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Enteroscopic access to the distal stomach after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. From Kuga et al.12
Production of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) in operated on subjects and in the corpus and antrum of control subjects. P < .05 for value in the excluded chamber vs other measured values.
Production of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in operated on subjects and in the corpus and antrum of control subjects. P < .05 for value in the excluded chamber vs other measured values.
Faintuch J, Ishida RK, Jacabi M, Ribeiro AS, Kuga R, Sakai P, Barbeiro HV, Barbeiro DF, Soriano FG, Cecconello I. Increased Gastric Cytokine Production After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass for Morbid Obesity. Arch Surg. 2007;142(10):962-968. doi:10.1001/archsurg.142.10.962
Mucosal cytokines may be involved in the process of gastric bacterial contamination that may occur after Roux-en-Y bypass for morbid obesity in both gastric chambers, with inflammation and gastritis mostly in the excluded stomach.
A prospective observational study in a homogeneous population with nonspecific complaints.
Outpatient clinic of a large, public, academic hospital.
Subjects (n = 37; 26 [70.3%] female; mean ± SD age, 42.4 ± 9.9 years) seen a mean ± SD of 7.3 ± 1.4 years after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and nonoperated on morbidly obese control subjects (n = 10; 7 [70%] female; mean ± SD age, 44.0 ± 8.9 years).
Enteroscopy was performed to collect samples for cytokine assays and bacteriologic studies.
Main Outcome Measures
Concentrations of tumor necrosis factor α and transforming growth factor β in the gastric mucosa of both chambers in patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and correlation with bacterial overgrowth and Helicobacter pylori infection.
High microbial counts (>105 colony-forming units per milliliter) were detected in 22 (59.5%) and 7 (18.9%) of the 37 samples from the functional pouch and excluded reservoir, respectively; and H pylori investigation was positive in 6 of 37 samples (16.2%). The tumor necrosis factor α concentration (mean ± SD, 2.1 ± 1.9 pg/g of protein) and the transforming growth factor β concentration (mean ± SD, 24.2 ± 12.8 pg/g of protein) in the excluded stomach, but not in the proximal pouch, were elevated with regard to the corpus or antrum of controls, and correlation with bacterial overgrowth and with H pylori infection was demonstrated.
Overexpression of tumor necrosis factor α and transforming growth factor β occurred in the distal stomach, positive cytokine correlation with microbial invasion by H pylori and nonspecific germs was seen, and further studies addressing phenotypic and genotypic changes of gastric mucosa are recommended.
Cytokines are markers of cell functional or inflammatory activation and may be expressed in response to sepsis, ischemia, necrosis, regeneration, and other events. Abnormal cytokine production by gut mucosa is well established in Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis, and other intestinal conditions, including human immunodeficiency virus infection and food allergy.1- 5 Some gastric cytokines also have been the focus of attention, mostly within the context of Helicobacter pylori infection and gastric cancer6,7 but also of stress and peptic ulcer.8
On the other hand, visceral fat cytokines and adipokines are commonly elevated within the context of morbid obesity, and repercussions concerning insulin resistance, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular complications have been highlighted for some time.9 This is a phenomenon originating from the fat compartment, and although there is systemic and probably hepatic impact, there is no evidence that the gastrointestinal tract is involved.
Reports concerning gastric cytokine production in bariatric populations, or more specifically in patients after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), have not been found in the literature.
Evidence of bacterial and fungal colonization of the proximal gastric pouch and the excluded stomach has been registered, along with occasional positive test results for H pylori infection,10 in the late postoperative period. In these patients, a study of local production of 2 cytokines was undertaken, aiming to correlate such findings with microbial test results and with the clinical and biochemical profile of that population.
From August 2, 2004, to August 1, 2005, patients who previously underwent open-banded RYGB for morbid obesity were enrolled in this protocol.
Inclusion criteria were nonspecific upper gastrointestinal complaints, such as nausea, vomiting, or intolerance to certain foods under investigation at the Endoscopy Service; absence of H pylori or confirmed eradication by the time of bariatric intervention; and more than 48 months after RYGB.
Exclusion criteria were critical illness, reversal of the bariatric procedure, upper gastrointestinal obstruction or history of bacterial overgrowth, use of antibiotics or antacids, tube feeding, gastrostomy or jejunostomy, inflammatory bowel disease, gastrointestinal bleeding, systemic or gastrointestinal infection, human immunodeficiency virus infection or AIDS, use of immune-modulating drugs, and refusal to participate in the study.
Among 42 recruited subjects, 5 were excluded because of technical impossibility to reach the excluded stomach. The remaining 37 subjects (26 female [70.3%]; mean ± SD age, 42.4 ± 9.9 years [range, 21-66 years]) are the focus of this study.
Ten symptom-free morbidly obese adults, screened for future bariatric operation but not yet registered at the Surgical Service, were examined as the control population for general biochemical test results and cytokine production in the intact stomach.
All patients were seen at the Endoscopy Service of Sao Paulo University Medical School, and written informed consent was obtained. This protocol was approved by the Ethical Committee of Hospital das Clinicas.
This was a prospective clinical study; nevertheless, part of the studied variables (date of operation and perioperative findings pertinent to inclusion and exclusion criteria) was retrieved from the clinical chart or hospital records.
The clinical questionnaire included the attainment of a general medical history and a survey of clinical records, including operations and hospitalizations, immunologic conditions, and medical prescriptions; nutritional assessment (weight, height, and body mass index); biochemical and hematological tests (complete blood cell count, including hemoglobin level, white blood cell count, and levels of neutrophils and lymphocytes; and levels of serum albumin, total cholesterol, and triglycerides); and an endoscopic survey.
The double-balloon enteroscope (Fujinon EN-450P5/20; Fuji Photo Optical Co, Ltd, Omiya, Japan) (diameter, 8.5 mm; and length, 200 cm) was used together with the soft overtube (TS-12140; Fuji Photo Optical Co, Ltd). Sedation was done with midazolam maleate, fentanyl, and propofol if necessary, and supplementary oxygen was offered via nasal catheter. By the push-pull double-balloon technique, the enteroscope was inserted orally and advanced to the excluded stomach, thus performing full retrograde gastroscopy11 (Figure 1).12
Mucosal biopsy specimens were collected from the corpus of the excluded stomach, and subsequently from the corpus of the functional gastric pouch, for cytokine and H pylori investigations. Gastric fluid was also collected for microbiological studies. In controls, specimens were removed from the gastric corpus and antrum and all materials were kept on melting ice until transferred to the laboratory.
The endoscope was sterilized per the manufacturer's instructions. All biopsy specimens were collected via the biopsy channel using a new silicone-protected device for each maneuver.
Quantitative determination of viable mesophile aerobic bacteria in the stomach, namely, those that grow at body temperature, was done by the serial dilution agar plating procedure. The same method was used for mesophile anaerobes, by adding an anaerobiosis-generating device (BBL GasPack Plus; Becton Dickinson, Franklin Lakes, New Jersey).
For fungi and yeasts, serial (1.0 and 0.1 mL, respectively) deep inoculation in a combination of acidified agar, dextrose, and potato plates was done, and incubation proceeded for 5 days (at 25°C). The number of colonies was computed by colony counter, and results were expressed as colony-forming units per milliliter.13Helicobacter pylori infection was diagnosed in histological specimens by Giemsa staining.
Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The TNF-α and TGF-β protein levels were calculated by commercial kits (Quantikine HS Human TNF-α and TGF-β immunoassay kits, respectively; R&D Systems, Minneapolis, Minnesota) modified for tissue extraction.14
Imaging procedures, biopsies, and additional tests for diseases or conditions mentioned in the exclusion criteria were not performed. The identification of such variables was based on the clinical questionnaire, with emphasis on the diagnosis made by a physician or information available in the medical record and on findings of suggestive symptoms and disease-specific drug prescriptions.
All data were reviewed and analyzed by the Biostatistical Team of the Department of Gastroenterology. Values are presented as mean ± SD. Parametric (t test) and nonparametric (Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests) methods were applied as appropriate. Linear regression analysis (Pearson product moment correlation) correlating cytokine assays and clinical and microbiological findings was also done. P < .05 was considered significant. The protocol was approved by the institutional review board of Hospital das Clinicas, and informed consent was signed by all subjects.
General and demographic findings of the population can be seen in Table 1. This was a comparatively homogeneous group of patients who underwent a standard procedure by the same surgical team; they were reassessed between 4 and 11 years after the intervention, when substantial weight loss had occurred. Nonoperated on controls were similar, except with regard to current body weight, which was still in the superobesity range, different from subjects who underwent RYGB.
Initially abnormal biochemical test results clearly benefited by the operation, although complete normalization was not present because weight regain tended to occur in the late postoperative period (Table 2). Serum albumin level and lymphocyte count were adequate and remained stable, indicating good nutritional status. Hemoglobin level diminished somewhat, but most remarkably, white blood cell count and neutrophil level decreased after the operation, possibly as a consequence of less systemic inflammation following weight loss, resulting in a reduced fat content of the adipocytes.15
Both gastric compartments, but not the stomach, of controls often displayed high microbial counts (>105 colony-forming units per milliliter). Proportions were 59.5% (22 of 37) and 18.9% (7 of 37) of the samples from the functional pouch and excluded reservoir, respectively. In addition, H pylori investigation was positive in 6 of the 37 patients (16.2%) who underwent RYGB and in 4 of the 10 nonoperated on controls (40%).
Concentrations of TNF-α and TGF-β in both gastric chambers of patients are as follows: distal chamber, 2.1 ± 1.9 and 24.2 ± 12.8 pg/g of protein, respectively; and proximal chamber, 0.1 ± 0.7 and 12.5 ± 9.3 pg/g of protein, respectively. Results (TNF-α and TGF-β) in the corpus and antrum of controls are as follows: corpus, 1.3 ± 1.2 and 10.0 ± 6.3 pg/g of protein, respectively; and antrum, 1.3 ± 1.5 and 15.6 ± 17.5 pg/g of protein, respectively. Values in the excluded (distal) chamber were elevated when compared with those in the functional pouch and with those of nonoperated on obese subjects (Figure 2 and Figure 3).
Differences in absolute concentrations of TGF-β and TNF-α in the presence or absence of ordinary microbes did not reach statistical significance, neither in the excluded stomach (26.3 ± 18.7 and 1.2 ± 1.1 pg/g of protein, respectively, vs 19.4 ± 3.4 and 1.1 ± 0.8 pg/g of protein, respectively; P = .37 and .42, respectively) nor in the proximal stomach (12.0 ± 6.4 and 0.09 ± 0.6 pg/g of protein, respectively, vs 15.1 ± 6.3 and 0.1 ± 0.8 pg/g of protein, respectively; P= .18 and .16, respectively).
The same occurred, for both cytokines, when H pylori infection was considered in the excluded stomach (20.8 ± 15.1 and 1.1 ± 0.6 pg/g of protein, respectively, vs 26.5 ± 11.8 and 1.2 ± 0.9 pg/g of protein, respectively; P = .24 and .51, respectively) or in the proximal stomach (12.2 ± 6.5 and 0.1 ± 0.6 pg/g of protein, respectively, vs 12.9 ± 8.4 and 0.07 ± 0.2 pg/g of protein, respectively; P = .33 and .63, respectively).
Linear regression analysis aimed to correlate cytokine concentrations in the 2 gastric chambers and general features of the patients, such as body mass index, sex, and hemoglobin concentration (Table 3). The purpose was to unveil possible systemic influences on gastric inflammatory activity. Intercorrelation between different cytokines and gastric segments, such as TNF-α concentration in the excluded stomach and TGF-β concentration in both parts of the stomach, was searched as well, and significance was achieved.
Correlations in healthy subjects, either between cytokines themselves, assessed at the corpus and antrum, or between cytokines and selected systemic measurements, were also depicted. Synergy was shown for release of the 2 cytokines in homologous regions of the control stomach (Table 3).
The Pearson product moment correlation was further applied regarding cytokine concentrations and degree of colonization of the 2 stomach parts. Such analysis yielded noteworthy correlations between conventional microbial contamination and TGF-β in the distal pouch, whereas for H pylori correlation, contamination was more widespread (Table 4).
The principal cytokine source in gastrointestinal mucosa is probably not visceral tissue but infiltrated macrophages and other mononuclear cells.16 That does not diminish the diagnostic and prognostic importance of these biomarkers for prediction of local inflammatory, degenerative, and even neoplastic diseases.17
Tumor necrosis factor α is one of the central elements of the T helper cell 1 (Th1) lymphocyte response, and its local and systemic injuring potential has been repeatedly demonstrated in connection with obesity, infections, allergy, arthritis, and immune disorders.1- 8 Within the gastrointestinal system, Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis, and human immunodeficiency virus–associated diarrhea have been widely viewed as cytokine-mediated morbidity, if not truly TNF-α diseases.1,2,4,5 Directly relevant to the current protocol is the connection between local Th1 profile, which includes augmented TNF-α output, and H pylori–triggered gastric ulcerations.15- 18 In simple gastritis, the connection has been identified as well, albeit in combination with Th2 cytokine secretion.19
The importance of TGF-β for wound healing in general has been recognized for a long time, and recent investigations indicate that it may be appropriate for clinical outcome of gastric ulcerations as well. Patients with cured gastric ulcers display abundant expression of TGF-β and its receptors, whereas lack of these tends to predict poor healing.20- 22 Bacterial invasion by ordinary aerobes, anaerobes, and fungi has not received as much emphasis as H pylori infection concerning gastric cytokine activation, but it might also be damaging to mucosa via release of Th1 cytokines, which provide an interface with gastric exocrine and endocrine secretions.23
The current protocol identified, for the first time to our knowledge, in patients who underwent a bariatric intervention an aberrant pattern of these important biological mediators in the excluded and the proximal stomach, associated with the presence of H pylori and conventional bacterial overgrowth.
The Th1 cytokine synthesis during H pylori infection is usually conspicuous, and correlation between abnormal gastric TNF-α results and the presence of that pathogen was expected, as demonstrated for children24 and adults.25 Overexpression of TGF-β was an original finding, and probably mirrors the defensive response of injured mucosa.20- 22Table 4 supports the hypothesis that gastric colonization by conventional bacteria and fungi was not devoid of effect on the production of those cytokines in the distal stomach. Changes in cytokine output with and without H pylori and nonspecific colonization could not be shown, although the results of the Pearson product moment correlation were significant.
When those variables were compared with demographic and biochemical results, further links became evident, notably regarding sex,26 age, and markers of nutritional status, such as albumin levels and body mass index.27 For obscure reasons, correlation with hemoglobin and triglycerides levels was negative. Intercorrelation between the local cytokines in different gastric locations was another finding, similar to findings in the reports of others.24,28
Although TGF-β is related to Th3 cytokines and the formation of T-regulatory cells, not to Th1 processes, it may be released by macrophages analogously to TNF-α, as part of the aggressive-defensive immune cascade in some settings, thus justifying the association.15,29,30
Taken together, these results are consistent with cytokine-mediated chronic gastric inflammation after RYGB. For some time, researchers have witnessed gastritis of variable extension and severity in patients undergoing RYGB who were endoscopically examined in the late postoperative period, in particular in the excluded stomach,10,11 which is coherent with the current observations.
The rationale of this outcome, namely, mucosal cytokine overexpression basically promoted by opportunistic or incidental bacterial invasion, was not supported by standard clinical experience, because most patients exhibit favorable quality of life and a symptomless long-term clinical course after bariatric gastric bypass. Thus, this study originated from our questions about the meaning of late postoperative gastritis and occasional suspicion of gastric microbial invasion. These led to the hypothesis of a blind-loop syndrome with or without H pylori infection, despite the strongly held belief that few such findings should be expected in either the biliopancreatic limb or the functional gastric pouch.
Evaluation of gastric acid output is part of another ongoing protocol. In this sense, results are not available herein; however, initial findings suggest high pH in both gastric chambers.
The differential behavior of the proximal and distal stomach, given the fact that both were affected by aberrant microbiological stimuli, reinforces the suspicion that some other factors could be involved in the stronger inflammatory response of the second chamber. Indeed, within the context of H pylori infection, Billroth I vs II architecture influences cytokine generation, with some mediators less expressed after Billroth I anastomosis.17
In clinical and experimental studies with the same pathogen, inflammatory molecules tended to exhibit lower concentrations in the fundus and upper corpus than in more distal regions of the stomach.17,31 Biliary reflux also has been incriminated in augmented gastric cytokine generation.17
The excluded stomach after RYGB is prone to biliary reflux, as perceived in clinical experience,10,11 whereas the functional chamber contains exclusively high corpus and some fundus-type mucosa, which could explain the differences in cytokine release.
The lack of absolute increase in mucosal cytokines in all subgroups, and the confirmation of only indirect influence on cytokine output by H pylori infection and bacterial overgrowth, as evidenced during Pearson product moment correlation regression analysis, is probably not contradictory. Information about TGF-β distribution during gastric bacterial aggression is extremely scarce; however, in those protocols dealing with TNF-α, which are less rare, release was not always homogeneous or predictable, with other markers occasionally displaying better correlation.17- 19,22- 25
Moreover, experimental investigations suggest that after many years of gastric colonization, as was probably the case in this bariatric population, not all cytokines are equally expressed; therefore, exhaustion of responses for some mediators should not be surprising,31 thus preventing a more obvious link between microbial aggression and cytokine profile.
Additional studies are necessary to elucidate the prevalence and clinical course of such an immune-inflammatory pattern. The participation of these and other cytokines and biomarkers in intracellular pathways potentially promoting phenotypic and genotypic changes deserves attention, not missing messenger RNA expression and signal-transducing intermediates of cell proliferation and differentiation.19- 24,28- 30
Gastric bypass for morbid obesity is not listed as a cancer risk factor, and the reported long-term profile is safe. Just a few cases of postoperative gastric malignancies have been recorded, after 3 to 29 years, without any specific histologic pattern or anatomical location. Principal concern relates to diagnostic difficulties with the excluded stomach, justifying careful preoperative investigation.31- 36
Nevertheless, therapeutic options should not be overlooked, because H pylori infection and bacterial overgrowth are amenable to appropriate antibiotics, yet biliary reflux could represent a greater challenge. Chemoprevention of H pylori infections as a means of aborting future cancer has been proposed for some time,37 and although relatively low postoperative infection rates were registered in this series, eradication is obligatory. A similar consensus about primary deleterious effects of standard bacterial overgrowth on gastric mucosa is still lacking, and certainly this condition cannot be rated as a class 1 carcinogen23,38; nevertheless, long-term monitoring seems warranted.
In conclusion, overexpression of TNF-α and TGF-β occurred in the distal stomach of the population undergoing RYGB, regression analysis showed positive cytokine correlations with microbial invasion by H pylori and nonspecific germs, and further studies addressing the role of these and other cytokines in phenotypic and genotypic changes of gastric mucosa are recommended.
Correspondence: Joel Faintuch, MD, PhD, Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital das Clinicas, Avenida Eneias C Aguiar 225, ICHC 9th floor, Sao Paulo SP 05403900, Brazil (email@example.com).
Accepted for Publication: April 6, 2007.
Author Contributions: Dr Faintuch had full access to all of the data in the study and takes responsibility for the integrity of the data and the accuracy of the data analysis. Study concept and design: Faintuch. Acquisition of data: Faintuch, Ishida, Jacabi, Ribeiro, Kuga, Sakai, H. V. Barbeiro, D. F. Barbeiro, Soriano, and Cecconello. Analysis and interpretation of data: Faintuch, Jacabi, Ribeiro, H. V. Barbeiro, D. F. Barbeiro, Soriano, and Cecconello. Drafting of the manuscript: Faintuch. Critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content: Faintuch, Ishida, Jacabi, Ribeiro, Kuga, Sakai, H. V. Barbeiro, D. F. Barbeiro, Soriano, and Cecconello. Obtained funding: Faintuch. Administrative, technical, and material support: Faintuch, Ishida, Jacabi, Ribeiro, Kuga, Sakai, H. V. Barbeiro, D. F. Barbeiro, Soriano, and Cecconello. Study supervision: Faintuch.
Financial Disclosure: None reported.
Additional Contributions: The Obesity Surgery Service of Hospital das Clinicas valuably contributed during the study period; and Mitsunori Matsuda, MD, PhD, Paulo E. Pinto Jr, MD, PhD, Bruno Zilberstein, MD, PhD, and Arthur B. Garrido Jr, MD, PhD, valuably contributed to the study. | <urn:uuid:7ee91514-4a35-4638-804c-79f5429337d7> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamasurgery/fullarticle/400768 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560280891.90/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095120-00153-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.92848 | 5,317 | 1.554688 | 2 |
A September 2020 study on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Black and Latino communities found that only 14% of Black Americans trust that the vaccines are safe. Here at OhioHealth, we want every community to feel confident in their decision to get vaccinated. So, we sat down with Kimberly Austin, M.D., an OhioHealth primary care physician, and B.J. Hicks, M.D., an OhioHealth neurologist, to address vaccine hesitancy and get answers to your questions.
External News Article:
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[Dan Royer] has noticed that most university projects involving a Stewart platform spend more time building a platform than on the project itself. He hopes to build a standard platform universities can use as the basis for other projects.
Stewart platforms are six degree of freedom platforms often seen hefting flight simulators or telescopes. The layout of the actuators allows movements in X,Y,and Z as well as pitch, roll and yaw. While large platforms often use hydraulic systems to accelerate heavy loads quickly. [Dan] is looking at a smaller scale system. His platform is built of laser cut wood and uses six steppers to control motion.
One of the harder parts in designing a platform such as this is creating a mechanical system that is strong, precise, and smooth. With so many linkages, it’s easy to see how binding joints could bring the entire thing to a grinding halt. [Dan] is currently using RC helicopter ball joints, but he’s on the lookout for something even smoother.
Continue reading “Stewart Platform reinvents the wheel so you don’t have to”
Kerbal Space Program – the game of freakin’ space Lego and incompetent little green men – has seen a lot of popularity since it was on the Steam Summer sale. Now, in a bid to out do the flight sim aficionados who build 737 cockpits in their garage, a few enterprising Kerbalnauts are building custom controllers for this wonderful introduction to [Tsiolkovsky], [Goddard], and [Evel Kinevel].
[vladoportos] thought KSP could use custom gaming controllers to provide switches for staging, attitude hold, and reaction control system commands. In the game, these are toggled by keyboard input, but this unfortunately destroys the immersion of being a rocket-powered angel of death for your Kerbal volunteers. He rigged up an Arduino Leonardo to send USB HID commands to his computer whenever he pressed one of the buttons connected to his breadboard controller. It’s a work in progress, but [vladoportos] has some big plans that include a physical nav ball to show his ship’s orientation in space.
USB input is one thing, but that’s only half the problem. If you want to build a real Kerbal ship simulator, you’ll need to get data out of the game, and into your glass or analog displays. [voneiden] over on the KSP subreddit has the solution for you. He’s been working on a ‘mission control’ app that runs in Python, connects to a Kerbal Space Program plugin over TCP, and displays flight information such as speed, altitude, longitude, latitude, apoapsis, and periapsis. The code is up on his git, ready for some individual to bring this over to a Raspi and a character LCD display.
Here’s a story about some guys who set out to build a flight simulator for the Viper from Battlestar Galactica. The goal is to bring a grand project to the Maker Faire. This is a recurring challenge for the group, which has participated over the last several years. But this year they decided to go big and mounted a successful Kickstarter campaign to help with the cost.
The best place to get the build details is their progress updates page. Each week the cadre of teenagers tried to post some info about their progress, and we’ve got a big grin on our faces after reading through them. The simulator aims to provide you with as much of a space flight experience possible given the restraints which gravity imposes. The cockpit can roll and pitch a full 360 degrees in each direction. Of course safety is a concern and they were careful with their frame design and pilot restraint system. But so much more goes into this than just the physical build. There’s sound, lighting, and the virtual simulator, all of which have been complete at an impressive quality level. There’s a ton of video posted and we’ve embedded one short clip after the break showing off the cockpit’s dashboard.
Continue reading “Viper flight simulator (a la Battlestar Galactica) finished”
[Trent] sent in an awesome story about a single man who bought the nose of a 737, put it in his garage, and built a flight simulator inside the cockpit. His name is [James Price], and right now the only thing we’re wondering is when we can have a visit.
The cockpit came from an aircraft boneyard in Oklahoma. After [James] plunked down $1500 for the shell of a cockpit, he moved his new toy to a Livermore, California aircraft hangar and eventually into his garage. While the plane is meant to be a simulator, [James] is a tinkerer at heart: he says the best part of building his 737 is building the systems, programming the computers, and making everything work together. We’ve got to admire that.
Of course this isn’t the first cockpit-in-a-garage build we’ve seen. Years ago we featured an Avro Lancaster, and just a few months ago we saw a strikingly similar replica 737 flight deck (it’s made out of wood, and not a real 737). [James]’ build is one of the very few home-built simulators made out of a real airplane. Someone get this guy an F15 cockpit stat.
We don’t recall having heard the term ‘collimated display’ before, but we’ve seem them in action. These are mirrored projection display that give the viewer a true peripheral vision experience thanks to well-designed optics. Here is a project that [Rob] and [Wayne] have put a ton of time into. It’s their own version of a DIY collimated display that uses a shop vac and Arduino to form the screen shape.
The frame above is the structure that will support the screen. A sheet of mylar was later attached to the edges of that frame. That is pulled into place by the suction of the vacuum. But it needs to be stretched just the right amount or the projected image will be distorted. They’ve got something of a PID controller to manage this. A valve box was built to vary the amount of vacuum suction inside the screen’s frame. A switch positioned behind the mylar sheet gives feedback to the Arduino when the screen reaches the appropriate position and a servo closes off the suction box. If you lost us somewhere in there the description in the clip after the jump will help to clear things up.
Here’s an unrelated project that implements the same concept on a smaller scale.
Continue reading “Collimated displays wrap around that home cockpit”
[Gene Buckle] built himself a nice custom cockpit for playing Flight Simulator, but during use he found that the gimbal he constructed for the pitch and roll controls was nearly unusable. He narrowed the problem down to the potentiometers he used to read the angle of the controls, so he set off to find a suitable and more stable replacement.
He figured that Hall effect sensors would be perfect for the job, so he picked up a pair of Allegro 1302 sensors and began fabricating his new control inputs. He mounted a small section of a pen into a bearing to use as an input shaft, attaching a small neodymium magnet to either side. Since he wanted to use these as a drop-in replacement for the pots, he had to fabricate a set of control arms to fit on the pen segments before installing them into his cockpit.
Once everything was set, he fired up his computer and started the Windows joystick calibration tool. His potentiometer-based controls used to show a constant jitter of +/- 200-400 at center, but now the utility displays a steady “0”. We consider that a pretty good result!
If you’ve been thinking of adding some tactile controls and readouts for your flight simulators this guide should give you the motivation to get started with the project. [Paul] explains how to build controls and connect them to the simulator data. He makes it look easy, and thanks the interface examples in his code it actually is.
Here he’s built the hardware using a Teensy controller board. The controller communicates via USB and the software is cross-platform. He’s controlling the heading information of the X-Plane simulator using the rotary encoder for fine adjustments and the buttons for increments of 100. But he doesn’t stop there. He’s working on an auto-throttle design that uses a servo motor to move the throttle lever. A potentiometer can be used to vary the throttle, with the servo mapped to the position of that knob. But it works both ways, dragging the virtual throttle on-screen will do the same.
This is one way to make flight simulators more interesting without devoting a whole room of your house to the cause. Don’t miss [Paul’s] fantastic demo video after the break.
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Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability of a man to maintain a firm erection long enough to have sex. Although erectile dysfunction is more common in older men, this common problem can occur at any age. Having trouble maintaining an erection from time to time isn’t necessarily a cause for concern but if the problem is persistent, it can cause stress and relationship problems and affect self-esteem. Formerly called impotence, erectile dysfunction was once a taboo subject. It was considered a psychological issue or a natural consequence of growing older.
These attitudes have changed in recent years. It’s now known that erectile dysfunction is more often caused by physical problems than by psychological ones, and that many men have normal
erections into their 80s. Although it can be embarrassing to talk with your doctor about sexual issues, seeking help for erectile dysfunction can be worth the effort. Erectile dysfunction treatments ranging from medications to surgery can help restore sexual function for most men.
This material has been provided by Aahung
At one time, doctors thought erectile dysfunction was primarily caused by psychological issues, but this isn’t true. While thoughts and emotions always play a role in getting an erection, erectile dysfunction can be caused by something physical, such as a chronic health problem or the side effects of a medication. Sometimes a combination of things causes erectile dysfunction.
In some cases, erectile dysfunction is one of the first signs of an underlying medical problem.
The brain plays a key role in triggering the series of physical events that cause an erection, beginning with feelings of sexual excitement. A number of things can interfere with sexual feelings and lead to or worsen erectile dysfunction. These can include:
The physical and psychological causes of erectile dysfunction interact. For instance, a minor physical problem that slows sexual response may cause anxiety about maintaining an erection. The resulting anxiety can worsen erectile dysfunction.
A variety of factors can contribute to erectile dysfunction.
Getting older: As many as 80 percent of men 75 and older have erectile dysfunction. Many men begin to notice changes in sexual function as they get older. Erections may take longer to develop, may not be as rigid or may take more direct touch to the penis to occur. But erectile dysfunction isn’t an inevitable consequence of normal aging. Erectile dysfunction often occurs in older men mainly because they’re more likely to have underlying health conditions or takemedications that interfere with erectile function.
Having a chronic health condition: Diseases of the lungs, liver, kidneys, heart, nerves, arteries or veins can lead to erectile dysfunction, so can endocrine system (defined as pop up) disorders, particularly diabetes. The accumulation of deposits (plaques) in your arteries (atherosclerosis) can also prevent adequate blood from entering your penis. And in some men, erectile dysfunction may be caused bylow levels of testosterone (male hypogonadism).
Taking certain medications: A wide range of drugs including antidepressants, antihistamines and medications to treat high blood pressure, pain and prostate cancer can cause erectile dysfunction by interfering with nerve impulses or blood flow to the penis. Tranquilizers and sleeping aids also can pose a problem.
Certain surgeries or injuries: Damage to the nerves that control erections can cause erectile dysfunction. This damage can occur if you injure your pelvic area or spinal cord. Surgery to treat bladder, rectal or prostate cancer can increase your risk of erectile dysfunction.
Substance abuse: Chronic use of alcohol, marijuana or other drugs often causes erectile dysfunction and decreased sexual drive.
Stress, anxiety or depression: Other psychological conditions also contribute to some cases of erectile dysfunction.
Smoking: Smoking can cause erectile dysfunction because it restricts blood flowto veins and arteries. Men who smoke cigarettes are much more likely to develop erectile dysfunction.
Obesity: Men who are obese are much more likely to have erectile dysfunction than are men at a normal weight.
Metabolic syndrome: This syndrome is characterized by belly fat, unhealthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, and insulin resistance.
Prolonged bicycling: Over an extended period, pressure from a bicycle seat has been shown to compress nerves and blood flow to the penis, leading to temporary erectile dysfunction and penile numbness.
In the late 90’s older men rejoiced when Viagra hit pharmacy shelves. But today younger men are also seeking out drugs that correct erectile dysfunction (Global News). Yet, their problem isn’t physical, it’s mental and it’s caused by the overviewing of pornography. Many of the internet generation today have had access to porn 24 hours a day since middle school. Yet, when they come into contact with a real sexual partner they have a difficult time achieving and maintaining an erection.
The name for this new form of impotence is Porn-induced Erectile Dysfunction (PIED). When the problem is in the head and not the pants, however, oftentimes ED medications won’t work. Forums online team with thousands of young men who are suffering from PIED.
Urologist and Director of Men’s Health Boston, Dr. Abraham Morgentaler, is worried about the effect instant access to a deluge of online pornography is having on us as sexual beings. “I see young men coming in who are really confused about what normal is because all they know about sex is what they’ve seen on porn,” Dr. Morgentaler said in a recent interview. In the Victorian age, Dr. Morgentaler points out, men swooned over seeing an ankle. In the 60’s it was the mini-skirt. But today there are no surprises. And we all have access to any kind of porn we want at any time.
The good doctor went on to say, “I think that the concern is what porn has figured out is what really works for the brain of the guys. It’s the maximum stimulus.” The porn industry has gotten very good at delivering its product, perhaps too good.
This ever-prevalent access has changed the psychology of some guys but also their biochemistry. Dopamine levels have changed drastically. The newest research just coming out of Cambridge University likens the brains of excessive porn watchers to alcoholics and those addicted to drugs.
Those who are overstimulated by online porn then have trouble being aroused by real, offline sex. Symptoms of PIED include irritability, anxiety, feelings of insecurity, depression, and physical problems such as lack of appetite and insomnia can also occur. In extreme instances, sufferers may have suicidal thoughts thinking they’ll never have an erection again, or that they broke themselves. Some unscrupulous doctors will prescribe medication and tell their patients that it’s performance anxiety they’re suffering from.
The real cure is to cut out watching porn and cease masturbation for a time; what sufferers of PIED call “rebooting”. Instead, this is a time to stay physically active and feel good about yourself. Soon the overstimulation will subside and sexual functioning will return to normal. The trouble is, there are a lot of guys online who don’t know about this simple treatment. If you think you could be suffering from PIED and would like help, consider speaking with a medical professional.
Many men experience erectile dysfunction (ED) as they grow older (WebMD). But there are ways you can safeguard against ED. One of the most important things you can do is to follow a heart healthy diet. What effects the heart effects erections. Studies have elucidated this relationship displaying that the same types of foods that lead to heart disease also constrict blood flow to the penis, making erections more difficult to achieve and maintain. Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and nuts.
Make it low fat with lean protein. Consuming fried or fatty foods, highly processed foods, and large amounts of salt and sugar can lead to poor heart health, diabetes, obesity and sexual issues. The latest research shows that men who consume a Mediterranean diet have extremely low levels of ED. This diet is replete with heart healthy fats, whole grains, fish, beans and legumes and lots of fruits and vegetables.
This diet also suggests consuming a small amount of wine, particularly red wine, which is good for the heart. Director of sexual medicine at Alvarado Hospital in San Diego, Irwin Goldstein, MD, says that “The link between the Mediterranean diet and improved sexual function has been scientifically established.”
Make sure to keep your weight down. Carrying around an unhealthy amount of excess fat can lead to type 2 diabetes. This in turn can lead to nerve damage in different areas in the body including the penis. Reaching and sustaining a healthy body weight is also key in maintaining good sexual health. High cholesterol and high blood pressure lead to heart trouble and trouble downstairs, too.
These can damage your blood vessels, leading to ED. When you have a checkup, see what your doctor says about your cholesterol level and blood pressure. If you want to, you can also purchase a monitor at the pharmacy to check your blood pressure at home. Seek medical attention if either one is not where it should be.
Blood pressure medications can also affect your sexual ability and performance. But lots of times the medicines are blamed when the real problem is actually arterial damage from high blood pressure. There has been lots of evidence linking ED to lack of exercise. Aerobic exercises such as swimming, running or bike riding will do the trick.
Find one that you enjoy and stick with it. Avoid anything that can damage the perineum area, or excessive strain on this area. This is the place between the anus and the testicles. Blood flow to the penis passes through here. Damage to that area can cause ED.
Take care of any mental health issues, including managing stress in a healthy manner. Don’t smoke or try to quit if you’re already a smoker. Don’t use anabolic steroids and watch your testosterone level. Doing this will help keep you active and healthy both inside the bedroom and out.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be mortifying. Who wants to talk about it? Some guys are so embarrassed they don’t even want to discuss it with their doctor (WebMD). But it will not only affect your sex life and overall quality of life if you ignore the issue, ED can be a sign of a deeper health issue, which if left untreated could lead to serious complications and even death. Two such issues are diabetes and heart disease.
Certain medications could also be causing ED like heart medications or those for certain psychological conditions such as depression. But sometimes just a simple consultation with a doctor and a change in medication or certain lifestyle changes are all that is needed to correct the issue. However, if a deeper issue is at hand, asking about ED can save you from more serious health concerns.
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To get the most out of your Tesla battery, it’s essential to precondition it occasionally. It means discharging and charging the battery to its total capacity. Doing this will help maintain the battery’s health and longevity.
Anyone driving a Tesla knows that a fully-charged battery is a key to a smooth ride. But what many drivers don’t realize is that they can extend their battery life by taking a few simple steps to precondition it.
- The first step is to tap the Climate Controls settings screen and turn on Preconditioning. It will ensure your battery is nice and warm before you start driving.
- Next, select ‘Schedule’ to set a daily time when you want to be ready to drive. It will ensure that your battery is always adequately conditioned.
Once Preconditioning is turned on, your battery will automatically charge to 100%, so you’re always ready to hit the road.
Table of Contents
- Should You Always Precondition Tesla?
- What Does Preconditioning Battery in Tesla Mean?
- Can You Manually Precondition the Tesla Battery?
- Does Preconditioning Drain the Battery?
- Do I Need to Precondition the Tesla Battery in the Summer?
- At What Temperature Should You Precondition a Tesla?
- How Can I Make My Tesla Battery Last Longer?
- How Much Is a Replacement Battery for a Tesla?
- How Long Does It Take To Precondition Battery Tesla?
Should You Always Precondition Tesla?
When you precondition your Tesla, you essentially heat or cool the car before driving. It can be done through the Tesla app and is recommended by Tesla. There are a few reasons why you would want to do this.
- It can help improve the car’s range in colder or hotter weather.
- It can help to reduce stress on the battery and extend its life.
- It can make for a more comfortable ride, as you won’t be getting into a cold or hot car.
- It can help to reduce emissions.
Overall, there are many benefits to preconditioning your Tesla, and it is recommended by Tesla.
What Does Preconditioning Battery in Tesla Mean?
When you plug in your Tesla to charge, the onboard charger will first raise the temperature of your battery pack to an appropriate level for charging. It is known as Preconditioning, and it helps improve the charging process’s efficiency. The battery pack needs to be at a specific temperature for the chemical reactions that allow it to store and release electrical energy to occur properly. If the battery pack is too cold, those reactions will be slowed down, and the charging process will be less efficient. By preconditioning the battery, you can help ensure it will charge quickly and efficiently.
Can You Manually Precondition the Tesla Battery?
The Tesla battery is designed to withstand a wide range of temperatures. Still, in frigid weather, it can be helpful to precondition the battery before driving. Manual or automatic processes are also suitable. To manually precondition the battery, activate Preconditioning or Defrost in the Tesla app. The car will then use waste heat from the electric motors to warm the battery and cabin. Alternatively, you can enable Auto Preconditioning in the app. The car will automatically precondition the battery when it detects the outside temperature below freezing.
Does Preconditioning Drain the Battery?
Preconditioning your car battery is important in cold weather. When the battery is cold, the chemicals inside don’t work well, reducing capacity. Preconditioning warms up the battery to optimum temperature using power from the mains, which will help preserve the cells. It’s worth doing this regularly in winter to keep your battery in good condition. However, Preconditioning does use power from the mains, so that it will drain the battery slightly. You can offset this by turning off any lights or electrical items you don’t need while the engine is running.
Do I Need to Precondition the Tesla Battery in the Summer?
When it comes to Tesla, the answer is no. The Tesla battery is made to tolerate high temperatures and works best when it’s warm outside. So there’s no need to precondition the battery in the summer months. Instead, enjoy the benefits of hassle-free driving.
At What Temperature Should You Precondition a Tesla?
Before driving your Tesla in cold weather, it’s essential to precondition the battery to ensure optimal performance. The best way to do this is to charge the battery to 100% and set the cabin temperature to 32 degrees Fahrenheit. It will help to prevent the battery from losing power and prolong its lifespan. Additionally, it’s a good idea to keep the car plugged in when possible during cold weather, as this will help to maintain a consistent battery temperature.
How Can I Make My Tesla Battery Last Longer?
One way to extend the life of your Tesla battery is to maintain a regular charging routine using a low-voltage charger. It will help to keep the battery cells in good condition and prevent them from becoming overcharged or damaged. You should also avoid leaving your Tesla parked for long periods without charging, which can lead to degradation. In addition, it is important to regularly check the condition of your battery pack and contact Tesla if you notice any abnormalities.
How Much Is a Replacement Battery for a Tesla?
A replacement battery for a Tesla can cost between $13,000 and $14,000. The cost of a replacement battery will depend on the model of Tesla that you have. If you have a Tesla Model S, the replacement battery will cost between $13,000 and $14,000. If you have a Tesla Model 3, the replacement battery will cost between $13,000 and $14,000. The cost of a replacement battery will also depend on the location where you live. In some states, the cost of a replacement battery may be lower than in other states.
How Long Does It Take To Precondition Battery Tesla?
Preconditioning your Tesla battery is integral to maintaining its health and prolonging its life. The process helps to ensure that the battery can store and release energy efficiently. It only takes a few minutes to complete. To precondition your battery, charge it to 100% and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. It will allow the battery to condition itself and prepare for optimal performance fully. Preconditioning should be done regularly, mainly if you frequently use your Tesla in extreme conditions or for extended periods.
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Apr 29, · Research on African Greys. Dr. Irene Pepperberg has already demonstrated with several Congo African Grey parrots that Greys are able to add and subtract, differentiate between colors and shapes, and hold coherent "conversations." They have the brainpower and intelligence equivalent to at least a 4-year-old child. The African Grey is commonly considered to be the smartest of all talking parrots. They are even thought to be one of the most intelligent birds in the animal kingdom. In extensive testing, it has been proven that African Grey’s ability to speak can actually match the level of a human toddler. African Grey’s cost between. African Grey Parrots for sale. The grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus), also known as the Congo grey parrot, Congo African grey parrot or African grey parrot, is an Old World parrot in the family Psittacidae. The grey parrot is a medium-sized, predominantly grey, black-billed parrot.
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Sep 08, · A talking parrot is an incredibly fun and rewarding pet. This article will list and describe the best talking parrots, including Amazons, the African Grey, Quaker, Ring-necked parrots, and budgie birds. Jun 08, · Talking African grey parrot for sale in los Angeles. Up to date on shots and goes with papers. African greys build a strong bond with their owners. So, you may be wondering: how much does an African grey cost? Congo African greys are more affordable than timneh parrots because they’re much easier to source in the pet industry. African Grey Parrots (also called Congo Grey Parrots) are medium sized, mostly grey and white with red tail feathers. They are known for their ability to talk and mimic human speech and for this reason they are often kept as pets. The Tinmeh African Grey is actually a different species from the Congo www.116brigada.ru species come from Western Africa.
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Is Atlassian the answer to burnout?
Burnout is a serious problem, where individuals are emotionally, physically and mentally exhausted due to a prolonged and excessive period of stress. The symptoms may vary but you may feel emotionally drained, overwhelmed, and unable to meet your responsibilities.
Research reveals that this phenomenon is prevalent in the tech industry, with more than half (57%) of those working in the sector reporting to feeling burnt out in their jobs.
When it comes to your working life, burnout can reduce your productivity. Eventually, you may begin to lose interest and motivation in your job altogether. But the negative effects of burnout can spread into every aspect of your work, home and social life.
Because of its many consequences, it’s important to deal with burnout right away and there are many different ways to reduce its effects.
Recently, we spoke with a range of professionals working in Silicon Valley about how and why they use the Atlassian suite of products and services. Many identified several pros and cons of Atlassian migration, using Jira and Atlassian’s other tools to help you manage your workload – with several mentioning how Atlassian has helped them avoid burnout.
In this post, we’re going to look at these comments in more detail and focus on the specific pros (and cons) of using Atlassian to help you reduce your stress levels in the workplace.
#1 You can prioritise and automate your workload
Have you taken on too much in your job? A recent Gallup report revealed an unmanageable workload is a top five factor leaders should focus on to reduce burnout.
