort and Rosemary, users may be able to increase the potency of Holy Basil and decrease symptoms of depression, anxiety, ADHD and mental difficulties caused by head trauma. • Can Enhance CYP-450 Activity • May Have Antifertility Effects • May Inhibit TSH Binding No matter its benefits, always be sure to consult any possible contraindications or drug interactions caused by an herbal ally. For those taking Holy Basil, be aware that it has been shown in animal studies to reduce fertility rates. Expecting mothers should not take Holy Basil during pregnancy. Due to its TSH-binding inhibition properties, those with thyroid conditions such as Graves' disease should not take Holy Basil. Lastly, it should be noted that Holy Basil can enhance CYP-450 enzymes, which are essential for the metabolism of many medications. Because this can lead to unexpected drug interactions, be sure to consult with your primary care provider before incorporating Holy Basil into your holistic wellness plan. Learn more about Holy Basil: find suggested doses, wildcrafting suggestions and more. Purchase Holy Basil: receive deals from the Embark Herbals store. Book a one-on-one consultation: consult an expert on how to incorporate herbal allies into your wellness regimen.
Yosemite Slough Neighborhood Adaptation Plan The City faces urgent seismic and flood risks. The Yosemite Slough neighborhood is one of the last gaps in San Francisco's coastal adaptation plans for sea level rise. The Yosemite Slough Neighborhood Adaptation Plan ("the Plan") aims to eliminate that disparity. The Plan will recommend strategies to protect the neighborhood – residents, local businesses, and community assets – from 3.5 to 7 feet of projected sea level rise by 2100. The Plan will supplement efforts along the City's coast led by numerous partners, such as the Ocean Beach Climate Change Adaptation Project (SFPUC), the Waterfront Resilience Program (Port of San Francisco), and the Sea Level Rise Adaptation Strategy (California State Parks). The Plan is anticipated by Winter 2025 and is a critical path for the Yosemite Slough neighborhood to become eligible for federal adaptation funding. What is the Yosemite Slough Neighborhood Adaptation Plan? The Yosemite Slough Neighborhood Adaptation Plan ("the Plan") aims to address the disparity in climate adaptation planning between Bayview Hunters Point and the rest of San Francisco's urban waterfront. The Plan will advance environmental justice in Bayview Hunters Point through: - Building upon existing community assets & capacity with robust public outreach and engagement; - Developing adaptation strategies with the latest climate science, modeling, and technical analysis; and, - Positioning Yosemite Slough for broad investment into local climate adaptation. The Yosemite Slough Neighborhood Adaptation Plan is supported by the Adaptation Planning Grant Program at the Governor's Office of Planning and Research (OPR). The Adaptation Planning Grant Program is an initiative of OPR's Integrated Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Program (ICARP). ICARP advances climate adaptation and resilience in California by coordinating investments, partnerships, and climate science to ensure people, natural systems, and the built environment are protected, prepared, and thrive in the face of climate change. Why does this project matter? The Yosemite Slough Adaptation Plan is an opportunity to accelerate: - Racial Equity: The Plan aims to address environmental justice in the Bayview by increasing community capacity, adaptation planning, and funding related to sea level rise. - Climate Resilience: The Plan aims to increase climate resilience in the Bayview through nature-based (and other) adaptation strategies to sea level rise and flooding, seismic, and other climate risks. - Remediation & Restoration: The Plan aims to accelerate the remediation efforts and ecological restoration of the waterfront for renewed public access. - Community Capacity: The Plan aims to engage youth and build neighborhood capacity in planning and designing for sea level rise in the Bayview. - Replicability: The Plan aims to create a replicable approach for climate adaptation in industrial communities vulnerable to climate risks. Without a Plan climate adaptation measures would be deferred, exacerbating environmental injustice and diminishing funding opportunities for Yosemite Slough. Who is the project team? The project team is composed of: - San Francisco Planning Department (Lead) – City's lead for planning, design, and outreach - San Francisco Estuary Institute – technical advisors on ecological restoration and nature-based strategies to climate change - En2Action – Bayview-based partner for community outreach, engagement, and facilitation - BAYCAT – Bayview-based partner for storytelling, media production, and youth workforce development The project team is also supported by other City agencies as technical advisors, such as the Port of San Francisco, San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, San Francisco Public Works, San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, the Office of Resilience and Capital Planning, the Office of Community Investment and Infrastructure, and more. Where is the project area? This is the draft project area for the Yosemite Slough Neighborhood Adaptation Plan: Timeline Synopsis - Outreach and Engagement: Fall 2023 through Spring 2025 - Technical Analysis: Spring and Summer 2024 - Plan Development: Fall 2024 through Summer 2025 Fall 2023 \| Winter 2024 \| Spring 2024 \| Summer 2024 \| Fall 2024 \| Winter 2025 \| Spring 2025 \| Summer 2025 \| \| Outreach and Engagement \| \|\|\|\|\|\|\|\| Technical Analysis \| \|\|\|\|\|\|\|\| Plan Development \| The project timeline is subject to change. Related Efforts Other Efforts - African American Arts & Cultural District, Mayor's Office of Housing and Community Development - Candlestick Point and Hunters Point Shipyard Phase 2, Office of Community Investment and Infrastructure - Candlestick Point State Recreation Area, California Department of Parks and Recreation - Yosemite Slough Restoration and Public Access Project, California State Parks Foundation - Yosemite Creek Sediment Site, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Community Outreach & Engagement Events to come. Check back here for more information. Staff Contacts Danielle Ngo (Project Manager) Senior Planner Jessica Look Senior Planner Jeremy Shaw Principal Planner Project Team - San Francisco Planning Department - En2Action - San Francisco Estuary Institute Project Funding The Yosemite Slough Adaptation Plan is supported by the Adaptation Planning Grant Program implemented by the Governor's Office of Planning and Research.