This is where Atlassian and, more specifically, Jira can help you prioritise your workload and delegate your tasks across your team and your wider organisation. As Jira has grown, so has the range of tools, plugins and level of automation available to further streamline your projects.
As a result, you can take a more holistic approach to your work. Here’s how Jira can address some of the effects of burnout:
· Stop multitasking: research reveals that multitasking decreases your effectiveness, productivity and even reduce your IQ. Jira provides a rick toolkit, where you can get an overview of each project, its deadlines and connect to other platforms (including BitBucket and GitHub) to get full traceability.
· Focus on outcomes: Jira allows you to prioritise your work based on your long-term business goals, which can help you see the wood from the trees, as instead of focusing on a never-ending to-do list, you can break your work down into manageable chunks. You can also map the value stream for any service, product or process using, for example, your service desk to track a request through to delivery.
· Iterate, often, using Agile and DevOps: Jira embraces the ITIL framework, encouraging Agile and DevOps approaches so your team can adapt to specific situations, focus on the customer demands, and learn from failure. By rolling out frequent, small product iterations every couple of weeks, you eradicate the stress of deploying a major release every few months. Also, the Agile and DevOps methods are people-centric, allowing you to reflect on and discuss what works well, so your team can improve and build an open and collaborative culture, which is healthier for everyone.
· Embrace adaptability: instead of insisting every project follows the same list of strict processes, Jira allows you to adopt adaptable behaviours and practices, based on collaboration and transparency. For example, the Atlassian Team Playbook is a great resource, providing step-by-step instructions for tracking your team’s health. Using the playbook’s Health Monitor feature, you get a health baseline for your team, helping you track progress and build trust within your team. What’s more, there are plenty of customisation options available too, helping you tailor this solution to your business requirements.
A senior systems engineer said: “I love Atlassian. The tools are great […] I really like the ability to customise and the flexible options [to further streamline the project management process].”
#2 There’s plenty of support and opportunity to communicate across your organization
A lack of communication and support from management, and unreasonable time pressures are two other major causes of burnout, according to the same Gallup study.
By integrating Jira with time-tracking software, you can see how much time you are spending on specific Jira projects and tasks. This helps you understand where your time is going and effectively communicate to your manager why you may need more time on a specific job.
In short, Jira helps you build a complete picture of where your team’s time is being spent – making everything less stressful for everyone as there are no hidden surprises.
Using Atlassian’s extensive community and range of support is also ‘a great idea’ according to many of the professionals we spoke to, helping you to communicate and find a solution to whatever problem you’re facing, as one of the respondent’s states: “With the Atlassian tools and especially Jira they are so customisable. So, it is always good to have people you can reach out too. You can find a lot of information there, but having a wider team helps to bounce ideas off others too.”
#3 Get specialist help when you need it
But don’t assume that Jira is the answer to all the dangers of burnout – it is a complex condition, and, in a similar vein, the complexities of Jira could add to the effects of burnout.
According to one senior Jira administrator: “We recently implemented a new Jira Cloud instance. There is so much work to be done. I am getting burnt out. I’ve reached a stage where I am so busy just keeping the lights on, I don’t have time to just do the actual additional work. This is really draining me out. I have been asking for help.”
This statement also touches on so many of the important points when it comes to implementing Jira, or any other Atlassian solution, at your organisation. Namely, that it’s important to get help when you need it.
This is where ClearHub can relieve the burden for so many IT professionals, by helping you find the right people to implement the processes and technologies you need to meet the demands of migration. We help businesses fill this skills gap, hiring certified contractors with a range of specialist Atlassian knowledge, including expert Jira and Confluence contractors.
Jira and Atlassian’s tools are vital to many leading tech firms. As one respondent said: “We have 500 people in the organisation. 100% use Jira. It is mission critical.”
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Pet pigs make house their home
By Mary Collister
Published April 6, 2007
Barbara Baker's home at first seems very typical.
There's nothing out of place, and two colorful pup tents look like the remnants of a child's rainy-day activity.
Inside one of the tents, though, two long, dark mounds stir. Baker quickly introduces the other members of her family: 13-year-old Lord Chapman - "Lordy" for short - and Lady Lee, age 14. In the other tent is Princess Grace, also known as Gracie. Just 7 years old, she's the youngest and most dominant of Baker's three Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs.
And there's more to Baker's menagerie: four cats and a bird.
Children have a way of introducing pets into a household, and the Baker home was no different.
"Our daughter wanted a dog and cat, but my husband was allergic to both. So I came home with a potbellied pig. That was the start."
Indeed, it was just the beginning.
"They must be fed two or three times daily at the same time each day," Baker said. "Food is the most important thing to pigs, and they can get grumpy and stressed if not fed on schedule."
Pigs also require routine veterinary care including vaccinations, hoof grooming and oral hygiene. Potbellied pigs are susceptible to heart and respiratory problems.
"They have small organs in relation to their body size, and that takes its toll," Baker said.
Despite personality quirks that make pigs a bit of a challenge, Baker thinks they're the perfect pet. "They are very intelligent and have a way of manipulating their owners," she said.
Food and manipulation issues aside, Baker said they're great housemates: They stay clean, don't smell, require little exercise and don't eat much. Each of Baker's pigs gets one-third cup of pig pellets and a handful of steamed vegetables at each feeding. She also adds about a cup of diluted Gatorade to the bowl after they eat.
"Pigs don't drink much water, and this is a way to get them to drink," she said.
The animals also enjoy grazing and have free run of a fenced back yard that they can access from inside her Ruskin home.
"They come in and out as they wish," Baker explained.
The most important activity for the pigs, next to mealtime, is human contact. Baker sits on the floor, and Gracie ambles over and flops next to her, anticipating a belly rub.
"Gracie insists I sit on the floor with her," she said.
Baker also runs The Duchess Fund, which was started after her 2-year-old pig, Duchess of Pork, died in 1999 of liver disease. The ultimate goal is to extend the life and improve the quality of life to these companion animals.
"We want a database that is helpful to the medical caretakers of our pigs," she said.
Baker also helps with a nationwide rescue group for unwanted pigs. "Some people are not as well informed about the pigs as they should be before bringing them into their home and quickly learn the pigs aren't a good match with their family."
Finding foster homes for the pigs is difficult because there has to be a quarantine area, according to Baker. There's also typically a dominant pig, causing many hard-fought battles until one establishes dominance.
"This is very stressful on the (animals), so it is difficult to introduce new pigs into a household," she said.
With two older and one middle-aged pig, Baker isn't sure she'll add any more. "My husband and I want to travel, and each time we leave the house I must have a pig sitter come stay here," she said.
[Last modified April 5, 2007, 07:22:02]
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(December 16, 2009 – Thunder Bay, ON) Dr. Carney Matheson, Scientific Officer of the Lakehead University Paleo-DNA Laboratory as well as Anthropology Professor at Lakehead, is involved in another investigation of ancient DNA that could have significant implications. Dr. Matheson co-authored a new research paper that has just been published in PLoS ONE, a scientific journal published by the Public Library of Science. The paper presents scientific research conducted on “The Tomb of the Shroud,” – a tomb found in Jerusalem dating back to the time of Jesus.
This rock-hewn burial cave, originally discovered by an archaeological team led by Shimon Gibson, Boaz Zissu, and James Tabor, belongs to a cemetery known as Akeldama or “Field of Blood,” as described in the Bible (cf. Matthew 27:3-8; Acts 1:19), and located in the lower Hinnom Valley in Jerusalem. In comparison to more than 70 other tombs in the Akeldama area, this particular tomb is unique as it contains remnants of a burial shroud and evidence of leprosy (Hansen’s disease) and tuberculosis in the shrouded male remains within it. This is the oldest known case of leprosy with confirmed dates and molecular evidence. Some of the other individuals in this multi-chambered tomb showed signs of tuberculosis, and ancient human DNA was detected to piece together the family relationships.
The molecular investigation of the first century shrouded man was led by Professor Charles Greenblatt of the Hebrew University, first conducted at the Hebrew University’s Kuvin Centre for Tropical and Infectious Disease and later replicated at Lakehead University’s Paleo-DNA Laboratory. Additional work was conducted by Helen Donoghue at the London -based University College’s Centre for Infectious Diseases and International Health.....continued....
Remarkably, no other first century tomb from Jerusalem had hitherto been examined by molecular methods. “The discovery of the presence of M. tuberculosis and M. leprae in the individuals buried within the "Tomb of the Shroud" is significant in understanding the geographical and temporal distribution of tuberculosis and leprosy in antiquity,” explains Dr. Matheson. “This research is evidence that molecular pathology clearly adds a new dimension to the archaeological exploration of disease in ancient times, and it showcases the world-class forensic work on ancient human DNA undertaken at Lakehead's Paleo-DNA laboratory.”
The successful genetic analysis of unique archaeological sites such as "Tomb of the Shroud" poses great promise for future investigations into host-pathogen relationships and evolution, geographic distribution, and epidemiology of disease and social health in antiquity.
Click here to read the research paper in full. | <urn:uuid:d4dabe1c-b77f-4183-9ccd-bc6251d20707> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://www.lakeheadu.ca/centre/lucas/laboratories/paleo-dna/news/node/42159 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882571284.54/warc/CC-MAIN-20220811103305-20220811133305-00477.warc.gz | en | 0.948174 | 570 | 2.890625 | 3 |
Diane Tran, an honors student at Willis High School near Houston, works two jobs to help out with family finances. She’s been the sole breadwinner for her two siblings ever since her parents abandoned them in the course of a messy divorce. As a result, she’s missed enough school that the aptly named Judge Moriarty has ordered her to pay a $100 fine and spend a day in jail. Her criminal record will stay with her for the rest of her life, jeopardizing her ability to find work or gain admission to a university.
Moriarty’s logic? “If you let one [truant] run loose, what are you going to do with the rest of them? Let them go too?” State resources are apparently better spent making examples of exemplary students than advancing the public weal.
This appears to be a case of conspicuous enforcement — taking the law to its limits in an attempt to deter criminal activity. But conspicuous enforcement of a law also serves another purpose: It calls on the public to ask whether the law is reasonable in the first place.
Mandatory attendance and truancy laws are well-intentioned. No responsible person wants children to be deprived of an education because of the negligence of a small minority of unfit parents. Yet, as economists regularly warn, intentions are not the same as results. Once these sorts of laws are passed, reformers consider the problem fixed and focus their attention elsewhere, without asking whether the law was an effective solution.
In the case of Ms. Tran, it certainly was not. No one was made better off by the enforcement of the law. This is not to say the law should be enforced selectively, but rather a sign that the law is not serving its purpose.
Indeed, Ms. Tran’s predicament is a small part of a greater problem in the U.S.: overcriminalization. Over the past few decades, state and federal lawmakers have made more things illegal and made the punishments for breaking laws more severe.
In the case of most criminal laws, no one has asked the key question: “Who’s going to jail?” We as a society are making voluntary and victimless acts criminal simply to express disapproval, without asking what the real human costs of enforcement are. Indeed, the United States has the highest per capita prison population in the world. Over 7 million Americans are in prison, a massive 3% of the adult population. Nonviolent offenders compose more than half of the American prison population.
We should also be asking if there is room in our justice system for more than just fines and hard time. Instead of resorting to criminal courts and jail, we can look to alternative institutions that focus on reform and restitution, like the juvenile justice system, drug courts, and probation. We should also be focusing our attention on reducing recidivism through drug treatment, education, and job placement programs, instead of playing “trail ’em, nail ’em, jail ’em.” When we do send people to prison, we should rely on graduated sentencing and increased judicial discretion, instead of mandatory sentencing, to ensure that the punishment fits the crime.
Sometimes the law is an appropriate means for a society to overcome social problems, but the use of law should never be undertaken carelessly. We must always ask what the intent of the law is, whether it serves that intent better than all other alternatives, and what the additional consequences of enforcement will be.
Andrew Glidden is a writer living in Berkeley, California. | <urn:uuid:9a1f8d34-a145-4f74-bf96-241962a656f5> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://dailycaller.com/2012/05/27/diane-tran-and-americas-overcriminalization-problem/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560281450.93/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095121-00171-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.959553 | 730 | 2.65625 | 3 |
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Life can be miserable for a kid who has ulcerative colitis.
Bouts of severe diarrhea, cramping and pain can cause them to miss school or avoid social activities. Medications to treat the condition can cause severe complications. The disease can delay growth. Some kids eventually have to undergo surgery to remove their colon.
That is why an alternative, drug-free treatment is raising hope – even as it raises eyebrows among those unfamiliar with it.
At Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, a pediatric gastroenterologist is getting good results for patients using fecal transplants. Stool from a healthy donor – often a parent - is given to the patient through an enema in an attempt to restore healthy bacteria in the child’s intestine.
“It’s the ultimate probiotic,” said Dr. Sachin Kunde.
Kunde conducted the first clinical trial in the country to study the use of fecal microbial transplantation on children with ulcerative colitis. Only 10 patients were involved in the trial, but the results were promising.
The symptoms cleared up in three of the children – and they stayed symptom-free for at least a month. Another six saw improvements, which also lasted at least a month. For example, the number of daily bowel movements may have dropped from 10 to five, Kunde said. One child was unable to retain the enema.
The results of the study were published online by the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition and will be featured in the June print edition.
The study has stirred excitement among parents of children and young adults with ulcerative colitis, a form of inflammatory bowel disease that affects the lining of the large intestine or rectum.
“We had at least 50 patients in one year calling to be enrolled in the study,” Kunde said. “They want it because they don’t want medication. They think this is a fix.”
But Kunde balanced hope with caution. A larger study is needed to test the treatment’s effectiveness, he said. He has applied for funding for further research and is looking into whether the experimental treatment can be offered outside of a research setting.
Kunde said he first thought of using fecal transplants to treat ulcerative colitis during his fellowship at Emory University in Atlanta. They have previously been used experimentally to treat C. difficile infections.
Within a month of joining DeVos Children’s Hospital in 2011, he proposed the clinical trial to the Spectrum Health institutional review board. He also had to obtain approval from the Food and Drug Administration, because human stool is considered a drug and a biologic.
To perform the transplant, a stool sample must be provided by a healthy adult, usually a family member or close friend. It is mixed with a saline solution and filtered to remove particles that could block the tube. It is given to the patient as an enema in a process that takes more than an hour.
“We believe that the procedure may restore ‘abnormal’ bacteria to ‘normal’ in patients with ulcerative colitis,” Kunde said.
The pilot study involved 10 children and young adults, ages 7 to 20. They received a treatment a day for five days, and then their symptoms were evaluated.
Hospital staff made sure the patients did not see or smell the fecal transplant, which decreased anxiety and uneasiness about it. Kunde said awareness about the treatment is needed so people will readily see it as an acceptable option.
However, many struggling with severe symptoms of ulcerative colitis – adults and children – don’t need convincing, Kunde said. The disruption of life can be a significant psychological burden on patients and their families.
“People want this to be gone,” he said. “I don’t know if it will be gone or not. But it is a new hope for them.
“If we can help at least 30 percent of the patients, that is important.” | <urn:uuid:c33d511e-147a-48ca-8b4d-661a4e299a33> | CC-MAIN-2016-44 | http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2013/04/fecal_transplant_-_the_ultimat.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2016-44/segments/1476988721555.36/warc/CC-MAIN-20161020183841-00180-ip-10-171-6-4.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.96156 | 855 | 2.5625 | 3 |
ALL NATURAL SKIN CARE
You are what you eat in Skin Care! So how exactly does food play a role in radiant epidermis? It’s one of the elements of having beautiful skin. The other is caring for skin with this natural basic products with organic elements. Your meal influences your system’s blood flow and the nourishment you get and your pores and skin shall reflect that.
Eating fried, junk food, unwanted sugars will dull and break down your skin. Eating super foods like berries, fruits, herbs can do wonders for your system and skin. Herbs contain naturally essential oils and can release these oils directly into your body when eaten raw. Chop them up and add these to your food, they shall release their antibacterial qualities right into your digestive function system. Blueberries are extremely high as antioxidants, they help to boost the immune system.
- UTSA – 2 NCAA performances, 2 seasons with 20+ wins
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- Shoes: Hiking Boots
Very good for the skin, anything better for the skin is good for your immune system. Avacado moisturizing and soothing the internal body, high in essential fatty acids. And great as a cosmetic mask. Dry epidermis, Lack of minerals and lack of hydration. Eat a whole great deal of moist foods like lettuce, fruits, and moist vegetables like cucumbers. Get minerals from seaweed, beans, dark green leafy vegetables, seeds, and nuts, Ground flax seed sprinkle on salad or placed into a smooth drink.
Oatmeal functions as a scrub brush for our insides, make for about 5-6 minutes with just a little honey and almond dairy. The cleaner our arteries and veins and the complete vascular system are you won’t getting rosacea as you age. AVOID any processed food at all, NO soda even diet soda it’ll strip you of all the minerals you devote your body. Use your common sense, If something is burning or makes you sick or feel blotted cease eating it this is the body letting you know help Me, somethings wrong. If your skin is breaking out really bad these are signs of what you might be eating.
NEW ANTI-AGING EYE CREAM! The sensitive pores and skin under your eye loses elasticity and it is susceptible to fine lines and wrinkles as you age group. The NEW ANTI-AGING EYE CREAM is clinically proven to reduce the amount of wrinkles and their depth and severity. It increases elasticity also, consistency, and puffiness. This innovative formula moisturizes, decreases the appearance of dark circles, and improves skin tone and firmness.
Frankincense, Ylang Ylang, and Blue Tansy essential, natural oils for their epidermis benefits. Bakuchiol tones and tightens the skin and prevents future indications of aging. Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose and Pullulan are both gums that tighten your skin from the first use. Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice acts as the humectant to help your skin retain its natural moisture. Shea Meadowfoam and Butter Seed Oil both become the emollients in this product. TO USE: Press pump until a little bit of product appears across the rollerball.
Using gentle pressure, connect with under-eye area until soaked up. Use morning and night. Avoid direct connection with eyes. Palmitoyl Acetyl and Tripeptide-5 Tetrapeptide-2 clean your skin layer, improve epidermis structure and build, and decrease the appearance of fine lines and lines and wrinkles. Yucca Schidigera Root Extract purifies your skin. Tocopherol acetate is recognized as Vitamin E, a common antioxidant. Lactococcus Ferment Lysate is a probiotic. This nourishes your skin layer and helps to reinforce its natural barrier and overall skin quality. Moreover, it helps the natural renewal process of the outermost layer of your skin that will decelerate with age group.
Yes, it was nominated for Oscars in the Best Art Direction, Best Visual Effects, and Best Makeup. What’s the newest Oscars category? What is an airbrush painting? It’s when they color an image with an airbrush tool. You usually see airbrushes being used for clean makeup or cake designing, but people use it for art too. | <urn:uuid:47089c97-a86b-4296-ae16-2b0c52c01b03> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://expertsboard.com/all-natural-skin-care/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882572908.71/warc/CC-MAIN-20220817122626-20220817152626-00077.warc.gz | en | 0.921186 | 930 | 2.25 | 2 |
British Tea and Coffee Cups, 1745-1940
By (author) Steve Goss
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British Tea and Coffee Cups, 1745-1940 by Steve Goss
Book DescriptionTea and coffee cups have been made in Britain since the middle of the eighteenth century and can be found in a vast array of decorative designs, reflecting the changing fashions of society as well as the advances made in the manufacturing process. This book charts the development of tea and coffee cups over 200 years, providing information on the methods of decoration, influential factories and designers. Steven Goss guides the reader on how to identify the dates of particular patterns, as well as listing a number of museums and auction houses where these ornamental cups can be discovered.
Buy British Tea and Coffee Cups, 1745-1940 book by Steve Goss from Australia's Online Bookstore, Boomerang Books.
Book DetailsISBN: 9780747806950
(210mm x 149mm x 5mm)
Imprint: Shire Publications Ltd
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Publish Date: 30-Sep-2008
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Books By Author Steve Goss
Freed to Lead, Paperback (February 2016)
Book accompanying course, teaching the essence of leadership based in secure identity.
Freed to Lead (Course Leader's Guide), Paperback (January 2016)
Course leader's guide covering all eight sessions, to be used with participant's guide and DVD.
Freed to Lead - Participant's Guide, Paperback (January 2016)
Participant's guide, single copy, which goes with DVD, Leader's Guide and the separate teaching book by Rod Woods. Covers all eight sessions.
Grace Course, Participant's Guide, Paperback (November 2012)» View all books by Steve Goss
A six-part course intended to help Christians enter the fullness of grace. Participant's guide to accompany the Course.
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Author Biography - Steve Goss
Steven Goss has been involved in the antiques trade for more than twenty-five years, as a full-time professional dealer, specialist consultant to a leading provincial auction house, writer and collector. Educated at a special school for the physically disabled, his interest in antiques is diverse and includes early glass and silver, but eighteenth-century English blue and white porcelain is the main focus of his attention. He is an enthusiastic collector of tea wares.
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Interview with Tim Bray: Atom, JRuby, and the Ecumenical Sun
Pages: 1, 2
O'Brien: Hypothetical, you work at a place like the New York Times or the BBC, and there is a content management system (CMS) system that tracks everything from images to news stories. Do you see Atom as something that could be extended for all content types? Is that what you are trying to get to with Atom? Or, is it just for blogs, just for photostreams, just for spreadsheets. Are you trying to build the foundation for a general content repository? Something that could be used in a an enterprise content management system?
Bray: Well, I have a very bad track record of predicting the applications of general purpose technologies that I help invent. My predictions about what XML was going to be used for were notably wrong. The design center of the Atom protocol was clearly blogging. On the other hand, we're already seeing applications that are not blogs. For example, a couple of your colleagues from O'Reilly came to the interop event and had Atom server implementations that had nothing to do with blogging; in fact APE couldn't interact with them because the only thing they could upload was DocBook XML. What we're trying to do is do a really good job of producing something that will be useful for the blogging space, but it doesn't have any built in limitations.
My prediction is that there are going to be a lot of applications that I'm not really smart enough to predict and will surprise me.
O'Brien: And, that's via the extension mechanism that is a part of Atom?
Bray: Indeed, but also it is just the basic function of having a super lightweight way to do what we computer programmers call CRUD operations that is create-retrieve-update-delete. A general purpose lightweight way for a simple minded implementation to put things on the web, update them once they are there, and delete them when you don't want them anymore. That just by itself ought to have a lot of interesting applications.
O'Brien: Is it time to turn off our RSS feeds?
Bray: Why would you do that? Sorry, I don't understand. RSS is the world's most successful application of XML, and is being used by literally hundreds of millions of people. I'm missing something...
O'Brien: I meant, is it time for a universal switch to Atom? Is it time to turn off our RSS feeds?
Bray: Oh, I see what you are driving at. Well RSS seems to work just fine for basic person-to-person blogging. I think that most implementers given the choice would rather work with Atom because it patches a few irritating glitches in RSS. If you are writing a facility that is to consume feeds, you are going to have to consume both RSS and Atom, and it is worse than that, you are going to have to consume multiple versions of RSS. Because that's the way it is. On the other hand, if you are writing something new that generates a feed, you might as well generate Atom because it is a lot cleaner, and it will route around some bugs that might otherwise bite you. All the software out there that reads feeds can now read Atom.
O'Brien: Do you see RSS fading away in the face of Atom, or do you see people always having to inter-operate between the two.
Bray: I think increasingly new feeds that are brought into production will be in Atom, we're already seeing that. But, technologies on the Internet tend not to die away. You know there are lots of things out there that still use the blink element in HTML. So, I'm sure that RSS will be pumping about the Net in high volumes for years to come.
O'Brien: Is there anything you think the community is missing about Atom, or do you think it's been covered?
Bray: I think that a high proportion of people, haven't yet noticed the Atom Publishing Protocol. Now, judging by the tune of our interop event a lot of people also have, but I suspect that in a couple years from now the Atom Publishing Protocol is going to be a really big deal.
In my lighter moments I say that it has a chance of wiping XML off of my gravestone.
The key points I'm trying to get across: everything should have a publish button because the more contributors we have to the Net the better the Net is. Anything we can do technologically to reduce the friction to enable more stuff to go onto the Net is a good thing and that's what Atom is trying to be. The crucial thing is to enable people to contribute and not just read.
O'Brien: Did you know about that partnership with Canonical?
Bray: Well it was hardly a secret. Mark Shuttleworth showed up at JavaOne last year and he and Jonathan [Schwartz] smooched and made kissy-kissy on the stage. So, it is hardly a secret that Sun and Canonical are buddies.
O'Brien: At the same time, Marc Fleury was also on stage at JavaOne and there is no similar partnership with Red Hat? Is it correct to assume that you are siding with Ubuntu at the expense of the relationship with Red Hat?
Bray: Well up until last week, because we had these licensing issues around the JDK, and NetBeans and EE and all these other things, you just couldn't put them into any Linux distro in any good way. We made our policy decision a year ago that we were going to open source this stuff, but, as you probably know, there are a lot of legal mechanics that go around getting the licensing right and so on. And, that took a huge amount of work. I happen to know that it was being worked on just days before the announcement; there were a lot of i's to dot and t's to cross. Now that that is done, it is perfectly plausible that any Linux distro can make it very very easy to install Java and use Java.
Canonical was the first to step up and do it with Ubuntu, but I can't imagine any major Linux distro not doing it.
Why would you not make it easy to install Java?
O'Brien: The argument from some in the Free Software community is that there are still portions of the code that are encumbered by non-free licenses. Do you have any response?
Bray: That's correct, there are portions of the code that are still encumbered. We were quite open about that. In particular I think it is in the low-level Java SE itself. Some of the examples were the 2D graphics and the font rendering. And, we are working on fixing that, and hoping for help for the community as well on that. Typically, what happens whenever a commercial product is open sourced, it isn't a binary switch were you go from zero to everything.
Having said that, we were able, working with Canonical and engaging the lawyers, to work out a way were it could be in...
O'Brien: ...the Multiverse...
Bray: Yeah, it is in the Multiverse. I am not an Ubuntu guru, I'm not sure what the equivalent is for Red Hat but they've found a way to make it happen for Ubuntu, so I can't imagine that it would be impossible to do for any other Linux distro.
O'Brien: There's no animosity there?
Bray: Not that I'm aware of.
It is clearly the case that right now in the developer community, Ubuntu has got the "heavy mojo." Ubuntu is really engaging the attention and affection of a large proportion of developers and I think that inside Sun as well as outside Sun there's a lot of people who are super affectionate towards Ubuntu. You plug in a digital camera and it just works and stuff like that.
O'Brien: One can only guess at the announcements that are going to come out ay JavaOne. Should we expect JRuby to be finished? It appears that there is a flurry of activity surrounding JRuby.
Bray: It is painfully obvious there is a flurry of activity.
O'Brien: What should we expect news on, JRuby and NetBeans? JRuby and Glassfish certification?
Bray: I couldn't comment on preannouncements.
Let me say one thing, my perception is that the actual biggest driver of hard work on JRuby is getting Rails working nicely. Getting all the Rails tests to pass and getting some big actual Rails applications running smoothly. I think it's generated quite a bit more work than Glassfish.
O'Brien: I get the build emails every two hours and it looks like they are getting closer. Charles has said he won't consider JRuby done until Rails is supported. He's also made some public remarks about the difficulty of web development in Java. Is Sun's embrace of JRuby and Rails, an admission that there needs to be an alternative to JavaServer Faces?
Bray: How to address this? Well, I'm not sure how many alternative frameworks we need. If you look at the market empirically, there are developers who are using lots of different frameworks, people who are using the various web frameworks, both the official EE stuff and the lightweight stuff like Spring and Hibernate.
People are using PHP, a whole lot of people are using PHP. Rails has a fantastic growth curve. Then there are other things that people aren't paying as close attention to such as Django from the Python community. I think that Sun needs to live in the world as it is. And in the world as it is, there's lots of different web frameworks and all of those web frameworks are being used to build applications that need iron to run on and operating systems to support them. I don't see any reason why Sun shouldn't try and love them all as best we can.
O'Brien: So it's not JRuby on Rails in competition with JavaServer Faces, you still see a place for both?
Bray: None of these things is going to go away.
The one concern I've had is that Sun has gotten pretty enthusiastic about Ruby on Rails and so on over the last year. That doesn't mean that we can afford to ignore things like PHP and Django. I think we need to be a good host to all of those things. having said that I think that there's pretty widespread perception not just inside Sun that Rails is hitting a darn sweet spot in web frameworks in terms of two very important criteria: time to market and maintainability.
Bray: It is clear that Seaside is quite architecturally different from all the other web frameworks. You've got to watch out here because I have a conflict of interest as an investor in DabbleDB, so I have real money on the line. Having said that, the reason I'm so impressed with that software is what it does, not how it is built. DabbleDB has an absolutely wonderful user interface and seems to do something to me that's tremendously useful. I was flabbergasted when I found out it was built in Seaside. But clearly, its existence is pretty strong evidence that Seaside is useful.
O'Brien: So, Seaside is something to pay attention to?
Bray: I think that DabbleDB is something to pay attention to. It may just be the case that the two guys who built it are such brilliant designers that they could have produced something like that using a different framework. It is at least an existence proof that Seaside can be used to build things that are interesting.
O'Brien: I just asked you a series of questions about JRuby and different web frameworks, and one can only notice that Sun is getting more involved and aggressive about embracing scripting. Is there anything else you'd like to comment on?
Bray: I think that Sun is trying to change its stripes somewhat. Up until this last year Sun's basic positioning was, "Well the answer is Java, what was the question?" And, while I think we are trying to become more ecumenical and support developers where they are, that doesn't mean we don't have an opinion. Clearly, we think Java is highly appropriate for a wide range of applications. It is correct to notice that we're banging the Ruby drum these days, but that doesn't mean if you are running PHP we don't love you.
We need to become more ecumenical and reach out to developers wherever they are.
O'Brien: That being said, do you have any plans to change the name of JavaOne to (Java|Ruby|PHP|Python)One?
Bray: I don't get a vote on that.
- Tim Bray's Blog: Ongoing
- Tim Bray on Wikipedia
- Tim Bray's Executive Bio on Sun Microsystems web site
- JRuby Project Page
- Glassfish Project Page
- NetBeans Product Page
- The Ruby Programming Language
- Ruby on Rails
- Atom Protocol Exerciser (APE) Test Page
- IETF Atom Working Group Page
- "Meet the APE" from ongoing, August 11, 2006
- Atom Protocol Interoperability Grid from Atom Wiki
- "How Big is the Club?" from ongoing, April 17, 2007
- RFC 4287
- JavaServer Faces
- Spring Framework
- "Twitter, Rails, Seaside, Respect" from ongoing, April, 13, 2007
Timothy M. O'Brien is a developer and entrepreneur living in Chicago, IL. He spends his days programming in Java, Python, and Ruby.
Return to ONJava.com. | <urn:uuid:d1a263ae-16c1-43a1-8232-f9aad71cb4e8> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://www.onjava.com/pub/a/onjava/2007/05/03/interview-with-tim-bray-atom-jruby-and-the-ecumenical-sun.html?page=2 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560280791.35/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095120-00360-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.971902 | 2,849 | 1.664063 | 2 |
A Derbyshire radio station run by disabled people has said it is at risk of collapse without financial support.
The Hit Network, based in Long Eaton, was set up six years ago and aims to give those with physical and learning difficulties the opportunity to build presenting skills and produce their own radio programming.
However, after quadrupling in recent months, soaring licensing fees could threaten to bring an end to the station by the end of next month.
To continue broadcasting copyrighted music on air, the not-for-profit Hit Network must pay upwards of £700 for a PPL license, which is a cost it simply cannot afford.
An application has been submitted for National Lottery funding, but if that is unsuccessful its fate will rely solely on community support.
Assistant manager Thomas Marshall explained: "The licensing costs have gone sky-high. There are now so many financial obstacles that we have to overcome.
"If we can't find the money before February 6, then we will have to come off the air. All the hard work we've put into the station is at risk of crumbling."
For Thomas, who lives with Asperger's and anxiety, the collapse of the station would prove a massive loss for the disabled community in Derbyshire.
Through providing training in broadcasting and a platform for its presenters, The Hit Network is vital for showing vulnerable people they have what it takes to craft a career in entertainment.
The 23-year-old said: "What we do is so important for allowing those with disabilities to show the general public what they're capable of.
"It is an amazing outlet for our presenters who absolutely love what they do. It makes me proud that we are able to provide a platform for so many people."
Abi Punchard, host of the Hit Network's greatest hits show, said the organisation has helped her to grow as a presenter and a person.
This has been particularly important over the past 12 months, explained Abi, who is affected by cerebral palsy.
She said: "It has helped me during the pandemic, as I can be in contact with others, and it really helps my speech.
"It’s really important to have my voice heard, and I love music and the radio, which is why the Hit Network must stay alive.
"We rely on community support to keep the station going."
Yet The Hit Network would not only be missed by those running the project, but also by its loyal following.
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Hundreds of people follow the station on social media and tune in to the daily shows.
Thomas said: "What we do is in high demand. People need to be entertained now more than ever
"We're popular because we not only provide this great platform, but we play a real variety of music with something for everyone, which not every station can say."
Thomas and Network founder Aaron Wheeler have now created a crowdfunding page to try and raise enough money for the licensing fee.
They hope that people's generosity will provide the funding they need to keep the radio station going for the foreseeable future.
"I truly hope that we can continue broadcasting," Thomas admitted.
"Without the help of the public we won't be able to survive, especially with only a week or so to go to get everything in place.
"We want to be able to keep going and keep working on this project that we're all very passionate about." | <urn:uuid:9878429c-95ee-43be-89fb-23aaac91ffd4> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/news/derby-news/derbyshire-radio-station-run-disabled-4932869 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882570793.14/warc/CC-MAIN-20220808092125-20220808122125-00676.warc.gz | en | 0.971722 | 777 | 1.53125 | 2 |
NEW YORK — The New York Public Library's archive is so massive that some of the material has never been seen except on request.
Beginning Friday, the library presents a selection of those hidden gems, a group of works showcasing the extraordinary printmaking skills of American impressionist artist Mary Cassatt.
"Daring Methods: The Prints of Mary Cassatt" includes 88 prints donated to the library in 1900 by Samuel Putnam Avery, a Manhattan art dealer who developed a close working relationship with the artist.
It is the first time that the 30 color prints and 58 monochromes, created between 1878 and 1898, are being shown as a group at the New York Public Library.
Born to a wealthy Pennsylvania family, Cassatt was the lone woman and only American among the French impressionists in the late 1800s. Her paintings are celebrated for her tender depictions of mothers and children in domestic settings. She died in 1926, the last 11 years nearly in darkness as her eyesight failed.
Her prints are less sentimental and more incisive than her paintings, said Anne Higonnet, professor of art history at Barnard College and Columbia University and author on different aspects of impressionism.
Her print imagery still deals with childhood and motherhood but she also tackles subject matter not found in her paintings: woman performing their daily routines and toilettes. She even did some nudes, albeit in a discreet and modest manner, said Madeleine Viljoen, curator of the library's print collection, which contains 200,000 original works of art on paper beginning with the 15th century.
Cassatt's talents as a printmaker are well documented, but what makes this exhibition so compelling is the focus on the artist's printmaking methods, beginning with her first tentative black-and-white attempts in 1878 and ending with her fully realized and dazzling color prints.
The show demonstrates how invested Cassatt was in the printmaking aesthetic, again and again reworking her copper printing plates, experimenting with different methods and making numerous iterations of the same composition with only slight changes to achieve the effect she desired.
"One of the things I wanted to show in this exhibition was not only her great successes but also some of her failures as a printmaker," said Viljoen.
"Some of her early prints are disastrous," she said. "It's kind of wonderful as a result because you can really see her using this medium and not always finding what she wants, dropping it and then trying again."
The Avery collection includes multiple trial proofs of the same print "so we can document how she worked on an individual print," she added.
Cassatt was just as skillful a draftsman as Edgar Degas or Camille Pissarro, said Higonnet. But she was "better with color and more conceptually inquiring about East-West and ideas about authorship. She not only signed each single impression of the print, which declared each one as a work of art, she also signed some of the preliminary states of the prints, so she extended the notion of authorship in a way that's still resonating with us today."
Once Cassatt produced the number of images she desired from a single plate — usually no more than 25 — she would scratch the plate with a dry point needle so no one could pull any more impressions from it, said Viljoen. Occasionally, she'd make one final defaced impression from a canceled plate to show she was done with that image. The exhibition has six examples of impressions pulled from a canceled plate.
Printmaking became an integral part of her artistic repertoire after Degas, a brilliant printmaker, urged Cassatt to experiment with the medium. Her first attempts were executed in his studio.
"It was really through Degas that she became really invested in printmaking and started to make some of her more interesting prints," Viljoen said. "He really was very important for her as she began using this medium."
The exhibition includes an original Degas print of Cassatt with her sister at the Louvre. There are also a number of prints inscribed by Cassatt to Avery and compositions that never passed through her dealer's hands.
In the "Letter," a drypoint and aquatint color print, Cassatt used a desk from her own Paris apartment to create the image of a woman seated at her writing desk sealing an envelope. The subject is Western but the decorative background wallpaper is inspired by patterns in Japanese woodblock prints.
The exhibition runs through June 23.
-- The Associated Press | <urn:uuid:86385f64-1184-456c-b8e8-8566150b378c> | CC-MAIN-2016-44 | http://www.oregonlive.com/art/index.ssf/2013/03/impressionist_mary_cassatts_wo.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2016-44/segments/1476988719286.6/warc/CC-MAIN-20161020183839-00498-ip-10-171-6-4.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.97748 | 926 | 2.796875 | 3 |
March 31, 2014
How Liquid Natural Gas May Revolutionize Shipping, And Make Goods Cheaper (Stephen Starr, March 29 2014, IBD)
Fuel typically amounts to 70 percent of the overall cost of moving a container ship from A to B; most ships today run on cheap, dirty bunker fuel. It's a dense oil residue said to contain 2,700 times more toxic sulfur than vehicular fuels. According to studies cited by the watchdog group Transport & Environment, air pollution from shipping causes 50,000 deaths in Europe alone every year. Regulations to be introduced by the International Maritime Organization next year and in 2020 will make high-sulfur fuels, such as bunker fuel, illegal for use in ships sailing in numerous emission-control zones around the world.Enter LNG, which, unlike bunker fuel, contains no harmful sulfur dioxide, emits 26 percent less carbon dioxide, and produces almost zero smoke.And it's cheaper than bunker fuel too.According to Tim Delay, vice president of fuels for liquid natural gas distributor Pivotal LNG, a unit of AGL Resources Inc. (NYSE:GAS), gas contains more energy than bunker fuel. In the U.S., he said, this works out to around $100 per metric ton cheaper than bunker fuel."The relative low price of natural gas and LNG compared to current high residual bunker and distillate fuel prices in the U.S and Europe has added to the attractiveness of LNG," wrote Frederick Adamchak, an adviser at New York-based brokerage Poten & Partners, in an industry publication last year.America is also flush with gas: the U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates there's enough of it underground to last 92 years at expected demand.
Posted by Orrin Judd at March 31, 2014 4:12 PM | <urn:uuid:aad641e6-b0e5-46c9-b11d-3454b4e06a83> | CC-MAIN-2016-44 | http://brothersjuddblog.com/archives/2014/03/and_cheaper_162.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2016-44/segments/1476988725475.41/warc/CC-MAIN-20161020183845-00510-ip-10-171-6-4.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.923332 | 367 | 2.671875 | 3 |
The Old Fort Prison Complex, Constitution Hill
In celebration of 20 years of our Constitution, over 400 guests attended the launch of the exhibition IT’S A FINE LINE – a collection of 16 extraordinary pencil drawings by renowned artist Dean Simon alongside rare archive footage of those history makers that came together to draw up one of the most progressive Constitutions in the world.
Relatives of the history makers featured in the exhibition honoured this historic occasion and included the family members of Chief Albert Luthuli, Chris Hani, Bram Fischer, Enoch Sontonga, John Dube, Pixley Seme and Frederik Van Zyl Slabbert. George Bizos and Pik Botha were feted by throngs of admirers, young and old.
Popular media personality, Ayanda-Allie Paine hosted esteemed speakers including Former Justice of the Constitutional Court, Zak Yacoob; the daughter of Chief Albert Luthuli, Dr Albertina Luthuli; Dr Mathews Phosa; and Mr Roelf Meyer.
The latest addition to our Heritage Art Collection, the exhibition challenges us to reconcile the past with dreams of the future, and traverse the fine lines between fact and fiction, justice and power and the permutations of modernity and fundamentalism. | <urn:uuid:00cac0a7-97e2-4a14-8233-c435c8f6ef14> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://iamconstitution.co.za/the-latest/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882571989.67/warc/CC-MAIN-20220813232744-20220814022744-00472.warc.gz | en | 0.919705 | 259 | 1.71875 | 2 |
Pain and Gain in Education— Why suffering is the best teacher
People point to the Korean education system as an example of an archaic, over-wrought and over-pressurized approach to learning, that is harmful to its students.
Korean education is indeed extreme. More than just grueling, it is a harrowing prospect to have one’s entire life so affected by the outcome of a single exam.
An upcoming documentary by Kelley Katzenmeyer began life as an attempt to shed light on the dire need for Korean educational reform (although the message has now become somewhat more nuanced). This view of Korean education as somehow backward is typical of Western critics, who espouse a more ‘balanced’ approach.
But this seems very odd, if you consider the results.
One can compare the academic standards of the students that emerge from the Korean education system with those of the West. And these comparisons are indeed stark.
But this, in my view, would be only partly addressing the point.
There is a quote attributed to Einstein, to the effect that education is what remains after you have forgotten everything you have ever learnt.
The effectiveness of an education system, therefore, should surely be judged by the kind of people it produces, rather than the exam results it leads to.
The ideal education system — according to mainstream Western thought—would shield students from the high degree of stress to which Korean students are exposed.
One could argue that Western educational methods have become better as exams have grown progressively easier (or more ‘balanced’), and students have been given more latitude and freedom.
But what kind of students have been produced by this system? The youth of today are more anxious, fragile and less resilient than any generation preceding it.
It is probably an unyielding, inevitable law, that in order to confront pain and challenge you must practice for it. Therefore, a shielded childhood is likely the worst possible preparation for the difficulties of adult life.
As the ‘societal’ results of Western education increasingly call into question the alleged supremacy of Western educational methods, one hopes that people regain respect for the ostensibly harsh methods espoused in East Asia.
And furthermore, one hopes that East Asians are not unduly influenced by the well-meaning protestations of would-be reformers looking to spare younger members of society the training they desperately need to face the challenges that we as a human race will need to confront and — hopefully—solve, in the future if we are to survive. | <urn:uuid:2c1c1927-e038-4eac-9885-e5f1adcc0d88> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://serialsilla.medium.com/pain-and-gain-in-education-why-suffering-is-the-best-teacher-ff816f867ac8?source=user_profile---------4---------------------------- | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882571090.80/warc/CC-MAIN-20220809215803-20220810005803-00069.warc.gz | en | 0.963607 | 513 | 2.390625 | 2 |
What is a Modern Data Architecture?
Much has been written recently about Modern Architecture. It’s a very “lively” topic of discussion within our Ecosystem Architecture group and in discussions with our clients. A search on the term “Modern IT Architecture” results in 2+ billion hits. Searching for “Modern Data Architecture” yields 890+ million hits…which helps a lot…problem solved!
There is a lot of debate about what Modern Architecture means and what components or capabilities constitutes such an architecture. However, two terms come up repeatedly in my survey of the literature and in client conversations and proposal requests. Those key concepts are simplicity and flexibility.
In “Ten Characteristics of a Modern Data Warehouse,” Wayne Eckerson lists and describes these characteristics: Customer-Centric, Adaptable, Automated, Smart, Flexible, Collaborative, Governed, Simple, Elastic, Secure (emphasis mine).
In his description of the “Simple” characteristic he writes, “To reduce complexity, organizations should strive to limit data movement and data duplication and advocate for a uniform database platform, data assembly framework, and analytic platform, despite the howls of best-of-breed proponents.” This aligns well with a long time Teradata recommended practice of ‘store once, use many’.
His discussion of the “Flexible” characteristic captures the conundrum of the Modern Data Architecture. He writes, “A modern data architecture needs to be flexible enough to support a multiplicity of business needs. It needs to support multiple types of business users, load operations and refresh rates (e.g. batch, mini-batch, stream), query operations (e.g., create, read, update, delete), deployments (e.g., on premises, public cloud, private cloud, hybrid), data processing engines (e.g., relational, OLAP, MapReduce, SQL, graphing, mapping, programmatic) and pipelines (e.g., data warehouse, data mart, OLAP cubes, visual discovery, real-time operational applications.) A modern data architecture has to be all things to all people.” (emphasis mine).
The challenge of designing for flexibility and simplicity come to a head when considering how to support the development of analytics and most importantly, getting those analytics into production.
Is Analytics my problem?
It’s no surprise to anyone that over the last decade there has been an unprecedented explosion of innovation in tools, techniques and data sources. The pressure to operationalize analytics to drive value has never been higher. However, the “deployment rate” for successfully putting analytics into production has been low with rates less than 50% frequently quoted.
The International Institute for Analytics discusses this issue in their White Paper titled “2019 Analytics Predictions & Priorities.” They quote statistics stating that “35% to 40% of companies that only occasionally or rarely successfully deploy analytical models. We have encountered some organizations that say their successful deployment rates are less than 10%”.
This situation has been an issue for 20+ years. One of my favorite books is “Data Preparation for Data Mining” by Dorian Pyle, published in 1999. Even back in 1999, the author emphasized the importance of, and alluded to, the challenges inherent in getting analytical models into production. He writes:
“…implementing the result is of the first importance to success…implementation usually requires organizational or procedural changes inside an organization…Nonetheless, implementation is critical, since without implementing the results there can be no success.”
Success or failure in the Analytics development lifecycle is to a great extent a data problem. Acquiring and preparing the data has consistently consumed 70%-80% of the time for an analytics project and high percentage of the deployment failure rates occur due to lack of reliable data supply or data pipelines.
Will “Ops” come to the rescue?
I suspect that the relatively low successful deployment rate has been a catalyst for the expansion of CICD (Continuous Integration Continuous Deployment) and variations of “Ops” including DevOps, DataOps, AnalyticOps, and more recently MLOPs and AIOps.
Several “Ops” point solutions are available through open source development and start-up vendors, but they may make the situation worse in the long run. I’m following the development of several of these solutions and they are making great strides in managing the workflow for analytics development but are not yet connecting with enterprise level Modern Data Architecture. This isn’t unexpected. Many of my client discussions around enterprise architecture indicate they are still in the early stages of the transformation from legacy ETL and applications and are still evaluating cloud vendors and technologies.
There are several variations of the diagram below. I’ve drawn a simple version to emphasize the connection between the analytic development side of the “Ops” discussion and the data pipelines required to feed those analytics. The “Big Challenge” I highlight in the diagram below is managing the interdependent Analytics and Data requirements and connecting those requirements to an evolving enterprise Modern Data Architecture.
The pressure on IT is immense. They must maintain legacy ETL and infrastructure while creating an architectural foundation that bridges the goals of Modern Data Architecture (simplification, minimizing technical debt, etc.) while supporting the needs for the ever-increasing demand for analytics.
Critical capabilities in the Modern Data Architecture are platforms that support:
Supporting a Hybrid Multi-Cloud World
Providing highly flexible and tunable resource allocation and workload management
Ingestion of streaming and event data
Virtualizing data access and queries
Teradata Vantage provides capabilities for high volume, fast (short SLA) tactical queries and analytical model support. It has evolved into a Data Management for Analytics platform that supports goals of the Modern Data Architecture. A petting zoo of best in breed or bleeding edge platforms is not the path to a Modern Data Architecture or a successful (i.e., deployed) analytics strategy.
The challenges are immense, and the stakes are high. If analytics is the new competitive battleground and data is the fuel that drives the analytic engine, then the Modern Data Architecture is imperative. | <urn:uuid:6cbdaa51-d258-46ae-8f95-51b42a137ad6> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://review.k12.teradata.com/Blogs/Modern-Architecture-and-Analytics-Need-Each-Other-To-Succeed | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882570879.1/warc/CC-MAIN-20220808213349-20220809003349-00467.warc.gz | en | 0.919333 | 1,300 | 2.09375 | 2 |
How to ensure Quality Backlinks
What are backlinks?
For a website to be seen as an authority by a search engine a number of other websites should link back to it. This set of links leading from different websites to a specific one are called the backlinks for the specific website.
Very often for purposes of search engine optimization we use keywords terms that are commonly searched for in search engines and those which are related to our website as the anchor text for the back links. Anchor text is essentially the text to which the hyperlink to the website is added.
The keyword terms that you use as anchor text for a weight loss site could be terms like weightloss, weight loss, fat loss, lose fat, lose weight, etc. These are actual terms that people can type into the search engines like google, bing or yahoo. Many tools are available online to guide your usage of keyword terms.
Why do we need backlinks?
Back links help you generate organic traffic from search engines. This means that you get people who are genuinely interested in what you have written reading what you have to say. This kind of niche specific traffic is very good for your rankings in the search engines as well.
Since most revenue sources depend on traffic coming to your website it makes sense to have enough good quality backlinks generated to bring in traffic to the website. For instance a hub you write about weight loss could have a good back link on a website that offers weight loss tips as well.
Such a hub could be monetized with ebay and amazon capsules that offer products related to weight loss as well. The traffic that targets the keyword term and reaches your hub is more likely to buy from the page than anyone on hubpages just browsing around.
Good Quality Backlinks Needed
Not all backlinks are made alike. Even the search engines know a good link from a bad one, so it is imperitive that you know what traits make a good quality back link to your hub or website. Here is a list that you can refer to.
1. Links must be from websites in the same or closely related niche.
2) No farm links, No links tagged as "No follow". This gives you no leverage in search engines.
3) No direct URL post, only hyper-linked text link counts. A direct url is not appealing to your human reader but anchor text is.
4) No reciprocal links, one-way link only. Search engines do not see reciprocal links as genuine backlinks.
5) Link page Page Rank needs to be high for the website to feature in the search engines.
6) No forum links, No blog comment links, No general directory links as they are unlikely to give you the SEO advantage for organic traffic.
7) General directory links are not acceptable - niche directories are fine.The niche directories are more likely to have potential buyers from your website.
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Freelancing online to make money can take place in four different forms. These are outsourcing, micro tasking, cloud sourcing and revenue sharing. Here I give details of each type of work and sites on which to find open...
This hub contains energy exercises to cleanse and balance your seven chakras. The idea is to do these energy exercises over a period of seven days. Cleansing and balancing all your chakras in a week
These 5 homemade weightloss drinks are easy to make and nutritious to boot. You don't have to empty your wallet for weight loss drinks anymore! Just follow these free recipes and sip away! | <urn:uuid:5105c0c7-6c7f-4a10-b9f0-ace4ae59fd47> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://hubpages.com/community/How-to-ensure-Quality-Backlinks | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560281162.88/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095121-00530-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.942993 | 729 | 2 | 2 |
Present Sir - An app to keep your time table handy and track your bunk counts. The app has various built-in features with a user friendly interface:
1. Auto-Add courses*: Simply select your year and branch and the app will auto-add your entire time table, without any internet connectivity.
2. Manual-Add course: You may add any new course to the app manually, if the auto-add feature is not available or otherwise.
3. Bunk Meter: You may start the bunk meter of individual courses and the app will automatically ask you after any class with Bunk Meter on, "Did you bunk the class?" You may check the Bunk Meter stats of all the courses.
4. What's Next: A single click will tell you what your next class is, according to your time table.
5. My Time Table: You may check your Course-wise and Week-wise time table.
6. Edit Courses: You may edit any of the auto-added as well as the manually added courses' time table.
7. Add PT, NSO, NSS, NCC*: You may add your PT, NSO/NSS/NCC classes in the app and start the bunk meter for them too.
* Feature available only for IIT Guwahati students
With Present Sir, you need not worry about your attendance record. Let your smart phone worry about it. Download and start using the app. Provide your valuable feedback to help us make the app more user friendly and interactive. | <urn:uuid:b71e54bf-741a-4757-9d42-36ea3eb1f7ef> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://www.appszoom.com/android-app/present-sir-mdgct.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560282935.68/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095122-00240-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.864051 | 318 | 1.546875 | 2 |
Extract substring matching a regular expression
I would like to extract all IP addresses from a html file and assign them to an variable for further processsing.
The lines in file look like this:
I don't know how to use the regular expression together with sed or awk to work properly. I only found examples for string replacing but not for extracting.
Thanks very much. | <urn:uuid:40f23510-1523-4930-88b7-355dae6f9962> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/linux-general-1/extract-substring-matching-a-regular-expression-622049/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560280410.21/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095120-00452-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.881898 | 79 | 1.648438 | 2 |
Drug is linked to significantly accelerated gastric emptying, reduced vomiting frequency
THURSDAY, July 7, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For adults with diabetic gastroparesis, relamorelin reduces vomiting frequency and severity and accelerates gastric emptying, according to a study published in the July issue of Gastroenterology.
Anthony Lembo, M.D., from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, and colleagues conducted a double-blind trial involving 204 patients with diabetic gastroparesis with moderate to severe symptoms and delayed gastric emptying. Patients were randomized to groups receiving placebo or subcutaneous relamorelin 10 µg once or twice per day.
The researchers found that compared with placebo, twice-daily relamorelin correlated with significantly accelerated gastric emptying and reduced vomiting frequency (by about 60 percent) and severity. Relamorelin did not improve other gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pain and satiety, compared with placebo. A total of 58.3 percent of patients had baseline vomiting; for these patients, twice-daily relamorelin reduced the half-time of gastric emptying and vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, bloating, and early satiety relative to placebo. There were no overall safety concerns.
“The results from this randomized, double-blind, phase 2 trial continue to support that relamorelin is a potent prokinetic agent, as evidenced by significant effects on gastric emptying and important clinically relevant and statistically significant effects on the objective symptom of vomiting,” the authors write.
Several authors disclosed financial ties to pharmaceutical companies, including Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, which funded the study.
Copyright © 2016 HealthDay. All rights reserved. | <urn:uuid:8666657b-6a29-40c5-bc9d-d7610d2afb7a> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | http://www.ehealth-news.com/relamorelin-beneficial-in-adults-with-diabetic-gastroparesis/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882570913.16/warc/CC-MAIN-20220809064307-20220809094307-00066.warc.gz | en | 0.930336 | 358 | 1.828125 | 2 |
Much of what you thought you knew about American history is wrong. Our best-loved tales actually sell America short, Raphael says. This nation was founded not just by the handful of "founding fathers" we have come to admire, but also by the revolutionary activities of innumerable and nameless patriots who are not mentioned in textbooks. Why should only a select few get the credit? The collaborative spirit and effort of the American people is an important concept for children (and adults) to learn. | <urn:uuid:9cb32a72-7614-48ed-b8e7-a73e870acea4> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://www.jsfbooks.com/products/founding-myths | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560280730.27/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095120-00250-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.974594 | 100 | 2.265625 | 2 |
Nearing the Panglima’s house, we were greeted by sounds that seemed to be the climax of some Mohammedan celebration. Mingled with the beating of gongs could be heard the singing of women, while the men, who must have lost their voices because of incessant shouting, were doing the spear dance to the rhythm of the brass gongs. I knew it would be dangerous for a Christian to venture forth while such a celebration was in progress, so I sent the young chief ahead to investigate. He was gone for about two hours. It was late in the evening when he returned with the story of the celebration.
It appeared that when they left the giant clam on the Panglima’s porch a few days before, a strange incident had occurred. As the aged Mohammedan chief watched his men remove the meat from the shell, he suddenly saw an enormous pearl. Seizing it in his hands, he examined the surface and discerned the image of a turbaned face, formed by nature on one of the sides. In this image the Panglima was startled to discover a resemblance to Mohammed. Then as his excited servants stood in awe, the old man prostrated himself before the pearl and began to pray. It was this act of religious devotion that incited the frenzied celebration throughout the whole tribe which we were now witnessing.
Having at first merely expected to see a clam that had killed a man, you may imagine my eagerness to glimpse the pearl that it contained, with the image of a turbaned face. I never dreamed how big it might be. But Bogtong restrained me from going into the midst of the celebration. He suggested that I let him keep an eye on the settlement, and he would let me know when it would be safe to approach the Panglima. I agreed to this and we returned to our camp.
About two weeks later Bogtong presented himself in my tent. He was ready to take me to Boligay, the celebrations having subsided and the Mohammedan having returned to their usual daily chores. Upon arriving at the Panglima’s house, I found preparations had been made for me to pay him a prolonged visit. The etiquette of the Mohammedan people would prevent me from talking business until four days of festive hospitality had passed.
It was in the early afternoon of the fourth day of my visit, while having tea with the family, that I asked to be shown the pearl. The Panglima called an attendant, who came out and laid the pearl before us on the table. When I first saw the pearl I could hardly believe my eyes. There on the table in front of us lay the largest pearl ever beheld by human eyes. The gigantic gem weighed fourteen pounds, one ounce. It was nine and a half inches long and five and a half inches in diameter, and glowed with a highly reflective, satiny sheen. Two more attendants entered, carrying the half of the shell in which the pearl was found, and the old Panglima laid the pearl in its former bed. It seemed as though I were looking at a pearl that might have been taken from the pages of the Arabian Nights.
I asked my host to name his price, but was kindly but firmly told that the pearl was not for sale. Smilingly, the Panglima said, “It would be a sacrilege for me to part with this pearl. A pearl with the image of Mohammed, the Prophet of Allah, is earned by devotion, by sacrifice, not bought with money. I may not be a millionaire but I defy the richest man in the world today to show me a similar pearl. Please excuse my words, my friend, but the satisfaction of owning the largest of all pearls is to me worth more than mere money.”
I was disappointed at not being able to purchase the pearl. Still, I could not help but admire the old Panglima’s logic. We bade farewell then, and soon after I prepared for my return to Manila.
Two years passed. I had long been away from the Panglima’s land. The giant pearl had not passed from my mind, but I remembered it now only as a fabulous experience I had once had which survived in my tales to friends. Sometimes I was piqued because I could see that my audience did not believe the gem to be as beautiful, as large, and as mysterious as I tried to depict it, and then the old longing to possess it came over me.
But on this April day in 1936, I was not thinking of the pearl. I was celebrating my birthday with my brothers in our home in Manila, wondering where I would spend my vacation during the hot season, when a postman arrived with a letter. It was from Bogtong—no doubt written for him by some village school teacher—telling me of the discovery of an ancient burial ground located just south of Panglima Pisi’s residence. This seemed the answer to my vacation plans and I prepared to leave for Boligay Creek immediately.
I had hardly arrived and was in the midst of preparing to start my digging, when Bogtong came to visit me. He said in a very excited manner that Pula, the Panglima’s son, was mortally stricken with malaria and that he wished my help. Leaving the party in charge of my head boy and giving Bogtong my first-aid kit to carry, we hurried to the old Panglima’s residence.
We were met on the porch by the Panglima himself, who with tears in his eyes led us into the room where the boy lay. Looking at Pula, I hardly recognized him. He lay in what I thought to be an unconscious state, but he was aware of our entry, for opening sunken, staring eyes, his face a ghastly greenish yellow, he said, “Mr. Cobb, help, please help me. I am dying!”
I felt the boy’s forehead and pulse. He was burning with a severe malarial fever, a type very often mistaken for the dreaded blackwater fever. Leaving Bogtong with the sick boy, I asked the Panglima to step outside with me.
Confronting the heart-broken father, I gave him the bare facts of the case, and told him that if they were to continue the old quinine treatment, the boy would be dead inside of a week. There was only one remedy known to science that would cure such an advanced case of the disease, and that was the drug atabrine.
“But where will you get this atabrine?” cried the old man. “My son would be dead before we could have it sent from Manila.” I relieved him with the information that I had a large quantity of the compound with me. Hearing this, the Panglima knelt and pleaded with me, saying that he would give me anything he owned if only I would help his beloved son.
Assisting him to rise from his knees, I promised aid on the condition that I would be given a free hand and would not be interfered with by any of his local medicine men. With a smile of hope on his face, the old man agreed to my terms and went into the sick boy’s room.
An attendant showed me into my quarters. I told him that Bogtong would be my assistant and asked him to bring the young chief to me. As he left my room, I realized into what a predicament I had plunged myself. If Pula were to die after I had so much as touched him with the tips of my fingers, my death was assured. These Mohammedans would kill me, thinking, of course, that I had been responsible for his death. However, I had already given my word, so it was too late to change it. I decided to go ahead with the treatment, hoping the boy was not so far gone as to be beyond help.
About seven that evening the periodic fever of my patient had subsided a little, but he was still too weak to take atabrine by mouth, so I gave the doses by intramuscular injections. We took turns watching the boy day and night. For four days he seemed to hover between life and death. But on the fifth day the fever abated and from then on he steadily improved. The fever had burned him to skin and bones, and he was still helplessly weak. I had to devise some way of helping him to recover his strength, so I ordered him to be carried to the sea in front of his house for a daily three-minute dip. At first he seemed exhausted by this routine, and I could feel the strong though silent disapproval of the Panglima. But I persisted, and my luck held, for with this daily stimulant, Pula began to look more like himself. Finally he was able to join Bogtong and me in fishing and hunting, perfectly restored. Later they both took an interest in my digging and often joined me at the site.
But at length my work drew to a close. My patient was well again, and nothing could hold me longer with my pleasant friends. At dinner that night I announced that I must return to Manila. They all expressed sorrow at losing me, and the Panglima asked me how much he owed me for treating his son. I told him that he did not owe me anything, that he was my friend, and so was his son, and to me the continued friendship of the entire family was compensation enough. This surprised the old chief, and he became silent. He called an attendant and whispered something to him. The man left the room and a few minutes later returned holding the largest pearl in the world in his hands. He placed it in front of the old man. | <urn:uuid:3d696eff-736d-48fc-854e-b77d10467b9d> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://www.naturalhistorymag.com/editors_pick/1939_11_pick.html?page=2 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560282935.68/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095122-00242-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.991266 | 2,053 | 2.328125 | 2 |
What are Unlisted Shares?
Unlisted shares are speculations into portions of organizations or resources that are not exchanged on the open market. They are additionally some of the time alluded to as unquoted speculations.
The organizations being referred to are commonly little yet with aggressive designs for quick development and need shares to take their business to the following level. As they are viewed as high-hazard by customary money related organizations, accounts can be difficult for them to get. One arrangement is a private value from singular speculators and assets put straightforwardly in the organizations. Buy unlisted shares and unlisted equity shares from Babli Investments.
The Advantages of Unlisted Shares:
Putting resources into new businesses conveys critical dangers, however quite possibly it could end up being the following Facebook or Google.
There are likewise charge motivating forces to support high total assets people to put resources into unlisted organizations, despite the fact that the passing sums contrast between the two plans referenced beneath.
Undertaking Investment Scheme (EIS):
The Enterprise Investment Scheme shares annual assessment and capital additions charge reliefs to speculators. Singular personal duty help of 30% is offered under the EIS conspire.
High development investment: Often unlisted firms are littler in size and are yet to arrive at a phase where they can open up to the world to benefit assets for their capital necessities. Thus, contributing when the organization is little and being contributed through its development when it records on value markets, frequently yields significant yields inferable from little base impact.
diversification of risk: Unlisted value shares are an alternate resource class without anyone else and therefore offer some enhancement of danger for financial specialists who significantly put resources into recorded value markets.
Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS):
Like the EIS plot, the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme shares annual duty, and capital increases charge reliefs to financial specialists. Singular personal duty help of half is offered under SEIS.
One more advantage of putting resources into Unlisted Shares:
The personal duty (IT) office said that pay from the move of unlisted shares will be sorted as capital increases, regardless of the holding time frame. The explanation is a continuation of the assessment office’s endeavors to diminish cases and different debates and get a uniform way to deal with the characterization of salary.
The current declaration is positive for speculators putting resources into unlisted shares as surveys can guarantee the salary as capital increase rather than business pay. Capital Gain on special unlisted securities that qualify as the present moment is available at 15%. Capital increase at a bargain of unlisted protections pulls in a drawn-out capital addition charge at the pace of 20% with indexation advantage. Business pay, then again, is available on piece rate which can be as high as 30%, that too without indexation.
In February this year, the duty officer had given a comparable explanation with respect to the order of salary emerging from the move of recorded shares wherein it had said that an assessee could characterize pay from an exchange as capital increases following a year.
Be that as it may, the expense division has recorded three special cases wherein this explanation won’t be material. It won’t have any significant bearing in situations where the validity of exchanges in unlisted shares is flawed, where an issue of lifting the corporate shroud emerges and where there is a move of control and the board, the CBDT said in a notice.
The risk of Unlisted Shares Investment:
Loss of capital contributed:
Putting resources into a startup is innately hazardous the same number of fall flat, so speculators should be monetarily ready to assimilate any misfortunes and put resources into unlisted ventures as a component of a broadened portfolio.
Powerlessness to exchange shares on the open market:
As the offers are not exchanged on the open market, unlisted speculations are for the most part profoundly illiquid. Financial specialists may possibly have the option to sell their offers when the organization accomplishes an effective exit by means of a deal or buoyancy – maybe numerous years in the wake of making the underlying speculation.
Probability of weakening:
Financial specialists may find that as the unlisted organization develops, it will require extra funds. Consequently, extra offers will be given subsequently decreasing the level of the organization possessed by existing investors and weakening their property.
Unlisted organizations are not obliged to deliver profits to investors or in the event that they do, they might be inconsistent. Rather, numerous little organizations decide to reinvest benefits in the business to encourage further development.
Elective approaches to make unlisted investments:
Just as immediate interest in an unlisted organization it is likewise conceivable to contribute through an EIS store or SEIS finance. These are overseen speculation vehicles that raise accounts from people and foundations to contribute over an arrangement of EIS or SEIS-qualified organizations. This can be a route for financial specialists to spread danger over a few such organizations. Babli Investment has the best list of Unlisted shares such as CSK shares in India.
These assets are generally overseen by experienced people with the objective of restoring a benefit which is then mutual by each one of those putting resources into it. The equivalent EIS and SEIS charge reliefs apply in the case of contributing by means of a reserve or making immediate speculation.
Funding Trusts (VCTs) additionally offer financial specialists charge reliefs. They work likewise to EIS and SEIS reserves, permitting people to spread their venture over various little higher-hazard exchanging organizations which are not recorded on a perceived stock trade. | <urn:uuid:663e2ee7-08e9-44f3-ae9f-86bc64605d79> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://www.babliinvestment.com/benefits-of-investing-in-unlisted-shares-instead-of-listed-shares/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882571190.0/warc/CC-MAIN-20220810131127-20220810161127-00065.warc.gz | en | 0.951171 | 1,151 | 1.976563 | 2 |
So I’m going to talk a little today about breaking down/slowing down tumbling skills so that gymnasts can learn the shapes. Especially skills where the shapes are…maybe not, common I think it’s especially important to take very small steps when teaching them so that you don’t have to fix it later. One of skills I’m going to talk about today is front layouts. Fixing front layouts is SO HARD. It’s worth putting in the time at the beginning.
This first video is of a front layout drill I really like. It’s easy for kids to do (especially over and over again) and it does a great job of creating a good shape and letting kids feel it. But if you don’t start with this drill or drills like it, you will probably end up with something that either looks like an open front pike or a pike-arch whip thing which, once they’ve done that for a few weeks is incredibly hard to fix. Also, it’s incredibly hard to tumble out of.
This second drill is a round-off drill. I probably wouldn’t do it on a flat surface like this until your kids are proficient. I would probably do the same thing but add a second panel mat so the feet end lower than the hands. This way the gymnast has a little more time and they can still practice good shapes. But I especially like the end, taking out the rebound, encouraging the flat hips with the fall.
Find it here!
The full 45 minute lecture of Bars Shaping from Pre-Team Up is now available for download, along with the full powerpoint and all of the videos! | <urn:uuid:d876daa1-c924-44be-8082-80e67b80b658> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://swingbig.org/figuring-out-the-shapes/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882570651.49/warc/CC-MAIN-20220807150925-20220807180925-00477.warc.gz | en | 0.947886 | 360 | 2.46875 | 2 |
As I filed out of the excellent’ Images & Issues Beyond the Dominant: Including Diversity in Your Graphic Novel Collection (more on that later), I was surprised to see a milling mob of librarians waiting in the hallway. ‘ Then I remembered the Author’s Happy Hour(s): two hours of YA author superstars, signing free copies of their books, plus snacks and alcohol. ‘ Ah…. The eager chatter and press suddenly made sense!
Each attendee was given a small tote bag and five tickets, good for five books. ‘ However, with over 30 authors in attendance, each one of us had to make some serious’ decisions’ about which authors we needed to gush to and whose books we must have. Continue reading
In this session, Pam Spencer Holley presented lists that she and co-author Julie Bartel (who was unable to attend) compiled for their book YALSA Annotated Book Lists for Every Teen Reader. Realizing that one of the biggest problems librarians have is finding the right books for a wide variety of teen readers, they looked to the YALSA-BK discussion list, reading through six years of archives and mining it for categories based on regularly asked questions.’ Bartel and Holley used recommendations offered by others on the listserv, adding newer titles if needed, and also winnowing down when their lists grew too large.
Each attendee was given a long list of recommendations in twelve categories, and Holley spoke briefly of every title listed, beginning each category by discussing the questions that prompted it.’ Some of the categories included were: Continue reading | <urn:uuid:a631a43b-290b-45eb-9588-6cbf7eab9f5d> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://yalsa.ala.org/blog/author/klabrozzi/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560280718.7/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095120-00400-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.953599 | 342 | 1.882813 | 2 |
It isn’t just us humans that need to shape up in the New Year. Pets do too (especially if they’ve been gorging on the Christmas leftovers). That’s why Actijoy has introduced what’s being billed as the world’s first health and fitness solution for our overweight pooches.
Apparently in the US there are over 70 million dogs and 53% of these are either overweight or obese which somehow doesn’t surprise me looking at some of their owners.
The Actijoy packages comprises three main parts to get your hound healthy for 2017: a health and fitness tracker, a WiFi enabled water and food bowl and a companion iOS and Android Mobile app.
Attached to the dog’s collar, the health and fitness tracker features flashing LED lights so that you can tell where you dog is in the dark and, like a human fitness tracker, it will collect information such as how far the dog has run and how much rest he or she has got.
Handy if you want to check whether the dog walker is doing their job and taking your pet out for a walk during the day while you are at work!
It can even be used in conjunction with human trackers like Fitbit so you can contain all the information in one place.
Nor is the Actijoy fitness package only concerned with exercise. Using the WiFi enabled food and water bowl you can monitor just how much your dog is eating and receive alerts if the food or drink is running low.
If you have multiple dogs it will also recognise which dog is using the bowl. What’s more, if the weather is very hot and sunny you can get alerts sent to you telling you to fill up the bowl with more water!
Finally, all of the data can be collected in the Android or iOS app. Here you can receive alerts about upcoming vaccinations and vet’s appointments as well as monitor your dog’s activity and track its diet.
Actijoy is using CES in Las Vegas to launch its canine health and fitness solution as well as raise money via a Kickstarter campaign. For more information go to Actijoy’s website. | <urn:uuid:e534497f-4333-49dc-95e9-0f4dc087c60f> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://www.shinyshiny.tv/2017/01/ces-2017-actijoy-introduces-health-and-fitness-solution-for-dogs.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882571538.36/warc/CC-MAIN-20220812014923-20220812044923-00465.warc.gz | en | 0.952398 | 451 | 1.679688 | 2 |
Even with the best training from some of
the most reputable nutrition schools in the nation, advanced degrees, and
years of experience, we were still struggling to help our clients in their
battles with food and weight.
Something was wrong.
We had been trying to find yet one more technique for better
motivation - have clients visit more often, call more frequently, and learn
more facts about food, nutrients, emotions and weight control. All these
efforts were exhausting us and our clients; we got frustrated with them,
and they with us.
We talked with psychotherapists for perspectives on
their clients’ struggles with food. We experimented with the assumptions
a lack of pleasure and satisfaction could play a role in this
struggle (and tried mightily to have clients interject more pleasure and
planned indulgences in their daily food routines); or that some
clients could be too busy to truly care for their bodies, so worked with
them to find time for their bodies; or that in this society, we
have all been taught to discount, minimize, avoid, cover up, keep a stiff
upper lip—anything but acknowledge our pain.
We recognized that all of these factors played a role in the reasons
people eventually returned to eating in ways they always had, preventing
them from making the changes they wanted to or thought they should make.
But all of this information was not enough. Something was still missing.
Neither we nor our clients consciously realized the connection between
where they were on their life paths and their behavior with food. Their
best attempts to change food habits did not have lasting effects until
they looked at the link between their bodies and their emotional and
spiritual lives. The reason: experiencing the emotional and spiritual
parts of us causes biochemical changes in our bodies which alter our
desire for food. In addition, eating in a way which balances with the
body’s needs often gives people greater clarity in getting to know
themselves as emotional and spiritual beings.
People can choose, then, to travel their paths by entering at either,
or both, gateways - by working on food issues and moving on to the
emotional/spiritual issues or vice versa. The important point is to
recognize and understand that the two—cellular/biochemical and
As you read the chapters in this book, you will begin to see the
paradoxical relationship between your spiritual/emotional life, eating,
and your physical body. How we eat and how we view our bodies are
metaphors for handling life; our relationship with food says something
about who we are and how we express our very being in the world. Not only
are they metaphors, they are concrete, physical reflections of where we
are on our life's path and can determine how we proceed.
So, don’t stop dreaming about achieving peace with food. Most of us
want that peace so desperately yet are stymied when using the strategies
and options taught us. It is impossible to successfully use these
strategies, however "right" they may be, without first knowing what feels
good and right for you. Our bodies are filled with authentic clues about
what is right for us but we have been taught to discount the very signals
that free us to make the dream of peace with food a reality - to truly be
full and fulfilled.
We finally realized that clients intuitively knew something that
neither we nor they fully understood—what we now label the "intuitive
eater" (body signals) within, and that the intuitive eater is the key to
feeling both full and fulfilled. So we finally gave ourselves and our
clients permission not to know the answers and trusted that our clients'
bodies would eventually give them the clues they needed to begin to
explore and discover their own inner wisdom.
This book is designed for you to do the same thing. Some clients choose
to explore their food patterns and behavior, and in so doing, start to
find the connection between their emotional/spiritual struggles and food
intake. Others will find it more comfortable to explore their
emotional/spiritual paths first. Either way, the biochemical balance in
the body is altered, making it easier to then address the other. We wrote
this book so that you, the reader, can begin to use the power that comes
from listening to your intuitive eater; to begin trusting, interpreting,
experimenting with, applying, and practicing using your intuitive eater.
You have everything you need to feel both full and fulfilled.
This book gives you both the permission and information you need to
discover what's right for you.
What is Intuitive Eating?
Intuitive eating has certain characteristics:
It varies from person to person. Because our tastes, bodies,
activities, emotions, and spiritual paths are different, what our bodies
require in terms of nourishment also differs.
It is cyclical. Weekly, monthly, and annual cycles, even life cycles,
change our body’s need for, and responses to, food.
It is imperfect. Intuitive eating does not mean we’ll always choose
absolutely "healthy" or "pristine" foods. We won’t always feel as if we’ve
had a "perfect" balance.
It is rhythmic. We feel pleasantly full (but not stuffed) after a meal
and pleasantly hungry (but not starving) before the next.
It includes a wide variety of foods. Cereals and grains, fruits and
vegetables, dairy products, meats, beans, nuts, and even fats play a role
in normal, intuitive eating. Again, the exact balance and variety of foods
must be individualized.
It is free of obsession. It acknowledges that our compulsions are due
to biochemical or emotional reasons and any over- or under-eating is a
clue to begin looking further as an opportunity for learning.
It is nourishing to the body and spirit.
It feels good. Good food in the right amounts and at the right times
excites the senses. It provides tactile and taste sensations as we eat,
and a pleasurable "full" feeling afterward. When we finish a meal, we feel
comforted and renewed - physically, emotionally, and even spiritually.
It is an essential component of self care. What better way to nurture
ourselves than with the foods we need and enjoy in the amounts we require?
The Fight To Eat "Right"
If you are like most of us, you have struggled for a long time with
food—or against it. Think about all the times you have turned down dessert
(probably more occasions than you realize), and the times you didn't let
yourself eat what you really wanted. In following a prescribed diet, you
may fill yourself full of foods you actually hate while you come to
despise foods you actually like, such as tuna, cottage cheese and Melba
toast because you associate them with the "diet." You may eat combinations
of foods which seem odd or unnatural to you. Maybe you measure or weigh
every bite that goes into your mouth.
You work very hard to eat right—yet derive little or no lasting
benefit. And, you may continue to struggle - your relationship with food
does not become easier over time. Clearly, something is wrong with this
picture! Work this hard ought to produce results. When it doesn't, the
overall scheme of things needs to be revisited. This book helps you do
just that. It helps you understand what is going on biochemically at the
cellular level, how that is connected to what your mind is thinking, your
heart is feeling and your soul is believing and how all these connections
translate into the foods you are drawn to, the eating patterns you
follow - your eating style. It's about how foods and your eating patterns
affect your biochemistry in such a way that your heart and mind can open
to your soul and grow at this deep level. This spiritual growth
subsequently affects our drive for certain foods and ways of eating. So,
eating not only keeps us connected to the physical world but can also
allow us to grow as spiritual beings and listen to and care for our souls,
not just our bodies.
Fighting the Wrong Battle
No wonder we lose the battle with food and weight over and over again.
We were not born to fight it. In fact, so long as we continue to fight
with food, we will never have all the energy we wish for, our scales will
continue to show numbers that we don't want to see, and our reflections in
the mirror will fail to please us. This is a battle we were never supposed
to fight and are destined to lose. For we and food are meant to be natural
allies - not enemies. We can go on fighting - many of us do for all our
lives - but we can never win. We only grow weary.
Maybe you've been doing things that don't work because not only were
you unaware of the impact of the spiritual/emotional/ biochemical
connection in your life but also because the food plans and diets you've
tried won't work (indeed, will never work) for you. Perhaps, along with
millions of other people, you've been provided with rules about food that
simply don't apply to you. We're assuming these rules and diet plans were
based on each author's lifestyle and experience, and successfully might
have helped them control their weight.
But, that does not mean their plans will work for you. For example,
Oprah Winfrey found a nutritional system that worked for her; Richard
Simmons has his own exercise and diet strategy; Susan Powter, author of
the popular book, Stop The Insanity, found her way to a satisfying
relationship with food.
But, each of these programs was based on individual physical needs,
personal tastes, schedules, and personalities.
Fortunately, there is another way. Here, in this book, you have a
step-by-step guide to do exactly the same thing—only just for you, going
even broader and deeper by incorporating your biochemical/
The Journey of Discovery
This book is here to help you reclaim your intuitive eater within. It
is here to help you give up your struggle with food. Intuitive eating is a
guided individual journey. If you are looking for a list of do's and
don'ts, or for a new set of battle plans, you will be disappointed. In
fact, you will find very few case studies or client examples in this book.
Those examples wouldn't be useful. Your relationship with food is yours
alone. It's not like anybody else's. Intuitive eating is not a food plan,
but an opportunity for you to explore your own reactions to, and
experiences with, food. We encourage you to learn which foods please you,
nourish and sustain you, and to learn about how your body and food
Like any journey of discovery, intuitive eating takes time. Clients
ask, "How long does it take?" Our answer: "It takes as long as it takes."
Throughout the process, there will be times when a whole world of answers
will open to you; other times, the insight gained will be more subtle. In
fact, just by trying some of these experiments, things will change. You'll
find there isn't one correct answer. Don't be surprised if you don't get
the same results every time. What is real for you is based on the mode of
consciousness that you bring to bear at each moment. Along the way, you
will sometimes experience what feels like failure. But the effort is well
worth the rewards. Each failure will provide insight to move you one step
further along the path toward success.
You will move to a place where you
naturally, effortlessly, and comfortably eating foods you enjoy in
moderate and healthy amounts
eating when you are hungry, not starving
stopping when you are full, not stuffed
accepting, not panicking, when eating doesn't go just right.
Intuitive eating means feeling confidence and trust in yourself when it
comes to food because you are learning to accept your body, emotions, and
food, and the ways they work together.
Giving up old habits is not easy. Abandoning the struggle is - well - a
struggle. As you explore intuitive eating you'll get to know food again.
You will become sensitive to your body's needs and signals related to
food, and its responses to your emotions and spiritual growth. You will
re-examine old ideas and behaviors. You will take some risks.
Waking the Intuitive Self
The process of learning how to feel full and fulfilled will put you
back in touch with your body so that you can "hear" its signals for
certain kinds or amounts of food. In some ways, finding the intuitive
eater within is like waking a good friend from a lifetime slumber. A
gentle touch may be all you need. The knowledge that you carry inside you
is like this sleeping friend—unconscious, but not deeply so, and waiting
to be wakened.
Unfortunately, each of us also carries around vicious food
prohibitions—notions imposed on us by others. We absorb these rules and
regulations, which may not be right for us, in the effort to do the
"right" thing or look the "right" way. Along with these rules are pieces
of misinformation and misconceptions about how our bodies work. We also
carry the feelings associated with them—shame, guilt, even fear. All those
layers of misinformation and bad feelings must be recognized and peeled
away before we can rediscover the memory of how good it feels to eat
naturally and intuitively.
In this book, we will help you wake your intuition about food by
facts about the way bodies work, how emotions influence bodies,
and the role of food in the interaction between the two. This information
will help you understand why you just haven't been able to do what it is
you thought you were "supposed" to do with food. This knowledge will also
give you "permission" to risk eating more intuitively.
activities to help you explore your inner knowledge, allowing
you to recall old food-related experiences and create new ones. These
discoveries will help you reorient your thinking about your body and the
food you use to fuel it. They will also help you learn to make food
choices with confidence.
Intuitive eating is a journey. This is its beginning. Expect the
exhilaration and excitement of any journey, along with its discomforts.
Anticipate moments of insight and surrender. The good news is that you
need not make this trip alone. This text will be your guide. And your
intuition, too, will journey with you. Now it is time to wake your
intuitive eater from its slumber.
"Plato argued that learning is basically recovery and recollection—that
in the same way that bears and lions instinctively know everything they
need to know to live and merely do it, each of us do, too. But, in our
case, what we need to know gets lost in what we are told we should know."
Dennis Warren On Becoming a Leader
Isn’t that the truth . . . especially about food and our bodies. One of
the first things we often do with clients is invite them to set aside
their beliefs and allow some space for other possibilities.
Unlearning is often the basis for true understanding. Unlearning old
food patterns is absolutely essential to discovering what foods, in what
amounts, eaten at what times feel right for each of us.
The following activities are designed to help you recognize where you
may be getting messages about what to eat and how chock-full of all these
voices you are. You have little room to make sense of these messages, much
less to hear the voice of your own intuition. Exploring is the first step
Hint: You may want to turn off the phone and television and find a
quiet corner to complete this activity.
Imagine yourself in the TV section of a local appliance store
surrounded with television screens full of talking heads—faces and voices
On one, a talk show host tells you to do what she has done for her
weight; on another, a competing talk show host sells her approach to
eating and health; on another, a model demonstrates weight loss exercises
you ought to do. Don't miss the screen of your parents—their eyes rolling
at even the thought of you wanting seconds of your favorite food. Of
course, one screen has your co-workers discussing all the pounds they've
lost on their latest regimes. Your spouse on the next screen reminds you
what your body could be like—if you would just do what he or she does.
Competing with these, a screen flashes a magazine listing of low-fat foods
you should eat. The next screen babbles with an interview of a researcher
about a new anti-food diet. And, finally, you fill in the rest of the
screens with other messages you've received that we haven't suggested. Who
else polices your food? What else pressures you to eat a certain way?
Now, surrounded with all the flashing screens and blaring voices, pick
up the remote control, and, one by one, shut off each screen—zap, zap, zap
. . .
With all the screens blank, take a moment just to feel the silence.
This quiet space is where unlearning begins. This quiet is where you begin
to discover and explore your own inner wisdom about food. This quiet is
where you can begin to hear your own voice, rather than what the latest
talking head tells you to do.
What foods make me feel satisfied? What amounts of different foods give
me energy? When am I hungry?
We all have many opportunities to collect more and more voices and
talking heads. It's so noisy and confusing we don't even notice one more .
. . until we take time to be quiet.
This might sound simple. Yet, it is often scary to experience such
silence and not have any direction or guidance about food. It’s difficult
to feel comfortable moving around in the uncharted territory of
self-discovery. But, once you do, you will be able to decide from your
inner knowing rather than from absorbing information. | <urn:uuid:07f52724-703f-4fb2-b364-b6a479b65be3> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://www.astrostar.com/articles/Full&Fulfilled.htm | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560280835.22/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095120-00050-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.959986 | 3,940 | 1.632813 | 2 |
I’m uncertain how letting gamblers make legal bets on games might affect the integrity of professional and college sports. In the past, betting on sports has tainted outcomes of games, and it might do so again if states outside of Nevada start to allow it.
But we can’t be sure of it, anymore than we can be sure the San Antonio Spurs will win the NBA title this season or the Kansas City Royals will reach the World Series again. What we do know, however, is that states can bank billions.
Is the revenue enough to allow bets on sports?
I think so, and I guess I’m more comfortable with my position after hearing NBA commissioner Adam Silver, perhaps the most contemporary of thinkers among sports commissioners, weigh in on the topic last Thursday.
In an op-ed piece in The New York Times, Silver wrote: “Outside of the United States, sports betting and other forms of gambling are popular, widely legal and subject to regulation. In England, for example, a sports bet can be placed on a smartphone, at a stadium kiosk or even using a television remote control.”
Silver told of the global trend in sports betting, which led to his suggestion that laws against it ought to be changed. He rightly pointed out that technology allows a framework to be built that lessens the chance of money from bets influencing any outcomes.
Already, I can see others starting to lean toward Silver’s position. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a politician who championed sports betting in Jersey long before Silver’s op-ed piece, signed a bill into law Sept. 7 that allows casinos and racetracks to book sports bets. Of course, Christie’s support of sports betting might have had more to do with the flagging fortunes of Jersey casinos and racetracks than his interest in what betting might do to sports leagues.
I don’t understand the resistance to it. State governments across the United States are starved for revenue and gambling on games promises a deep pool of dollars. Illegal betting is a multibillion-dollar industry, and pulling those billions from the underground economy benefits the larger society.
Trying to shake loose some of that underground money stands at the core of why I believe sports betting should be legal. I’m not a slave to the Puritanical thinking that has shaped so much of our opposition to gambling. Bingo at a church is fine, but to some people, plucking down $10 on a Cleveland Cavaliers-Golden State Warriors game looks like a send-you-to-hell sin, putting it in the same company as armed robbery and loansharking.
But just as many, if not more, people see sports gambling as no more of a worry than blackjack, horse racing or “Texas Hold ’Em,” which has spawned online betting sites and tournaments worldwide.
What harm has it done? Is America a lesser country because some people like to play poker?