Scientists discover flu virus with 'pandemic potential' in China Scientists have discovered a new strain of flu that has the potential to become a pandemic in China. The discovery has been published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The new flu strain, which the researchers call G4 EA H1N1, is similar to the 2009 swine flu. They also found evidence of recent infection in people who worked in abattoirs and the swine industry in China. Researchers are now concerned that the virus could mutate to the extent where it can spread easily from person to person and trigger a global outbreak. While it is not an immediate problem, researchers believe that the virus has "all the hallmarks" of being highly adapted to infect humans. "To prevent it from spreading, we need to monitor it closely. Measures to control the virus in pigs, and the close monitoring of swine industry workers, should be swiftly implemented," said researchers. This latest development comes as the world is still struggling to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.
In recent years, the rapid advancement of technology has given rise to a myriad of cybersecurity threats. From ransomware attacks to data breaches, businesses and individuals are constantly under siege from malicious actors seeking to exploit vulnerabilities in our interconnected world. As technology continues to evolve, so too do the methods employed by hackers to infiltrate systems and compromise security. One emerging threat in this ever-changing landscape is microdrone hacking, a new frontier in cybersecurity threats. Understanding Microdrone Technology The first step in addressing the threat of microdrone hacking is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the technology itself. Microdrones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are small, remotely controlled aircraft that have become increasingly popular in a variety of industries, including agriculture, infrastructure inspection, and cinematography. These technological marvels are equipped with advanced sensors, cameras, and other cutting-edge components to perform a multitude of tasks autonomously or under human supervision. The Basics of Microdrones Microdrones typically consist of four main components: the frame, the flight controller, the propulsion system, and the payload. The frame provides the structure and stability, while the flight controller acts as the brain, interpreting user commands and maintaining flight stability. The propulsion system consists of motors and propellers that generate the necessary thrust, and the payload includes cameras, sensors, and other devices specific to the drone's purpose. Key Features and Capabilities of Microdrones One of the key features that make microdrones appealing is their ability to navigate in challenging environments and perform complex tasks. They can fly in confined spaces, follow pre-programmed flight paths, and even perform automated tasks such as crop monitoring or infrastructure inspection. Additionally, microdrones can transmit real-time data and imagery to ground control stations, enabling operators to make informed decisions quickly. Furthermore, microdrones are equipped with advanced obstacle avoidance systems that allow them to detect and avoid potential hazards during flight. These systems utilize a combination of sensors, such as ultrasonic, infrared, and optical sensors, to detect obstacles in the drone's path and adjust its flight trajectory accordingly. This capability not only enhances the safety of the drone but also enables it to navigate through complex environments with ease. In addition to their impressive flight capabilities, microdrones are also designed to be highly versatile and adaptable. They can be equipped with a wide range of payloads, depending on the specific application. For example, in the field of agriculture, microdrones can carry specialized cameras and sensors that can monitor crop health, detect pests or diseases, and optimize irrigation. In the construction industry, microdrones can be equipped with high-resolution cameras and LiDAR sensors to perform detailed inspections of buildings and infrastructure, identifying potential issues and ensuring structural integrity. Moreover, microdrones are constantly evolving and benefiting from advancements in technology. Researchers and engineers are continuously developing new features and capabilities to enhance their performance and expand their range of applications. From improved battery life and flight endurance to more advanced imaging and data processing capabilities, the future of microdrone technology holds great promise. The Intersection of Drones and Cybersecurity While microdrones offer numerous benefits, their increasing integration into various industries also opens up new avenues for cybercriminals to exploit. As with any connected device, microdrones are susceptible to hacking and malicious attacks. The vulnerabilities in drone technology pose significant risks that must be addressed to ensure the security and privacy of individuals and organizations. The Vulnerabilities of Drone Technology One of the primary concerns is the wireless communication between the drone and its controller