I guess that’s a rhetorical question, and I don’t know if we could answer it anyway until sports betting is rolled out in states that want it.
If sports betting can’t be policed, we can send it underground again. For now, I’m guessing Silver is right: It’s best to let sports betting bask in sunlight instead of forcing it to flourish in the shade of an underground economy.
The opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of BET Networks.
BET Sports News -- Get the latest news and information about African-Americans in sports including weekly recaps, celebrity news and photos of your favorite Black athletes. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.
(Photo: AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
TRENDING IN NEWS | <urn:uuid:f88b313d-ff0f-439e-ae6a-037a767167d3> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://www.bet.com/news/sports/2014/11/17/commentary-make-sports-gambling-legal.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560279368.44/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095119-00324-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.94111 | 780 | 1.875 | 2 |
While CSS has started back from spring break, almost all of my students are at the Eureka Springs School of the Arts for the week, engaged in various crafts like painting, pottery, blacksmithing and jewelry making. This break gives me the chance to unwind after my busy week in Portland, Oregon.
I have started using Duolingo to learn Norwegian, having already worked my way through what they offer in Swedish. Norwegian is made somewhat easier by having first studied Swedish, and by logging in twice a day, I can make progress in both. Of course the big problem is that I am no longer as young as I once was, and language learning is easier for the very young. But through persistence an older mind can make up for the inflexibility of the brain, and Duolingo.com will warn you by email if you are about to miss a day of study.
As I've quoted many times before in the blog, it was recognized by many that the purposeful development of hand skills must be commenced at the earliest of possible ages. Even in these modern times they are necessary in nearly all things.
"The nascent period of the hand centres has not been accurately measured ... but its most active epoch being from the fourth to the fifteenth year, after which these centres in the large majority of persons become somewhat fixed and stubborn. Hence it can be understood that boys and girls whose hands have been altogether untrained up to the fifteenth year are practically incapable of high manual efficiency ever afterwards. —Sir James Crichton-BrowneJust as the hands can become "fixed and stubborn," so too, can be the mind, when the student is beyond the most effective learning years for those things that require the senses of hearing and of touch, which are firmly centered in the sensory and motor cortices of the brain.
It was not stupidity when Froebel and Dewey and Montessori and so many others suggested that children should be engaged primarily in the manipulation of things, and learning through play. For at the earliest years, the activities of the sensory-motor cortices are most acute. So happy birthday Comenius. There are a few who have not forgotten you.
Make, fix, create, and extend to others the love of learning likewise. | <urn:uuid:40323fa4-8119-4700-a4c4-d947e946ad1f> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://wisdomofhands.blogspot.com/2016/03/happy-424th.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560281746.82/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095121-00291-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.97534 | 466 | 1.945313 | 2 |
You Need To Read Serena Williams' Powerful Essay For Black Women's Equal Pay Day
31st July 2018 by BOTWC Staff
31st July 2018 by BOTWC Staff
Photo via: BBC
In honor of Black Women's Equal Pay Day, tennis great Serena Williams penned a powerful essay for Fortune Magazine that calls attention to the fact that "for every dollar a man makes, Black women make 63 cents." Furthermore, in order to make the same amount as what their white male counterparts earn in a year, Black women would have to work almost 20 months, hence why Black Women's Equal Pay Day falls on August 7 this year. The date represents the additional seven-plus months of basically free labor. Here's Williams' full essay that she wrote in 2017 when Black Women's Equal Pay Day fell on July 31.
"Today is Black Women's Equal Pay Day. This day shines a light on the long-neglected fact that the gender pay gap hits women of color the hardest. Black women are 37 cents behind men in the pay gap—in other words, for every dollar a man makes, Black women make 63 cents.
I’d like to acknowledge the many realities Black women face every day. To recognize that women of color have to work—on average—(nearly) eight months longer to earn the same as their male counterparts do in one year. To bring attention to the fact that Black women earn 17% (now 21%) less than their white female counterparts and that Black women are paid 63% of the dollar men are paid. Even Black women who have earned graduate degrees get paid less at every level. This is as true in inner cities as it is in Silicon Valley. Together, we will change the story—but we are going to have to fight for every penny.
Growing up, I was told I couldn’t accomplish my dreams because I was a woman and, more so, because of the color of my skin. In every stage of my life, I’ve had to learn to stand up for myself and speak out. I have been treated unfairly, I’ve been disrespected by my male colleagues and—in the most painful times—I’ve been the subject of racist remarks on and off the tennis court. Luckily, I am blessed with an inner drive and a support system of family and friends that encourage me to move forward. But these injustices still hurt.
I am in the rare position to be financially successful beyond my imagination. I had talent, I worked like crazy and I was lucky enough to break through. But today isn’t about me. It’s about the other 24 million Black women in America. If I never picked up a tennis racket, I would be one of them; that is never lost on me.
The cycles of poverty, discrimination, and sexism are much, much harder to break than the record for Grand Slam titles. For every Black woman that rises through the ranks to a position of power, there are too many others who are still struggling. Most Black women across our country do not have the same support that I did, and so they often don’t speak out about what is just, fair and appropriate in the workplace. When they do, they are often punished for it.
Unfair pay has prevailed for far too long with no consequence. Through decades of systematic oppression, Black women have been conditioned to think they are less than. In many cases, these women are the heads of households. Single mothers. The issue isn’t just that Black women hold lower-paying jobs. They earn less even in fields of technology, finance, entertainment, law, and medicine.
Changing the status quo will take dedicated action, legislation, employer recognition, and courage for employees to demand more. In short, it’s going to take all of us. Men, women, of all colors, races and creeds to realize this is an injustice. And an injustice to one is an injustice to all.
The first step in making a change is recognition. We need to push this issue to the front of conversations so that employers across the U.S. can truly understand that all male and female employees must be compensated equally. Not close. Not almost the same. Equally.
Recently, I have joined SurveyMonkey’s board of directors, with this specific initiative in mind. SurveyMonkey wants to make information accessible so that all of us can make informed decisions. As they say: knowledge is power. As a Black female entrepreneur and person in the spotlight, I am trying to figure out how I can move the needle forward and open doors for everyone, no matter the color of their skin. But I want to start with the wage gap.
In celebration of Equal Pay Day for Black Women, I partnered with SurveyMonkey to find out Americans’ opinions on the pay gap. The response was powerful. Here are the key findings: Sixty-nine percent of black women perceive a pay gap, while just 44% of white men recognize the issue. Nearly two-thirds of Black women say that major obstacles remain for women in the workplace.In addition to gender, Black women see obstacles to racial equality: three-quarters of Black women workers say there are still significant hurdles holding back minorities. Still, some Black women remain optimistic: more than 43% of Black millennial women believe men and women have equal opportunities for promotion.
While a majority of those surveyed believe that the pay gap is real for both women and minorities, not everyone understands that Black workers—specifically women—see more obstacles to racial equality and barriers in the workplace. Data doesn’t lie. It just gives a number to the gap women feel every day. It is my hope that I can give a voice to those who aren’t heard in Silicon Valley, and the workforce as a whole.
I want to bring my perspective and experiences as an athlete, an entrepreneur and a Black woman to the boardroom and help create a more inclusive environment in this white, male-dominated industry. And I want every woman of color to do the same. Every step forward you take is two steps of progress for womankind. Let today serve as a reminder that we have a voice.
We deserve equal pay for our mothers, our wives, our daughters, our nieces, friends, and colleagues—but mostly, for ourselves. Black women: Be fearless. Speak out for equal pay. Every time you do, you’re making it a little easier for a woman behind you. Most of all, know that you’re worth it. It can take a long time to realize that. It took me a long time to realize it. But we are all worth it. I’ve long said, 'You have to believe in yourself when no one else does.' Let's get back those 37 cents."
Serena, thank you for continuing to use your platform to rally for equal pay for Black women everywhere! | <urn:uuid:92d80b88-93a1-45af-b43b-0b696fb175d3> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://www.becauseofthemwecan.com/blogs/culture/you-need-to-read-serena-williams-powerful-essay-for-black-womens-equal-pay-day | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882571210.98/warc/CC-MAIN-20220810191850-20220810221850-00466.warc.gz | en | 0.964127 | 1,440 | 2.453125 | 2 |
Business Analytics: Use Data Analysis for Financial Industry
What you'll learn
- The Importance of data in business
- Learn how to handle and manage data
- Discover why data-driven organizations use the scientific method to explore and solve data problems
- Deploy a structured lifecycle approach to data science problems
- Discover how to tell a powerful story with data to drive business action
- Learn how to use data analysis to detect fraud
- Learn how big data could change your job, your company, and your industry
- Real world examples of data science benefiting businesses
- Key questions to help you create a research-specific process for tackling vital issues
- Apply suitable analytic techniques to analyzing big data
- Discover the advantages of data analysis and the specific analytical tactics
- Learn how financial services can apply data analysis to solve real-world problems
- You'll need a desktop computer (Windows, Mac, or Linux).
- No prior knowledge or experience needed. Only the desire to learn!
Data science is now a mainstream business tool. It is applied across many industries to increase profits, reduce costs, save lives and improve customer experiences.
In the past few years, the ability of data science to deal with a number of significant financial tasks has become an extremely important point. More and more companies want to learn what enhancements data science brings and how it can reform their business strategies.
The extent of data available to companies and individuals is unprecedented. Financial industries have the most digital data stored. Organizations that want to leverage this available data require professionals who have a solid understanding of data analytics and understand how to apply it to solve meaningful business challenges.
This course reveals the reality of the data analytics world, and outlines clear and actionable steps that will equip the student with the tools needed for this next phase of business evolution. It will help you understand the basic concepts in data analytics as well as its applications. It contains proven steps and strategies on how to use everyday data analytics for financial services to increase profitability and customer satisfaction.
Who this course is for:
- Business Analysts
- Data Miners
- Data Scientists
- Business Executives
- Anyone who wants to learn statistics and how it is applied in the business world
Welcome to GridWire. Here you will find courses on many topics including: Data Science, Machine Learning, DevOps, Sales, Marketing and Business.
About me: I have been a freelancer for almost 10 years now and I am making my living out of it. I love teaching my skills to other people and wish to get better at doing it. I enjoy sharing my knowledge and I always try to make it easy to understand to absolutely anyone. I hope you will find my courses insightful and valuable. | <urn:uuid:eda34a65-11ef-4d30-8dcd-dbf7ae44c380> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://www.udemy.com/course/business-analytics-course/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882570871.10/warc/CC-MAIN-20220808183040-20220808213040-00275.warc.gz | en | 0.914327 | 568 | 2.078125 | 2 |
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Tag Archives: MOD
How to limit user to input time at 15-min intervals, i.e. 00:15, 00:30, 00:45, 01:00, etc.? We talked about how to limit user to input Time in the previous post. Let’s go one step further with Custom Data Validation, where you … Continue reading
How to convert something like 1200 into 12:00? For easy sake of input, we often input 24-hr time as four digit number like 930 for 9:30, 1815 for 18:15 etc. However, if time is input in this way in Excel, … Continue reading | <urn:uuid:1e30c6c2-d664-46f6-8516-f313325dd1be> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | https://wmfexcel.com/tag/mod/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560280364.67/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095120-00035-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.804451 | 289 | 1.53125 | 2 |
- Zortrax 3D printers are used in car design both at small workshops and world-leading brands like Ferrari.
- 3D printers are most useful at early stages of the new car's development, when usual contractors and component suppliers are not yet involved.
- At leading automakers, there is a shift towards working with physical, 3D printed models rather than relying on computer renderings to communicate design ideas.
Modern car design is a complex process where 3D printing is extensively used at various stages, no matter if it’s building new cars or restoring the old ones. “We are entering the era of real 3D. You need to build things you can feel, you can touch, things you can really see. And you need a 3D printer to do that “, says Vincenzo Mattia, an ex-Ferrari designer who worked on early prototypes of LaFerrari, the most impressive supercar to ever wear the prancing horse emblem.
Getting Into Car Design
Major automotive brands are very selective in choosing candidates for design-related positions. According to Mattia, an automaker as obsessed with design as Ferrari, this process is even more demanding than usual. Forget about sending in a résumé and waiting for a callback. “I didn’t apply to work there. It was Ferrari who actually called me and made an offer”, claims Mattia. So here’s how he got a designer’s job at Ferrari.
“I graduated from ISSAM, which stands for Istituto Superiore di Scienza dell’Automobile di Modena. It’s a famous school in Italy where they teach you all about cars. You learn about engines, instrumentation, suspension setups, chassis design, and so on”, Mattia explains. For his graduate thesis, he built a fully functional car in his garage. “It was a sports car, mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive with an Alfa Romeo boxer engine. My thesis was focused on the chassis styling and suspension setup”, says Mattia. Once he completed the project, he published the videos with his car on YouTube. “And then I got a call from Ferrari. It’s all about getting things done. You got to show them that you can do something by doing it”, he says.
Another way to get a career as an automotive designer is restoring old cars or building one-off customs for high-paying customers. This is the business model behind ABcar Oldtimers, a workshop based in Poland specializing in vintage car restoration. “Doing this job, you spend lots of time on prototyping, designing, and constantly searching for unorthodox solutions”, says Bartłomiej Błaszczak, an ABcar Odltimers chief designer. For Błaszczak, working with cars ran in his family for at least two generations, so this was a natural career choice for him.
How Designing a Car Begins
Getting a job at Ferrari is not even nearly as difficult as keeping it. Design teams are organized in a strict, hierarchical structure where every project has to get accepted by various of stakeholders on numerous levels. Another challenging thing is working on very tight deadlines. In such an environment, a deep understanding of 3D printing technology is essential to get new design ideas through multiple stages of hierarchy.
Car design itself is also a multi-stage process covered throughly in an interview Raffaele de Simone, Head of Development Test Drivers at Ferrari, gave to The Official Ferrari Magazine. The romanticized idea of how it looks like is that it all begins with a single line drawn on paper. It’s fairly close to reality, but not exactly. It all begins with marketing. First, the platform has to be defined based on demands of the market predicted 6 years ahead. Things like a number of seats, levels of performance and comfort have to be planned for well in advance. Ferrari basically ends up with a wish list, and then start working from there. First concept drawings are made only after the platform is defined.
At ABcar Oldtimers, in turn, the restoration process usually begins with digging up everything that can still be found about a particular vehicle. “This includes old design documents or photographs showing how the car looked like back when it was new”, says Błaszczak. Then the team has to figure out how to fabricate the parts that are missing. Old manufacturing techniques, used in the era the car originated from, are mixed with modern-day technologies like 3D printing.
3D Printing Applied
And 3D printing is heavily used in both building modern Ferraris and restoring antique automobiles. De Simone states that every new Ferrari begins its life as a Demo which is an already existing car refurbished to test the solutions the company want to use in a new car. Demo stage is also where 3D printing technology is used to rapidly fabricate models of new components. Once the Demo stage is over, Ferrari designers move on to build the actual prototype called Mulotipo, the first stage where the new car takes shape. Mulotipos are built from the ground up with the new chassis, the suspension, and the interior. 3D printers are used even more at this stage, that’s where the designers prototype a new interior.
For Błaszczak and his team, prototyping is a somewhat different process. The goal here is to make all the newly made parts look as close to the originals as possible. “We use 3D printers to fabricate tiny details that are essential to bringing back the character of the vehicle. Let’s take old Mercedes cars. They used speedometer needles with a crescent at the bottom. You can’t find such needles anywhere today; they have been out of production for more than half a century. So, we used a Zortrax Inkspire 3D printer to make them”, says Błaszczak. The other components 3D printed at ABcar Oldtimers include door handles or stamps to make particular marks on the leather.
3D Printer as a Designer’s Tool
For Vincenzo Mattia, it is obvious that a working knowledge of 3D printing technology is what can make it or break it for an aspiring car designer. “3D printing a part you have designed and fitting it into a prototype helps you show that you really care about what you do. That you truly thought things through. That’s part of the practical approach to design Ferrari values above all else. Ultimately, it helps you advance through the ranks and push your career forward”, Mattia claims.
According to him, a 3D printer became a natural way of communicating design ideas, just like drawing on paper or building 3D models on a computer screen. “3D printers are mostly used at those early prototyping stages”, says Mattia, who effectively implemented Zortrax 3D printers at Vins Motors, a company he founded after he left Ferrari. “At Vins Motors we build super light motorbikes, made almost entirely of carbon fiber. We also work for Ferrari as an external contractor”, Mattia adds.
For ABcar 3D printers are just as important, if not more. “With Zortrax machines, we can recreate the desired shapes with an impeccable precision. We use a resin Zortrax Inkspire 3D printer to build the tiny, intricate details and extrusion-based M300 Plus machines to fabricate larger parts”, Błaszczak claims. “There are lots of things that would be impossible to do without 3D printers”, he adds. | <urn:uuid:f188388b-12d4-48c0-a3ac-37cd73ed3f4a> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://zortrax.com/blog/why-modern-car-designers-use-3d-printers/?lang=pl | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882572221.38/warc/CC-MAIN-20220816060335-20220816090335-00064.warc.gz | en | 0.951 | 1,621 | 2.625 | 3 |
Believe in yourself – According to a survey 15 million people in the United States suffer from depression.
People often shy away from talking about mental health and confessing that they are suffering from depression. One of the major reasons behind depression is lack of self-belief.
If we do not believe in ourselves, nobody else will.
Here are 6 reasons why you need to believe in yourself.
- You have come a long way
The fact that you are alive, achieved a fewthings, have food on you table shows that you have a lot more than what most people have. The fact that you have come so far in life proves that you have all the qualities that are required to survive in this world. If you have made it this far, there should be o reason for you to believe that you cannot go any further.
- Failure is a part of life
Failure is something every human being identifies with. The most successful people and the biggest of legends have gone through numerous failures before tasting success. If you think you can achieve success without going through a few tough times, then you are wrong. Learn to accept failure, embrace it and think of it as a lesson you needed to be taught to move forward in life.
- Faith is important
Most of us pray to God asking Him to fulfil our wishes and relieve us of our pain and miseries. But, before having faith in God or any mortal being you must to learn to believe in yourself. People round you will believe in you only if you have faith in yourself. You must never let the faith you have in yourself get shaken up because of any external factor.
- It is a tough world
Life is noteasy. It was never supposed to be easy. As harsh as it may sound, the world is not for people who succumb to its pressures. To be able to face the tough world and overcome all the challenges and obstacles come with it,you have to toughen yourself up and brace yourself to face all the challenges and difficulties that come your way.
- Every day is a new day
If things have not gone right for you in the recent past and you feel that time is not in your favour, you must understand that every day gives you the opportunity to change your life for the better. You might stumble upon an idea or an opportunity that will change your life forever. Do not dwell upon what has happened in the past, just focus on what you can do next to turn the tide in your favour.
- Nobody has seen the future
If you think the future will be as dark as the past, you might be right. But, there is also a possibility of being bright and beautiful, right? Nobody has seen the future. The best part about future is that it has not been written yet. The power is in your hands. You have the ability to shape your future the way you want to. You just need to believe in yourself.
These are the reasons you have to believe in yourself – Self belief is very important in today’s world of cut-throat competition as you will barely come across people who will support or try to propel you forward in life. Even if you have friends, they will try to set things right for themselves before thinking about you. | <urn:uuid:d9d9ca89-83e5-41ba-a134-5965b8256d97> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://www.youngisthan.in/opinions/believe-in-yourself/63492 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882572221.38/warc/CC-MAIN-20220816060335-20220816090335-00073.warc.gz | en | 0.974504 | 665 | 1.96875 | 2 |
4 Easy Ways to Boost Your MetabolismJuly 26 2017
Have a hard time losing fat? Are you tired and lacking energy? If so, you might have a slow metabolism. Crash diets, stress, poor sleep, bad eating, and certain drugs can slow your metabolism, which in turn, affects your mood and energy levels. People with a low metabolic rate find it harder to lose weight and keep it off. Fortunately, this problem can be fixed by making small lifestyle changes, such as eating more protein and lifting heavier in the gym.
Check out these easy ways to boost your metabolism and get lean:
Increase Your Protein Intake
High-protein diets support muscle growth and fat loss. Compared to carbs and fats, protein takes up to 30 percent more calories to digest. This leads to a greater energy expenditure. The higher your protein intake, the more calories you’ll burn. To get more protein in your diet, consume lean meat, low-fat dairy, fish, and leafy greens. Drink whey protein shakes throughout the day, and casein shakes at bedtime.
Sip on Green Tea
Studies have found that green tea increases metabolism by as much as 12 percent. The catechins found in this tea boost energy expenditure and help flush out toxins, leading to weight loss. They also protect from oxidative stress and lower your risk of cancer, heart disease, and type II diabetes. Drink up to three cups of green tea daily to reap its benefits.
Nothing raises your metabolism more than strength training does. Lifting weights burn fat, builds muscle, and increase your testosterone and growth hormone levels. At the same time, it lowers the stress hormone cortisol levels. These factors combined boost your metabolic rate, helping your body burn calories more efficiently.
Spice Up Your Meals
Hot peppers, cinnamon, mustard, cayenne pepper, and other spices contain metabolism-boosting compounds. Capsaicin, one of the key nutrients in chilies and jalapeño peppers, raises the body’s core temperature and reduces cortisol levels, which in turn, increases your metabolic rate. Other spices, such as cinnamon, lower blood sugar levels and prevent insulin spikes. Spicy meals also keep you full longer and curb sugar cravings, making dieting easier. | <urn:uuid:63eb2cc7-fa44-429b-8913-5edf75c733ba> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://www.geelongmedicalgroup.com.au/2017/07/4-easy-ways-to-boost-your-metabolism | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882572221.38/warc/CC-MAIN-20220816060335-20220816090335-00069.warc.gz | en | 0.926003 | 468 | 1.695313 | 2 |
PART ONE EVOLUTION. CHAPTER ONE DEFINING PUBLIC RELATIONS. Markers of Public Relations Growth. United States growth: 200,000 U.S. public relations professionals Employment growth increasing faster than average through the year 2010
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PART ONE EVOLUTION
DEFINING PUBLIC RELATIONS
United States growth:
overseas have public relations programs
What is Public Relations?
Defining the field
“Public relations is a planned process to influence public opinion, through sound character and proper performance, based on mutually satisfactory two-way communication.”
1975 commissioned study found 472 definitions reduced to an 88-word definition.
1980 Task force offered two definitions
Let me show you the way……
Marketing and advertising promotes a product or service
Public relations promotes the entire organization.
Special public relations
Public affairs & issues management
Web site development and interface | <urn:uuid:538995ac-2209-45fb-b3b3-6be80f4e4464> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://www.slideserve.com/dacia/part-one-evolution | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560281162.88/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095121-00531-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.882672 | 247 | 1.9375 | 2 |
About new GloPID-R member Rwanda National Council for Science and Technology (NCST)
The Rwanda National Council for Science and Technology (NCST) supports the Government of Rwanda’s vision to address national priorities that uplift the social and economic wellbeing of citizens. The goal is to implement science, technology and innovative (STI) research and development (R&D) programs and to solidify partnerships for Rwanda to become a globally competitive knowledge-based economy. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, NCST has achieved remarkable policy and operationalization outputs through strategic partnerships.
Development of STI Policy
In June 2020, the STI Policy was approved through collaboration with relevant stakeholders. The policy focuses on effective STI governance, increased R&D and innovation financing, human capital and knowledge network development, and enhanced collaborations. The policy defines national priority areas: sustainable energy, food security and modern agriculture, life and health sciences, local production and value addition, digital services products and lifestyle, and resilient environment and natural resources.
National Research and Innovation Fund (NRIF) mobilized for STI funding and support
Summary of NCST Research & Innovation Grants
Since the launch of NRIF in June 2018, 91 research projects have received funding of over 4 billion Rwanda Francs (RWF) (over US $4M). The categories and funded projects are:
Special Collaboration Research Grants on COVID-19 Pandemic: 17 research projects are being supported by host institutions to a value of RWF 991,690,185 (US $987,150):
- Improving diagnostic and real-time testing: 4 grants
- Improving societal resilience to mitigate the impact of COVID-19: 6 projects
- Strategic innovations for protective equipment: 2 projects to demonstrate innovative equipment for prevention and management of COVID-19
- Predicting and monitoring the impact of COVID-19 pandemic: 5 projects supported to generate models for predicting and monitoring the pandemic.
Excellence in research grants: 11 projects to develop research excellence and foster innovation and technology advancement.
Rwanda Innovation Challenges: support for 36 young scientists and entrepreneurs.
Academia-Industry Collaboration Grants: 19 projects to improve collaboration towards better industrial productivity (20% additional resources are provided by the private sector).
Strategic Sector research grants: 8 projects in areas of modern agriculture and sustainable energy.
Strategic partnerships and scientific programs
In July 2021, NCST became a member of GloPID-R to collaborate with global partners on epidemics and pandemics. It is also a member of the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI), which develops the capacity of 15 science granting councils in Sub-Saharan Africa.
In collaboration with the International Development Research Center (IDRC), NCST is co-funding grants on modern agriculture and renewable energy (CAD $510,900) and partnering with East Africa Councils to support cross-border studies on 2 projects (US $100,000 each). The Grand Challenges Rwanda Chapter, now underway, will fund “Big Ideas, Bold Minds” for technology development in specific priority areas.
A community outreach program called “Bikora Bite” translated as “how STI applications operate” increases public awareness on radio and television for STI and new emerging technologies. A quarterly newsletter, Fostering dissemination of innovative R&D Opportunities from National Development, was launched in September 2021. In addition, annual scientific workshops are being implemented such as the 23-24 November 2021 conference entitled, Leveraging the Potential of Science and Technology to mitigate COVID-19 pandemic.
Gender equality in science is implemented through support to women scientists in the form of annual awards to the best women scientists. These are: the Women’s Leadership Award; Research Award and the Rising Star Award.
Finally, in June 2020, NCST established a Research Coordination Committee comprising 11 members from national research institutions for better coordination of R&D programs. This committee provides the opportunity for mutual planning, implementation and monitoring and evaluation of R&D programs | <urn:uuid:810145f3-c70d-463f-a345-3648e941220d> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | http://dev.glopid-r.org/articles-newsletter/about-new-glopid-r-member-rwanda-national-council-for-science-and-technology-ncst/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882572221.38/warc/CC-MAIN-20220816060335-20220816090335-00076.warc.gz | en | 0.915131 | 851 | 1.796875 | 2 |
As many of you know, acne does not discriminate. Everyone can get it -from teenagers to adults. The most annoying part is that there is no real cure. Of course, there are creams and prescriptions that can help reduce it, but there is no actual cure to stop or prevent it entirely. Which leaves many of us confused and frustrated when we break out -especially for adults. Adult acne has a host of causes ranging from hormones to lifestyle choices to oily skin. When we get past our teens years we expect those pimples to stop popping up, but some times it never stops.
However, there are many things you can do to prevent and reduce acne. First, you want to start on the inside -nutrition plays a big part in not just your acne, but your overall health. Eating the right foods can really help boost your skin health. Here are 8 foods you should add to your grocery list ASAP if you have acne:
We all know spinach is an incredible power food, but it also helps prevent acne. Spinach contains folate, which has been shown to help repair DNA and boost cell regeneration.
Tomatoes don’t just make your favorite spaghetti sauce, they also boast lycopene, a power antioxidant that helps protect skin against toxins and sun damage.
Almonds contain high levels of Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that helps repair and protect skin cells. Vitamin E can also be applied topically to help reduce acne scarring, dryness, and irritation.
Flaxseeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3’s are known for their antioxidant power, which helps boost just about every function of your body, including your brain, joints, and skin cells.
Carrots are high in Vitamin A, a nutrient that helps with exfoliation and skin cell turnover. Basically they help your skin slough dead skin cells from the inside out. So feel free to juice and snack on plenty of carrots!
Green tea has been used for centuries for a multitude of preventative purposes. Its high anti-oxidant content makes it excellent for healing and staving off toxins. Not only does it boost your energy, but it also helps with inflammation throughout your body.
Fish, including mackerel, salmon, and sardines are loaded with both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. These antioxidants helps reduce and inflammation and help protect your skin, joints, and brain from deterioration.
Yes, chocolate can be good for you! Of course, we’re talking about the low-sugar dark chocolate with high cacao content. Dark chocolate contains flavanols, antioxidants that increases blood flow, reduces inflammation, and can actually help reduce the roughness of your skin.
For more more tips and information on treating and preventing adult acne, check out this handy infographic, courtesy of our friends from Northwest Pharmacy/Health Perch. | <urn:uuid:916d892b-913b-4325-9768-c59727c3fb31> | CC-MAIN-2016-44 | http://www.stylefox.co/8-foods-that-help-reduce-prevent-acne/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2016-44/segments/1476988720972.46/warc/CC-MAIN-20161020183840-00250-ip-10-171-6-4.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.928136 | 593 | 2.40625 | 2 |
(108 quotes found)
“The tongue like a sharp knife... Kills without drawing blood.”
“Whether the knife falls on the melon or the melon on the knife, the melon suffers”
“A knife-wound heals, but a tongue wound festers.”
“The best thing I have is the knife from Fatal Attraction. I hung it in my kitchen. It's my way of saying, Don't mess with me.”
“A kitchen knife cannot carve its own handle”
“There never was a good knife made of bad steel”
“You do not drink soup with a knife.”
“A bad knife cuts one's finger instead of the stick”
“You live by the gun and knife, and die by the gun and knife.”
“Did you know the pen is stronger than the knife: they can kill you once but they can't kill you twice.”
Quotes Daddy offers a number of tools for developers and bloggers to integrate quotes into their site including customizable widgets, embeddable quotes and API.
Over 1,000,000 famous quotes and user quotes that you can save to your favorites, share with friends and add to your site, blog or social network. | <urn:uuid:9e3effe8-574d-485c-8e35-b50cf624384f> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | https://www.quotesdaddy.com/tag/Knife | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560280364.67/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095120-00026-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.92374 | 275 | 1.539063 | 2 |
If you love listening to those MP3s or watching your DVDs, then this section is for you. Of course this book wouldn't be complete if I would not discuss the freedom of the open source in the multimedia world. In this section I will discus XMMS and Kscd for the audio and Xine for your videos.
The X multimedia System (XMMs) can play a variety of audio sources, such as MP3s and regular CD music.
To launch XMMS, click on your KDE or GNOME menu and choose Multimedia =>Sound =>XMMS.
Note: If XMMs is not on the multimedia menu, it is because it is not installed. Install it, logout and restart X.
The XMMS Player
This is the main window; use your mouse to play around with it. It is not difficult to use. It actually really looks like a regular disk player.
The circle on the upper left corner has a menu in which you can select the other parts of the player.
The XMMS Main Menu
The menu has two buttons:
- Playlist Editor
- Graphical EQ
By pressing these buttons you make them available as part of the player.
Clicking on play file, a new window pups up to select the location of your file to play. see figure Fig.5.6
From this panel you can create a directory, delete a file if you wish or rename the file. The button at the home directory where the mouse pointer is on fig. 5.6, is used to select a different directory for your mp3s source. If you know the exact location you can type it on the command line where it says selection at the bottom of this picture.
Once you have selected the directory, just press:
- Add selected files or
- Add all file in directory.
- Click Ok
Click on play button and there you go. | <urn:uuid:fb0d18e3-fb2f-4d70-a84b-831cae1dd6f4> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://comptechdoc.org/os/linux/manual3/audioapp.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560280065.57/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095120-00539-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.911077 | 399 | 2.0625 | 2 |
Three-dimensional temporal migration according to initial data of areal seismic exploration
Keywords:temporary migration, areal seismic exploration, parallelization of computations, migration of the original data
Migration methods are traditionally subdivided into two groups depending on carrying out the procedure of summing up the route by the method of common deep point (CDP): before and after summing up (pre- and post-stack migration in English variant). Despite the fact that while processing seismic data we use post-stack migration more often, pre-stack migration allows producing deep image of geological medium in more details that naturally increases the quality of interpretation of seismic exploration data. Therefore in the case when we need to study all the features of deep structure of geological environment, pre-stack migration will give us more informative result, especially while processing the data of areal seismic exploration in the areas with complicated tectonics. A variant of three-dimensional temporal finite-difference pre-stack migration has been proposed based on reverse extension of the wave field in temporal scale of depth, realized by solving of wave equation by obvious residual scheme. This approach guarantees a correct and steady solving of the problem of producing three-dimensional image of the environment demonstrated by practical example of processing the data, observed in Krasnolymansk area (Donbass region).
Verpakhovskaya A. O., Pilipenko V. M., Pilipenko E. V., Sidorenko G. D., 2013. A finite-deference method of pre-stack migration procedures and modeling of the wave field with parallelizing of calculation on cluster. Geoinformatika (3), 1—12 (in Russian).
Dyadyura V. A., Budkevich V. B., 2005. Defining corrective statics of ensembles equidistant tracks seismic 3D. In: UkrGGRI collection of scientific works (3). Kyiv, P. 71—83 (in Russian).
Pilipenko V. N., Verpakhovskaya A. O., Budkevich V. B., Pilipenko E. V., 2015. Formation of three-dimensional image of the medium by the sum of CDP for the studies of geological structure of mine fields. Geofizicheskiy zhurnal 37 (4), 104—113 (in Russian).
Pilipenko V. N., Verpakhovskaya A. O., Gnevush V. V., 2012. The finite-difference wave migration of initial seismograms of central explosion point in time domain. Geofizicheskiy zhurnal 34 (3), 40—48 (in Russian).
Samarskiy A. A., 1971. Introduction to the theory of difference schemes. Moscow: Nauka, 552 p. (in Russian).
Samarskiy A. A., Gulin A. V., 1973. Stability of difference schemes. Moscow: Nauka, 415 p. (in Russian).
Sheriff R., Geldart L., 1987. Seismic. Vol. 2. Moscow: Mir, 400 p. (in Russian).
Bancroft J. C., 2007. A Practical Understanding of Pre- and Poststack migration. Vol. 1 (Poststack). Is. 13 of Course notes series. SEG Books, Science. 486 p.
Biondi B., Palacharla G., 1996. 3D prestack migration of common-azimuth data. Geophysics 61, 1822—1832.
Cohen J. K., Stockwell Jr. J. W., 2011. CWP/SU: Seismic Unix Release No 43R2, an open source software package for seismic research and processing. Center for Wave Phenomena, Colorado School of Mines. 889 p.
Dai N., Willacy C. N., Pascual R. V., Gochioco L. M., Sun Y., Mecham B. B., 2002. 3D wave equation PSDM optimizes and improves imaging of subsalt prospects. The Leading Edge (12), 1224—1226.
Liu G., Liu Y., Ren L., Meng X., 2013. 3D seismic reverse time migration on GPGPU. Computers & Geosciences 59, 17—23.
Noris M. W., Falchney A. K., 2002. SEGY rev1 Data Exchange, format 1. Tulsa, OK: Society of Exploration Geophysicists. 49 p.
Rajasekaran S., McMechan G. A., 1995. Prestack processing of land data with complex topography. Geophysics 60, 1875—1886.
Sheriff R. E., 2002. Encyclopedic Dictionary of Applied Geophysics. Tulsa, OK: Society of Exploration Geophysicists. 402 p.
Zhang W., Wong Y., 2010. Efficient parallel hybrid computations for three-dimensional wave equation prestack depth imaging. International Journal of Numerical Analysis and Modeling 7, 373—391.
Zhu J., Lines L. R., 1998. Comparison of Kirchhoff and reverse-time migration methods with applications to prestack depth imaging of complex structures. Geophysics 63 (4), 1166—1176.
How to Cite
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3. Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access). | <urn:uuid:d5c7b15d-bc82-4f4a-a812-99a673908c96> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | http://journals.uran.ua/geofizicheskiy/article/view/107721 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882573623.4/warc/CC-MAIN-20220819035957-20220819065957-00677.warc.gz | en | 0.778545 | 1,369 | 2.109375 | 2 |
Research Methods and Research Management
1) Title – brief, self-explanatory. It is a good idea to clearly identify the topic as a main heading and then say what kind of study it is, whether an evaluation, a case study, a comparative study or a review of the literature. You might want to present your title as a form of question to be answered.
2) Summary – the summary should be two/three paragraphs long. You should begin with a definition of key terms and give some background to the topic area. You should highlight key academic references (particularly seminal studies) and its relevance to key policy changes and/or key debates in criminology and related disciplines. You should establish the gap in existing knowledge and the interest, importance and relevance of the chosen topic to your wider field of study. Finally, make clear what kind of study you are going to conduct and briefly state the methodology you intend to use. Think of the summary as an abstract for an article – it summarises your whole proposal. An amended version of this – with your key findings – will form the basis for the abstract to your final dissertation. (One side of A4 maximum.)
3) Aims – clear and succinct. Each aim should be no more than a sentence and in a sentence format. Stick to one or two aims only. The aim should begin with words such as ‘to critically examine’, ‘to critically evaluate’, ‘to critically explore’, and so on.
4) Objectives – clear and succinct. Each objective should be no more than a sentence. You can have a number of objectives that will help you fulfil your aim(s).
5) Why is this research worth doing? – begin this section with a short background to the topic area. You need to establish the gaps in existing knowledge and link it with the importance/timeliness/relevance of your proposed research area (for example, link it to key policy changes or political and popular concerns). There may be a relative lack of research on the issue. Add a sentence or two as to the benefits of your study (for example, who may benefit from it and how). Also, will it advance knowledge? Are there any potential practical applications?
6) Previous work – you can draw on the findings from your literature review assignment here. However this section only highlights what you have learned from your review – it does not simply reproduce a section of it. The purpose of this part of the proposal is to make the case for your research project with the backing of what is already known and by identifying under-researched areas, or even gaps in the research literature. Once you have completed the review take the time to link it to the aim of your study (two sides of A4 maximum).
7) Theory – what theoretical perspectives have been taken on your topic? What is your starting point on this? This could be included within your literature review. You may wish to focus more on the theory to do with the research topic or theory as it relates to how you go about your research. In the latter case, theory could be included with the design and methods section.
8) Design and methods – clearly specify what type of research design you propose, as well as any specific method(s) of data collection. If you are doing literature-based research specify clearly how you will go about your search and differentiate between reviewing other research and documentary analysis. Spend time detailing what you intend to do. This will help your supervisor understand what you wish to accomplish with the study.
9) Ethics – go through the ethical issues outlined in chapter three as a reminder of what you need to consider. Apply these ideas to the chosen project.
10) Timetable – specify month and year(s) and hours/days available for the research. One side of A4 maximum – a table or diagram is fine. (I have about 6 months).
11) Resources with costs – some research may cost very little apart from your time but remember to include postage and phone calls as well as travel. You may need to travel to use a specialist library or buy books and so on. (Half a side A4 is enough – a table itemising any resources needed.) | <urn:uuid:5d4a1d4f-289e-443f-8b8f-9f0fc04d9e38> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://assignmentfreelancers.com/research-methods-and-research-management/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882572286.44/warc/CC-MAIN-20220816090541-20220816120541-00276.warc.gz | en | 0.939597 | 873 | 2.234375 | 2 |
Baystate’s New Beginnings: Raising Healthy Babies, One Family at a Time
“When you’re pregnant you read all of the books, take your classes and you think you know what to expect, then you give birth and you have things happen that you don’t expect, said Jordan LeMarier, looking back on the birth or her first child. Today, the new mother of two children credits The Baystate’s New Beginnings program with helping her build confidence as a parent.
“As a first time mother, it was great to have the Baystate’s New Beginnings program there to help,” she added.
The Baystate’s New Beginnings is a program out of the Parent Education Department that helps support parents of newborns. Jordan, like all mothers who deliver at Baystate Wesson Woman’s Hospital, was offered the free service after giving birth at the hospital.
Officially launched in September 2013, the program was inspired by a recent USDA study that looked at breastfeeding and childhood obesity rates, information on baby behavior and the direct link between the post-partum health of mother and baby.
“After learning about that study at a Baystate-sponsored conference, we thought about how to use that information to help support our patients,” said Emily Osborne, Parent Educator for the Baystate’s New Beginnings program. “Prior to the program there were only prenatal classes available for expectant parents, but we realized a small number were taking them so we decided to create the program,” she added.
The program not only focuses on what is going on day-by-day with the baby but also targets the new mom, what is happening in her body and her emotional recovery.
“When you’re a new parent you’re exhausted and so overwhelmed,” said Osborne. “Our goal is to help support new parents as well as address any concerns.” She added.
What to expect?
A parental educator checks-in with all new families one to two days after birth.
“We stop by and give you the New Beginnings guide. The calendar resource guide goes day-by-day for the first two weeks and then weekly after that with what to expect during the first three months of the newborn’s life,” said Osborne. “We also address her partner or family and how they can help support mom during her recovery, things she should look out for or be concerned about and how to contact us if she does have any concerns,” she added.
“The whole thing was a blur, but I remember feeling a little overwhelmed and that’s when they gave us the calendar, pamphlets with information and asked us if we had any questions. That really helped,” said Jordan.
The parent educator also offers to take your baby’s footprint that they put in the New Beginnings booklet as a keepsake.
“I remember the first time I met Emily, we knew her as the foot print lady,” said Jordan. It was nice to be able to ask her questions, she also asked for our phone number so she can check in on us later,” she added.
This program is unique because it focuses on normal newborn behavior.
”Most new parents feel like they have no idea how to figure out what they’re baby needs and wants,” said Osborne.
All newborns have similar behaviors. Knowing what these behaviors are and what they mean gives new parents the tools and know-how to respond to their baby. This will keep the baby from crying, helping parents build their self-confidence and cut down on stress at home. If new parents are constantly feeling stressed, overwhelmed and sleep deprived it can lead to other complications.
Post-Partum Screening and Follow-up Care
In addition to the calendar booklet and footprint keepsake, each mother is also screened for perinatal mood complications. Post-partum depression and anxiety are the most common complications of childbirth. One in seven women will experience it some point in the first year.
“In 2015 we started screening all moms after delivery when they are still in the hospital. This helps give us an idea of which moms may at risk,” said Osborne. “If the mom is experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, it can have an effect on her baby and her family,” she added.
In addition to screening in the hospital, educators also do a follow up phone call to check-in and see if there are any concerns.
“A few days after we left the hospital, Emily called us asked how we were doing and if we needed any lactation support, if we had any concerns about the baby or if we had any questions,” said Jordan.
The phone call serves as a check-in for new parents to address the challenges of the first week or two at home. It also gives the educators a chance to determine if the new mom may need additional support or resources, especially with regard to postpartum depression/anxiety.
“The hope is to give them the tools and support to cope through the challenging days and weeks then we can help protect her against any risks,” said Osborne.
Jordan not only took advantage of the footprint keepsake service and follow up phone call, she also registered for some of the other services offered by the Parent Education Department.
“I took the second part of the lactation class that went along with the first one I took while I was pregnant,” said Jordan. “ It really gave me a better understanding of how to feed and care for my baby and the benefits of breastfeeding,” she added.
Jordan says the program wasn’t only helpful in the months following her son’s birth; she still uses the program as a resource today.
“I not only continued to refer to my New Beginnings booklet, I also follow that Baystate Children’s Hospital and New Beginnings Facebook pages for regular posts about babies and raising a healthy family,” said Jordan. “Even after having my second child, I find the program to be very helpful.”
The Parent Education department offers a multitude of free classes and support groups to help parents keep a healthy balanced home life. They include everything from breastfeeding support to help for mothers with post-partum depression and anxiety to play groups.
“We do several ongoing groups that meet either weekly or twice a month. Anyone can attend and we encourage everyone to bring their children,” said Osborne. All of the classes and groups are facilitated by a parent educator or lactation consultant.”
Today, Jordan’s son is two-years-old and is now a big brother. Jordan says she looks forward to utilizing the program to help her learn how to cope with two children.