or ground station. This communication channel is susceptible to interception or manipulation by hackers. By intercepting the signals, hackers can gain control of the drone or access sensitive data transmitted during flights. Additionally, the onboard systems of a microdrone, such as the flight controller or camera, may have software vulnerabilities that can be exploited to gain unauthorized access or manipulate the drone's behavior. The Potential Impact of Drone Hacks The consequences of a successful microdrone hack can be severe. In a worst-case scenario, an attacker could take control of a microdrone and use it as a weapon, causing physical harm to individuals or property. Furthermore, the theft of sensitive data or intellectual property gathered by microdrones can lead to financial loss or damage to a company's reputation. The potential for disruption and the violation of privacy are also significant concerns. As the use of microdrones continues to expand, so does the need for robust cybersecurity measures. Organizations and individuals must be proactive in implementing security protocols to protect their drones and the data they collect. This includes regularly updating firmware and software, using strong encryption methods for wireless communication, and conducting vulnerability assessments to identify and address any weaknesses in the drone's systems. Furthermore, collaboration between drone manufacturers, cybersecurity experts, and regulatory bodies is crucial in developing industry-wide standards and best practices. By working together, they can establish guidelines for secure drone design, manufacturing, and operation. This collaboration can also help in the development of advanced intrusion detection systems specifically tailored for microdrones, ensuring real-time monitoring and rapid response to any potential threats. It is also important to educate drone operators and users about the risks and best practices for cybersecurity. Training programs should be implemented to raise awareness about the potential vulnerabilities and teach individuals how to identify and mitigate potential threats. By fostering a culture of cybersecurity within the drone community, we can collectively work towards minimizing the risks associated with drone technology. The Rise of Microdrone Hacking As microdrones become more prevalent in various industries, the interest in hacking them has grown as well. Hackers are continually exploring new methods and techniques to exploit vulnerabilities in drone technology for their gain, whether it be for financial motives or to disrupt operations. How Microdrone Hacking Works Microdrone hacking involves identifying vulnerabilities within the drone's systems, exploiting these weaknesses, and gaining unauthorized access. Hackers may target the communication channel between the drone and the controller or exploit software vulnerabilities within the drone's onboard systems. Once a vulnerability is identified, hackers can manipulate the drone's behavior, intercept data, or take control of the drone entirely. The Motivations Behind Microdrone Hacking Various motivations drive individuals or groups to engage in microdrone hacking. For some, the primary goal is to access sensitive information or intellectual property for financial gain. Others may seek to disrupt operations, whether for personal motives or as part of a larger cyber warfare strategy. The rise of microdrone hacking has necessitated a closer look at the motivations and intentions of those behind these attacks. One motivation behind microdrone hacking is the potential to gather valuable intelligence. In industries such as agriculture or environmental monitoring, microdrones are equipped with sensors that collect data on crop health, soil conditions, or pollution levels. Hackers with malicious intent could exploit vulnerabilities in these drones to gain access to this valuable data, which can then be sold on the black market or used to gain a competitive advantage. Another motivation for microdrone hacking is the desire to disrupt critical operations. Imagine a scenario where microdrones are used for surveillance in high-security areas, such as military bases or government facilities. By hacking into these drones, individuals or groups could compromise security measures, gather sensitive information, or even cause physical harm. The potential consequences of such attacks highlight the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect against microdrone hacking. The Implications of Microdrone Hacks The implications of successful microdrone hacks are far-reaching and warrant serious attention from individuals and businesses alike. From privacy concerns to potential industrial espionage, the repercussions of these attacks can be significant. Threats to Privacy and Security The invasion of privacy is a significant concern when it comes to microdrone hacking. A compromised drone can indiscriminately record and transmit audio, video, or other sensitive data, infringing upon the rights and privacy of individuals. Imagine a scenario where a microdrone, infiltrated by a malicious hacker, hovers outside a bedroom window, capturing intimate moments that were never meant to be