“I look forward to checking out some of the groups they offer,” said Jordan. “It’ll be great to be around other mothers who understand what you’re going through raising a toddler and a newborn,” she added.
For more information on The Baystate’s New Beginning Program, or to register for classes, or support groups call 413-794-BABY(2229). | <urn:uuid:06c0e231-fbb2-4b69-b382-1ac4501f8e0a> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | https://www.baystatehealth.org/patients/patient-stories/womens-health/jordan-lemarier-new-beginnings | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560281162.88/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095121-00529-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.968706 | 1,532 | 1.867188 | 2 |
Arthritis & Rheumatism, Volume 63,
November 2011 Abstract Supplement
Abstracts of the American College of
Rheumatology/Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals
Annual Scientific Meeting
Chicago, Illinois November 4-9, 2011.
Lesser Toe Deformities Are Highly Heritable in Older Men and Women: The Framingham Foot Study.
Hannan1, Marian T., Hsu1, Yi-Hsiang, Casey2, Virginia A., Vadali2, Gouri, Jordan3, Joanne M.
Foot disorders affect 2060% of adults and are often linked to physical limitations. Although genetics are commonly suspected in foot disorders, only two studies have been done: a family aggregation study showing that family history of hallux valgus may have an autosomal dominant transmission, and our work in 2010 that reported high heritability of hallux valgus and pes cavus. To our knowledge, no other studies have examined foot disorders and genetics in humans. Our purpose was to examine further heritability of several common foot conditions, linking data on specific foot disorders to a wealth of genetic data in the community-based Framingham Study, using their pedigree structure.
The Framingham Foot Study (n=2179 participants examined in 20022005) was designed to examine common foot disorders and functional limitations. A trained examiner used a validated foot exam to assess specific foot disorders in participants. Genotyping has been obtained in 959 men and 1220 women. We estimated overall, sex-specific and age (< 60, 60+y) heritability of lesser toe deformities (hammer toes, claw toes, overlapping toes), heel fat-pad atrophy (present/absent), forefoot fat-pad atrophy (present/absent), and pes planus in the Framingham participants. Pes planus was defined using a digital recording of foot pressure while walking (MatScan device, Tekscan, Inc. Boston MA), that allowed calculation of the ratio of arch width (medial to lateral, to nearest 0.01 cm) to heel width. Pes planus (present/absent) was defined as either foot as having a weight-bearing arch width >= 75% of the heel width (previous work showed that this cut-point encompassed those with clinician impression of flat feet). We estimated heritability of the foot conditions by a standard quantitative genetic variance-components model implemented in the Sequential Oligogenic Linkage Analysis Routines (SOLAR) package.
Mean age was 66y (range 3999y); 57% were female. The prevalence of lesser toe deformities was 35% (753 toe deformity cases with available pedigree structure). The overall heritability of lesser toe deformities was 0.79 for women and 0.61 for men (both p-value < 0.01) and 0.56 for both sexes combined (p= 4 × 10-7) For persons aged < 60y, the heritability was 0.63. The prevalence of heel fat-pad atrophy was 13%, of forefoot fat-pad atrophy was 30%, and of pes planus was 8%. Of these foot conditions, none showed significant heritability overall or by group. Thus, only lesser toe deformities were highly heritable for both men and women.
This study reveals new findings in an area that has received little attention, yet is critically important to general populations. We documented for the first time, the high heritability (strongly suspected by many) of a structural foot disorder phenotype: lesser toe deformities. As foot disorders are common, it is important to identify those at high risk, as effective interventions exist. Also, especially for lesser toe deformities, identification of individuals close to onset may lessen the impact of foot disorders or prevent development of physical limitations. Genome-wide association analyses are planned to identify potential genetic determinants for this common foot disorder.
To cite this abstract, please use the following information:
Hannan, Marian T., Hsu, Yi-Hsiang, Casey, Virginia A., Vadali, Gouri, Jordan, Joanne M.; Lesser Toe Deformities Are Highly Heritable in Older Men and Women: The Framingham Foot Study. [abstract]. Arthritis Rheum 2011;63 Suppl 10 :1555 | <urn:uuid:dba9420f-b009-4eaf-9e7a-0b007ac09485> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/acrmeeting/abstract.asp?MeetingID=781&id=96295 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560280730.27/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095120-00253-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.911947 | 898 | 1.726563 | 2 |
At my job, I have to pay $600 a month out of my paycheck for my family’s health insurance. That seems like a lot. The plan is decent, but I’m wondering if I could get a similar plan on my own and pay less. What do you think?
Squeezing Every Nickel
Dear Squeezing Every Nickel,
I sincerely doubt that you would pay less on your own for a plan that would be similar to your employer’s plan. The reason is your employer buys what is called a “group plan” (or “small group plan” if there are fewer than 50 employees). The insurance carrier knows that most employees and families will join the group plan; in fact, if less than a certain percentage of employees join, the carrier can adjust the cost. The carrier can, therefore, set the plan cost knowing that it will have some sick people and some healthy people. In the end, it will balance out and the carrier will make some profit.
The same is not true for plans that you buy on your own. These are called “individual” or “non-group” plans. The carrier knows that people who buy these plans are more likely to need medical care. Therefore, the rates for individual plans count on more sick people and are higher – a great deal higher.
Young people, say under age 40, may be able to find an individual plan that costs less than their employer’s plan. However, they are unlikely to find a plan that has the same features, co-pays, and deductibles as their employer’s plan. Group plans, overall, have more generous benefits than individual plans.
So you can take a look at other plans, but you may not find a better deal — at least not this year. In 2014, if federal health reform survives the Supreme Court decision, the market for non-group/individual plans may be very different. When almost everyone is required to have health insurance, there will be more people buying non-group plans. The insurer’s assumption about getting more sick people in these plans will change, and rates may go down. | <urn:uuid:1e045550-9caa-454a-a79e-265c46d715fd> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://healthunsurance.bangordailynews.com/2012/05/14/individual/finding-a-plan-cheaper-than-the-employers-plan/?ref=blogswidget | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560283008.19/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095123-00082-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.97116 | 449 | 1.796875 | 2 |
Charter backers can stop the NAACP moratorium — by meeting these four demands
Why that’s good for black people
nce the NAACP at its national convention voted on a resolution that placed a moratorium on charter schools, the backlash from charter advocates has been angry, well-financed and sometimes just plain mean leading up to a vote of ratification by the national board, which occurred this past weekend.
By singling out the NAACP with multiple editorials, protests and letter-writing campaigns, the charter lobby threw cheap shots at one of our most historic civil rights organizations with the intent to rally the charter base. But charter backers didn’t stop the NAACP from ratifying its moratorium; they didn’t shame them into submission.
Now, the only way that charter advocates can get the moratorium removed is for charter operators to meet the NAACP’s demands. And that’s good for black people.
Join the conversation later on Andre Perry’s radio show, “Free College,” hosted Tuesdays onWBOK1230in New Orleans at 3pm Central/4pm Eastern504.260.9265.
In a statement, the NAACP outlined four demands that if met would remove the moratorium.
First, that charter schools are subject to the same transparency and accountability standards as public schools.
Second, that public funds are not diverted to charter schools at the expense of the public school system.
Third, charter schools must cease expelling students that public schools have a duty to educate.
Fourth, they must cease to perpetuate de facto segregation of the highest performing children from those whose aspirations may be high but whose talents are not yet as obvious.
Are these not reasonable goals? Given some of the illogical attacks hurled at the NAACP, don’t expect charter groups to use the moratorium as an opportunity to improve the sector. | <urn:uuid:013ed100-129a-4b1f-8378-f8ab0b3099f3> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2016/10/charter-backers-can-stop-naacp.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560280587.1/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095120-00567-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.950957 | 381 | 1.921875 | 2 |
Is the German apprenticeship system a panacea for the U.S. labor market?
This paper explores the structure of incentives undergirding the German system of apprenticeship training. We first describe characteristics of the German labor market which may lead firms to accept part of the cost of general training, even in the face of worker turnover. We then compare labor market outcomes for apprentices in Germany and high school graduates in the United States. Apprentices in Germany occupy a similar position within the German wage structure as held by high school graduates in the United States labor market. Finally, we provide evidence that - in both countries - the problem of forming labor market bonds is particularly acute for minority youth. JEL classification: J24, J31, J60
Volume (Year): 10 (1997)
Issue (Month): 2 ()
|Note:||Received: July 4, 1996 / Accepted February 4, 1997|
|Contact details of provider:|| Web page: http://www.springer.com|
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If references are entirely missing, you can add them using this form. | <urn:uuid:a620a1ca-ac31-4d76-9941-ed6ab30127d0> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | https://ideas.repec.org/a/spr/jopoec/v10y1997i2p171-196.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560281331.15/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095121-00223-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.869463 | 354 | 2.046875 | 2 |
One afflicts mostly American citizens, disproportionately those of African American and Latino backgrounds from areas of concentrated poverty, but also many white and middle class citizens who fall into the hands of police and prosecutors. The other afflicts exclusively non-citizens living in the U.S. without federal authorization or in violation of the terms of their permission.
One results in people being kept in prisons for years and decades at a time. The other often starts with detention that looks and feels a lot like imprisonment, and then culminates in the person’s forcible removal from the U.S. to a country in which they hold formal nationality but may have few or no connections and often face grave dangers.
One is driven largely by state and local officials, with considerable encouragement and support from the federal government. The other is driven by the federal government, with considerable encouragement and support from state and local governments (although now also increasingly some opposition).
One is considered punishment for crimes. The other is consider a civil action to protect the national integrity of the U.S. But despite these differences mass incarceration and mass deportation are off-spring of a common source, the U.S. political system’s broad turn toward race-tinged fear, violence and coercion to govern American society since the 1970s (or what I call “governing through crime“). What follows are some common features.
- Both mass incarceration and mass deportation are rationalized on the basis that they are primarily necessary to keep Americans safe from violence. This persists despite the fact that violent crimes in most parts of American society are there lowest level in decades, few criminologists believe that mass incarceration played a significant role in reducing violence. And almost no credible evidence exits linking non-citizens here without federal permission to violence.
- Both mass incarceration and mass deportation are forms of governing that operate on masses, groups, classes, and races rather than individuals. They rely on racial profiling and rigid rules designed to remove the ability of judges or other officials to take individual or contextual circumstances into account.
- Both mass incarceration and mass deportation (therefore) systematically deny the human dignity of individuals and result in conditions of confinement and forced removal that have been repeatedly found to violate human rights obligations of the United States under international treaties such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights.
- Both mass incarceration and mass deportation deliver some of their most destructive effects to the family members of the individuals imprisoned or detained who find themselves denied parents, partners, and vital economic support despite having done broken no laws themselves. The spillover effects also diminish the freedom and dignity of whole communities who must move through life with their heads over their shoulder looking out for police or immigration enforcement officers.
- Both mass incarceration and mass deportation remain powerful engines of destruction, despite lack of visible public support, and despite tremendous fiscal costs largely because of political calculations that any deviation from rigid punitive policies will be risky, and the resistance of powerful financial interests with great lobbying ability to policy changes that would diminish the high profits they receive from servicing the prison complex and operating many of the immigration detention centers.
As we end a year in which President Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder have given important signals that they are aware of the moral and human destruction of both mass incarceration and mass deportation we must endeavor to produce the kind of grass roots social movement that will demand a full dismantling of both these legacies of the era of governing through crime.
As The New York Times reports in a story today on immigration (read it here) there is an increasingly visible protest movement against mass deportation. We need an equivalent movement against mass incarceration.
Cross-posted from Jonathan Simon’s blog Governing Through Crime. | <urn:uuid:e583a49f-0fb1-4895-a3a1-22f45d5246df> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://blogs.berkeley.edu/2013/12/23/mass-incarceration-mass-deportation-twin-legacies-of-governing-through-crime/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560280242.65/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095120-00070-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.945053 | 758 | 3.171875 | 3 |
Diabetic retinopathy is the most common form of diabetic eye disease. Diabetic retinopathy usually only affects people who have had diabetes (diagnosed or undiagnosed) for a significant number of years.
Retinopathy can affect all diabetics and becomes particularly dangerous, increasing the risk of blindness, if it is left untreated.
The risk of developing diabetic retinopathy is known to increase with age as well with less well controlled blood sugar and blood pressure level.
According to the NHS, 1,280 new cases of blindness caused by diabetic retinopathy are reported each year in England alone, while a further 4,200 people in the country are thought to be at risk of retinopathy-related vision loss.
All people with diabetes should have a dilated eye examination at least once every year to check for diabetic retinopathy.
What is diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy occurs when changes in blood glucose levels cause changes in retinal blood vessels. In some cases, these vessels will swell up (macular oedema) and leak fluid into the rear of the eye.
In other cases, abnormal blood vessels will grow on the surface of the retina.
Unless treated, diabetic retinopathy can gradually become more serious and progress from ‘background retinopathy’ to seriously affecting vision and can lead to blindness.
Diabetic retinopathy includes 3 different types:
What are the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy?
Like many conditions of this nature, the early stages of diabetic retinopathy may occur without symptoms and without pain. An actual influence on the vision will not occur until the disease advances.
Macular oedema can result from maculopathy and affect vision occurs if leaking fluid causes the macular to swell. New vessels on the retina can prompt bleeding, which can also block vision in some cases.
Symptoms may only become noticeable once the disease advances, but the typical symptoms of retinopathy to look out for include:
- Sudden changes in vision / blurred vision
- Eye floaters and spots
- Double vision
- Eye pain
Read more about the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy.
How is diabetic retinopathy caused?
Diabetic retinopathy is caused by prolonged high blood glucose levels. Over time, high sugar glucose levels can weaken and damage the small blood vessels within the retina.
This may cause haemorrhages, exudates and even swelling of the retina.
This then starves the retina of oxygen, and abnormal vessels may grow. Good blood glucose control helps to lower diabetes retinopathy risks.
Am I at risk from diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy risk factors include the following.
If any of the below affect you it’s worth having an retinopathy screening examination as quickly as possible.
- Poor blood glucose control
- Protein in urine
- High blood pressure
- Prolonged diabetes
- Raised fats (triglycerides) in the blood
Anyone suffering from diabetes faces the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy and other diabetes complications.
The longer a person has diabetes, the greater the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy becomes. However, keeping blood glucose levels well controlled can help to significantly slow down the development of retinopathy.
People with diabetes should, however, be aware that a rapid improvement in blood glucose levels can lead to a worsening of retinopathy. A rapid improvement in blood glucose levels in this case is defined as a drop in HbA1c of 30 mmol/mol or 3%.
Retinopathy occurs when blood vessels in the back of the eye, the retina, become damaged. When the blood vessels become damaged they can leak and these leaks can cause dark spots on our vision.
The main causes of retinopathy tend to be sustained high blood glucose levels and high blood pressure as well. Retinopathy can progress over years or decades depending on how good your blood glucose control is.
The good news is that because it takes a long time to develop, it can be spotted before it becomes too serious.
The symptoms of retinopathy tend to come on once retinopathy has been developing for some time. The symptoms present themselves as dark patches on your vision. You may not notice them at first but can be more noticeable if retinopathy is not picked up.
It’s important therefore that you attend your retinopathy screening each year.
People with diabetes should be screened in the UK once each year for retinopathy. A photograph is taken of the eye which allows the specialists to spot any signs of damage that may be present.
Screening appointments mean that the signs can be spotted well in advance of symptoms developing. In the early stages of retinopathy, no treatment is needed but it’s recommended that patients keep good control of their blood sugar levels.
If retinopathy develops laser surgery may be needed. Laser targets the problem blood vessels to prevent them from leaking. Other treatments for advanced retinopathy can include injections or vitrectomy surgery.
Are there any ways to prevent diabetic retinopathy?
Long-term good blood glucose level management helps to prevent diabetes retinopathy and lower the risk of developing it. Heart disease risk factors also affect retinopathy risk and include stopping smoking, having regular blood pressure and cholesterol checks and undergoing regular eye check-ups.
The risk of developing diabetic retinopathy can be lessened through taking the following precautions:
- Taking a dilated eye examination once a year
- Managing diabetes strictly through medicine, insulin, diet and exercise
- Test blood sugar levels regularly
- Test urine for ketone levels regularly
Can diabetic retinopathy be treated?
Laser surgery is often used in the treatment of diabetic eye disease, but each stage of diabetic retinopathy can be treated in a different way.
Background retinopathy has no treatment but patients will need regular eye examinations.
Maculopathy is usually treated with laser treatment (tiny burns that help to prevent new blood vessel growth and improve the nutrient and oxygen supply to the retina).
This is usually painless and has no side effects, but can influence night driving and peripheral vision.
This type of laser treatment for diabetic retinopathy will not improve vision, but it can prevent deterioration. Proliferative retinopathy is also treated with lasers, with a scattering over the whole retina. This destroys the starved area of the retina.
Serious diabetes retinopathy cases may require eye surgery.
This is usually diagnosed due to bleeding in the eye, late-stage proliferative retinopathy or ineffective laser treatment. This type of diabetic retinopathy eye surgery is called vitrectomy.
- Read more on treating retinopathy
Background retinopathy, also known as simple retinopathy, involves tiny swellings in the walls of the blood vessels. Known as blebs, they show up as small dots on the retina and are usually accompanied by yellow patches of exudates (blood proteins).
Background diabetic retinopathy requires regular monitoring by an ophthalmologist. It is therefore important to attend regular retinopathy screening appointments.
The macula is the most well used area of the retina and provides us with our central vision. Maculopathy refers to a progression of background retinopathy into the macular.
This can cause vision problems such as difficulty with reading and or seeing faces in the centre of your vision.
Proliferative retinopathy is an advanced stage of diabetic retinopathy in which the retina becomes blocked causing the growth of abnormal blood vessels.
These can then bleed into the eyes, cause the retina to detach, and seriously damage vision. If left untreated, this can cause blindness. If proliferative retinopathy is regularly monitored and treated, the development of retinopathy can help be limited and more severe damage may be prevented. | <urn:uuid:68f7b1ab-8e1d-4b3c-bc60-e7bf4b7933f9> | CC-MAIN-2016-44 | http://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-complications/diabetic-retinopathy.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2016-44/segments/1476988721027.15/warc/CC-MAIN-20161020183841-00549-ip-10-171-6-4.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.923158 | 1,631 | 3.515625 | 4 |
Socialist experiments all over the world have proven that central planning does not work. The governments can force you into their schemes, but they cannot deliver the goods. This is true even with simple goods like food. And yet today, the whole world has central planning of money and credit – central banks.
The gold standard is a free market in money and credit. It is the absence of central planning and the laws that force people to participate. It is a return to respecting inalienable individual rights, including the right of property, and the right of contract.
It might be argued that people might choose to use seashells as money, or crude oil and other commodities. With the gold standard, anyone who wanted to try those other things would be free to try. No one should be forced to give or receive gold. However, it is important to acknowledge that whenever people have had the right to choose their money, they have chosen gold. Over thousands of years, gold has been selected for its unique physical properties, and economic circumstances. Even today, with gold officially banished from the monetary system in every country, people still treat gold as money (please click on the previous link for an explanation).
With the gold standard, people may deposit their gold in a bank for the sake of convenience or to earn interest. Or they could put in under the mattress instead. Merchants and creditors could choose to accept payment by paper notes and plastic cards, or not. Technology and markets constantly evolve and progress. People adopt new innovations to improve the quality of their lives.
Those who are interested will find more advanced material on this site, such as a full discussion of the theory and practice of the unadulterated gold standard. There is also a page addressing what the gold standard is not. The key point to take away is that the gold standard is about freedom. Each person should be free to decide what to keep, what to spend, whether to borrow or lend.
It is so simple an idea, and yet so many misunderstandings and distortions about it prevail. Let the free market work.
This is a slight adaptation of something written by Dr. Keith Weiener – President of the Gold Standard Institute US. July 2013 | <urn:uuid:d36eda69-2954-4005-9992-066703aef08f> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://goldstandardinstitute.net/about/what-is-the-gold-standard/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882571097.39/warc/CC-MAIN-20220810010059-20220810040059-00277.warc.gz | en | 0.967824 | 449 | 2.828125 | 3 |
It’s official – European countries have had enough of speeders and are getting the law book out against anyone pushing their luck. 15,549 drivers in the UK were fined more than £100 in 2013 and, since that time, the maximum fine for breaking the motorway speed limit has increased to £10,000 – hardly loose change.
Speed limits around Europe are set to fall, particularly in city centres, as populations increase but road capacity remains steadfastly tiny. 20mph limits are set to be introduced in areas of central London and a new multi-lane speed camera will police the motorways with renewed gusto, so you’ll need to be more careful than ever before.
With ever changing and ever decreasing speed limits, how can the modern motorist be sure they’re on the right side of the law? Well, of course, there’s no substitute for the driver’s observation but Ford thinks its new system might supplement this on the off-chance the driver is distracted.
Ford’s Intelligent Speed Limiter works in combination with the road-sign-recognition system to detect the limit on a stretch of road then prevent the driver from exceeding it. In poorly-lit or under-signed areas, the system utilises information from the sat-nav to figure out the speed limit and any specific driving conditions like ‘no overtaking’.
Modern cars have become incredibly good at blocking out the elements and keeping those in the cabin in a state of serenity. This means it’s easy to speed in some modern cars because they don’t struggle to achieve high speeds like older ones do. Ford says its system takes the stress out of driving because it reassures the driver their licence is safe.
The system functions between 20 and 120mph and, if the driver exceeds the posted limit, the system cuts fuel to the engine to slow the car. This, says Ford, is smoother than employing the brakes and also limits brake wear. If the car cannot slow – on a downhill, for example – then the driver is warned to do so themselves.
Ford has released a video demonstrating the system in action:
Especially bloody-minded drivers can either disable the system or deactivate it with a firm press of the accelerator pedal. We don’t recommend this, however, because exceeding the limit is dangerous, illegal and just plain stupid. It’s also ungrateful, considering this advanced system is keeping you and your licence safe.
The Intelligent Speed Limiter makes its debut on the new S-Max people carrier that’s available to order now. It joins tech such as collision-mitigating braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot indication and self-parking assistance to make driving the S-Max, and Fords in general, as relaxing as possible.
We know – modern cars are packed with more gadgets than you can shake a selfie stick at. Check out our preview of the upcoming S-Max and take a look at our car deals page for our latest discounts and our car configurator to see how much you could save on your dream car. | <urn:uuid:1e4a2fe8-381c-4115-8f65-fef9786f74e7> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | https://www.carwow.co.uk/news/Ford-intelligent-speed-limiter-revealed-1848 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560282202.61/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095122-00558-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.94823 | 647 | 1.835938 | 2 |
Please understand the difference between motivation and (best) intentions. You want to be working with your motivation rather than your intentions. Intentions are sweet. They mean well. But it is too easy to shrug off responsibility by saying, ‘… sorry, but I meant well. It didn’t happen, but I hoped it would.’ Meaning well is not good enough. It is like making a promise that you have no intention of keeping. It is admirable, because you are thinking with your heart, but it is simply not good enough. You have to understand the why of doing something. Then you will know your motivation. When you know your motivation you can decide straight away if it is pure, or not. Your motivation needs to be pure. Whatever it is that you are doing. Pure motivation makes magic, miracles happen.
When you operate from a place of openness, of trust, you will see that your world becomes lighter and easier to manage. Things begin to happen the way you need them to happen. When you trust the universe, Nature, Karma, The Spirits, The Dead, Providence, God, the gods, Buddha, Krishna, Jesus, yourself, your mind, your soul or Allah, whomever, whatever – you will find that your purpose on this planet becomes clearer to you. It is through trusting that you learn to let go. Letting go shows you a clearer picture of who it is that you are, it is a process that defines you. There is a part of yourself that you must let go of each time you share of yourself, each time you tell another person your secrets. And we all have secrets – do not pretend for one minute that there is not something in your life you would rather no-one knew. Secrets are fine – if you feel safer keeping them – just do not lie to yourself about who you truly are. Trust that your heart knows only pure motivation. You have to act with pure motivation when you have opened your life to another. That is best for both of you. You have to be aware of the world around you flooding into that opening, when you open up. When you choose to open your heart you will be physically affected. The body responds in kind. It is most important to evaluate your whys when you do what you do. When you understand your whys you will feel empowered to act for the right reasons and be brave enough to follow your heart without fearing or feeling vulnerable. Know there is no point in acting for a bad reason – karma will kick you for that.
Motivation is a driving force that affects every single one of us, every single day. You will either be bothered, or you won’t. If you won’t be bothered about anything: about life, about people, about animals, about the environment, about your state of mind – then you need to change your life. There is no question. You have to find something to be bothered about. Even if it is just staying alive. A lot of people have that bother. Life does not inspire in them much enthusiasm for living. A lot of people exist in this limbo-land between living and not-living. There is a fine line between alive and dead, and a fine line between genius and madness. A very fine line. I think the world needs to wake up to the reality that schizophrenics on this planet are not called ‘revolving doors’ for nothing. In and out, in and out. Their consciousness. They are not in control of their aspects, at all. Their minds are bent by hallucination, their realities warped by the projections of their minds. They believe everything their minds tell them, which is a worry. Like those who drink to blackout. Where is your consciousness during that time and what is driving you – purely your subconscious? It is interesting. People are interesting when they substance-abuse. I think this world needs to wake up to the fact that there are a lot of young people – in fact, a lot of people – escaping this reality because they find it intolerable. Would the governments not be serving us better if they tidied up the reality? The reality we find ourselves faced with is flawed. Flawed is not a train-smash. It can be fixed. We just have to be bothered to fix it. | <urn:uuid:b904bece-4c81-414d-b122-1648815329c8> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://cjbirch.com/tag/jesus/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882571284.54/warc/CC-MAIN-20220811103305-20220811133305-00465.warc.gz | en | 0.974197 | 880 | 1.898438 | 2 |
The Environmental Justice Journalism Initiative seeks to create a more engaged and informed community around environmental inequities and to address them to build a more equitable future. We are working with students to help them produce high-quality investigative work and connect them with resources for careers in a variety of fields that touch on environmental justice.
These stories – and the corresponding pleas for a more equitable future – are often untold. The local media in many cities is a shadow of what it once was, and the reporters who remain are often focused on big environmental policy decisions.
Over the years, we have heard the trope that Black people do not care about the environment and do not appreciate the outdoors. We know nothing could be further from the truth. In the history of the Chesapeake Bay, where we are based, Black Americans were among the most prolific fishermen, oystermen, farmers, and hunters. The pandemic has brought great diversity to our outdoor spaces, and has shown the value those close-to-home parks and preserves have for all of us. We believe communities have stories to tell about these spaces, and the threats to them.
The Environmental Journalism Justice Initiative aims to teach high school students the skills that journalists need but that they could apply to a multitude of careers, including public-interest law, marine science, city planning, environmental activism, and of course also reporting and editing. The world needs more journalists, but it also needs professionals across disciplines with investigative stills and an ability to connect current problems in science and policy to past decisions. We seek to teach students we will work with on how to obtain information and construct a narrative, be it for video, audio, or a printed piece, We also seek to connect students with various opportunities for mentoring and career development so they can chart their own course. | <urn:uuid:4040ad6d-1f68-4ec3-819d-c3ae5a1638cb> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | http://ejji.org/about/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882571150.88/warc/CC-MAIN-20220810070501-20220810100501-00678.warc.gz | en | 0.966248 | 362 | 2.875 | 3 |
It seems almost silly to try and say anything new about Breaking Bad at this point. Nevertheless, here I go.
Vince Gilligan has repeatedly described Breaking Bad as an exercise in character, in which he set out to see if he could, “turn Mr. Chips into Scarface.” Except that description is not entirely accurate. If anything, Breaking Bad is about how every one of us has both a little Mr. Chips and a little Scarface inside. If Walt simply went from good to bad, the show wouldn’t be the complex and nuanced piece of television we all regard it as. Perhaps the most surprising thing about this last season has been the traces of kindness that have emerged, even as Walt has sunk deeper and deeper into darkness.
However, Breaking Bad is about that darkness, make no mistake. While it has touched upon social issues such as the war on drugs, America’s great recession, and the pitfalls of our modern healthcare system, Breaking Bad has a much more timeless theme. The exploration of good and evil in every man, and the tragic consequences of what happens when the evil overtakes the good, is as old as Greek tragedy. In this sense, the show is akin to The Wire. But when it comes right down to it, although the two have similar themes, Vince Gilligan isn’t the political firebrand that David Simon is. If Simon wanted to show what’s wrong with our social systems, Gilligan wanted to show what’s wrong with ourselves.
In this sense, Breaking Bad is much more similar to the other two dramas that have defined the last ten years of television, The Sopranos and Mad Men. All three shows are about individualism versus the social contract, and how the inner lives of human beings are constantly at odds with the outside world. And perhaps more importantly, all three shows are about the idea that no one is just one thing. Tony Soprano isn’t just a mobster; he’s also a father and a husband. Don Draper isn’t just a con man; he’s also a workaholic and a leader. Unsurprisingly then, Walter White isn’t just a drug lord; he’s also a teacher and a scientist.
But perhaps where Breaking Bad jumps ahead of the pack is that while we always knew Tony Soprano and Don Draper had sinister elements to their makeup, we used to think Walt was a pretty great guy. Hell, in some ways it’s hard not to still think of him that way. One of Gilligan’s masterstrokes is that every horrible thing Walter White does is all the harder to watch because at the beginning of the show it was so impossible not to root for him. Now, as the show comes to a conclusion, the heartbreaking fact is that we’ve been watching the disintegration of one man’s soul. Walter White is probably the most extreme antihero in recent years, because it remains difficult not to see him as a guy who is just trying to help his family. But since his ambition has taken the place where his compassion should be, it’s impossible not to conclude that Heisenberg has killed Walter White; in other words, goodbye Mr. Chips, say hello to Scarface.
Many people are already calling Breaking Bad the greatest show of all time. A recent Forbes article suggests this is largely because you can see that Vince Gilligan has been building to something from the show’s beginning. This is not entirely accurate though, since Gilligan has actually admitted that there was no end game for the Breaking Bad when he started out, and that he and his fellow writers planned each individual season one at a time as the show went on. This actually makes Breaking Bad all the more impressive when you consider that Gilligan and company did what Lost and so many other shows couldn’t. Not that they were winging it exactly, but that they didn’t have all the details worked out ahead of time, proves just how masterful Vince Gilligan and his fellow writers on the show really are.
But by now, it’s clear that the story is building to an intricately planned conclusion. It’s hard to gage anything accurately when you’re still in it, but if the series finale is as good as everyone is expecting, it’s entirely possible that Breaking Bad will end up holding the title of television’s greatest masterpiece, at least for awhile. But regardless of where it’s actually ranked in the pantheon of classic TV, it now seems impossible that Breaking Bad could be regarded as anything from here on out but one of the absolute best stories ever to grace the small screen.
The series finale of Breaking Bad airs tonight. Here are my picks for the top ten episodes.
10) “Fly” (Season 3, Episode 10)
“Fly” is probably my strangest pick for this list, and also the most unconventional offering Breaking Bad has ever aired. A bottle episode, “Fly” is one of those odd instances where a great show gets some of their best results by doing something that deviates slightly from the larger story. Other examples would be Mad Men’s “The Suitcase” (another bottle episode) or The Sopranos’s “Join the Club” (an episode built around an extended fantasy/dream sequence). It’s true that “Fly” is the least exciting episode in Breaking Bad’s otherwise wall-to-wall action-packed third season. The fact that it aired the same night as the Lost finale, another great yet tonally completely different piece of television, probably didn’t help either.
But “Fly” is important because it sets up one of the show’s most important themes: one little thing can bring your life crashing down around you. We see it time and time again in Breaking Bad (the second cell phone, Gale’s notebook, Jane’s death, which leads to the plane crash.) In “Fly,” Walt begins to understand that no matter how smart or how determined he is, one little thing may ultimately be his undoing. This episode also contains Walt’s startling confession that, “I’ve lived too long. You want them to actually miss you.” This goes back to another key theme of the show, survival. “Fly” looks at human beings’ animalistic need (represented by the fly itself, as well as Jesse’s monologue about the opossum) to fight for survival at all costs. And although Walt says here that he’s lived too long, his actions throughout the rest of the show demonstrate that he feels otherwise.
9) “Pilot” (Season 1, Episode 1)
Although not as perfectly cohesive as the rest of Breaking Bad’s five seasons (you can blame the writer’s strike for that), the show’s freshman seven episodes contain some of the most indelible moments in its entire run. Consider the first time Walt is forced to take a life (Krazy 8), Bryan Cranston’s hauntingly beautiful delivery of Walt’s speech about why he doesn’t want his cancer treated, and the explosion that “Heisenberg” causes at Tuco’s drug den. Yet it is the pilot that remains the most important entry of the season. It’s one of the best first episodes of any show ever, and perfectly sets up everything you need to know for the next 60 episodes. Within Walt’s deceptively simple speech to his class, we get what might be the most important piece of dialog in all of Breaking Bad: “Chemistry is the study of matter. But I prefer to see it as the study of change.”
It’s been said that the best television shows always have a line that perfectly sums up what the show is about in the pilot. Walt’s declaration that chemistry is the “study of change” tells us everything we need to know about him right there. This simple, humble, good-natured man is going to change into something volatile, unstable, and dangerous. Moreover, the pilot doesn’t just set up the important ideas of the show, it also kicks things into high gear right off the bat. Is there a more iconic image out of all the TV from the last few years than Walter White in his underwear, holding a gun, out in the middle of the desert? In this episode’s ability to both thrill us and make us think, it was clear right away that Breaking Bad was going to be something more than your average television drama.
8) “Phoenix” (Season 2, Episode 12)
“Phoenix” is sort of the halfway point in the story of Walter White. Here, he could still have a chance at happiness, at providing a better future for his family. But then of course, he lets Jane die, and there’s no going back. The thing about “Phoenix” is that when Vince Gilligan originally pitched it, he had Walt taking a more active role in Jane’s death. But by making Walt a conscious standby, rather than a participator, we get a taste of his capacity for cruelty, without it overtaking his entire too soon character. Each season, Walt has gotten more and more evil, but in “Phoenix,” we see that he still wants to be good. He truly believes that this is not only the best thing for him, but for Jesse too. Here, we see that despite his horrific actions, or rather in this case, non-actions, Walt could still justify everything he was doing. Of course, it didn’t stay that way for long.
7) “Salud” (Season 4, Episode 10)
“Salud” is most likely the best episode of Breaking Bad (if not the only episode) that doesn’t focus primarily on Walter White. Gustavo Fring was always a fan favorite, but over the course of season four, he became so much more than just a menacing adversary for Walt. In “Salud,” we see that much like Walt himself, Fring has always had something to prove. And in the notorious tequila scene, by God, he proves it. It’s one of those episodes that Breaking Bad does in many ways better than any show, in which the immaculately crafted tension manifests not only in blistering action, but profound character choices.
6) “One Minute” (Season 3, Episode 7)
Forget the last scene; even before the brilliant conclusion to this episode, “One Minute” is a great piece of television. Hank, who has always been a foil to Walt, both in his imperfections and his convictions, sinks lower in this episode than he ever has before. Jesse confronts Walt, in one of his most gut-wrenching scenes, and tells him that because of their relationship his life has fallen apart (a sad truth that would become only more apparent as the show went on). And on the other side of the coin, Walt fights to maintain the pseudo-father/son relationship he has with Jesse by lobbying to get rid of Gale (a telling action, considering Gale’s ultimate fate later in the season). And yes, the last minute is one of the most stunningly edge-of-your-seat moments in the history of television. All of this makes for a rare 45 minutes of television that is exceedingly excellent.
5) “Full Measure” (Season 3, Episode 13)
If Walt letting Jane die was when he dipped his toes into being a true bad guy, it’s in “Full Measure,” when he orders Jesse to kill Gale, that he jumped right in. For me, this was it. I could like Walter White, I could be compelled by Walter White, and in some cases, I could even still root for Walter White. But I could never see him as a “good guy” again. Moreover, I decided that I wouldn’t be sad to see him reap what he sewed. I don’t know how the finale will go; maybe Walt will die, maybe he’ll go to jail, maybe he’ll get away with everything. And if he does get away with everything, I’ll be fine with that. But I won’t be disappointed if one of the former scenarios play out either. In forcing Jesse to kill Gale, he not only took one man’s life, but severely damaged Jesse too. “Full Measures” begins the corrosion of all the goodness left in Walt. From here on out, he could not be saved. Yet in many ways, we learn just as much about Walter White in the episode prior to this…
4) “Half Measures” (Season 3, Episode 12)
“Run” might be the best last line in the history of television. But even leading up to the heart-pounding final scene of “Half Measures,” it’s clear that Walt has begun to think about setting things in motion that he won’t be able to be undo. As Mike warns Walt not to go down the path he’s headed towards, looking back, it’s hard not to think that Walt was already set upon being the king. In “Half Measures,” he takes his first steps towards seizing Gustavo Fring’s power, this setting in motions the events that occur through the rest of the series. When Walt does decide to defy Gus, we know now that he wasn’t just doing it for Jesse, he was doing it for himself. Of course, part of Walt’s decision in the last scene of “Half Measures” is clearly made out of his desire to protect Jesse. Yet as a father figure, Walt isn’t a very good one. True, he does stand up for Jesse whenever possible, but he never does it without wanting something in return (see, the episode above this).
3) “Gliding Over All” (Season 5, Episode 8)
In many ways, the beginning half of season five of Breaking Bad is all rise, and the second half is all fall. Of course to be fair, the last few perfect seconds from “Gliding Over All” is really where the fall begins. But before that moment arrives, we see Walt expand his business, pull a Michael Corleone, and then decide to retire in the prime of his reign. This is Walter White at the seat of power. He has schemed, murdered, and worked his way to the top of the drug world. All who question the supreme power of his kingdom should beware his mighty wrath. And then Hank decides to take a dump in the wrong bathroom.
2) “Face Off” (Season 4, Episode 13)
“Face Off” is, quite simply, a work of genius. Never has there been a cat and mouse game on television quite like the one between Walter White and Gustavo Fring. Season four of Breaking Bad started out slow, especially compared to the breakneck pace of season three. But as the show’s protagonist and the season’s antagonist squared off over a meticulously plotted 13 episodes, it eventually became evident that Gilligan and the other writers were working towards something mind-blowing (literally). Although it was easy to see where things were going, it was impossible to guess how we were going to get there. As Walt moves to take away Gus’s crown, we see how ruthless both men are in their desire to win at all costs. Survival, ambition, and change; all of Breaking Bad’s major themes manifest brilliantly in this mind-bogglingly fantastic work of art. And if there was any question left that Walter White had become more Scarface than Mr. Chips, those doubts were assuaged when he poisoned a kid.
1) “Ozymandias” (Season 5, Episode 14)
I thought long and hard about whether to go with this as my pick for number one. Ultimately, my decision just came down to he simple truth that I had more to say about it than any of the others on this list. While it might be too early to judge where “Ozymandias” falls in the ultimate ranking of Breaking Bad episodes, it would also be impossible not to include it on this list. For me, right here, right now, it’s also impossible not to put it at number one. If “Gliding Over All” was Walt getting everything he wanted, “Ozymandias” is him losing it all. There is a great shot, towards the end of the episode, following Walt and Skyler’s knife fight, where Skyler and Jr. look up in horror at the man they once called husband and father. The camera drifts away slowly, before, cutting back to Walt’s bewildered face. It’s a tragic scene; while Walt may have stopped doing what he was doing just to help his family a long time ago, he doesn’t realize it till this very moment.
As his wife and child stare up at him in disbelief, he can no longer pretend that everything he did was worth it. He has lost his family, the one thing he cared about the most, and even worse, he knows that his actions were selfish and he’s gone too far to take them back. And yet, just as “Ozymandias” paints Walt pretty monstrously, it also reestablishes some of his humanity. His darkness manifests when he orders Uncle Jack to kill Jesse, and then again when he tells him right to his face that he let Jane die. Yet a shred of light still shines through when he tries to save Hank, and when he calls Skyler to ensure that the cops won’t implicate her in any of his criminal activities. Granted, that speech is brutal, and it’s hard not to assume he also meant at least part of what he said. Nevertheless, in spewing such hateful vitriol, Walt was making one final attempt to save his family.
Take the episode’s brilliant writing, combine it with all time high performances from the whole cast and delicate work from previous Breaking Bad director Rian Johnson, and you’ve got the show’s best episode (so far). The central themes to the poem from which the episode borrows it’s titles are that time contextualizes what he know, kings inevitably fall, and everything changes. And in Breaking Bad’s overarching message about life, these ideas could not be truer. | <urn:uuid:c35c10e7-8a19-45d8-b583-d4976e7465c0> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://www.heavemedia.com/2013/09/29/all-bad-things-come-to-an-end-the-ten-best-episodes-of-breaking-bad/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560282926.64/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095122-00401-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.975044 | 3,954 | 1.859375 | 2 |
Example of filtering and grouping data
This example demonstrates how data can be filtered and grouped during a transformation.
What we want to achieve
In addition it is explained how the filtered records/rows can be written to a separate CSV text file for additional processing by the .NET Script Heater. In this example we use the TextFile Adapter on both the READ (left) side and the WRITE (right) side. For input, a short CSV text file reads as follows.
1;1000;Description of product 1
2;2000;Description of product 2
2;2000;Remark about product 2
3;3000;Description of product 3
You will notice that in this CSV text file there are two data rows with a ProductCode value of 2. These are to be consolidated (grouped) by FlowHeater on the WRITE side into one row. The second description will be written into an extra field called "Supplement" on the WRITE side. As a further task we only want to process product groups of > (greater than) 1000.
This shows the ProductCode field is connected to the GroupBy Heater. Warning: for the GroupBy Heater to work properly you should ensure the incoming records/rows on the READ side are already in sorted order. If the records are not sorted by ProductCode, you can perform the additional sort needed using the Sort Heater prior to the transformation described here.
Here we can see the IF condition on the far left. A single condition of "if Group <= (less than or equal to) 1000" is specified. You can observe the condition if you double click on this IfThenElse Heater. When the condition is met, the value TRUE is output from the Heater and is first passed on to the .NET Script Heater. This will write any records/rows that are filtered out into a temporary file "%TEMP%FlowHeater.txt" by virtue of a few lines of dynamic C# .NET script. This Heater first inspects its first input parameter, the Boolean output (TRUE/FALSE) from the IfThenElse Heater, and if it is TRUE it copies all its other input parameters into the temporary file. Finally the .NET Script Heater passes on the first input parameter without change to the Filter Heater. This Heater decides whether the current record should be filtered (skipped) according to the Boolean value of TRUE. For any other value than TRUE the record is processed normally and continues to the WRITE side.
In this part we use the AutoID Heater with its grouping function enabled, so that each new group begins with a value of 1 and increments for each subsequent member of the same group. This value is passed on to two IfThenElse Heaters. The conditions of both Heaters are quite simple, "if input parameter = 1" and "if input parameter = 2". The first IfThenElse Heater outputs to the "Description" field (condition = 1) while the second Heater outputs to the "Supplement" field (condition = 2). | <urn:uuid:420622a3-265b-4526-8b29-82beae86ac4b> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | https://flowheater.net/en/examples/general/104-data-filter-and-groupby | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560281069.89/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095121-00264-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.863197 | 628 | 2.15625 | 2 |
Facebook Inc Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg is planning to unify the underlying messaging infrastructure of its WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook Messenger services and incorporate end-to-end encryption to these apps, the New York Times reported on Friday.
The three services will, however, continue as stand alone apps, the report said, citing four people involved in the effort.
Facebook said it is working on making more of its messaging products end-to-end encrypted, and considering ways to make it easier for users to connect across networks.
"There is a lot of discussion and debate as we begin the long process of figuring out all the details of how this will work," a spokesperson said.
After the changes, a Facebook user, for instance, will be able send an encrypted message to someone who has only a WhatsApp account, according to the NYT report.
End-to-end encryption protects messages from being viewed by anyone except the participants in the conversation.
(Reporting by Munsif Vengattil in Bengaluru; Editing by Shinjini Ganguli)
Join the CIO New Zealand group on LinkedIn. The group is open to CIOs, IT Directors, COOs, CTOs and senior IT managers. | <urn:uuid:41779260-bd29-4579-9798-6456407dd057> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://www2.cio.co.nz/article/656753/zuckerberg-plans-integrate-whatsapp-instagram-facebook-messenger-nyt/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882573163.7/warc/CC-MAIN-20220818033705-20220818063705-00070.warc.gz | en | 0.945792 | 250 | 1.601563 | 2 |
December 6, 2013: Strategy Page
Bangladesh has ordered two submarines from China. The specific type of sub was not mentioned but it was probably the Type 39 class, which is relatively modern and very similar to the Russian Kilo class that is a popular export item. This would be the first Chinese sale of their submarines and the Type 39 is the first successful Chinese designed and built submarine.
For over a decade China has been designing and building a rapidly evolving collection of "Song" (Type 39) class diesel-electric submarines that emphasize quietness and reliability. The changes have been so great that the latest seven Songs have been called Yuan class (Type 39A or Type 41). The original design (Type 39) first appeared in 2001, and 13 have been built. But in 2008, a noticeably different Type 39 appeared. This has been called Type 39A or Type 41 and is now accepted as a separate class. The evolution continued until there were seven "Type 41 Yuan Class" subs (of at least three distinct models). These latest models appear to have AIP (air independent propulsion system) along with new electronics and other internal improvements.
This rapid evolution of the Type 39 appears to be another example of China adapting Russian submarine technology to Chinese design ideas and new technology. China has been doing this for as long as it has been building subs (since the 1960s). But this latest version of what appears to be the Type 41 design shows Chinese naval engineers getting more creative. Two or more Yuans are believed to have an AIP that would allow them to cruise underwater longer. Western AIP systems allow subs to stay under water for two weeks or more. The Chinese AIP has less power and reliability and does not appear to be nearly as capable as Russian or Western models. The Chinese will keep improving on their AIP, just as they have done with so much other military technology.
The Songs look a lot like the Russian Kilo class and that was apparently no accident. The 39s and 41s are both 1,800 ton boats with crews of 60 sailors and six torpedo tubes. This is very similar to the Kilos (which are a bit larger). China began ordering Russian Kilo class subs, then one of the latest diesel-electric designs available, in the late 1990s. The first two Type 41s appeared to be a copy of the early model Kilo (the model 877), while the second pair of Type 41s appeared to copy the late Kilos (model 636). The latest Yuans still appear like Kilos but may be part of an evolution into a sub that is similar to the Russian successor to the Kilo, the Lada. The Type 39s were the first Chinese subs to have the teardrop shaped hull. The Type 41 was thought to be just an improved Song but on closer examination, especially by the Russians, it looked like a clone of the Kilos. The Russians now believe that the entire Song/Yuan project is part of a long-range plan to successfully copy the Kilo. If that is the case, it appears to be succeeding.
China currently has 13 Song class, 12 Kilo class, 7 Yuan class, and 18 Ming (improved Russian Romeo) class boats. There are only 4 Shang class and 3 Han class SSNs, as the Chinese are still having a lot of problems with nuclear power in subs. Despite that, the Hans are going to sea, even though they are noisy and easily detected by Western sensors. Five Hans were built (between 1974 and 1991) but 2 have already been retired. There are 4 newer Shang class SSNs in service, but these are still pretty noisy. The Song/Yuan class subs are meant to replace the elderly Mings. China is in the process of buying some even more advanced diesel-electric submarine technology from Russia for a new class of boats. | <urn:uuid:98db02b7-5264-4d2f-a9fe-deff3047c8d5> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | http://rpdefense.over-blog.com/2013/12/submarines-china-exports-for-the-first-time.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882573172.64/warc/CC-MAIN-20220818063910-20220818093910-00268.warc.gz | en | 0.973776 | 787 | 2.46875 | 2 |
symbol, hydrogen ion.
a membrane-bound enzyme occurring on the secretory surfaces of parietal cells that uses the energy derived from the hydrolysis of ATP to drive the exchange of ions across the cell membrane, secreting acid into the gastric lumen. Protons and chloride ions are pumped against gradients across the apical membranes of activated parietal cells into the gastric lumen in exchange for potassium ions. See also adenosine triphosphatase.
symbol for hydrogen ion. | <urn:uuid:ea317359-a8f7-4305-bac1-ee1d943c3a23> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/H+%2B | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560281574.78/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095121-00020-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.8344 | 106 | 3.03125 | 3 |
Managing Traditional & Social Media for Libraries
Due to technical difficulties it's necessary for this archived webinar to be posted in two parts.
For public library staff, dealing with the media can sometimes be rewarding, sometimes frustrating, sometimes exciting, sometimes daunting… but always necessary. This on-demand webinar covers the fundamentals of media planning and outreach—including social media—to prepare you to work with the media and generate attention that will support your library’s activities and advocacy efforts.
This webinar was an extension of the free PLA advocacy training program, Turning the Page 2.0.
Originally presented May 31, 2012.
At the conclusion of this on-demand webinar, participants will be able to:
- State the importance of media outreach in relationship to advocacy;
- Identify the difference between “traditional media” and “social media”;
- List the six key steps involved in traditional media outreach;
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Plato's Middle Period Metaphysics and Epistemology
Students of Plato and other ancient philosophers divide philosophy into three parts: Ethics, Epistemology and Metaphysics. While generally accurate and certainly useful for pedagogical purposes, no rigid boundary separates the parts. Ethics, for example, concerns how one ought to live and focuses on pleasure, virtue, and happiness. Since, according to Plato (and Socrates), virtue and happiness require knowledge, e.g., knowledge of goods and evils, Plato's ethics is inseparable from his epistemology. Epistemology is, broadly speaking, the study of what knowledge is and how one comes to have knowledge. Among the many topics included in epistemology are logic, belief, perception, language, science, and knowledge. (‘Science’ derives from the Latin ‘scientia’, which in turn translates the Greek ‘episteme’, from which English derives ‘epistemology’.) Integral to all of these notions is that they (typically) are directed at something. Words refer to something; perception (aesthesis in Greek) involves perceptibles; knowledge requires a known. In this respect, epistemology cannot be investigated without regard to what there is.
Metaphysics, or alternatively ontology, is that branch of philosophy whose special concern is to answer the question ‘What is there?’ These expressions derive from Aristotle, Plato's student. In a collection of his works, the most detailed treatise on the general topic of things that are comes after a treatise on natural things, ta phusika (from which English derives ‘physics’). Since the Greek for ‘after’ is meta, this treatise is titled ‘Metaphysics’. In that work one finds the famous formula that (first) philosophy studies being—the Greek for which is on—qua being. Hence the account of being is ‘ontology’—the English suffix ‘-ology’ signifying ‘study of’: e.g., biology is the study of living things.
Metaphysics, then, studies the ways in which anything that is can be said or thought to be. Leaving to sciences like biology or physics or mathematics or psychology the task of addressing the special ways in which physical things, or living things, or mathematical objects, e.g., numbers, or souls (minds) come to have the peculiar qualities each, respectively, has, the subject-matter of metaphysics are principles common to everything. Perhaps the most general principle is: to be is to be something. Nothing just exists, we might say. This notion implies that each entity/item/thing has at least some one feature or quality or property. Keeping at a general level, we can provisionally distinguish three factors involved when anything is whatever it is: there is that which bears or has the property, often called the ‘subject’, e.g., Socrates, the number three, or my soul; there is the property which is possessed; e.g., being thin, being odd, and being immortal; and there is the manner or way in which the property is tied or connected to the subject. For instance, while Socrates may be accidentally thin, since he can change, that is, gain and lose weight, three cannot fail to be odd nor, if Plato is correct, can the soul fail to be immortal. The metaphysician, then, considers physical or material things as well as immaterial items such as souls, god and numbers in order to study notions like property, subject, change, being essentially or accidentally.
- 1. The Background to Plato's Metaphysics
- 2. The Metaphysics of the Phaedo
- 3. The Nature of Forms: Self-Predication
- 4. The Simplicity of Forms
- 5. The Separation of Forms
- 6. The Range of Forms
- 7. The Deficiency of Particulars
- 8. Being and Partaking
- 9. Introduction to Plato's Epistemology
- 10. The Meno
- 11. Recollection in the Phaedo
- 12. The Epistemology of the Republic: The Two Worlds Doctrine
- 13. Sun, Line and Cave
- 14. The Development of Mind
- 15. The Method of Hypothesis
- 16. Conclusion
- Academic Tools
- Other Internet Resources
- Related Entries
Three predecessors heavily influenced Plato's thoughts on metaphysics and epistemology, Heraclitus (c. 540 B.C.–480–70), Parmenides (c.515 B.C.–449–40), and Socrates (470 B.C.–399). Only fragments remain of the writings of Parmenides and Heraclitus, including some contained in the dialogues of Plato. Socrates wrote nothing. Plato's depiction of his teacher is our primary source of evidence for his philosophy. Parmenides argued that there is and could be only one thing, Being. One could not even think or say what is not. Moreover, since change implies that something comes to be what it was not—I change from not being tan to being tan, nothing can change. Reality is static. The appearance of change is just that, a deceptive appearance. Unfortunately, what little we have left of Parmenides does not allow us to decide whether he argued that there is just one item, Being, in his universe—strict numerical monism—or whether there is just one kind of thing, beings or things that are. Parmenides' account of Being seems to have contributed to Plato's doctrine of Forms.
Heraclitus is the apostle of change. For Heraclitus, the ordinary objects of the physical world seem to be continually changing. The only constant, the underlying commonality, is the pattern of change itself. That there are entities that do not change is, for Heraclitus, an illusion. Heraclitus' notion of ‘flux’ seems to have influenced Plato's thinking about ordinary material objects.
In the opinion of most scholars, the seminal influence on all of Plato's thinking was Socrates. However, it appears from the writings of Plato, as well as those of the historian Xenophon and the comic poet Aristophanes, that Socrates was almost exclusively interested in ethics. This is not to say that metaphysical or epistemological issues were of no concern to him. Rather, these sources convey the impression that Socrates was not particularly interested in articulating a metaphysical or epistemological theory (see Vlastos 1991a). Rather, concerned with caring for the soul so that one might live happily (Apology 29d-30b), he uses both epistemological and metaphysical theses in search of answers to his ethical questions. However, it is not easy to distinguish when one is engaged in metaphysical theorizing from when is merely using metaphysical notions. The claim that Socrates was not a metaphysician or epistemologist is particularly hard to evaluate, for we have basically only Plato's dialogues as evidence. Since Plato uses Socrates as a mouthpiece in many of his writings, readers are forced to ask when or whether one is reading the doctrines of Socrates, or Plato, or neither. This ‘Socratic question’ is intimately involved with the question of Plato's development and the chronology of his dialogues.
In all likelihood, Plato wrote different dialogues at different times. We typically divide his writings into three periods. In the early ‘Socratic’ period, we find Apology, Crito, Euthyphro, Charmides, Ion, Lysis, Laches, Hippias Minor, Menexenus, Euthydemus and the Protagoras. The Hippias Major, Gorgias and perhaps the Meno belong to the end of this period, maybe with the Gorgias and more likely the Meno verging into the middle period. The middle period works include the Cratylus, Symposium, Phaedo, Republic and perhaps the Phaedrus. In the post-Republic phase we then find the Parmenides, Theaetetus, Sophist, Politicus, Timaeus, Philebus and Laws, along with the Critias. The Socratic dialogues, so-called because Socrates is always the chief interlocutor, are thought to present doctrines of Socrates himself. These are dialogues devoted to ethical inquiries into the virtues, e.g., what is courage, or what is justice? In contrast, the middle period dialogues are thought to present the views of Plato, though nonetheless Socrates remains the speaker. Here for the first time we find remarks about the immortality of the soul, about special entities called ‘Forms’ that exist outside of space and time and that are both the objects of knowledge and somehow the cause of whatever transpires in the physical world, and the doctrine of recollection, the thesis that the immortal soul, in a disembodied state prior to its incarceration in a body, viewed these Forms, knowledge of which is then recalled by incarcerated souls through a laborious process. Socrates, in the early Apology, is non-committal about the immortality of the soul. Similarly, in the early dialogues we find that Socrates, in keeping with the claim that he is neither a metaphysician nor epistemologist, has nothing to say about recollection and never explicitly appeals to Forms. It is thus in the middle period works that one locates Plato's first thoughts about epistemological and metaphysical issues. To those topics we shall turn shortly. But these are, in the eyes of many, just first thoughts; for the dialogues in the late period suggest changes to key ethical, epistemological and metaphysical doctrines found in these middle period works. Over the course of the last fifty years, scholars have debated whether and to what extent Plato changed his views. The debate has grown so involved that it is perhaps best not to worry whether anyone believes the extreme positions that, on the one hand, Plato conceived of every one of his major doctrines before he ever wrote, or, on the other hand, that he changed his mind on central theses from one dialogue to the next. Broadly speaking, those who maintain that Plato keeps to his central theses from one period to the next are Unitarians (see, for instance, Shorey 1903). Those who believe that he changes his views from one period to the next are Developmentalists (see, for instance, Owen 1986a). The most plausible position, and the perhaps the dominant position in the contemporary scholarship, is somewhere in the middle. About some theses, Plato, over the course of his writings, expands his thoughts, recognizes difficulties, and even changes his mind. About other theses he stands by his fundamental insights.
A prime example of the interpretative problems facing the student of Plato is the development of his most distinctive doctrine, the theory of Forms. Aristotle, in recounting Plato's intellectual development, reports that “Socrates was the first to seek the universal in ethical matters but that he did not separate it. Plato, marrying Socrates' philosophy with that of Heraclitus, separated the universal, on the grounds that the sensible order, where Socrates had focused, was in flux.” Plato, Aristotle tells us, called these separated universals ‘Forms’ (Metaphysics 1078b12–34). Universal is a technical notion in metaphysics: a universal is that which is predicable of many. It is meant to capture the intuition that a variety of things can all have the same feature or property. For instance, a bowling ball, a basketball, and a figure drawn on a blackboard can all be round. What many things have in common, or a feature they share, is a universal or, in Plato's terms, a Form. Of course there seems to be a huge number of properties. Many different things are white. Many different things are animals. Each (shared) property is a universal—a ‘one over many instances,’ whiteness over the many white things, roundness over the many round things, and so on. Thus, for Plato, Roundness and Whiteness are Forms. Following the lead of Aristotle, scholars have focused on what it means for Plato, in contrast to Socrates, to have separated his universals, the Forms. The starting point, then, for the study of Plato's metaphysics, is the Socratic dialogues and Socrates' investigation into universals of the ethical variety, namely Justice, Piety, Courage and others.
In the early dialogues, Socrates seeks these ethical universals through a distinctive mode of inquiry, the ‘elenchus’ (see Vlastos 1992; Kraut 1983). Elenctic inquiry is fundamentally a form of cross-examination, where Socrates tries to elicit from others their beliefs about matters of justice or piety, etc. Typically the result is that his interlocutors turn out to have an inconsistent set of beliefs about the virtues. At the heart of the Socratic elenchus is the ‘What is X’ question (where ‘X’ typically names an ethical property). The answers offered to these questions fail usually because they are too narrow or too wide. An answer is too narrow if it fails to include all cases. An answer is too wide if, while it includes all cases of, for instance, piety, it also includes other things, cases of justice or impiety. We can infer from these failed definitions a set of conditions Socrates places on an adequate answer to his ‘What is X’ questions. He is seeking an answer which picks out a Socratic Property, e.g., Piety, that is a universal such that: it is found whenever and wherever there is an instance of Piety; and it ‘causes’ or ‘makes’ the instance to be such as it is. Piety's power to make, e.g., Socrates, pious derives from Piety's itself being pious. Piety self-predicates: Piety is pious. Because it is pious, when Piety is present to/in Socrates, Piety causes Socrates to be pious. In the Socratic dialogues Plato does not distinguish the (metaphysical) way in which Socrates is pious from the way in which Piety is pious—in these dialogues there appears to be just one ontological predication relation. One has knowledge of a Socratic Property when she can give an account (logos) that says what X is, that is, when she can give the definition of the property under investigation. Treating a definition as a linguistic item, we can say that the definition specifies or picks out the essence (ousia) of the property, and a definitional statement predicates the essence of the property whose essence it is. It is unclear from the Socratic dialogues whether any other property is predicated of a Socratic Property: arguably Piety is pious and only pious. In contrast, the things that are pious, e.g., Socrates or saying a prayer, have many properties. From what we can infer from Plato's remarks in these early dialogues, and from Aristotle's remarks, a Socratic property is in the sensibles—It is an immanent universal. In this respect, the essence of Piety is also found in Socrates (and thus the linguistic definition of Piety is also linguistically predicable of Socrates). Plato's distinctive ‘separation of the universal’ might then be viewed as his rejection of Socrates' assumption that the universal (and/or its essence) is in the sensibles, (and accordingly a rejection of Socrates' assumption that the definition is predicable, or predicable in the same way, of the sensible instances as well as the universal.) If Aristotle is right, Plato's problem with sensibles is that they change.
The Phaedo is Plato's eulogy to Socrates. It recounts the last hours of Plato's teacher. Socrates/Plato wants to convince us that we should care about our souls and that the best way to care for the soul is to live philosophically. Towards that end we find a series of arguments whose aim is to prove the immortality of the soul. At least three of these arguments, the Argument from Recollection and its prelude (65a-67a and 72e-78b), the Affinity Argument (78b-84b), and the Final Argument (102a-107a) and its prelude (95a-102a), are crucial for understanding Plato's initial thoughts on metaphysics and epistemology. Here Plato draws a contrast between unchanging Forms and changing material particulars. Unfortunately, neither in the Phaedo nor in any other dialogue do we find Plato giving a detailed description of the nature of Forms, or particulars, or their interaction. What is referred to as Plato's theory of Forms is thus a rational reconstruction of Plato's doctrine. In such a reconstruction scholars try to determine a set of principles or theses which, taken together, allow us to show why Plato says what he does about Forms, souls, and other metaphysical items. In the attempt to make more precise what Plato is after, one risks attributing to Plato notions that are either not his or not as well developed in Plato as scholars would hope. Perhaps the notion of a particular is such a case. Intuitively, particulars are things like my dog Ajax, Venus, my computer, and so on, the ordinary material things of the everyday spatio-temporal world. (But we also speak of particular actions, particular events, particular souls, and much else.) In a rational reconstruction, we can be more precise by stipulating, for instance, that a particular is that of which properties are predicated and which is never predicated of anything (or anything other than itself). This ‘stipulated definition’ is nowhere in Plato, though it may well capture his thinking about ordinary particulars. For the sake of exposition, I will assume that in the Phaedo Plato is appealing to our naïve, intuitive understanding of what it is for something to be a material particular. In the author's opinion, the metaphysics of the Phaedo and other middle period works is devoted to developing the account of Forms; perhaps because while most of us think that included in what there is are the various, e.g., dogs, people, mountains and trees, few of us ever think about whether there is some universal/Form, Justice Itself, The Large Itself, and so on, that exists outside of space and time. (In the late dialogues, especially the Timaeus and Philebus, Plato attempts to give a systematic account of material particulars.)
The argument of the Phaedo begins from Plato's assertion that the soul seeks freedom from the body so that it may best grasp truth, because the body hinders and distracts it: the soul comes to be separate (choris) from the body, itself by itself ((aute kath auten) (64c5–8)). The senses furnish no truth; those senses about the body are neither accurate nor clear. The soul reckons best when it is itself by itself, i.e., not in contact with body (65a-65d3). At this juncture, Socrates changes course:
What about these things? Do we say that justice itself is something? Of course. And the fair and the good? Surely. Then have you ever seen any of these sorts of things with your eyes? In no way. But then have you grasped them with any other sense through the body. I am talking about all (of them), for instance about size, health, strength, in a word about the essence (ousia) of all of them, what each happens to be. Is it through the body then that what is most true of these things is contemplated? Or does it hold thus? Whoever of us should prepare himself to consider most accurately each thing itself about which he inquires, that one would come closest to knowing each thing. … he would do this most cleanly …who using his intellect itself by itself, unmixed would undertake to hunt down each of the beings, itself by itself unmixed (65d4–66a3).
This is the first passage in the dialogues widely agreed to introduce Forms. First, Forms are marked as auto kath auto beings, beings that are what they are in virtue of themselves. In subsequent arguments we learn other features of these Forms. From the next argument concerning Recollection (see §11), Forms are said to be perfect and what particulars strive to be like but fall short of. Then in the Affinity Argument we discover that Forms are simple or incomposite, of one form (monoeidetic), whereas particulars are complex, divisible and of many forms. In the crucial Final Argument, Plato finally presents the hypothesis of Forms to explain coming into being and destruction, in general, i.e., change. Once Cebes accepts the hypothesis, a novel implication is announced (100c3–7):
Well then, consider what then follows if you also accept my hypothesis. For it seems to me that if anything else is beautiful besides Beauty Itself, it is beautiful on account of nothing else than because it partakes of Beauty Itself. And I speak in the same way about everything else. Do you accept this sort of cause or explanation?
In this passage, Plato introduces two predication relations, Being and Partaking. Understanding how Being and Partaking function to ‘tie’ together the various subjects and properties mentioned in his metaphysical discussions is crucial to reconstructing his metaphysics and epistemology. At first blush, it seems that there are two kinds of subjects of which properties are predicated, namely Forms and material particulars. (I exempt souls from this list). Similarly, at first blush it seems that there are Forms for every property involved in the changes afflicting material particulars. For instance, since particulars, e.g. Helen of Troy, change from being not-beautiful to being beautiful, there is the Form Beauty Itself. In this passage, Plato asserts that particulars like Helen, because she is not the Form but rather is a material particular, is related to, or ‘tied to’ Beauty in virtue of what he calls ‘partaking.’ Beauty Itself, on the other hand, not being something ‘other than Beauty’, does not partake of Beauty—it simply is beautiful. Generalizing from what is said here about Beauty Itself, it seems that Forms inherit from the Socratic Properties their self-predicational status: Beauty is beautiful; Justice is just; Equality is equal. Partaking in Beauty makes Helen beautiful because Beauty Itself is beautiful. Call this way in which a Form is related to the property it is ‘Being’. Understanding Being, the way in which Beauty is beautiful, that is, determining what it is for a Form to self-predicate, is central to understanding Plato's Theory of Forms and his middle period metaphysics.
The debate over self-predication involves both statements and what the statements are about, i.e., the ontological correlates of those statements. (Thus at times it may be important to distinguish linguistic predication from ontological predication.) In investigating self-predication statements, perhaps it is again easiest to distinguish three factors, the subject or subject term, ‘The Just’, the linking verb, ‘is’, and the predicate adjective ‘just’. Apparently both the subject and the predicate adjective, ‘The Just’ and ‘just’, refer to the same thing, namely the Form of Justice. One question then concerns the copula, or linking verb: in what manner is the predicate related to the subject, or how is the Form related to itself? There are three basic approaches to consider. In his seminal discussion of self-predication, Vlastos maintained that we should understand the relation between the Form and itself to be the same as that between a particular and the Form (Vlastos 1981d). This is to say that Justice is just in the same was as Socrates is just, or that Beauty is beautiful in the same way as Helen is beautiful, or that the Circle Itself is circular in the same way as my basketball: both are round. Let us label this way of understanding the copula in self-predication statements ‘characterization’. Then Beauty is a beautiful thing, an item to be included in an inventory of beautiful things right along with Helen.
Some scholars, e.g., John Malcolm (1981), while accepting this characterizing reading of the ‘is’, deny that the property predicated of the Form and the particular are exactly the same. According to the Approximationist, the Form is the perfect instance of the property it stands for. A particular that participates in the Form is an imperfect or deficient instance in that it has a property that approximates the perfect nature of the Form. For instance, the Circle Itself is perfectly circular. A drawn circle, or a round ball, is deficient in that it is not perfectly circular, not exactly 360 degrees in circumference. It follows that the very properties particulars possess will differ from the property ‘of the same name’ possessed by the Form. If Beauty Itself is characterized by perfect beauty, then Helen has imperfect beauty and she does not have perfect beauty. Since nothing rules out that there are numerous kinds of imperfect beauty, perhaps as many as there are beautiful participants, it seems either that there is no one kind of beauty that particulars have in common, or that there are one or more (commonly shared) imperfect kinds of beauty. In the former case, there will be no need to posit a ‘one’ over the many beauties. In the latter case, there is every reason to posit a Form(s) of Imperfect Beauty in which the commonly qualified imperfect particulars participate. Neither alternative is a happy one. While the appeal to the perfection of the mathematical properties is great, even in these cases it is doubtful that Plato adopts an approximationist strategy (see Nehamas 1999b; 1999c).
An alternative is to allow that while both Beauty Itself and other items are characterized by beauty, Beauty Itself is simply and solely beautiful. This characterizing variant emphasizes the Phaedo's claims that a Form is monoeides and one (Phaedo 78b4ff). Beauty is nothing but beautiful and thus is completely beautiful, differing from other beautiful things in that they are much else besides beautiful. Helen is a woman and unfaithful and beautiful.
According to the second approach (see Cherniss 1977a; Allen 1965), self-predication statements assert identity between the Form and its essence. The ‘is’ is an ‘is’ of identity. We should not then understand ‘Beauty Itself is beautiful’ to assert that (the Form) Beauty is characterized by beauty. (Indeed, typically backers of this approach exclude the possibility that a Form is characterized by the property it is, thus, e.g., eliminating Beauty from a list of beautiful objects.) Since Identity accounts treat self-predications as asserting that a Form and its essence are identical, with respect to Forms, Being and Identity can be viewed as the same relation in the middle period dialogues.
The third approach, the Predicationalist (see Nehamas 1999c; Code 1986; Silverman 2002), joins with the Identity approach in denying that self-predication statements signal that the Form is characterized by the property it constitutes. And while ultimately it allows that a Form and its essence are identical, it does not regard the self-predication statement itself as an identity claim (see Code 1986; Silverman 2002 Ch. 3). Rather, a self-predication claim asserts that there is a special primitive kind of ontological relation between a Form (subject) and its essence (predicate). This approach begins from the two relations of Partaking and Being introduced in the last argument of the Phaedo. An intuitive first approximation of their respective functions is to treat Partaking as a relation between material particulars and Forms, the result of which is that the particular is characterized by the Form of which it partakes. So, Helen, by partaking of Beauty, is characterized by beauty; Helen, in virtue of partaking, is (or, as we might say, becomes) beautiful. All particulars are characterized by the Forms in which each participates, and whatever each is, it is by partaking in the appropriate Form. On this account, then, there can be Forms for each and every property had by particulars (Phaedo 100–101, esp. 100c6). In contrast to the characterizing relation of Partaking, the relation of Being is always non-characterizing. Each Form, F, is its essence (ousia), which is to say that the relation of Being links the essence of beauty to the subject, Beauty Itself. Being, then, is a primitive ontological relation designed exclusively to capture the special tie between that which possesses an essence and the essence possessed. Put differently, whenever essence is predicated of something, the relation of Being is at work. (By ‘primitive’ I do not mean to suggest that Plato does not study (what) Being (is). Nor do I mean to suggest that everything else in the metaphysics can somehow be deduced from it. Rather, I mean to indicate that the relation of Being is not explained by appeal to another more basic relation or principle. Its nature, and the nature of other primitives in the theory, such as Participating, is displayed in the ways in which the theory attempts to save various phenomena.)
Throughout the dialogues, Forms are said to be one, hen, or monoeides. (See especially the Affinity Argument in the Phaedo, 78b-84b.) These passages suggest that the self-predicational nature of Forms implies that the only property predicable of a Form is itself: i.e., Justice is just and the only thing Justice is is just. (There are epistemological reasons that support this reading: See §11 infra.) But other passages suggest that Forms cannot be simple in this strict sense. From the Republic we know that all Forms are related to the Good. While it is difficult to be certain, Plato seems committed to the claim that each Form is good, that is, that each Form is a good thing or is characterized by goodness.
More doubts about the strict simplicity of Forms emerge from reflection on the nature of definition in Plato's middle period. Ontologically, all definitions predicate the essence of the Form whose essence it is. Plato is attempting to discover through scientific investigation, or (inclusive or) through an analysis of what words mean, or through any other method, what the nature of, say, Justice is—compare the ways in which philosophers and scientists work to discover what, e.g., gold, or red, or justice, is. Ultimately, then, the answer to any ‘what is X?’ question will be some specific formula unearthed at the end of much study. According to this line of reasoning, the self-predication statements in the texts are promissory notes, shorthand for what will turn out to be the fully articulated definition. Plato is thus committed to there being Forms whose nature or essence will ultimately be discovered. To say that ‘Justice is just’ is then to stake a claim to the ultimate discovery of the nature of Justice. The problem is that the fully articulated linguistic definition, when it is ultimately discovered, will turn out to be complex. For instance, Heat, one thing, is mean molecular kinetic energy, a seemingly complex notion. So in Plato we find (Republic, 441d) that Justice is Doing One's Own, that a Name is (Cratylus, 388b) a tool that is informative and separates nature, or, though Plato never says it, that Human is rational bipedal animal. Since philosophical and (scientific progress) is supposed to teach not that Justice is just but what Justice is, at some level at least Forms cannot be considered to be utterly and strictly simple. The problem is that given just two predication relations, it is unclear whether Plato thinks that Forms partake of the properties to which they are related or whether they are those properties.
The best guide to the separation of Forms is the claim that each Form is what it is in its own right, each is an auto kath auto being. In asking ‘What is (the Form) F?’, Plato seeks what F is in a particular and special way: He seeks what F is independent from any of its material instances, and in some sense independent of anything else, whether another Form or the soul. What each Form is, what each Form is in its own right, it is in virtue of its essence, ousia. The connection between the Form and the essence being predicated of it is exhibited in the Republic's formula that a given on (being) is completely or perfectly (477ff), as well as the so-called self-predication statements. According to the predicationalist reading, the relation connecting an essence with that Form of which it is the essence is Being (see Code 1986, esp. 425–9). (I capitalize the ‘is’ used to represent the predication relation of Being, e.g., Justice Is just.) The predicate in such self-predication statements stands for the (real) definition of the Form, conveniently captured by Nehamas' ‘what it is to be F’. Each Form, then Is its essence.
The special relationship between a Form and its essence is captured in two principles
- Each essence is the essence of exactly one Form.
- Each Form has (or is) exactly one essence;
II captures the ontological force of the expression that each Form is monoeides: of one essence. In light of these principles, and in keeping with the account of the ontological relation of Being, it follows that each Form self-predicates, in so far as each Form Is its essence. Self-predication statements are thus required of Forms, since every Form must Be its respective essence. Self-predication, then, is a constitutional principle of the very theory of Forms. A Form, then, is what it is in its own right in that it Is its essence, and since the only thing it Is is its essence, each Form is monoeides, ‘of one essence’. In virtue of Being its essence, each Form Is something regardless of whether any particular does or even may participate in it. Thus each Form is separate from every particular instance of it. Moreover, since its essence is predicated of the Form independently from our knowledge of the Form or from its relation to another Form, a Form is not dependent on anything else. On this definitional interpretation of separation, an item is separate just in case the definition (essence) is predicable of it and not of what it is alleged to be separate from. So, a Form is separate from particulars that partake of it, or any particular, if the essence is predicable of the Form and not predicable of the particular/s. Whether or not a Form is existentially separate, i.e., whether it exists separate from everything else, turns on whether one thinks that being an essence qualifies the Form as existing. To the extent that Plato recognizes the notion of existence, since being an essence seems, by Plato's lights, to be the superlative way to be, it is likely that Forms are both definitionally and existentially separate.
The middle period dialogues contain few arguments whose conclusion is that such and such a Form therefore exists. Even when ‘argument’ is given a very broad reading, the dialogues tend to address themselves to a limited number of Forms. These include the moral properties familiar from Socrates' ethical inquiries and properties such as Beauty, Equality, Hot and Cold, or Largeness. While these are not the only properties mentioned in the course of discussion, the Argument from Recollection, the arguments about the objects of knowledge and the ‘summoners’ from Books V (477ff) and VII (523ff), respectively, of the Republic, as well as the final ascent to Beauty in the Symposium and the Final Argument of the Phaedoall point to a particular kind of property, what scholars have labeled ‘incomplete properties’ (see Fine 1993; Irwin 1977). There is no precise way to specify what counts as an incomplete property. Roughly, the idea is that an incomplete property is one which, when serving as a predicate, yields a statement that cannot be understood on its own, because they must be added on to, or completed in some sense, typically with a prepositional phrase. For instance, the predicate ‘large’, functioning in a statement such as ‘Shaquille O'Neal is large’ must be completed with ‘for a human’; for while Shaq is large for a human he is not large compared with a tree. For some readers, then, while the Plato of the middle period may believe in a wide range of properties, he is theoretically committed only to a limited number or range of Forms, namely Forms of incomplete properties.
Forms are limited to these incomplete properties because, on this line of reasoning, these properties present special problems when they are instantiated in particulars. Chief among these problems is ‘the compresence of opposites’. This is the phenomenon where, with respect to any incomplete property, F, every sensible particular that is F is, in some sense, also not-F. So, if Elsie the cow is large, she is also not-large; for Elsie is large in comparison to her calf but not-large in comparison to Elmer the bull. Thus Elsie is large and not-large. Since, according to this approach, Plato is seeking a large that is the unqualified bearer of largeness, and since every particular is disqualified in light of compresence, Plato postulates a Form, Largeness Itself, to be the unqualified bearer. By way of contrast, properties such as being brown or being a cow do not suffer compresence when instantiated by particulars. That is, Elsie is a cow and is not not-a-cow; she is brown (imagine she is brown all over) and is not not-brown. (In the modern parlance, being a cow is classified as an essential property of Elsie whereas being brown is an accidental property. Thus the proponent of Forms only for incomplete properties looks to a special subset of the accidental properties, namely those where there is no unqualified possessor.)
In order to appreciate fully the rationale for this account, one needs to consider Plato's account of particulars, for the compresence of opposites is meant to capture in what sense particulars are deficient with respect to Forms. Before turning to particulars, note that it is left open by proponents of this position how we are to think of the nature of Forms and the self-predication statements involving Forms, whether, for instance, ‘Largeness is Largeness' signals that Largeness is what it is to be largeness, identical with largeness, or a large item, maybe the largest thing there is. Rather, we are told that the key notion is being completely. So, just as Elsie is completely a cow, so Largeness is completely large: Largeness is a complete bearer of an incomplete property.
Metaphors dominate Plato's remarks about the relation of particulars to Forms. Of special importance are the metaphors of image and original, copy and model, example and paradigm. The physical world and all of its constituents are, according to Plato, a copy or image of the Forms, and since all copies are dependent on the original, the physical world is dependent on Forms. In so far as Platonic Forms are not dependent on particulars, i.e., they are not immanent universals, the dependence is only ‘one way’. A second important metaphor from the Phaedo also suggests that particulars are dependent on Forms whereas Forms are not dependent on them. Particulars strive to be such as the Forms are and thus in comparison to Forms are imperfect or deficient. Forms, then, are independent, whereas particulars are dependent on Forms and thus deficient with respect to them.
The Phaedo (especially the Affinity Argument, 78b-84b) also points up a host of features, usually found in pairs, which differentiate particulars from Forms. Forms are immaterial, non-spatial and atemporal. Particulars are material and extended in space and in time. Forms do not change and may not even be subject to Cambridge-change, i.e. relational changes involving, for instance, a soul cognizing them at various moments. Particulars change, may even be subject to change in any respect, and may even be subject to change in every respect at any given moment, i.e., total Heraclitean flux. Particulars are complex or multi-form (polyeidetic) composites (suntheton), whereas Forms are pure, simple or uniform (monoeidetic, hen). Particulars are the objects of the senses and of belief. Forms are the objects of knowledge, grasped by the intellect through definitions, dialectic, or otherwise. Particulars appear, and perhaps are, both F and not-F for some property F: particulars suffer from the compresence of opposites. The Form of F cannot be conceived to be not-F (and perhaps is never not-F). Hence the Form, The F Itself, does not suffer compresence (at least with respect to being F).
Aristotle's account of Plato's reasons for introducing Forms indicates that change and essence are critical to Plato's thinking about the deficiency of material particulars. “…Socrates sought the universal in them and turned to definitions. Plato, accepting this, thought that this (defining) comes to be about different things, and not about sensibles. For it is impossible that the common definition be about any of the sensibles, for these are always changing.” (Metaphysics 987b1–7) At the very beginning, then, the search for knowledge leads to definitions. The question is where one can find definitions or definables. Aristotle asserts that Plato thought that definitions could not be found in the sensibles because they were always changing.
Following Aristotle's lead, a most economical way to account for the cognitive superiority of Forms and the inferiority of sensibles would be to allot essences only to the Forms. Since we know from the early and the middle dialogues that knowledge is of essence, it is tempting to think that the absence of essence is responsible for the deficiency of the particulars. Particulars are deficient because they can or do change. They change because their properties are contingent. Their properties are contingent because they lack any essences (or any essential properties). But this is too quick. First, Plato's particulars may not change with respect to all of their properties. Perhaps some have essential properties along with a host of contingent properties. Then Aristotle might be taken to imply that only with respect to a certain number of contingent properties did Plato posit definable Forms. Moreover, Aristotle seems to allude only to an epistemological difficulty arising from changing particulars. It is possible that this difficulty arises independently of whether some particulars have essential properties. For instance, particulars might be epistemologically problematic because they have many properties, only some of which are changing.
Certain passages (e.g., Phaedo 74ff., 78ff., Republic 476e-479, 523aff) suggest that particulars are cognitively deficient because they are complex. Suppose that a particular is F. Complexity entails that a particular has at least two properties, F and G. Since the G is not-F, every complex particular can be said to be F and not-F. Our inability to grasp the property (F) in the particular is then grounded not in the compresence of an opposite property, but in the compresence of another property. The inquiring mind is unable to isolate the desired property from any other. This suggests that a fundamental contrast between the particulars and the Form F is that the latter is simple, or monoeidetic, in that it possesses just itself—It is just F.
At other times, the cognitive reliability of the Forms seems grounded in the analyticity, or logical certainty, or necessity, that holds between the essence of a Form and various properties ‘discernible in its nature.’ Looked at in this light, the factor responsible for the deficiency of sensibles is that their properties are contingently related to them, in contrast to the Forms whose properties are necessarily stuck to them with ‘logical glue’ (see Vlastos 1969; Code 1993).
If we emphasize the contingency of all of its properties, a particular cannot have any essential properties. On the other hand, if we emphasize the complexity of the particular, then we are free to ascribe essences to (some) particulars. Hence, there could be knowledge of these particulars, i.e., knowledge that Socrates is a man. Conversely, if complexity is the cause of cognitive deficiency, then with respect to Forms, the fact that all their properties are necessary properties would not suffice to render Forms knowable. For if a Form has many properties, then in the broad sense the Form F Itself, since it is F and G, will be F and not-F. Thus Forms, too, might not be knowable.
There is reason to doubt that the compresence of opposites or the mere complexity of particulars is responsible for their deficiency (but see Fine 1993, esp. Ch. 4). According to Aristotle, change is critical, especially in so far as it precludes definability and thus knowledge. Given that knowledge requires essence, and essence excludes change (in the case of the essential properties), Aristotle would have us deny that essence is predicable of particulars for the Plato of the middle period. Particulars will be epistemologically deficient in that there can be no knowledge of them, unless we abandon the thesis that knowledge is of essence. And particulars will be metaphysically deficient, at least to the extent that possessing an essence is a better state than lacking one. But more can be said about the peculiar contingent manner in which particulars have their properties and why it is that one cannot look to the particular beauties to obtain knowledge of, e.g., Beauty.
From the outset of the Phaedo, particulars are branded as material and, as a result, spoken of in the pejorative. Indeed, matter seems to be at the root of the other features that characterize particulars. What is extended in space (and through, or in, time) is body. The composite is also linked with the material. Because a material particular is composite, it is also multi-form or complex (Phaedo 80b4). Complex material particulars are subject to change in so far as their composite nature invites dissolution or construction, or more generally coming-to-be or perishing. When taken broadly, as it is at Phaedo 100ff (or in the analogies of the middle books of the Republic), generation and destruction includes the exchange of properties. And since compresence requires complexity, the material nature of particulars is one of the roots of each material, sensible particular being both F and not-F.
The spatio-temporal, material character of particulars also contributes directly to the explanation of their suffering, and seeming to suffer, the compresence of opposites. In the middle period, Plato seems to accept an account of perception that has as a necessary component the interaction of material elements. There may be subsequent or simultaneous psychic activity, the judgment part of ‘perceptual judgment’, but there is at least some material intercourse between the body of the perceived object and the sense faculty whose sensory object it is. The qualifications needed to account for a particular's being F and not-F are temporal, or a function of being comparable to other extended material objects, or standing in different relations to perceivers. Since material extension is a necessary condition for their perceptibility, no particular could appear to have compresent properties unless it were material.
In virtue of their material nature, particulars are extended, mutable, and subject to generation and destruction. How then is the materiality of the particular related to the characterization for which participation is responsible? What materiality induces is that a property be manifested in a specific way. So, when we consider a particular stick to ask what is its length, we expect to be told a specific quantity: the stick is five inches long. The same is true of its weight: it is six ounces. If we are concerned to explain why the stick is that long, one answer is that the matter of the particular compels it to have determinate length. Only when we shift to the question ‘What is length?’, do we begin to reflect upon the relations between length and the fact that each of these material particulars has a specific length. In the Meno (74ff), Plato develops the notion of determinable and determinate. There the properties themselves are determinates falling under a determinable, e.g., crimson and scarlet under red, red under color. Now, the properties under consideration are all generic or determinable, but when present in the particular they take on a specific, determinate character. Consider, for instance, mathematical figures. The Triangle itself will be a three-sided figure whose lines lack breadth and whose angles have no determinate degree. But all particular triangles will have lines with some breadth and angles with certain degrees. There is, then, a gap between the non-specific and non-determinate property and the way it is manifested in the particular. The immaterial Form of Triangle is abstract and can have no particular dimension. The property in the particular, on the other hand, must be specific and determinate—the property in the particular is always a specific, determinate length, or color (hue), or size, or so on—because the particular is concrete, and because the property in the particular is itself a particular instance of the non-determinate property.
The determinacy of the material particular is set against the non-determinacy of the Form. This determinacy of property is only one aspect of the difference. A second is the contingent way in which the particular has this determinate property. The material aspect is, in the case of particulars, partly responsible for the contingency of its property possession. Matter is a sufficient condition for contingency but not necessary, since souls are in many respects contingently what they are, e.g., desirous of money. (Matter is also a sufficient condition for complexity, though again not necessary, if souls, or Forms, can be complex.)
The rigid separation of Forms from sensible particulars, Plato's idea that there are ‘Two Worlds’, is embodied in Plato's isolation of the two ways of being, Being and Partaking. The criteria and the properties which differentiate Forms and particulars are related to their respective ways of being, but mutability, extendedness, etc., are not equivalent to Partaking and they do not explain it nor are they explained by it. Still, the deficiency of the sensible is aptly viewed in terms of its way of being, i.e., in virtue of the fact that every sensible acquires all of its properties through participation. The deficiency of the sensible is its deficient way of being. Lacking any essence, it can only fail to Be.