shared. The violation of personal privacy in such instances is not only distressing but also raises questions about the ethical boundaries of technology. Furthermore, the security of critical infrastructure or sensitive facilities can be compromised if malicious actors gain control of microdrones operating in these areas. Imagine a microdrone infiltrating a high-security government facility, silently navigating through the corridors, and gathering valuable information. The potential for sabotage or espionage becomes a real concern, as these tiny flying machines can bypass traditional security measures and go undetected. Potential for Industrial Espionage Microdrones are used extensively in industries such as agriculture, construction, and infrastructure inspection. These drones provide valuable data and insights that help businesses make informed decisions. However, the flip side of this technological advancement is the potential for industrial espionage. Infiltrating these drones to gather proprietary information or trade secrets can provide hackers with a significant advantage in competitive markets. For example, in the agricultural industry, microdrones equipped with advanced sensors and cameras are used to monitor crop health, detect pests, and optimize irrigation. If a competitor gains access to these drones and their data, they can easily replicate successful farming practices or even sabotage the crops by manipulating the collected information. Just as traditional espionage has evolved with advancements in technology, so too has the potential for industrial espionage with microdrone hacking. The ability to remotely access and control these small but powerful devices opens up a world of opportunities for those with malicious intent. The consequences can be devastating for businesses, leading to financial losses, loss of market share, and even the collapse of entire industries. Mitigating the Risks of Microdrone Hacking With the expanding threat landscape surrounding microdrone hacking, it is essential to adopt proactive strategies that minimize the risks and protect against potential attacks. Companies and individuals must be vigilant and take steps to enhance the cybersecurity of microdrones. Strategies for Drone Cybersecurity Implementing robust cybersecurity measures is crucial to protecting microdrones from hacking attempts. Companies should regularly assess and update the firmware and software of their drones to address any known vulnerabilities. Encryption and strong authentication protocols should be used to secure the communication channels between drones and controllers. Additionally, ongoing training and awareness programs can help educate users on the potential risks and best practices for operating microdrones securely. Future Developments in Microdrone Protection The evolution of microdrone technology will play a crucial role in enhancing security and mitigating the risks of hacking. Manufacturers are actively researching and developing advanced security features such as intrusion detection systems and real-time threat monitoring. Collaboration between industry leaders, regulatory bodies, and cybersecurity experts will be essential to stay ahead of the ever-evolving threat landscape. Furthermore, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into microdrones holds great promise for bolstering their security. AI algorithms can analyze data in real-time, detecting anomalies and potential threats with greater accuracy than traditional security measures. This advanced level of threat detection will enable microdrones to autonomously respond to potential hacking attempts, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches. In addition to technological advancements, legal and regulatory frameworks will also play a crucial role in microdrone protection. Governments around the world are recognizing the need for comprehensive regulations to address the security concerns associated with microdrones. These regulations will establish guidelines for manufacturers, operators, and users, ensuring that adequate security measures are in place to protect against hacking and other cyber threats. Microdrone hacking poses a new frontier in cybersecurity threats that cannot be ignored. The increasing integration of drones into various industries necessitates a proactive approach to protect against potential attacks. By understanding microdrone technology, recognizing the vulnerabilities, and implementing robust cybersecurity measures, individuals and organizations can mitigate the risks and ensure the safe and secure operation of microdrones in our interconnected world. As the threat of microdrone hacking emerges, safeguarding your organization's cybersecurity infrastructure becomes paramount. Blue Goat Cyber, with our expertise in medical device cybersecurity, penetration testing, and compliance with HIPAA, FDA, SOC 2, and PCI standards, stands ready to fortify your defenses. As a Veteran-Owned business, we're committed to protecting your operations from sophisticated cyber threats. Contact us today for cybersecurity help and partner with a team that's passionate about securing your business and products against the evolving dangers of the digital age.