This notion of deficiency has a long pedigree. In one sense it is a new way of cashing out the idea that Forms and particulars are different kinds or types of entities. It clearly is not an Approximation view or a view according to which Forms are treated as paradigmatic particulars. The very same property, Beauty, is related, via Being, to the Form Beauty Itself that is related to the sensible particular via Partaking. The beauty of Helen is not itself deficient, her way of having it is. And since beauty does not characterize Beauty, there is no case to be made that Beauty Itself could be a paradigmatically beautiful object. It would appear, then, that only Forms are definable, since essence is not predicated of particulars. But it is not so simple. Based on the Phaedo's account of Being and Participating (cf. Principles I and II, supra), we can conclude that:
- Each Form, F, Is its essence, Y.
- For all particulars, P, and for all properties Y, if Y is predicated (able) of P, then P Has Y.
Furthermore, since the Phaedo asserts that particulars are what they are in virtue of the Form's being what it Is, it follows that
- If P has Y, then P has something which Is Y.
The motivation for this claim is our understanding of the thesis at 100c that Beauty Itself alone Is beautiful and that other things acquire their beauty in virtue of partaking in what Is beautiful. The traditional and obvious way to parse this claim is to allow that it is the Form Itself which the particular has, for it seems that only the Form whose essence is Y, Is Y. But if this is true, then if, as the Identity view maintains, the Form and its essence are identical, it follows that the essence must also be predicable of the particular. In which case it seems that the particulars do have essences, albeit via Partaking, for they have something which is identical with an essence.
Form-copies, the-large-in-Socrates, the hot-in-fire, and such, provide a way out of this predicament. There is no consensus as to whether they are bona fide members of the ontology of the Phaedo (102bff). Many have argued that the so-called form-copies are nothing more than the Forms conceived of as inherent in, or immanent in, particulars, the particularization of the Form, or Forms as they function in the participation relation. But if Plato wishes to avoid the consequence of predicating Forms and, thus, essences directly of particulars, then there is a compelling reason for him to admit form-copies into his ontology. They differ from their parent Form in that they are singular or unit-properties, whereas the Form is general and abstract.
The relation of the form-copy to the particular is a real problem. The crucial issue is whether form-copies are dependent on particulars, especially whether their claim to be individual or unit-properties is only as good as the company they keep. Part of the difficulty results from the metaphor Plato's uses throughout the last stage of the Final Argument in the Phaedo. In anticipation of what will be his ultimate ‘proof’ of the immortality of the soul, Plato contends that when something possessed of an essential property, as for instance snow possesses cold, is confronted by the ‘opposite’, heat, then the-cold-in-the snow must withdraw or perish. (The soul, because it cannot perish, must therefore withdraw.) Which of the two possibilities developed in the military metaphor does Plato envisage for form-copies: do they ‘withdraw or perish’? It is a struggle to understand just what the military metaphors amount to, but if the form-copies perish at the approach of their opposite, this suggests that form-copies are dependent on the particulars to which they belong. Those who deny that form-copies are bona fide beings cite their perishing as a principal reason to take them as nothing more than a metaphor for the particular's (temporary) participation in the Form. Conversely, if they are able to withdraw, they are in some sense independent from the particulars. In this fashion they are akin to individual souls, since neither souls nor form-copies will be dependent for their existence on the particular to which they temporarily belong.
But even if they withdraw and thus exist apart from the particulars, their individuality seems to be determined by the company they keep, e.g., Socrates, or this bit of snow. ‘Belonging-to-Socrates’ is a relational property and seems to require that there be something, namely Socrates, to which the form-copy can belong. However, if form-copies are thus dependent on particulars, there is a problem with respect to the nature of particulars lurking in the Phaedo. For it seems that particulars have all of their properties in virtue of participating in the relevant Forms. Particulars, then, are ultimately to be identified in terms of the properties they have, namely their form-copies. But if these form-copies, in turn, are themselves individuated by the particulars whose form-copies they are, we are confronted with a circle.
Plato may be able to avoid this circle of individuation by not making form-copies depend on particulars for either their being or their individuation. If their status as individuals is primitive, form-copies will not be individuated by the particulars to which they belong. In this respect they are like the individual souls, which, since they pre-exist and postdate the particulars they inhabit, are not and cannot be individuated by them. A form-copy is, in the strict sense, a simple individual, incapable of possessing anything besides (the essence of) the Form of which it is a copy. Finally, they are not dependent on particulars, even for their individuation, because they can withdraw when necessary and thus continue to be what they are when the particular has perished. They can be said to perish, but only in the sense that the particular to which they temporarily attach can itself perish or change. (Were they dependent on the particular, form-copies would in fact perish.) The reason they survive is that a form-copy Is what it is. In so far as anything Is what it is, it cannot cease to be, i.e., cease to be what it Is. In this respect, too, they are like souls. Both souls and form-copies are then individuals in their own rights, apart from any particulars in which they inhere.
Form-copies belong to particulars and derive or emanate, to borrow a neo-Platonic term, from Forms. Form-copies allow Plato to respond to a threat posed by the metaphysics of Forms: to wit, that particulars might be indiscernible. If particulars are nothing in their own right, and in the absence of both matter and form-copies, then particulars are merely bundles of Forms; but if they are bundles, then two particulars composed of the same Forms would be indiscernible and identical. If we admit form-copies, particulars are not bundles of Forms. Particulars will be bundles of form-copies. And unlike a Form, which would seem to have to be numerically the same in each particular, the form-copies will differ from one another since they are distinct individual property-instances, not universals. However, while the particulars are no longer identical, this still allows that two bundles of form-copies could be indiscernible, since the form-copies of any one Form differ, it seems, solo numero. Helen's form-copy of Beauty cannot differ in quality from Andromache's, but their form-copies are distinct. If we allow that Helen and Andromache are presumed to be distinct particulars in virtue of their matter, we can further distinguish the particulars and the form-copies, i.e. the-beautiful-in-Helen versus the beautiful-in-Andromache. Here again, then, the assumption of the material particular is relevant. When Plato recognizes that he has yet to account for matter, and thus the individuation of particulars, he has to compose the Timaeus.
Particulars, then, have the properties they have because they have Form-copies derived from the Forms, which Are those properties. And when they inhere in the material particular, the particular has a definite, determinate property instance of Largeness or Beauty. The particular is assumed to be a combination of matter and form-copies (and in some cases, soul). All the form-copies can be lost, for the particular has no essential properties or essence, and so too the soul can be lost. In fact, since Plato seems to think that the body also dissipates, the particular can totally disappear. Not so the Form, which Is what it is, an auto kath auto being, precisely in that its essence is predicated via Being of it, and it is the only Form of which that essence is predicated.
A particular, x, is what it is in virtue of Partaking. What makes x beautiful, for instance, is its having something which Is beautiful. This something can either be a Form or form-copy, for these alone Are beautiful. It might seem, however, that the qualitative aspect of property possession is being explained in terms of items that are not qualified or characterized in the appropriate manner. This would be the result were Partaking analyzed in terms of, or reduced to, the relationship of Being. But in the middle period at least, Partaking is itself a primitive relation alongside Being. Moreover, at this juncture the participating subject is assumed to be a material particular, whose material nature goes without analysis. The primitive relation of Partaking, along with the effects of matter, are thus responsible for the characterization of the particulars: in virtue of having something, which Is beautiful, Helen is a beautiful woman. The form-copy is not responsible for the concrete, determinate character of her beauty. Her being a material object, and her having of the form-copy cause her to be so characterized. That her determinate character is the character of Beauty, on the other hand, is due to the form-copy that she has, and this form-copy, in turn, causes her to be beautiful in virtue of being a form-copy of Beauty Itself. In this respect, Plato sustains the Socratic notion that Forms are logical causes. The Form, Beauty Itself, makes possible the fact that Helen is beautiful, in so far as a form-copy of Beauty is something she has. Since she has all of her properties in this fashion, and since we seem to be able to identify her, and any particular, only through descriptions that refer to her properties, form-copies and their respective Forms are responsible for our epistemic access to particulars.
Epistemology, for Plato, is best thought of as the account of what knowledge is. A reader who has some familiarity with philosophy since Descartes may well think that epistemology must address the question whether there is any knowledge. Plato never considers the global skeptical challenge. He assumes that there is knowledge, or at least that it is possible, and he inquires into the conditions that make it possible. These conditions, broadly conceived, concern, on the one hand, the rational capacities of humans, or more accurately souls, and, on the other hand, the objects of knowledge. With respect to objects, Forms certainly are objects of knowledge. However, there is much dispute as to whether anything in the material world is a suitable object. The physical world is an image, an imperfect world of change. Many passages in the Phaedo and, most dramatically, the Republic's great metaphors of Sun, Line and Cave, imply that Plato is a skeptic about knowledge of the physical, sensible world. Humans can have only beliefs about it. But many recoil at the prospect that Plato is such a skeptic. Citing the thrust of other discussions, these readers argue that while all knowledge for Plato must be based, in some sense, on Forms, one who knows Forms can also acquire knowledge of the physical world (see Fine 1978; 1990).
Concerns about the inherent intelligibility, or lack thereof, of the physical world, prompt Plato to propose the doctrine of recollection, i.e., the thesis that our disembodied, immortal souls have seen the Forms prior to their incarceration in the body. If Forms are the (basic) objects of knowledge, and Forms are not in the physical world, then we must have acquired that knowledge at some point prior to our commerce with that world. But metaphysical issues about the simplicity of Forms also affect how we are to conceive of knowledge in these middle period works. If Forms are simple, then it seems that knowledge is intuitive or acquaintance-like: in a non-propositional manner one somehow sees a Form, itself by itself. The central books of the Republic suggest such a picture. On the other hand, the many passages in which Plato declares that in order to know a Form one must be able to give its definition suggest both that Forms are related to one another, e.g., the Form of Human is related to the Forms of Rationality, Bipedality, Animality, the ‘elements of its definition, and that knowledge is propositional or akin to knowledge by description (cf. Gorgias 465a, 501a2–3, Republic 534b). These passages seem to imply that perhaps knowledge is some form of justified true belief. A critical question then is how one obtains the appropriate kind of justification to tie down or convert a belief into knowledge. Plato offers little in the way of detail on this score, but twice he alludes to a method of hypothesis, suggesting both in the Phaedo and Republic that hypotheses and their ultimately being rendered ‘non-hypothetical’ is part of the process by which one comes to know a Form. Thus we have four broad notions to explore in Plato's middle period epistemology: knowledge, belief, recollection and the method of hypothesis.
The Meno is probably a transitional work, bridging the Socratic and the middle period dialogues. While the first third of the Meno is concerned with ethical questions, what is virtue and is virtue teachable, the last two-thirds address themselves to epistemological details generated from the thesis that virtue is knowledge. Here we find for the first time mention of recollection, which Socrates proposes as a solution to a paradox of inquiry put forward by Meno. The paradox is this (80d-e):
For anything, F, either one knows F or one does not know F.
If one knows F, then one cannot inquire about F.
If one does not know F, then one cannot inquire about F.
Therefore, for all F, one cannot inquire about F.
Plato resolves the paradox by showing that there are different ways in which one might be said to ‘know’ something and that sometimes having a belief about F is adequate to begin an inquiry into F. In his famous question and answer with a slave about how to find the diagonal of a given square, Socrates argues that latent within the slave is an understanding of how to determine the diagonal (81–86b). The slave has various beliefs, some false and some true, about the way to discover the length of the diagonal. What is needed is only a set of prompts, here a set of questions, to elicit from the boy the knowledge that is latent within him. Socrates contends that he is leading the slave to recollect what he already knows. In the subsequent stages of the argument, Socrates distinguishes the sense in which a person can be said to merely have a belief about something (into which one might inquire), from the sense in which he can be said to know the same thing (97ff). For instance, suppose that Jones has looked at a map and determined how to drive from New York City to Chicago though he has not done so: just get on Interstate 80 and go west. On the other hand, suppose that Smith has actually driven numerous times from NYC to Chicago by getting on 80 and heading west. Both Jones and Smith have the same belief about how to get from NYC to Chicago and both will get there by acting on their belief. But only Smith has knowledge of the road, whereas Jones has a true belief. The truth of the belief is then not at issue. Rather, Smith has something more, some kind of justification, here based on experience, that distinguishes her from Jones: Jones has only a true belief about how to get there; Smith actually knows. Thus in the Meno, we have perhaps the first attempt to offer a justified true belief account of knowledge: Knowledge is a true belief tied down with an account (aitias logismos, 98a). The Meno, then, with its discussion of recollection, knowledge and belief sets the stage for the middle Platonic epistemology.
The Phaedo's discussion of recollection begins with a remark by Cebes in support of the claim that our souls preexist their incarceration in the body: “Such is also the case if that theory is true that you are accustomed to mention frequently, that for us learning is no other than recollection. According to this, we must at some previous time have learned what we now recollect. This is possible only if our soul existed somewhere before it took on this human shape” (72e-73).
Of special importance in this initial description is the ‘for us’ and the identification of learning (mathesis) with recollection. There is no way to determine whether ‘we’ here are the close, philosophical confidants of Socrates, or the human race. Part of the solution to the problem of who recollects will hinge on how we understand the claim that learning is nothing other than recollection. On the broad reading, recollection concerns the application of concepts in all thought (see, most recently, Bedu-Addo 1991). That is, since learning is a dynamic process whose termini are roughly our first thoughts and talk about the world, on the one hand, and knowledge of Forms on the other, and since in thinking and talking about the world we must apply concepts, recollection is viewed as a doctrine of innate ideas whose effects are felt almost immediately in the conscious mind.
Those who would limit the kind of learning that is recollection isolate the last stage(s) of learning, namely those concerned with the move from beliefs about the (properties of) the material world to knowledge of Forms (see, most recently, Scott 1995; Bobonich 2002, Ch. 1). Since only philosophers will engage in these late stages, the ‘us’ for whom learning is recollection are only philosophers, and what is learned/recollected is just Forms. On this narrow reading Plato would have to offer an account of ordinary thought and talk, i.e., an account of concept acquisition and application, which claims that the concepts so deployed by most of us are derived from ordinary particulars and acquired through our conversations with one another and our sense-perceptions and beliefs about physical objects. In sum, both readings agree that Plato is concerned to explain the distinctive capacity of humans to classify sense-perception under universals. According to the broad reading, Plato thinks that this cannot be done unless one appeals to one's prior, latent knowledge of the Forms under which one ranges perceptions. According to the narrow reading, there is no need to appeal to prior knowledge of Forms to explain the ordinary classificatory activities of humans. Rather, prior knowledge of Forms is needed only to explain the philosophical understanding of Forms. Innate Forms thus need not contribute anything to the formation of concepts in ordinary thought and talk. Precisely what the relation is between the concepts garnered from ordinary perception and used in ordinary thought and talk and the innate Forms or concepts used in philosophical thinking remains to be determined.
Concepts are, roughly, the units or elements of thoughts. In the Theaetetus (189e), a dialogue written after the Republic and Phaedo, Plato contends that thought is the silent dialogue of the soul with itself. If we can read back from this dialogue to the epistemology of the middle period, concepts are conceptual analogues to the subjects and predicates of spoken statements: corresponding to the predicate ‘equal’ of a statement such as ‘The sticks are equal’ is the concept [equality]. To debate whether there are ordinary versus philosophical concepts of [equality] thus invites consideration of how to distinguish concepts from one another. Basic in the Phaedo is that we have knowledge of Equality; that we perceive sensible equal objects, that we compare these sensible equals with the Form, and that in order to do this we must have had prior knowledge of Equality. Now, one question is whether the same concept applies both to the Form and the particulars. Whereas we moderns often focus on synonymy to distinguish co-referential concepts, issues of reference dominate Plato's thoughts. By the end of the Final Argument, it is clear that in a strict or primary fashion the concept/term is applied to the Form and in an indirect manner it is applied to the many instances that fall under the Form. (Using the language of names, ‘equal’ is the name of Equality and the eponym of the many particular equal things. (Cf. 102bff) With respect to the concept of Equality, it is individuated by its relation to the Form of Equality and, at best, derivatively to the many equals. What individuates concepts or names, is not what is in the head of speakers, but rather just their relation to Forms.
This privileging of reference over meaning with respect to what a concept is lends credence to the broad or innatist interpretation of what it is to acquire or even to have a concept. One has the concept from birth. One is not aware of having it. As you mature, learn to speak and make your way in the world, you may and in all likelihood will associate many beliefs or things with this concept, though still you might not think of it as a concept. (That is, nothing in Plato's account suggests that people need be aware of having a concept qua concept in order to have or even use concepts.) Conversely, lacking the individuation condition for concepts provided by Forms and Innatism, the narrow reading must provide an account of how one acquires any concept. There is little in the primary or secondary literature to suggest how concepts are acquired. Though it is a controversial dialogue with respect to doctrine and period, the Cratylus’ rejection of the Protagorean/Heraclitean account of names (383–387c, 434e-435d), strongly suggests that Plato thinks that no empiricist or abstractionist account is workable. One problem, then, with the narrow interpretation is its picture of (ordinary) concepts and their contents. Concepts are treated as hollow shells to be filled with varying beliefs or ideas, contents gleaned from conversations with one another or contact with the world. Into my concept of beauty goes pale skinned, into yours bright color, into a third, some other filling. The problem is that if the concept itself is identified with its contents, then there is no reason to think that any of us have the same concept. There are just too many different beliefs associated with a concept by different individuals to think that anyone could ever mean the same as another. Empiricism with respect to concept acquisition is liable to lead to private languages at best. Moreover, it would seem that our concept changes anytime we add or subtract from its contents.
Of course, the fact that there are philosophical objections to the narrow reading should not dictate that we reject it. The broad reading may also have problems. Indeed, Plato's account of Recollection, whatever it is, is liable to suffer difficulties. So what is the account?
At the outset (73c-74a), Socrates places certain conditions on what is to count as recollection. If x reminds one of y, then
- one must have known y beforehand
- one must, in having any sense-perception of something (x), recognize x and take y in mind (think of y)
- y must not be the object of the same knowledge as x.
- Since recollection can be occasioned by objects that are similar and by objects that are dissimilar (Simmias and a picture of Simmias versus Simmias and his lyre), when the recollection is caused by similar things, one must also of necessity experience this: one must have in mind whether or not x is lacking in some way with respect to similarity vis à vis y.
It is not clear how these conditions can be satisfied. In order to recollect Simmias upon seeing his picture, (1) I must have known Simmias beforehand and (2) I must be somehow cognizant of the picture and of Simmias. (3) And were Simmias and his picture not the objects of different knowledge, that is, were they the object of the same knowledge, it seems that I would not realize that they are different objects. The picture would not remind me of Simmias, it would just be thought of as a picture (or as Simmias). But, recognizing the picture cannot involve recognizing Simmias, lest we already be thinking of Simmias (y) in thinking about the picture (x): that is, we cannot be reminded of what we are occurrently thinking about. There must then be a way of cognizing the picture apart from what it is a picture of. Condition 3 is more transparent when we consider recollection from unlikes: we can recognize a lyre as a lyre or as a musical instrument, a piece of wood with strings, etc., easily enough without introducing Simmias in order to think about it. Condition 4 then spells out the peculiar way in which recollection from likes occurs; e.g., we realize that a picture or image is different from what it is a picture of: images fall short or are lacking in some respect with regard to what they are an image of. We recognize this perhaps because we recognize that it is an image and that images always are deficient with respect to what they are images of. But we need not be thinking of the very thing the image is an image of in order to recognize these facts.
The argument to this point is a preliminary sketch of recollection. The next stage attempts to prove that one can and must recollect Forms, since only with that proof will Socrates have demonstrated the pre-existence of the soul. So Plato turns to showing that we cannot have acquired knowledge of the Form Equality from perceptual encounters. But 2, 3 and 4, when applied to the example of the equal sticks, appear to land the doctrine in difficulties. For it seems that if, according to 4, we need to be comparing the equal sticks to the Form of Equality, then we need to be aware of the Form in thinking of the sticks. But if we must be aware of the Form even to think about the equal sticks then we must already have the Form in mind in conducting the comparison. We cannot then be in the process of forming the concept of Equality nor recollecting the Form.
The next stage finds Socrates getting Simmias' rapid agreement that there is an Equal that they know besides the equal sticks and stones. (74ab). The question is whence they acquired this knowledge. It cannot have been from the sticks and stones from which it differs; for they can sometimes appear equal and sometimes unequal, whereas Equality Itself, on the other hand, never appears unequal. Socrates concludes that we cannot have derived our knowledge of Equality from these many equals because we realize that they are deficient or lacking with respect to Equality. He does not specify in what way they are lacking, save for the aforementioned fact that they can and do appear unequal whereas Equality does not and apparently cannot do so.
Plato provides little guidance in this argument or elsewhere as to why the Form cannot appear to be unequal (See White 1987; 1992). Perhaps the easiest way to parse the Form's insusceptibility to appearing unequal is to treat the claim as implying that the Form cannot appear other than itself, i.e., equal. This fact, in turn, would then be explained by citing the Form's incomposite, or simple, nature (See §4, supra). Equality could then have no other property (or be no other property). Thus, to be aware of it at all would be to recognize it as equal. Of course there remains the problem of distinguishing being aware of the Form from thinking one is aware of the Form when one is not. In this circumstance, one could perhaps mistakenly think all sorts of things about the Form. A related but distinct consideration is to determine whether it is possible in some sense to have the Form in mind without being aware of it. Certainly the broad or innatist reading must allow for this possibility, since Forms are regarded as latent in one's mind.
If Forms are not utterly simple, then this explanation of their immunity to appearing other than they are is weakened. Suppose that Equality is also beautiful. Then in some fashion, it would seem that by attending to its beauty Equality could seem other than Equality and thus seem unequal. In order to avoid this outcome, while allowing for some complexity in the Form, those emphasizing the compresence of opposites can insist that it is the strict opposite, Inequality or being unequal, that Plato excludes from the Form, not another property, e.g., beauty, which happens not to be identical with Equality.
Alternatively, the predicationalist (See §4 supra.), who emphasizes the special relation between a Form and its essence, maintains that in knowing Equality, one knows what it is, that is, one knows its essence. This essence is itself simple or a unity, despite the apparent complexity of the linguistic definition that picks it out. One is not aware, or at least one is not knowingly aware, of Equality unless one knows this definition. Whatever else may be predicable of Equality, one cannot be aware of Equality without realizing that it is whatever it is, namely this essence. Regardless of how we understand the difference between the Form and the sticks, Plato seems only to have shown that the Form and the particulars are not identical. How we are to conclude that one cannot derive the knowledge of the Form from the sensibles is not revealed.
The Republic is unquestionably Plato's most elaborate defense of his central ethical doctrines in the middle period. It explores the question what is Justice over the course of ten books, with the aim of demonstrating that the best life for a human is the life devoted to virtue and knowledge, for such a life will result in happiness for the individual. The virtuous person will be one who has all three parts of her soul working in a harmonious fashion, i.e., her reason, cognizant of the Form of the Good and the other Forms, will with the support and consent of her appetite and spirit govern all of her pursuits. The analogue of the virtuous individual with her tripartite soul is the ideal state, the Republic, with its three parts or classes, rulers, warriors and laborers, all working in harmony with one another under the auspices of the ruler, i.e., reason. Having established that justice is psychic harmony at the end of Book Four, Plato next turns to show what it is that the philosopher ruler (or reason in the individual) knows that licenses his claim that they will rule for the benefit of the respective parts and the whole state or person
At the end of Book V (474bff), Socrates begins his defense of the rule of the philosopher by contrasting his epistemological condition with that of a group of sightlovers. The philosopher, who accepts that there are Forms, e.g., Beauty Itself, has knowledge. The sightlover, who denies that there is Beauty Itself but rather insists that there are just the many (different) beautiful plays, paintings and such, lacks knowledge. He has only belief. In support of this contention, Socrates distinguishes three different kinds of mental states or capacities and three generic ‘objects’ for these capacities. Knowledge is set over ‘what completely is’; ignorance is set over ‘what completely is not’; and, belief, being intermediate between knowledge and ignorance, is set over what is intermediate between the other two generic objects, namely ‘what is and is not’. Capacities are distinguished, Socrates contends, by two criteria: 1) difference in objects; and 2) difference in what they do (with/to their objects). Examples of 1) include colors and sounds, and of course what completely is and what is and is not. The second criterion is seemingly satisfied by the difference between being true versus being true and false. Thus, knowledge is always true, whereas belief admits of both truth and falsehood.
Much turns on how one understands the ‘is’ (es) of ‘what completely is’ and ‘what is and is-not’, and, concomitantly, whether one treats what belief and knowledge are ‘set over’ as propositions or objects. Three different readings of the ‘is’ seem possible: a) the existential; b) the veridical; and c) the predicative.
On the existential reading, knowledge is set over what exists; belief is set over what exists and does not exist. On the predicative reading, knowledge is set over Forms, what is F, for any property F (or some privileged kinds of properties, e.g. incomplete properties); belief is set over what is F and not-F, the material particulars. The existential and predicative readings typically are committed to objects as what knowledge and belief are set over. Since it is hard to make sense of what it could be for an object to exist and not exist, the existential reading has found little support. (There are other objections to an existential reading, principally that many think that Plato never works with an ‘is’ of existence (see Owen 1986c).
The predicative reading, on the other hand, lends itself to a defense of the Two Worlds account of Plato's metaphysics. The objects of belief and knowledge are distinct. Accordingly, one can have only beliefs about the particulars and about particulars only beliefs, and only knowledge of Forms and of Forms one can only have knowledge. It follows that knowledge cannot be any kind of justified true belief, not even one ‘tied down’ by the account of the appropriate cause. (See Meno 98a). Moreover, since one can have only knowledge of Forms, one cannot have any false beliefs about Forms. Given that in Book I of the Republic the interlocutors seem to have many false beliefs about Justice, e.g., that Justice is returning what is due, this consequence may be more worrisome than that which proscribes knowledge of the affairs of actual cities.
According to the veridical reading (see Fine 1978; 1990), the ‘objects’ of belief and knowledge are best treated as propositions. Knowledge is set over what is true, i.e., the set of true propositions; belief is set over what is true and not true, or false, namely the set of all propositions. The veridical reading regards the overlap between the objects of the distinct faculties—the set of true propositions—as a virtue, since it allows one to give a justified true belief interpretation to knowledge and allows one to have both beliefs about and knowledge of Forms and of sensible objects.
The argument at the end of Book Five is a prelude to the argument and analogies of Sun, Line and Cave in Books Six and Seven. The point of Sun is to contrast the visible and intelligible realms. The former is generated, nurtured and governed by the sun, which also provides the light required by the eye to gain access to the physical world. Corresponding to the sun in the intelligible realm is the Good: “What gives truth to the things known and the power to know to the knower is the Form of the Good. And though it is the cause of knowledge and truth, it is also an object of knowledge.” (508e). Indeed, the Good is responsible for the very ‘being’ of the knowable objects, though Plato never says in what sense the Good is responsible for the knowability and being of the objects of knowledge (see Santas 1980).
Line starts from the broad division stipulated by Sun: there is the intelligible realm and the visible realm. Each of these is again divided into two (unequal) parts. At the bottom of the visible one finds images, shadows and such. The ordinary physical objects of which the images are images occupy the upper portion. Set over the images is the faculty of eikasia, imagination. Set over the physical world is the faculty of pistis, literally faith or conviction, but generally regarded as belief. Plato next turns to the lower segment of the intelligible portion of Line:
In (this) subsection, the soul, using as images the things that were imitated before, is forced to investigate from hypotheses, proceeding not to a first principle, but to a conclusion. In the other subsection, however, it makes its way to a first principle that is not a hypothesis, proceeding from a hypothesis, but without the images used in the previous subsection, using Forms themselves and making its investigation through them (510b).
The top-most segment of Line is clear enough. The objects are Forms and the faculty set over Forms is Nous, Knowledge or Understanding. Included in this group is the Good itself, best regarded as having the status of first among equals. Precisely what to make of the objects in the third section, the faculty of dianoia, and the nature of hypotheses are matters of great controversy. Given Plato's examples, the capacity of dianoia seems distinctive of scientific or mathematical reasoning. (On the question of hypotheses and the relation of this passage to the hypothetical method of the Phaedo, see §15 supra.) The objects of dianoia are then, roughly, the objects of the sciences. There appear to be two basic approaches to the ‘objects’ of dianoia, depending on how one understands the participial phrase “using as images the things that were imitated before”: 1) The objects of this segment are some kind of ‘abstract’ image of ordinary material things - a kind of image different from the kind that are shadows and reflections; or 2) the objects are either the material objects themselves though now treated (abverbially, as it were) in a special, different way, or they are Forms, though treated in a way different from that way in which noûs treats Forms (see Burnyeat 1987).
Cave, arguably the most famous analogy in the history of philosophy, reinforces the message of line. Seated prisoners, chained so that they cannot move their heads, stare at a cave wall on which are projected images. These images are cast from carved figures illuminated by a fire and carried by people on a parapet above and behind the prisoners. A prisoner is loosed from his chains. First he sees the carved images and the fire. Then he is led out of the cave into ‘the real’ world. Blinded by the light of the sun, he cannot look at the trees, rocks and animals around him, but instead looks at the shadows and reflections (in water) cast by those objects. As he becomes acclimatized, he turns his gaze to those objects and finally, fully acclimatized, he looks to the source of illumination, the sun itself.
In the analogy of Cave, corresponding to the physical objects over which belief is set are the carved statues in the cave. Corresponding to the ‘using as images what before were imitated’ are the reflections in the pond. If, however, Cave is our guide, these dematerialized images are generated not from the carved statues but from the animals, i.e., the Forms themselves.
The Seventh Book continues with the kinds of study conducive to the education of the philosopher-ruler (521cff). The goal of intellectual development is knowledge of Forms, ultimately acquired through dialectic. Dialectic, however, is practiced late in life by a select few with the requisite memory and quickness of mind, after they have studied various, essentially mathematical disciplines. The winnowing process eliminates most people from ever developing the necessities for philosophical thought. The first steps (523a-525a) in the turn towards abstract thinking are occasioned by the need for the mind to settle questions arising from ordinary perception; that is, the mind of everyman is liable to be summoned to reflect upon the confused, and confusing, reports of perception. About a host of perceptual qualities, thick, thin, hard, soft, large and small, the senses report that they are the same, at least in certain perceptual circumstances. Lumped in with these properties is also number. The mind is summoned to settle what is large and what is small, and what is one.
The brief discussion of the summoners raises suspicions about the faculty psychology presented in the final argument of Book V and in Line and Cave. It seems at times that Plato thinks that belonging to each part of the soul are capacities or faculties capable of issuing judgments (cf. 602c-603a; see Burnyeat 1976). So, for instance, there are the judgments of sense that can and often do conflict with the judgments of reason. But taken literally, if each faculty has its own objects such that no other faculty can be set over them, then there can be no conflict in judgments. The case of perception poses a special difficulty. Perception, unlike discursive thought or belief, is aligned not with the so-called rational part of the soul, but with the desiderative part. As we saw in the Phaedo, as well as in the passages about the sightlovers and the summoners, the senses are disparaged as a source of confusion and falsehood. The senses mislead us. One of Plato's complaints seems to be that people rely on perception, or belief relying on perception, with the result that they come to think that what is real is the physical, sensible world. And, perhaps even worse, they come to think that one can understand (know) things about the world such as what makes (for example) a temple beautiful or a stick equal or a person large by appealing to properties that are perceptual or observational or sensible.
Proponents of the thesis that Plato posits Forms only for incomplete properties locate the problem for the sensible world not in the objects themselves, but in the kinds of explanations that sightlovers and non-philosophers rely on to justify their claim to know (propositions about) the sensible, material world (see Fine 1978; 1990; Irwin 1977; Gosling 1960). It need not be the case, as the predicative reading in terms of objects would have it, that a given temple is and is not- beautiful. In their view, the problem is the sensible property types cited by the sight-lovers in their accounts of what makes something beautiful. For example, there is the sensible property type, bright-color, that allegedly explains why the temple at Bassae is beautiful. But, bright-color itself, the property type, is and is not-beautiful, for it accounts for beauty in some things but accounts for ugliness (not-beauty) in others. The crucial text for this reading is 479d3–5: “So we have discovered, apparently, that most people's varying standards (nomima) of beauty and things like that are rattling around somewhere in the middle, between what is not something and what purely and simply is something” (Ferrari/Griffith trans.) The veridical reading translates nomima as ‘beliefs’ and contends that because most people rely on sensible property types as the justification for their beliefs, they are condemned to live in the realm of belief. For, according to this reading, every sensible property type suffers from this compresence of opposites, i.e., is F and not-F. In appealing to such properties in their accounts, the sight lover can never be justified in any of his beliefs about the many beautifuls, because their accounts or reasons for their beliefs about the world must be false. Hence, the sightlover can have only beliefs about the many beautifuls, or equals, or, for any incomplete property F, the many fs. The sight-lover can never achieve knowledge so long as he relies on sensible properties in his accounts. And since Plato thinks that there is knowledge, he infers, says the veridical reading, that there must be non-sensible objects, or rather there must be accounts or explanations available which can be phrased in terms of ‘non-sensible’ properties, i.e., must appeal to properties which are not both F and not-F, or more precisely, do not make some things, say beautiful, and others ugly.
The veridical reading, combined with the account that limits Forms to incomplete properties (See §6, supra), allows for the possibility that the philosopher can have knowledge of the visible realm. This can come about for at least two reasons. On the one hand, there will be a host of non-sensible properties and propositions about ordinary particulars and such properties, e.g., ‘Socrates is a man’. Since arguably Plato thinks that Socrates is completely or essentially a man, and since there is no Form of Man, the philosopher (and, perhaps, anyone) can know such a proposition. On the other hand, the philosopher, once he comes to know the Forms of the Incomplete Properties, can then have knowledge of the external world in any and all respects. Not misled by the compresent opposite properties, and able to base all his accounts on the Good and the other Forms, nothing stands in his way of knowing the material world (520c).
The predicative reading of the argument of Book V and the analogies of the central books does not limit the range of Forms and does not commit itself to the possibility of knowledge of the external world. If one treats the physical world as metaphysically defective, as victimized in any and every respect by its being and not-being, then that suffices to preclude one from knowing anything about such a world. The objects of the physical world are simply not the right sorts of things to qualify as objects of knowledge, regardless of what sorts of reasons or justifications or explanations one has at her disposal.
Regardless of the epistemic status of the physical world, one task is to understand how Plato thinks the transition is made from one's perceptions and beliefs about the physical world to knowledge of the Forms. In the Republic, Socrates says that every human being is capable of becoming a philosopher and thus able to know the Good and all the Forms (518c). On the other hand, the Republic leaves little doubt that Plato expects that few will actually achieve the knowledge each is capable of. Most of us will give in to the ordinary beliefs generated through our perceptual encounters with the sensible world, as well as those resulting from the conversations we have with one another. Most will never even begin, it seems, the course of study outlined in Book VII, and most of those who begin will not become dialectically sophisticated so that they can give an account of what they know that will ‘destroy the hypotheses'. But despite the odds, from the Phaedo and Republic we can locate two elements of Plato's epistemological program that can lead to knowledge if properly exercised, recollection and the method of hypothesis. The latter is mentioned explicitly in the Phaedo and seems again to be alluded to in Plato's remarks about the differences between the top two sections of line. Since this method, assuming that it is the same in both, appears to be deployed as part of the final stages of the pursuit of knowledge, there is reason to postpone consideration of the method until after consideration of perception and belief, i.e., the first two stages of Line.
The Phaedo's discussion of Recollection suggests that there is something inherently flawed with empiricist or abstractionist accounts, at least those that attempt to derive any concept from our contacts, perceptual or linguistic, with the external world. It seems that Plato thinks that the deficiency of the external, sensible, material world vitiates all efforts to build or acquire concepts from it. The deficiency of the sensible material world makes it an unreliable source of information. Depending on how one accounts for this deficiency, the trouble for perception, and belief based on perception, is explained in different ways. Aristotle's account emphasizes that it is changing. Another source of difficulty is that the abstract, general Forms are always manifested in a concrete, determinate fashion (See §7, supra). The Affinity Argument points to the complexity of material particulars. Rather than present a single property, as it were, to perception, perception is required to focus on some aspect of the complex particular. If it is also true that at least with respect to some properties, namely the incomplete or relative properties addressed by the Compresence accounts, every object is both F and not-F, then no sensible will be an unqualified bearer of these properties. Perception, considered in its own right, seems to be unable to explain how any feature of an object is selected for study. It also seems that Plato thinks that the psychological faculties of perception, or even belief, are incapable of processing the information in a reliable manner, or at least in a manner requisite for knowledge. At times it seems that they distort or alter perceptions (Phaedo, 65ff). At other times, e.g., when we emphasize the difference between the faculties, it seems that they are confined to work on whatever they process in such a manner that they do not pass along anything to the rational faculty, or if they do, they pass it along to belief. One problem is that whenever one engages in perception, and belief based on perceptual reports, one can never overcome the inherently perspectival situation. For instance, no matter where one is situated, the round penny will appear to the eye, we might say, somewhat elliptical. Or, to use Plato's example from Book Ten, the straight stick in water will seem bent (owing to the laws of refraction), even though an experienced person will believe that it is straight (602c-603a).
However we account for the inadequacy of perception the task remains to explore how we get from perception, which stimulates the recollective process, to belief and eventually to recollect or otherwise know Forms. Plato is less than forthcoming about how one moves from one stage to the next. The elenctic method probably plays some role in advancing one's understanding, especially the step from perception to belief. At a certain point, we naturally begin to offer reasons for our beliefs. The elenchus questions our reasons, typically by revealing an inconsistency in our accounts of why we believe what we do. But we can also place Plato in a tradition that seeks a systematic explanation of the natural phenomena. One aim of the Presocratics, as Socrates narrates in the Phaedo (95a4ff), is to find a single explanation, or a single kind of explanation, to save the phenomena. Socrates complains that the Presocratics had mistakenly looked to material causes. Such explanations fail to meet minimal standards: the same explanation (aitia) accounts for opposite phenomena, e.g., ‘by a head’ explains both why something is tall and something else is short; or sometimes the same phenomenon is subject to explanations by opposite causes, being two by ‘division and addition.’ However, Socrates reports, Anaxagoras' nod towards Mind was at least a step in the right direction (though Anaxagoras failed to follow the path). The best account is teleological in nature, in terms of the Good. Thus the Phaedo gestures at the critical role assigned to this Form in the Republic. In the Phaedo Plato begs off from directly investigating the nature of the good or teleological explanations. Instead he turns to what he describes as a method of hypothesis, the first of which is the hypothesis of Forms as causes (see $sect;2 supra), and its ‘first corollary’, that particulars are/come-to-be what each is in virtue of partaking in Forms.
Precisely what the connection is between the Phaedo's method of hypothesis (99eff) and the Republic's remarks on hypothesis and the ascent to an unhypothetical first principal is a subject of controversy. Equally controversial is its connection within the Phaedo to the method of recollection and to philosophical practice in general. In attempting to study what there is (onta), Socrates says that he shrinks from things (erga) to concentrate on propositions/accounts (logoi), which he denies are more images (of what there is) than the physical things: “I started in this manner: taking as my hypothesis in each case the theory that seemed to me most compelling, I would consider as true, about cause and everything else, whatever agreed with this, and as untrue whatever did not agree.” (99e-100a). Since the hypothesis of Forms is offered next, with its corollary of participating particulars, it would seem that the logoi are opinions about Forms. These logoi are to be treated as provisional. Socrates' is the strongest logos and the safest, in explicit contrast to the wise explanations of others. From the examples provided, it seems that ‘agreement’ here is not a notion of entailment or logical consequence. Rather, Plato directs us to posit initially a general hypothesis and to determine whether there are particular cases within the target domain—here the cause of generation and destruction—that are inconsistent with, i.e., not adequately explained by, it (see Bedu-Addo 1991).
Complicating matters is Plato's additional remark that one needs also to examine the initial hypothesis to see whether there are ‘higher’ hypotheses that account for it:
But you would cling to the safety of your own hypothesis and give that answer. If someone then attacked your hypothesis itself, you would ignore him and would not answer until you had examined whether the consequences that follow from it agree with one another or contradict one another. And when you must give an account of your hypothesis itself you will proceed in the same way: You assume another hypothesis, the one which seems to you best of the higher ones until you come to something acceptable. (101d)
Since the initial hypothesis is the theory of Forms, it is uncertain what Plato has in mind in mentioning hypotheses ‘higher’ than the theory or what sort of test he has in mind. The elenctic practice of Socrates would determine whether other accounts are consistent with one another. But that still leaves the question of higher hypotheses unanswered. One temptation here is to think that the teleological account of the Good is the higher/est hypothesis. While this may well be so, there are perhaps intermediate accounts between the full-blown teleology of the Good—an account that Plato steadfastly throughout his writings refuses to provide—and the initial statement of the theory of Forms and its corollary of participation (see Rowe 1993). These intermediate stages might then be viewed as different accounts of the nature of Forms, the nature of particulars and of the participation relation itself. For instance, Aristotle might offer a different account of ‘Forms’ than Plato, one that espouses an immanent realism wherein some particulars might be said to have essential properties. Or, looking to the clever explanations that follow, where perhaps Forms of Fire and Heat, Cold and Snow or Three and Odd are linked, one might ponder whether Forms are indeed utterly simple or monoeidetic, in contrast to an account of Forms in which they may bear a special relation to their essence—Three is what it is to be three—and a different relation to another property, e.g. oddness. Seen in this light, the Theory of Forms in the Phaedo (and Republic) is hypothetical or provisional, awaiting a defense in which the nature of Forms, the role of the Good and the relations between Forms are examined.
When one turns from the Phaedo to the Republic, the notion of hypothesis appears in the two ‘upper’ segments of the line. They are distinguished in part by the fact that those considering their subject matter dianoetically still make use of hypotheses, whereas those using nous have arrived at an unhypothetical first principle and descending the line have destroyed the hypotheses. It seems that the mathematicians, for example, use discursive thought because they assume the starting points, i.e., the axioms or definitions, of their sciences. In this respect, they are like Socrates of the Phaedo positing the Forms to explain generation and corruption. In Plato's hands, scientific inquiry seems to emerge from reflection on the everyday material world. The step from conviction to dianoia, however, is taken by far fewer individuals than those who step from eikasia to conviction.
The move from the second to the third level crosses the barrier between the visible and the intelligible. One derives ‘images' from the objects of pistis or considers them differently, developing different propositions about what one previously took for granted. Perhaps the scientist describes these images in non-sensible terms, or perhaps he regards the ‘image of triangle’ apart from the particular, determinate angles or lengths that even any image must have—he abstracts away these features, treating the abstract image as applying to all triangles. Or, similarly, the objects of dianoia and nous may be identical: the philosopher thinks about them differently from the scientist. If one assumes that here Forms are first posited, as seems required if we are to understand the descent from nous to secure the Forms, then the objects of dianoia and pistis cannot be the same. For the latter are not Forms but ordinary particulars. We can then explain ‘destroying the hypotheses’ as similar to what, in the Phaedo, was described as finding the higher logoi. The initial strongest hypothesis, i.e., the Theory of Forms, is then rendered non-hypothetical when, and only when, the philosopher has determined which of the many accounts of the general nature of Forms, e.g., immanent vs. transcendent realism, simple versus complex Forms, the nature of the Good and its relation to others forms, is best. The same route would secure the hypotheses of the sciences, i.e., the various interpretations of the objects of the sciences would be eliminated leaving only that one justified by the theory of Forms. The peculiar properties or axioms of the individual sciences would remain the provenance of the scientists. Dialectic or understanding would concern how we are to think about the nature of those properties and the structure of the sciences.