Your baby's nutrition at 6 months When your little one reaches the six-month mark, you embark on an exciting new chapter in their nutritional journey. This phase is crucial for shaping their eating habits and skills. While breast milk continues to be a vital component of your child's diet, it's now time to introduce a variety of solid foods to support their growth and development. In this section, we'll explore the ideal foods for a six-month-old and offer tips on how to introduce them safely and effortlessly. We'll cover the importance of incorporating vegetables, starchy foods, fruits, breast milk, healthy fats, baby cereals, dairy products, meat, fish, and eggs, and we'll discuss using herbs with caution. Our goal is to provide you with a comprehensive guide to crafting the best diet for your child during this critical developmental stage. Vegetables and starchy foods at 6 months When your baby hits the 6-month milestone, you can start introducing vegetables and starchy foods into their diet. It's best to begin with soft, mildly flavored vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and squash. For your little one's ease, these can be boiled and mashed to a smooth consistency. Fruits at 6 months old Reaching six months is the perfect time to introduce fruits to your child's diet, enriching it with the essential vitamins and minerals they need for healthy growth. It's wise to start with simple, mashed fruits. Boiled apples are often chosen as the first fruit for their delightful taste and beneficial fiber, aiding in digestion. Bananas are another fantastic option, thanks to their potassium content and the simplicity of preparation—they don't even need to be cooked. Avocados, with their healthy fats, are crucial for your baby's brain development. Remember, it's important to introduce one fruit at a time, adhering to safety standards and checking for allergies before adding more variety. Breast milk Breast milk is truly the gold standard in nutrition during the first few months of your child's life, offering all the nutrients they need for healthy development. Even when you start introducing solid foods at six months, breast milk remains essential, continuing to be a key source of nutrients and antibodies that strengthen your child's health. Beyond nutrition, breastfeeding nurtures a deep bond between you and your baby, fostering a sense of security in your little one. It's advisable to keep breastfeeding as per your child's cues, tuning into their hunger and fullness signals, while supplementing their diet with solid foods to enhance their nutritional intake. Fats are incredibly important for your child's healthy development, especially for their brain and nervous system. For your six-month-old, it's crucial to include essential fats from natural, unprocessed sources. Avocado is a fantastic choice, easily blended into purees thanks to its creamy texture and rich in monounsaturated fats. Olive oil is another excellent nutritional boost, packed with healthy fats and antioxidants to protect your baby's cells and support their growth. It's important, though, to moderate the amounts to maintain nutritional balance, focusing on the quality of fats rather than quantity to nurture your child's development in the healthiest way possible. Baby cereals at 6 months Introducing solid foods into your baby's diet marks a new chapter, and iron-fortified infant cereals play a vital role in supporting both their physical and mental growth. These cereals are packed with essential nutrients, with iron being particularly important to ward off anemia and foster neurological development. Preparing baby cereal is a breeze; simply mix it with a bit of breast milk or formula to create a soft, digestible consistency for your little one. It's wise to introduce cereals slowly and keep an eye on your baby's response, ensuring there are no allergies or intolerances to certain grains. Starting with iron-fortified cereals sets the foundation for healthy eating habits, paving the way for a balanced nutritional future for your child. Dairy products Parents often find themselves navigating a sea of questions about when and how to introduce dairy products into their child's diet. As your little one approaches the six-month mark, they can start exploring dairy items like yogurt, which is packed with the proteins and calcium essential for bone and dental growth. Opting for yogurts without added flavors or sugars is a smart choice to promote healthy eating habits. It's crucial, however, to be vigilant about the potential for dairy to trigger allergies or digestive issues. Monitoring your baby's response to these new additions is key to determining how well they're accepting these nutritious foods. Meat, fish and eggs Meat, fish, and eggs are treasure troves of protein, vital for your child's growth, muscle, and tissue development. As you begin introducing these foods into your six-month-old's diet, it's important to cook them thoroughly and mash them into a soft texture that's easy for your little one to handle. Eggs, packed with essential nutrients and vitamins, make for an excellent first choice. Before making these foods a regular part of their diet, it's crucial to ensure your child doesn't have any allergies. Starting with small portions allows you to closely observe their reactions. Moreover, incorporating a variety of protein sources diversifies your child's diet and ensures they receive all the necessary amino acids for healthy growth. While herbs can introduce unique and appealing flavors to meals, caution is key when adding them to your baby's diet. It's essential to consider potential food allergies and ensure the herbs don't trigger any adverse reactions. Starting with mild herbs like dill or parsley in tiny quantities allows you to observe any changes or reactions. Initially, it's wise to steer clear of spicy herbs or those high in essential oils as your little one adjusts to solid foods. After carefully watching their response and ensuring they tolerate these well, you can gradually experiment with a variety of herbs. This approach not only diversifies their meals but also supports your child's healthy development. Baby development at 6 months Reaching six months is a pivotal milestone in your child's journey, marking a period of significant transformation in their physical and mental capacities, with their delicate skills starting to emerge. At this stage, they become more responsive to the world around them, exploring with increasing curiosity and enthusiasm. In this section, we'll offer a detailed overview of a child's development during this crucial time, touching on everything from their fine motor skills to their linguistic and emotional growth. We'll delve into how they become more aware of and react to their surroundings, and the foundational skills that set the stage for future development milestones. The first six months of your child's life are a period of remarkable growth, not just in weight and length, but also in their physical capabilities. During this time, their visual skills significantly advance, allowing them to accurately track moving objects and focus on them with greater precision. Concurrently, your little one starts to explore their surroundings with more complex and coordinated movements. They might begin to support their weight while sitting or even start to make crawling attempts, showcasing their developing motor skills. It's crucial to keep an eye on these milestones and encourage activities that bolster this growth and nurture their budding sense of independence. Child alertness at 6 months At six months old, your baby's interaction with the world around them becomes increasingly evident. They communicate their attention through direct eye contact and intentional smiles, clearly showing their engagement and joy. Your little one will likely express delight through laughter and joyful sounds upon hearing familiar voices, signaling their comfort and recognition of known sounds and faces. Furthermore, they start to participate in "communication games," like imitation and responding to body language, demonstrating a growing proficiency in social interaction. This phase is a wonderful time to witness as your baby begins to explore the basics of communication and social awareness. Your child is becoming increasingly attentive and curious about the world around them. At this age, they're exploring ways to communicate, whether through cries of need or bursts of laughter. They find joy in toys and colorful objects, and you'll start to see them engaging with their little friends during playtime. This curiosity is a beautiful sign of their growing understanding and interaction with the world. Baby's gross motor skills at 6 months As your baby hits the six-month mark, you'll notice a significant leap in their gross motor skills. They start to sit up with the help of pillows or even on their own for brief moments, showcasing their growing back and neck muscle strength. With this newfound control over their movements, your little one may begin to crawl or roll around, marking the start of their journey towards independent movement. This exciting development underscores the importance of creating a safe and controlled space to ensure their safety as they explore and learn. Your little one is becoming more active and mobile every day. Many children at this stage can sit up on their own or with minimal support, and some may even start to try crawling. These movements are crucial steps toward achieving motor independence in the future. Watching your child become more adventurous and explore their environment is truly a joyous part of their development journey. Baby's fine motor skills at 6 months The skill of using fingers to grasp objects marks a significant milestone in your baby's life at six months. Their hand-eye coordination flourishes, allowing them to grab toys and bring them to their mouth, demonstrating what's known as a fine grip. This development is not just a sign of your child's growing muscular strength; it also highlights their advancing thought processes and understanding. Moreover, it reflects the enhancement of their perceptual and cognitive abilities tied to these actions. Watching your little one explore and interact with their environment in this way is a clear indicator of their ongoing growth and learning. By the time they reach six months, your baby typically masters the art of grasping toys and passing them from one hand to the other. Their hand and finger control improves significantly, enabling them to engage in more complex play than ever before. Witnessing these milestones in your little one's development is a delight, as they discover new ways to interact with the world around them. The feeding capacity of a child at the age of 6 months As you start introducing solid foods, your little one begins the exciting journey of learning how to chew and swallow, enhancing their ability to enjoy a variety of foods. This milestone is not just about nutrition; it's a whole new world of tastes and textures for them to discover and delight in. Your 6-month-old baby's health Ensuring your child's health and safety at six months involves careful and regular checks on their well-being. It's crucial to stay on track with their vaccination schedule to bolster their immunity against various childhood diseases. Regular check-ups are essential to keep an eye on their growth and spot any potential health issues early on. This stage is pivotal for early health monitoring, which can lead to effective interventions, empowering you to take even better care of your child's health and development. Your child's health is of utmost importance at this stage. By now, they should be receiving their basic vaccination doses as per the recommended schedule. Alongside this, their physical and mental growth and development are carefully monitored. It's a time of incredible changes and milestones and keeping a close eye on their well-being ensures they have the best start possible in their journey of growth. Your baby's sleep patterns At this age, you'll notice changes in your baby's sleeping patterns. Your little one might start to sleep for longer stretches at night and take fewer naps during the day. This shift is a natural part of their development and can help establish a more consistent routine for both of you. At this age, your child should enjoy peaceful, uninterrupted sleep at night, along with daytime naps. It's important to remember that establishing a good sleep routine is crucial for their proper growth and supports their need for rest and recovery. Watching your little one settle into a comfortable sleep pattern can be reassuring, knowing it's contributing to their healthy development. Your baby's food journey at 6 Months During this time, your little one is ready to start trying solid foods, and their chewing and swallowing skills are coming along. It's best to begin with foods that are easy on their digestion and to offer these in small quantities to prevent any digestive upset. Watching your child navigate this new culinary adventure is an exciting phase, as they start to explore tastes and textures beyond milk. The development your baby's sensory abilities at 6 months At six months old, your baby's senses continue to develop at a rapid pace. They can now tell the difference between various sounds and might even start trying to imitate them. Their visual perception has also gotten sharper, allowing them to smoothly follow moving objects with their eyes. Watching your little one explore and interact with the world through these developing senses is truly a joyous part of their growth journey. Emotional and social development of your baby at 6 months At six months, your child enters a crucial phase in their emotional development and the formation of social bonds. During this time, they start to display clear emotional expressions like smiles and laughter in response to interactions with you or their caregivers, signaling the beginning of an emotional bond and reliance. They become adept at distinguishing between familiar people, showing a preference for known faces and voices, which points to strengthening social connections. Conversely, they might exhibit hesitation or anxiety in new situations or when meeting strangers, a normal part of their emerging personality and sense of security. It's essential for you and other caregivers to nurture their social and emotional well-being at this stage, helping them to confidently navigate and embrace their social world. Baby's response to surrounding changes at 6 months Your six-month-old's responsiveness to their surroundings showcases their mental and sensory growth. They become increasingly alert to changes, whether it's in what they see, hear, or even in the subtle shifts in their daily routines. This heightened awareness helps them learn to observe and anticipate, equipping them better for the ever-changing world. As parents, it's crucial to foster a positive and supportive environment that allows your child to adapt and explore freely, without any pressure. Moreover, maintaining consistency in daily routines enhances your child's sense of security and aids in their understanding of the world around them with more clarity. Communication and interaction at 6 months The first six months mark a pivotal phase in the growth of your child's social and communication abilities. Around this time, they start reacting to voices and faces, showing a budding interest in engaging with those around them. Singing to your child and speaking in varied tones can nurture their auditory and linguistic sensitivity. Encouraging them to listen and take part in conversations boosts their comprehension and self-expression skills. This period lays the groundwork for language development, with your little one starting to mimic and repeat sounds they hear, taking their first steps toward speech. Watching these moments of discovery and interaction unfold is one of the joys of parenthood. Caring for the oral and dental health of your baby at 6 months Around the six-month mark, your baby will likely start teething, making it the perfect time to establish an oral care routine. Keeping up with oral hygiene at this early stage is crucial to preventing bacteria buildup and warding off future gum and tooth issues. You can gently clean your little one's gums and any emerging teeth with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush or a cloth moistened with water. It's also important to get your child used to this habit early on, so they can grow to accept dental care as a natural part of their daily routine. For guidance on the best oral health practices for your child, we recommend consulting with a doctor or dental professional. This way, you're ensuring the best start for your baby's dental health. Doctor's visit and vaccinations As your child gets older, maintaining regular appointments with your doctor is vital to monitor their growth and ensure they remain healthy. These periodic check-ups offer a chance to stay up-to-date with vaccinations, which are crucial for protection against common and potentially severe diseases. Vaccinations form the foundation of preventative healthcare, enabling your child to thrive in a safer and healthier environment. These visits also provide you, as parents, with reassurance that your child's physical and mental development is on track. Moreover, early diagnosis during these appointments allows for prompt intervention if any health issues arise, significantly enhancing the effectiveness and speed of treatment. This careful monitoring is a key part of nurturing your child's well-being and development.
Taxation, often seen as unavoidable, is more an art form than a mere financial obligation. It is a delicate balance between funding government operations and not overburdening the taxpayers. "The art of taxation is the art of plucking the goose so as to get the most feathers with the least hissing." Jean-Baptiste Colbert This concept was famously summed up by Jean-Baptiste Colbert, who knew that taxation was the art of collecting the most taxes while minimizing the complaints over taxation.1 This analogy is more relevant today than ever, especially when considering the U.S. tax system's complexity and its relationship with citizens. The challenge lies in the inherent tension between the need for the government to collect taxes to fund public services and the natural desire of individuals and businesses to minimize their tax liabilities. Tax policies must be designed to be fair, efficient, and effective, encouraging compliance while discouraging evasion and avoidance. This balance is precarious, and tipping too far in one direction can lead to dissatisfaction, economic distortion, or both. The Challenge of Taxation How to solve Unlimited Wants with Finite Means Jean-Baptiste Colbert, serving as the Finance Minister under King Louis XIV of France, revolutionized the way we think about taxation.1 His philosophy emphasized the importance of a tax system that is as painless as possible for the taxpayer while still being effective in meeting the needs of the state. His approach underlines today's tax policies, aiming for a system that extracts necessary resources without stifling economic growth or public contentment. US Tax Code The U.S. tax code, a labyrinth of rules and regulations, is a testament to the complexity and intricacy of modern taxation. It is akin to a vast, sprawling metropolis, where every street, building, and alleyway has been meticulously planned, yet can still confound those navigating it without a map. This complexity arises from the need to address a multitude of scenarios, ensuring fairness across diverse economic situations. Taxation in the U.S. embodies a symbiotic relationship between the government and its citizens. As with the ebb and flow of a river, so goes our taxes. Over various periods of time we have expected our government to provide more or less services and that balance of what the government provides, and what individuals provide creates the basis for the Social Contract (See our article: Social Contract). It is a partnership where individuals and businesses give up some of their freedoms and liberties to live in a society fueled by their taxes that provide the public services everyone relies on, from roads and schools to national defense and social welfare programs. This relationship requires trust and transparency, where taxpayers comply with their obligations, believing in the effective use of their contributions. The Art of Taxation The "art" of taxation, therefore, lies in crafting policies that achieve the delicate balance of maximizing revenue without discouraging economic activity or provoking widespread discontent. It is about understanding the psychology of taxpayers, employing strategies that encourage voluntary compliance, and designing a tax system that is perceived by citizens as fair and just. A Model used by economists called the Laffer Curve2 is a U-shaped curve that shows the relationship between tax rate and tax revenue. If you tax someone nothing and move the tax up to 1% people will continue to work and revenue will rise. As rates on taxes rise, revenue continues to rise until the rates reach a point where rates are too high. The curve begins to bend before plateauing and people begin actively avoiding paying taxes (through legal and illegal means). After it plateaus, revenue begins to drop and people are both actively avoiding taxes, and at a certain point dropping out of the workforce as it is no longer worthwhile. For example, if you were taxed at 100%, would you work? Obviously not, as there would be no reward for your labor, and the model reflects that knowing that people will stop working well before 100%. The art of taxation is akin to weaving a complex tapestry, where each thread represents a different tax rule or policy, and the goal is to create a harmonious and functional whole. It requires a deep understanding of economics, sociology, and human psychology, like Colbert's approach centuries ago, proving that while the tools and context may have evolved, the underlying principles of effective taxation remain timeless. - Brittannica Jean Baptiste Colbert https://www.britannica.com/biography/#13excludeGlossary - Laffer Curve
Brake Fluid Check the brake fluid level by looking at the reservoir in the engine compartment. Check that the fluid level is between the "MAX" and "MIN" lines. If the brake fluid level is near the "MIN" line, fill it up to the "MAX" line with DOT3 brake fluid. Failure to follow the guidelines below can result in personal injury or serious damage to the brake system. • If the brake fluid in the reservoir drops below a certain level, the brake warning light on the instrument panel will come on (the engine must be running with the parking brake fully disengaged.) Should the light come on, immediately ask your SUZUKI dealer to inspect the brake system. • A rapid fluid loss indicates a leak in the brake system which should be inspected by your SUZUKI dealer immediately. • Brake fluid can harm your eyes and damage painted surfaces. Use caution when refilling the reservoir. • Do not use any fluid other than DOT3 brake fluid. Do not use reclaimed fluid or fluid that has been stored in old or open containers. It is essential that foreign particles and other liquids are kept out of the brake fluid reservoir. Brake fluid is harmful or fatal if swallowed, and harmful if it comes in contact with skin or eyes. If swallowed, do not induce vomiting. Immediately contact a poison control center or a physician. If brake fluid gets in eyes, flush eyes with water and seek medical attention. Wash thoroughly after handling. Solution can be poisonous to animals. Keep out of the reach of children and animals. The brake fluid should be replaced according to the maintenance schedule. Have the brake fluid replaced by your SUZUKI dealer. With disc brakes, the fluid level can be expected to gradually fall as the brake pads wear. Brake Pedal With the engine running and the parking brake set, measure the distance between the brake pedal and floor carpet when the pedal is depressed with approximately 300 N (66 lbs, 30 kg) of force. The minimum distance required is as specified. Since your vehicle's brake system is self-adjusting, there is no need for pedal adjustment. If the pedal to floor carpet distance as measured above is less than the minimum distance required, have your vehicle inspected by your SUZUKI dealer. When measuring the distance between the brake pedal and floor wall, push in the floor carpet as far as it goes and measure the distance between the carpet surface and the brake pedal. If you experience any of the following problems with your vehicle's brake system, have the vehicle inspected immediately by your SUZUKI dealer. • Poor braking performance. • Uneven braking (Brakes not working uniformly on all wheels.). • Excessive pedal travel. • Brake dragging. • Excessive noise. • (Except ABS equipped vehicle). Pedal pulsation (Pedal pulsates when pressed for braking.) Parking Brake Lever Parking Brake Lever Check the parking brake for proper adjustment by counting the number of clicks made by the ratchet teeth as you slowly pull up on the parking brake lever to the point of full engagement. The parking brake lever should stop between the specified ratchet teeth and the rear wheels should be securely locked. If the parking brake is not properly adjusted or the brakes drag after the lever has been fully released, have the parking brake inspected and/or adjusted by your SUZUKI dealer. "ESP OFF" Switch (if equipped) "ESP OFF" Switch (if equipped) ESP® is a registered trademark of DaimlerChrysler AG. The "ESP OFF" switch is located on the center console. You can turn the ESP® systems (other than A ... Your vehicle has three types of fuses, as described below: Main Fuse – The main fuse takes current directly from the battery. Primary Fuses – These fuses are between the main fuse and individ ... Gear Oil Specified Gear Oil Manual transaxle (API GL-4) Rear differential oil (i-AWD)/Transfer oil of automatic transaxle model (i-AWD) (API GL-5 Hypoid) When replacing gear oil, use the appropriate

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