The images of the central books do not settle the question of whether or not the objects of the different faculties are the same. In appealing to a contents analysis, fundamentally an analysis that takes propositions to be the contents or ‘objects’ of belief and knowledge, as opposed to the objects themselves, i.e., material particulars or Forms, one allows that there is a path from belief to knowledge. The same proposition can be believed or known, depending on one's reasons or justification for holding the belief. But a contents analysis is not committed to a justified true belief account of all knowledge. It is left open that knowledge of Forms is somehow basic. Descending the line furnishes justification for the claims of the dianoetic sciences and beliefs about the material world, including the states of affairs in actual cities. What to do about the basic knowledge of Forms is a key issue. Sun, Line and Cave suggest to many readers that knowledge of Forms is intuitive or acquaintance-like. On the other hand, the refrain that one who knows can give an account (logos) of what he knows suggests knowledge by description or a propositional analysis. To emphasize relations between Forms, starting from the relation of the Good to all Forms, lends credence to the view that Plato is an epistemological holist. Holism is fueled by the search for definitions, since in order to know what, for instance, Human is, one must know all the elements of its definition, Animal, Rationality, Bipedality, and thus the definition of these elements, and so on. In order to know a given Form, one must know all the Forms, an extreme version of holism, or at least one must know all the Forms in a given science. The results of this analysis, the genera and species of a given science, are then hypostasized as Forms, nodes in a web or the elements of a field. There is a virtuous circle of justification.
Holist readings can also be combined with the narrow reading of recollection. The same (token) proposition may well be entertained by the philosopher as by those who still rely on concepts gleaned from their everyday encounters. Whether or not one knows or believes that ‘The triangle has three sides’ depends on what one is doing with that content or how one is justifying one's belief. The problem is that if somehow knowing that the triangle has three sides makes ‘triangle’ in the statement refer to the Form, while believing that (same?) proposition makes it refer to something else, then the content of the two states is different, and the content of the states is different because, it seems, the objects of the two states are different. Or one can try to save one's holism by allowing that the different states of mind cause (the contents of) the propositions to be different. Those who see recollection as an act engaged in only by philosophers maintain that their concept differs from the empirically grounded concept of the non-recollector, the occupant apparently of at least two of the other three stages of Line. But how one gets from the one concept to the other is unspecified. The concepts are linked by the ‘external fact’ that the temple, for instance, participates in Beauty. The holist program seems to entail that one can continue to add to beliefs about Beauty, where one is deploying the empirical concept, until one in a proper justificatory exercise acquires all the appropriately related beliefs about properties. Once that is accomplished, the philosophical concept is recollected. It remains open on this account, when one has recollected the Form and then descends, whether the contents of the philosopher's beliefs about the empirical world use the philosophical or empirical concept.
Those who read Plato as subscribing to different objects for Knowledge and Belief also need a story about how one gets from one stage to the next. If we assume that Forms are at work throughout the learning process, then Plato is best viewed as not identifying the Form with the propositional contents of his states. The same expression will, depending on the state of the agent, have different referents: the images; the material objects; some immaterial, abstract intermediary, or a mathematical in the case of dianoia. On the objects account, Plato has little to say about the status of the concepts deployed in thought. The Form of Equality is not the concept. The concept is present throughout the developmental life of the human. Because (knowledge of) the Form is latent in the mind, sensation and everyday talk are capable of ‘triggering’ the concept. A select individual will come to disdain the senses and the material objects of the sensible world and try to explain what accounts for the similarities present in his experience. The first fundamental moment of transition seems to be a shift from the many particulars to some abstract general notion, an inchoate ‘one-over-many’. That she is able to isolate these ‘ones' at all is, according to the broad reading of recollection, due to the unconscious operation or influence of the Form that allows her to sort the perceptions into kinds. The ontological status of these kinds is not, as yet, clear to her. With the further development of her dialectical capacity, the philosopher-to-be comes to think that there are Forms; that is, comes to think that there are special entities variously related to particulars and property-instances. The objects of these beliefs are still not the Forms themselves, if the state of mind of the scientist or Phaedan hypothesizer is not yet knowledge. At this stage, or even earlier, one might even be in possession of the definition of the Form and still not have knowledge. Exactly why one lacks knowledge is hard to say. It is not, it seems, because he lacks beliefs about the relation the Forms bear to other mathematical notions. On the one hand, it is doubtful that Plato believes that one can know all of mathematics or that one can know what a triangle is only if one knows every other shape. On the other hand, the mathematician does seem to know as much as would be needed to qualify as having knowledge of the mathematical Forms. The philosopher is not said to know more mathematics than the mathematician. He secures his knowledge in way the mathematician can't or doesn't.
If ‘more truths’ are added to the truths in the possession of the mathematician, these can only be truths about the nature of Forms. These higher logoi will then be general metaphysical principles about the role of the Good, the simplicity or complexity of Forms, the specification of the participation relation and so on (not a trivial ‘and so on’. ) Plato does then place fantastically high demands on knowledge. The desire to ensure irrefutability, perhaps the legacy of reflection on the Socratic elenchus, drives him to the conclusion that one really has recollected the Form only when one has become a metaphysician. She need (only!) know the general metaphysical theory.
There is little reason to think that Plato espouses a holism of knowledge of the sort discussed above. Plato never says that the mathematician or the philosopher needs to know all the truths of mathematics or ethics to know some Form. Moreover, while Plato does prescribe a course of study in the Republic designed to promote one's dialectical abilities, and while it is agreed by both holists and intuitionists, those who allow for atomic or acquaintance-like knowledge of a Form, that the same Forms are the basic objects of knowledge, it does not follow that Plato thinks that there is only one way to secure knowledge of the Forms. If there are different paths to knowledge, or different ways to know a given Form, then Plato's epistemology is liable to appear to be both holistic and acquaintance-like. As for when and where Recollection is operative, or whether Plato allows that a philosopher (or scientist) can know anything about the physical world, it is left to each reader of the dialogues to judge whether Plato is committed to gulfs between both the ordinary concepts of most humans and the special concepts of the few philosophers, as well as between the perfect Forms and the seemingly imperfect physical world. Since a Platonic dialogue is a dialectical conversation designed to summon the mind of the reader towards philosophizing, it is appropriate that each reader struggle to discover for himself What Knowledge Is.
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In Hemingway's "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place," why does the younger waiter never look at the old man?
Hemingway is famous for having a specific purpose for every word. There are three times when he writes that the old man looked at the waiter, but the waiter never looks at the old man.
1 Answer | Add Yours
While it is true that Hemingway writes with a great economy of words and that a good many phrases reveal as much indirect information as direct information, it would not be true to suggest that if Hemingway doesn't say it, it doesn't happen, which would be a logical contradiction to economy of words and which is exactly what your question suggests:
Hemingway is famous for having a specific purpose for every word. There are three times when he writes that the old man looked at the waiter, but the waiter never looks at the old man. Why does the waiter never look at the old man?
The two waiters are the young waiter, who is in a hurry to get home and who waits on the old man, and the other waiter, who is not in a hurry and is older than the first. The story setting places them further in looking out at the terrace. They are seated together at the same table. They are both looking out at the terrace. The terrace is where the old man sits, the only one there, in the shadow of leaves thrown by an electric light. The "street" (which includes sidewalks) runs behind the terrace.
From this, the logical deduction must be that the other waiter and the younger waiter are both looking at the old man from the table. This is confirmed at the beginning: "they kept watch on him." This is further confirmed by the incident of the girl and the soldier walking on the street behind the terrace. The soldier's insignia is lit up by the "street light." Since Hemingway does value economy of words and does use literary techniques, such as parallelism, to tell his stories, it is logical to conclude that the light is the same one and that the younger waiter saw the the passers-by because he was looking at the old man, he "kept watch on him."
One of the two passages that do suggest the younger waiter did not look at the old man comes when he refuses the old man another drink:
"No. Finished." The waiter wiped the edge of the table with a towel and shook his head.
This has every indication of shear determination to remain unyielding in his refusal of more service, in his insistence that he go home early. It is early after all: "Why didn't you let him stay and drink? ... It is not half-past two." For some readers, this passage conjurers up the image of grit teeth and stern rejection and refusal to make eye-contact.
Logical deduction suggests this scene is a dramatic exception, different from an earlier one when he made rude remarks directly to the old man. If logic indicates that this was a dramatic exception, then logic also indicates that the younger waiter did look at the old man while being rude, while approaching him, while waiting on him and at his departure.
The waiter watched him go down the street, a very old man walking unsteadily but with dignity.
In light of this, it might be better ask: Why he did not look at him then, when insisting on putting himself first and going home early? It might be better to ask: Why did Hemingway make a point of stating that the old man looked at the younger waiter?
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across 100 subsidiary companies in 38 countries.
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Due to high demand we often sell out of Heraeus bars. Please use our stock alert system to make sure
you’re the first to know when their bars come back into stock.
The History of Heraeus:
Heraeus began life in 1851, founded by Wilhelm Carl Heraeus. He took over his father’s apothecary and
used his pharmacy and chemistry experience to change the business’ direction. Hanau was known as
being a town of goldsmiths, so most companies had that refining mastered, but platinum was the big
challenge due to its high melting point. Wilhelm invented a way to superheat the platinum so it melted,
and thus began the W.C Heraeus First German Platinum Smelters company.
From there the company supplied workshops and jewellers across the world, before turning their hand at
dental and other medical equipment which required specialist production, such as quartz glass and the
process of melting under vacuum.
Heraeus was nearly destroyed during Allied bombing raids during the Second World War but survived. It
steadily worked to expand over the next few decades, improving its metallurgy and opening up subsidiaries
across the globe.
The LBMA regularly tests refiners all over the world, including Heraeus, and we’re pleased to say
that the company has continued to pass since 2013, though details on earlier certification are
Heraeus produces a lot of gold bullion and precious metals for investment, but this is the easy
part of their work. The majority of their research and development, and indeed technical specialty,
goes into the production of medical metals, used for specialist equipment for surgery and other
applications, such as platinum in chemotherapy. Quartz glasses are also used in medicine, due to
their durability against fluids and acids.
The company did previously have a dental arm, though this was sold off in 2001.
Heraeus is also in the world of high tech metallurgy now too, producing fine gold wiring for the
ever-growing realm of digital products and gadgets, but the most notable achievement is their
involvement in the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, Switzerland. Here the project is using a copper
coated beam screen produced by Heraeus, which features 4.4cm to 7.4cm emitter wall tubes to
assist in the data reading process as the particles accelerate around the tunnel system.
Heraeus has sites in the following countries:
(Austria x2, Belgium, Czech Republic (Czechia), Finland, France, Germany x3,
Greece, Ireland, Italy x2, Netherlands, Poland x2, Romania x2, Russia, Spain x3, Sweden x2, Switzerland x2, Ukraine, United Kingdom x5)
- Middle East (Turkey x2)
- Africa (South Africa x2)
- Asia (China x5, India x3, Japan x2, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea x2, Taiwan x4)
- Oceania (Australia x2)
- North America (Canada, United States x14)
- Central & South America (Brazil, Costa Rica, Mexico, Puerto Rico)
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- Bullion Index | <urn:uuid:cdad633d-1d11-44f6-8cd9-add955779c89> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://www.bullionbypost.co.uk/info/heraeus/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882573760.75/warc/CC-MAIN-20220819191655-20220819221655-00665.warc.gz | en | 0.944855 | 1,143 | 1.851563 | 2 |
How are your finances looking right now? Some will be able to answer this without hesitation, others may shrug their shoulders, unsure. While a lot of us may dismiss the idea that money can buy happiness, a lack of money can certainly cause stress and even lack of sleep.
According to debt charity StepChange, over 70% of their clients report having low energy or insomnia while research from mobile bank N26 found 9.5 million UK adults have suffered from mental health issues due to financial anxiety.
Money worries can entangle themselves in all areas of our lives and as tempting as it may be to bury your head in the sand, this often only makes the problem worse.
Becoming more aware of your finances, understanding how your beliefs around money impact you and filling any gaps in knowledge can all help. This is, essentially, financial self-care. Here we’ll look into this idea in more detail and explore how financial coaching can give you the support you need.
Understanding your relationship with money
If you want to change your money habits, the first step is to understand why you feel the way you do about money. Many of our habits and beliefs live in our subconscious and are often picked up in childhood. The way your parents talked about money, for example, may have seeped into your subconscious, planting a belief that is now affecting how you view money.
Consider the following beliefs and ask yourself if any resonate:
- Money is the root of all evil.
- Wealthy people are unkind.
- Money is difficult to earn.
- I’m not good with money.
These are just a few examples of limiting beliefs - beliefs that hold us back. When we believe these statements, our brain seeks confirmation of this (this is called confirmation bias). When we see this confirmation, our belief gets cemented.
What could happen if we changed these beliefs to something more positive? If we were to believe, for example, ‘Money comes to me easily and offers me freedom’, how would this affect us? Our confirmation bias would then look for confirmation of this and, the theory is, our subconscious would direct us to take action that would make this belief true.
Of course, it’s important for us to highlight here that the economy is a complicated thing, and we’re certainly not all on a level playing field. Changing your beliefs about money will not magically change your situation. Instead, we recommend you view it as one tool in a larger toolbox you can access for support.
Finding the gaps in your knowledge
Taxes, pensions, investments… How many of us were taught about these things in schools? Many of us weren’t, so it’s not surprising that we feel unconfident around money. Some also have negative connotations with numbers and maths, finding anything money-related just as repellant.
Taking a look at your knowledge about money and picking out any gaps is a crucial step. Once you’ve identified what it is you don’t know, you can look to educate yourself. It may not sound like the most fun way to spend your time, but understanding how to manage your money practically can go a long way in changing your relationships with money.
With practical knowledge under your belt and a positive mindset, change can happen. When it comes to educating yourself, we would recommend going to experts and learning from official sources. The Money Saving Expert website, for example, is a trusted and well-respected resource to get started with.
How financial coaching can help
For some people, talking about money can feel shameful or even taboo. Talking to friends or family about money worries can also be tricky as their relationship with you may cloud their opinions. This is why, for many, talking to someone objective in a confidential setting, such as a coach, is an ideal option.
The aim of a financial coach is to help you better understand your relationship with money, make any changes to this relationship and support you in developing greater control over your finances.
A financial coach is not the same as a financial advisor, so they won’t be able to advise you on how to spend your money or offer any other advice of this kind. Instead, they aim to go deeper, helping you unpick those limiting self-beliefs and supporting you as you fill the gaps in your knowledge.
With terms such as ‘effective annual rate’, ‘loan-to-value’ and ‘compound interest’ it’s no wonder that 77% of UK adults are confused by financial jargon. Six million Brits have racked up late fees due to misunderstanding language, and others have seen a negative impact on their credit scores.
- Read more about how to take care of your financial wellbeing.
Often, you’ll have regular coaching sessions over a certain period of time, so every session offers you this sense of gentle accountability. If you’re prone to putting off anything finance-related, this accountability can help you take action - even when it feels hard. Your financial coach will be with you every step of the way, providing support and encouragement.
Coaches who work in this field often have a background of working in finance, bringing their knowledge of the industry with them into the coaching world. If you’re looking for more specific advice, however, you may want to look into hiring a financial advisor who will be regulated and able to do this.
If you’re in a relationship and have joint finances, you may find it helpful to see a coach together. Getting on the same page when it comes to your finances as a couple can help to ease tensions and ensure you both have shared goals when it comes to your future.
Here are a few areas financial coaches can support with:
- Understanding and changing your relationship with money.
- Unpicking limiting self-beliefs.
- Changing unwanted habits or behaviours around money.
- Setting financial goals.
- Increasing your awareness of your financial health.
- Supporting you to increase your knowledge around finances.
- Understanding financial needs when starting/expanding a business.
To find out more about how a coach could support you, we would recommend reaching out to a coach for an initial consultation. You’ll be able to find out more about them and see if they’re able to help you.
Money may feel like a complex and intimidating force in our lives, but it doesn’t need to be. With the right tools, we can pick it apart, understand it, and make it work for us. | <urn:uuid:21b3870d-a792-4a56-b97a-ac136274869d> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://www.lifecoach-directory.org.uk/articles/finances.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882571982.99/warc/CC-MAIN-20220813172349-20220813202349-00070.warc.gz | en | 0.958548 | 1,367 | 2.09375 | 2 |
Hoping to Save Bees, Europe to Vote on Pesticide Ban
In a case closely watched on both sides of the Atlantic, European officials plan to vote Friday on a proposal to sharply restrict the use of pesticides that had been implicated in the decline of global bee populations.
The vote in Brussels, by officials from all 27 European Union member states, follows a January report from the European Food Safety Authority recommending that none of the chemicals of a class known as neonicotinoids should be used on crops that are attractive to honeybees, because of the risk the insects would be poisoned.
Although even some bee scientists say the evidence is inconclusive, the European Commission, the Union’s administrative arm, has embraced the food safety authority’s findings. The proposal calls for a two-year prohibition of neonicotinoid use on the flowering crops that lure bees, as well as the seeds of such crops.
That would mean, for example, that farmers could no longer use the products on the colorful fields of rapeseed, or canola, that stretch across huge areas of Europe agricultural heartlands.
03/15/business/global/hoping- to-save-bees-europe-to-vote- on-pesticide-ban.html? pagewanted=all&_r=1&
Unfortunately I have only just received this but we only have tommorow to act. 38degrees (pressure group) are asking everyone to contact their MP to stop Owen Paterson from voting against a Europe wide ban on the pesticides linked to the devastating loss of bees. The vote is tommorrow so we only have the morning.
If you get onto their web site there is the start of a letter ready for you.
Please pass this on to anyone you think will act
The Tap Blog is a collective of like-minded researchers and writers who’ve joined forces to distribute information and voice opinions avoided by the world’s media. | <urn:uuid:a5604ca7-9e8f-4ae5-badb-f36a5f56d132> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://tapnewswire.com/2013/03/temporary-eu-pesticide-ban-to-help-bees/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882571150.88/warc/CC-MAIN-20220810070501-20220810100501-00672.warc.gz | en | 0.950829 | 429 | 2.046875 | 2 |
Since the economic crisis of 2008 and the recent "bank holiday" in Greece, more investors have become cautious about keeping their money in the bank or stock market and have sought greater protection for their savings that traditional retirement accounts
Speaking to a gathering of journalists during a breakfast on Monday, Bank Asya's retirement accounts
manager, ErcE-ment Korkut, stated that the bank has opened over 35,000 private retirement accounts
since the pension fund was created in mid May, and added that by year's end the number of private pensioners covered by the bank would be around 41,000.
Financial Snapshot The McElroys Houston Household Income Gross Income $145,000 Assets Checking $4,500 Savings 2,500 Retirement Accounts
36,000 Home Primary * 193,896 Rental Home * 106,742 2004 BMW 5 Series ** 12,539 2005 Buick LeSabre ** 7,424 Total $363,601 Liabilities Primary Mortgage $149,000 Rental Home 70,000 Credit Cards 5,000 Medical Bills 5,000 Total $229,000 Net Worth $134,601 * ACCORDING TO ZILLOWCOM ** ESTIMATED TRADE-IN VALUE ACCORDING TO KELLEY BLUE BOOK
But always remember: monies held in retirement accounts
cannot be seized by creditors, even in bankruptcy.
Led by Trevor Gerszt, managing member and IRA specialist at Goldco Direct, Heritage Gold Group specializes in helping clients obtain gold and silver backed retirement accounts
For one, when you turn 70-and-a-half, you must take Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from retirement accounts
(other than Roth IRAs).
Individual retirement account
assets are now greater than in employer-based retirement accounts
such as 401(k)s and 403(b)s, according to a Cogent Research study of 4,000 affluent and high net worth Americans.
Individual retirement accounts
(IRAs) are said to hold more assets than any other type of retirement vehicle, yet barriers exist that may discourage employers from offering payroll-deduction IRAs to their employees.
Through the use of flyers and videos, Tuck School of Business researchers Annamaria Lusardi and Punam Anand Keller wrote they were able to "reduce anxiety about future retirement needs; to increase awareness about financial knowledge, including interest in professional advice; and to increase participation and contribution to supplementary retirement accounts
among female and low-income workers?
Millions of workers are using money from their retirement accounts
or other investments to meet daily expenses, and many more have stopped contributing to their retirement plans during the past year, according to two recent surveys conducted by AARP, an advocacy group for senior citizens.
The most prudent choices are investing, putting money in college savings or retirement accounts
or paying off debts.
So when it comes to his retirement portfolio, Elis opts for a ``self-directed IRA,'' a tool that allows savvy individual investors to supercharge their retirement accounts
- but could backfire in the hands of novice moneymen. | <urn:uuid:4b68530d-6144-4566-ab43-ba3a3eca4106> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://financial-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Retirement+Accounts | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560279489.14/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095119-00012-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.94361 | 641 | 1.648438 | 2 |
NOTICE: This site contains real arrest records dating back several decades. Please use caution when conducting a search to ensure all the information entered is accurate. Learning the truth about the history of your friends and family can be shocking, so please be cautious when using this tool.
Very addicting. I looked up everyone I know and found out so much!
- Marissa S.
Felony Records provide information that lets you know if the person you’re investigating has ever been arrested for a serious crime. A felony is more serious than a misdemeanor. It’s sometimes referred to as a “high crime” and if convicted, sentencing usually consists of imprisonment for longer than one year or the death penalty. Crimes considered to be felonies are aggravated assault, burglary, rape, murder, theft and kidnapping. You can protect yourself from these acts of violence with Felony Records.
If you own rental property, you know it’s a good idea to screen your renters. The information they provide you with is not always the truth. They may have given you references, but those most likely are from friends or relatives. Do you think they’ll tell you your potential renter is a convicted felon? Let Felony Records do a deeper search for you.
You don’t need to know the state in which a crime may have been committed, or when it may have occurred. All you need is a name. Felony Records will investigate the entire data base of United States federal felony system. Felony Records will even send you a mug shot.
We use secure servers to ensure your search is strictly confidential. Search Felony Records now! | <urn:uuid:9c70003d-47f2-44ac-bc33-fe2dfd011583> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | https://www.publicrecordsofficial.com/page/Felony-Records | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560282935.68/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095122-00235-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.930822 | 340 | 1.523438 | 2 |
Cultivate Your Perfect Smile With Cosmetic Teeth Procedures
Smiling is a natural response to life events that surge joy and happiness in our lives, but many people may suppress it due to self-consciousness. Many things may cause people to hide their smiles. Whether it’s gaps in their teeth, discolouration, chipped teeth or misalignment, the appearance of your teeth goes a long way in how confident you feel about your smile. Although any smile is beautiful, some people may choose to have cosmetic teeth procedures done to enhance their appearance and improve their self-confidence. Dentistry is important to maintain oral hygiene and the longevity of your teeth and will help treat numerous problems like gum disease, cavities, infections and many other dental issues. Living with an unhealthy mouth can be uncomfortable and painful and poses significant health issues to the rest of your body. Bacteria in the mouth can be passed to the respiratory tract or digestive system and cause illness, so regular checkups and deep cleaning with your dentist should be prioritized.
Family Dental Care takes oral hygiene seriously and is committed to giving its patients the best services the industry has to offer. Take advantage of cosmetic teeth procedures and find the smile of your dreams.
Besides the health benefits, cosmetic dentistry has great benefits on your self-confidence and self-esteem. When you feel confident in your smile, you feel more excited to be out in public and may find your social life buzzing like never before. In addition, your camera lens will be seeing a lot more of you as you feel comfortable taking pictures and videos. Also, there are significant psychological and emotional benefits to smiling more as your brain releases hormones such as dopamine and endorphins, which give you a rush similar to falling in love. Non-coincidentally, though, you are falling in love with yourself, drastically improving emotional and mental well-being and generating a euphoric response when you smile and allow yourself to enjoy life’s moments.
For young and old, we rely on our teeth every day. When our teeth cannot perform properly, we are inconvenienced and may struggle to perform our most common tasks, like eating and talking. Cosmetic teeth procedures can significantly improve your quality of life in the following ways:
- Crowns – used to straighten or lengthen teeth, it improves the way your jaw closes and how well your teeth fit together and also improves how well you chew food to aid in proper digestion and absorption of nutrients.
- Dental implants – similar effects to crowns, dental implants will give a full smile and help with speech and proper chewing of food.
- Gum lifts can reduce the surface area for gum disease and improve your smile’s appearance by creating a longer and straighter visual.
- Porcelain veneers – helps to cover and repair chips or broken teeth and can significantly improve sensitivity issues from exposed nerves in your teeth.
- Braces – used to straighten your teeth and improve oral hygiene as your toothbrush can reach places that were once obstructed by other teeth. Invisalign is an excellent alternative to metal braces as they are transparent and are not obvious in your mouth.
In addition, cosmetic teeth procedures raise awareness for other dental issues that patients may be unaware of, saving patients from unnecessary procedures and costs.
Family Dental Care in Ottowa can help you identify issues with your teeth and recommend the necessary cosmetic teeth procedures to rectify and enhance the appearance and functionality of your teeth. Ask your dentist about the procedures and what to expect during and after so you can feel comfortable and confident before making your booking. You deserve a beautiful smile and a chance to experience the natural response to happiness without restraint. | <urn:uuid:5072a0c7-ba18-49d0-8849-327f340a0949> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://www.thehealthage.com/cultivate-your-perfect-smile-with-cosmetic-teeth-procedures/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882571584.72/warc/CC-MAIN-20220812045352-20220812075352-00665.warc.gz | en | 0.939587 | 763 | 1.898438 | 2 |
The head of a major federal employees union said Tuesday that her members are “anxious” about the possibility of an impending government shutdown, and unclear whether they will be considered “essential” or “non-essential” workers.
Colleen Kelley, president of the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), told reporters that the labels of “essential” and “non-essential” workers — used to describe which employees will and will not go home in the event of a government shutdown — will likely anger federal employees.
Kelley said she has had discussions with administration officials, whom she declined to name, regarding how best to define government workers. She said she has not come up with better labels for agency personnel in the event of a shutdown.
“I have not come up with two words that will not offend somebody. People are talking about ‘exempt,’ ‘non-exempt.’ That raises a whole different set of issues,” Kelley said.
NTEU has 150,000 members spread across 30 different federal agencies, with most concentrated in financial regulators like the IRS and the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The federal government will run out of funds this Friday if Congress does not approve new funding. House Republicans passed a new two-week funding bill Tuesday, and Senate Democrats have said they will take up the legislation.
Even if both chambers do sign off on a two-week funding bill, Kelley doesn’t believe that will lessen the chances for a government shutdown later on, due to GOP campaign promises of huge budget cuts this year.
“I don’t think the odds are any different on March 4 than they are on March 18,” Kelley said.
NTEU opposes a federal government shutdown since its members would likely see their paychecks delayed or lost. It is also worried about taxpayers being denied government services, with national parks and Social Security Administration and IRS offices all shutting if the government runs out of funds. Other federal employee unions also oppose a shutdown.
“Agencies operating on skeleton crews can’t deliver the services that the American public expects and deserves. Shutting down the government means shutting down services, plain and simple,” John Gage, national president of the American Federation of Government Employees, said in a statement to The Hill.
“The bigger concern is the services. They want to work,” Kelley said about federal workers.
Workers have heard little on what to do from their agency bosses in the event of a government shutdown, according to Kelley.
“The communications to the employees has been almost zero,” Kelley said, leading to questions about how they will get paid.
“For many federal employees, March 7 is a payday. They want to know if the government gets shut down on March 4, do they get paid on March 7?” Kelley said. “Someone needs to tell them that their paycheck will be in their bank account on Monday, March 7.”
Kelley said she is preparing her members for a government shutdown. The union is collecting its members’ home e-mail addresses so they can communicate with them if they are away from work. NTEU is also trying to answer questions about unemployment benefits and finding another job outside of the federal government during a possible shutdown period.
“I’m telling them what I’m comfortable with. I’m not going to substitute NTEU’s judgment for something the agency should be telling them,” Kelley said.
The union is lobbying hard to keep federal agencies’ budget levels safe from cuts.
NTEU supports President Obama’s fiscal 2012 $13.2 billion budget proposal for the IRS. In turn, it is opposing the House GOP plan to reduce the agency’s budget to fiscal 2008 levels, saying it could mean 7,000 to 8,000 jobs lost at the IRS. | <urn:uuid:cb429f8b-447b-4b37-a853-26448b437a63> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://thehill.com/business-a-lobbying/146907-shutdown-anxiety-strikes-feds-who-fear-non-essential-label | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560283008.19/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095123-00087-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.962743 | 821 | 1.804688 | 2 |
Full profile →'">
The author is a Forbes contributor. The opinions expressed are those of the writer.
If Russians share one character trait it is their ability to persevere during economic and political collapse. While there's no political collapse on the horizon, there are signs that patience with the economic crisis is running thin among Russians.
The recession has pushed some 2.3 million Russians into poverty in 2015, according to government figures from Rosstat. The economy is expected to contract by 1% again this year, especially if oil stays below $40 a barrel and Europe maintains sanctions on Russian banks and energy companies.
Russia's biggest private polling firm, the Levada Center, said recently that some 82% of Russians said the country is facing a serious economic crisis. A fifth of them said they saw no end in sight.
The poll also showed that 53% are now concerned about the increase in poverty, saying it is one of the biggest threats the nation now faces. The economic crisis (49%) and rising unemployment (35%) were the second and third biggest threats to Russia, Levada poll results showed.
Businesses are just as pessimistic as the individual.
According to a Gaidar Institute business sentiment survey, Russian business confidence fell four basis points in January after declining 8 points in December and six points in November.
“Oil is a big problem along the Russian industrial supply chain,” says Craig Botham, emerging markets economist with U.K. investment firm Schroders. “Industrial data suggests that things are still bottoming out. The consumer is still getting squeezed...import demand is collapsing. No one is spending money in Russia,” he says.
Demand forecasts are now at their worst level in six years. Some 58% of Gaidar survey respondents said they were unsatisfied with sales volumes.
Inflation is making it harder for the central bank to cut interest rates, and Russian corporates are shut out from low cost capital in Europe. Double digit interest rates of more than 11% per year have less companies taking on debt for future expansion. Inflation ended the year at 12.9%, and fell to 9.7% recently. People still think it's too high and haven't felt prices ease up yet.
Some 70% of Russians say prices are too high, up from 65% a month ago, according to VTsIOM, a state-run polling firm. Worse yet for consumer goods manufacturers and retailers, 64% of Russians surveyed said they are refraining from big and expensive purchases this year. Another 85% think now is a bad time to take on debt. That's effect the housing market in one of the world's most expensive, high-rolling cities.
The market for previously-occupied housing in Moscow fell 30% in January compared to January 2015, according to the Federal Service for State Registration. The slump in demand has affected the Moscow market for new homes as well. Last year, 18% fewer new homes were sold in the city as buyers and investors stand down in response to the ongoing Russian recession. | <urn:uuid:65fe941b-cda7-4369-be36-84e4dace559c> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://www.forbes.com/sites/kenrapoza/2016/02/15/signs-of-patience-running-thin-in-russia/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560281746.82/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095121-00285-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.975439 | 627 | 1.773438 | 2 |
Why Write for SAPIENS?
Ask SAPIENS is a series that offers a glimpse into the magazine’s inner workings.
In the summer of 1960, Jane Goodall left England for what is now Gombe National Park in Tanzania. With the aid of legendary paleoanthropologist Louis Leakey, Goodall was charged with studying the lives of chimpanzees to better understand the evolution of hominin species.
Goodall’s fieldwork started badly. A brewing war in the region interrupted her arrival. Several months later, an armed group threatened Goodall, hoping to run her off so they could turn the chimpanzee’s forest into farmlands. Worst of all, whenever she got near the chimps to observe them, the animals fled in fear.
But in November, Goodall made a startling discovery. She happened upon a termite mound where she caught a chimp crafting a straw into a kind of fishing tool to extract the termites to eat. Up until then, many scientists and philosophers believed making tools distinguished us as Homo sapiens. Goodall’s work challenged long-held assumptions about our primate kin and the nature of being human.
In 2015, I saw Goodall give a lecture at the University of Colorado, Boulder. This breakthrough, 55 years earlier, she explained, was not made famous by her academic publications. It became one of the major scientific discoveries of the 20th century when the popular magazine National Geographic highlighted her work.
“Right from the beginning, it was very obvious to me how important it was to involve the media—to share scientific observations with the general public,” Goodall said in her lecture to the crowd of thousands. “Why should we keep knowledge in an ivory tower when it can make so much difference?”
Goodall’s words resonated so deeply with me. I am an anthropologist who has long pursued academic research, but I wanted to make that research broadly accessible. When I heard this lecture, I was helping to create SAPIENS, a magazine focused on helping anthropologists translate their research for a broad public audience. In the years since, I’ve only become more convinced that writing for publications such as SAPIENS is good for anthropologists, the discipline, and the world.
Despite the celebrated career of Goodall, and other public scholars such as Margaret Mead and David Graeber, many anthropologists, perhaps even you, might remain skeptical or uncertain about the value of communicating their work to the public. But here’s why more anthropologists should overcome their reticence and embrace the chance to share their research, discoveries, and insights beyond the ivory tower.
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD
Almost all academic writing sits locked behind paywalls, the only key a university library password or a credit card. Even academic books available on Amazon still must be purchased. Many of these books are expensive and not easily available outside of North America and Europe.
SAPIENS is free and open to anyone with an internet connection. To date, SAPIENS has been read more than 10 million times in 222 countries and territories. For a sense of scale, consider the reach of Steve Nash, one of the magazine’s columnists. Steve is the director of anthropology at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, and his academic publications since 1996 have been cited more than 600 times. That number is strong in the academic realm, but his popular readership is far greater. His articles for SAPIENS have reached nearly 1 million reads.
That kind of contrast is hardly unique to Steve. Academic anthropologists have long prioritized members of their own tribe above others—even though that emphasis limits their reach. Consequently, too much of anthropology remains obscure, underappreciated, and underfunded. SAPIENS and other public outlets for the field provide a chance to change this narrative and make your voice heard. And if you are part of a group and/or studying a community that is marginalized, adding your voice to the public conversation can be particularly powerful.
HELP SHAPE THE WORLD
SAPIENS’ vision is to amplify anthropological knowledge to build a more just and sustainable world. From our perspective, writing for the public isn’t merely about numbers. It’s about using anthropology to have an impact on the communities that researchers work in and care about and the larger world.
In translating academic anthropology for a wider circle, whole new vistas open. When it comes to public policy, anthropologists can serve as both commentators and catalysts in such areas as migration, medicine, economics, agriculture, the environment, and social equity. Anthropology can open minds and hearts, creating empathy for different ways of being in the world and fostering human connections. Anthropology can inform everyday conversations, helping non-anthropologists stand in wonder at the human journey—to see themselves and their world in new ways.
HONE THE CRAFT OF WRITING
Writers are bricklayers. They deepen their craft with each brick they lay, with each house they build. As with any craft, writing takes time, effort, and commitment.
Anyone who has attempted academic writing understands this. Few naturally arrive at the nuances of an abstract, citations, literature review, and discussions of methods and theory. Mastering academic writing takes years of training and practice.
Similarly, writing for the public, although it may seem easy and natural because of its conversational tone, takes focused dedication to be impactful.
What has surprised me the most about learning how to write for the public is how much it has improved my academic writing. For example, writing articles for popular magazines teaches authors to reduce their central argument to 50 words or less. You can then translate this skill to academic writing, where even if you have 8,000 words for an article, knowing your central message makes for a far more articulate and convincing argument. Other tools—learning how to write sharp sentences, building tension, adding cinematic details, focusing on the reader first—can also be translated to academic writing.
All writing is interconnected. Whether academic or oriented to public audiences, great writers must be great storytellers. Only when the reader is drawn in and can’t wait for the next sentence, fully grasping each idea, does one achieve the magic of writing. We strive for this outcome with all of our contributors at SAPIENS.
Writing for the public is hard work. Simply finding the time to make the commitment to connect the public to anthropology can be difficult. Academics on the tenure track, for example, may need peer-reviewed publications above all else. Why spend time writing for SAPIENS when one could be writing for Science?
Academic anthropology has recently been warming to the need for public communication. Whether it’s the addition of the “broader impacts” question on National Science Foundation grants or the emergence of community-oriented research, scholars and funders are acknowledging how and why communicating beyond academia matters.
Concretely, writers on the tenure track can show their department chair the American Anthropological Association’s guidelines for tenure and promotion review for communicating public scholarship. Less concrete, but as important, writers can embrace the symbolic capital that is earned through a SAPIENS publication. As one contributor told me, after she published in the magazine, her dean wrote a personal note acknowledging her research for the first time in her career.
But know, too, that SAPIENS is especially designed for you, fellow anthropologists. We have a large audience, and the prestige of the Wenner-Gren Foundation is at our back. We offer an honorarium for each published piece. More than anything, we have an editorial team that is dedicated to helping you deepen your writing craft. As part of our mission, we offer guidance and instruction to our contributors, and we want to help you successfully navigate this form of communication during the editing process.
Perhaps consider, as Goodall did: What knowledge do you want to have outside the ivory tower? What difference do you want to make in the larger world?
When you’re ready with those answers, let the SAPIENS editorial team know. | <urn:uuid:19d2bad9-14ec-470d-98de-c4ab5f5e3112> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://www.sapiens.org/language/write-for-sapiens/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882573104.24/warc/CC-MAIN-20220817183340-20220817213340-00472.warc.gz | en | 0.951096 | 1,683 | 2.5625 | 3 |
by Staff Writers
Bern, Switzerland (UPI) Nov 2, 2012
Non-EU Switzerland is grappling with a gathering political storm over rising immigration, increasingly from the economically troubled European Union but the debate comes with a twist.
Supporters of drastic cuts in immigration to the landlocked nation say they want the inflow of foreigners stopped as the country's growing population poses a threat to Switzerland's resources, its environment and its natural beauty.
Switzerland has had right-wing campaigns against immigration in the past but it is the first time that a group committed to environmental protection has taken up a cause that is politically loaded and confounds many on the Swiss political spectrum.
Most environmentalists -- in Switzerland as elsewhere -- are left-wing or left-of-center and seldom bring immigration into their political campaigns.
Switzerland's Ecopop is different. This week the group gathered enough signatures from Swiss citizens to force a referendum on immigration, handing in its petition to the Chancellery in Bern.
The right-wing Swiss People's Party earlier announced it also has enough signatures to force a referendum on tougher immigration.
About one-fourth of Switzerland's population of 8 million is foreign. Although many foreigners earn Swiss residency on the strength of their bank accounts, more recently the eurozone's jobless have poured into the country, looking for employment.
However menial the jobs, the European unemployed can expect to find better pay in Switzerland than in their own countries or distressed job markets in the eurozone.
Ecopop campaigned and collected 120,700 certified signatures, comfortably more than the 100,000 needed under Swiss constitutional law to force a referendum on new rules for controlling the foreign arrivals.
Ecopop says Switzerland is suffering from overpopulation, threatening its natural resources and straining its public services. It wants immigration capped at 0.2 percent.
Ecopop member Philippe Roch, a former director of the Swiss environment department, told news media that Swiss quality of life was under threat because of the continuing pressure on the country's natural resources and the strain caused to its countryside.
The group denies it has a racist or xenophobic agenda and analysts say Ecopop draws inspiration from U.S. biologist Paul R. Ehrlich, co-author of a 1968 book "The Population Bomb." The Stanford University professor and his wife Anne Ehrlich argued the current pace of population growth could lead to mass starvation and called for measures to limit population.
The book's original premise predicted millions of deaths in the 1970s and 1980s due to a population explosion.
Ecopop says overcrowding is a growing challenge for Switzerland and wants new controls to stem the inflow of foreigners. Swiss rules can lead to a referendum on any issue that collects signed endorsements of a petition from more than 100,000 people.
Switzerland reintroduced in April immigration quotas for workers from central and eastern European countries but recent trends suggest many of the latest arrivals may be from troubled southern European states of Italy, Portugal and Spain.
Global Trade News
|The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2014 - Space Media Network. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA Portal Reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement,agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. Privacy Statement| | <urn:uuid:52e8618e-a83a-499b-8495-c1d00b7986bd> | CC-MAIN-2016-44 | http://www.energy-daily.com/reports/Non-EU_Swiss_grapple_with_immigration_rise_999.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2016-44/segments/1476988718309.70/warc/CC-MAIN-20161020183838-00406-ip-10-171-6-4.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.951769 | 736 | 1.726563 | 2 |
In the continued effort to lower COVID-19 case counts, the Government of British Columbia has reintroduced a provincial mask mandate.
Provincial health authorities made the announcement on Aug. 24, as British Columbia recorded 442 new cases of COVID-19. Starting tomorrow, Aug. 25, wearing a mask is mandatory in all indoor public spaces. This temporary order applies to everyone ages 12 and older, regardless of vaccination status.
“As transmission of COVID-19 increases in B.C., primarily among unvaccinated people and in part due to the Delta variant, it’s important to take this extra temporary step to make indoor public spaces safer for everyone,” says Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer.
People who cannot wear a mask due to physical, psychological, or behavioral health conditions are exempt from this mandate. This includes those who cannot put on or remove a mask without assistance.
According to authorities, the province will reassess the mask mandate after the B.C. vaccine card is fully implemented in certain social and recreational settings. | <urn:uuid:47daa44e-e54e-4617-ad83-5d64f4619891> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://revelstokemountaineer.com/brief-government-of-british-columbia-reintroduces-provincial-mask-mandate/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882573908.30/warc/CC-MAIN-20220820043108-20220820073108-00273.warc.gz | en | 0.919432 | 218 | 1.875 | 2 |
Slapped Cheek is also known as Fifth Disease is caused by parvovirus B19 an airborne virus. It is during spring and winter time that it passes around commonly in elementary schools.
Slapped Cheek causes a red rash on cheeks, legs and arms of children. In most children it is mild and common. However it can be potentially dangerous and severe for people with compromised immune systems and pregnant women and can spread amongst people of any age, anytime.
The virus spreads in children through secretions of the respiratory system and saliva. Most adults have previous exposure during childhood and do not get Slapped Cheek disease as antibodies present in their body that prevent the disease. Symptoms are severe if they get the disease during adulthood. Serious risk, including the life threatening anemia may be experienced by the unborn child, in pregnant women. Slapped Cheek is a common and mild disease in children having healthy immune systems. The disease very rarely presents any lasting consequence.
Symptoms of Slapped Cheek include nausea, headache, sore throat, low grade fever and fatigue. A rash appears on the cheeks after a few days after symptoms are experienced. The rash spreads to the legs, arms and in a few days to the trunk of the body. As compared to adults the rash is more likely to appear in children.
Main symptom in adults is pain in the joints in the knees, ankles and wrists.
To shorten course of this Slapped Cheek disease, there is no medication currently. Hence patients are advised by most doctors to wait out the symptoms. If the immune system is weakened, then close monitoring is done by the doctor till symptoms disappear.
Diagnosis of Slapped Cheek is done by the doctor by checking out the skin rash and conducting a test for specific antibodies.
No treatment is needed for most healthy individuals. The doctor may advise Acetaminophen if the patient has fever or headache or if the joints hurt, to relieve symptoms. Otherwise it takes around 1-3 weeks for the body to fight off the virus. The patient is advised to drink lots of fluids and take adequate rest, to help the process. No long-term consequences are experienced for Slapped Cheek disease in healthy patients. However, doctor’s care is necessary if immune system of the patient has weakened due to chemotherapy for cancer, AIDS or other conditions. In case of any type of anemia, medical attention is needed as the body may stop producing red blood cells due to Slapped Cheek disease.
To prevent Slapped Cheek, it is best to minimize contact with individuals who are blowing their noses, coughing or sneezing. Hands should be washed frequently to reduce chances of contracting the disease.
Republished by Blog Post Promoter | <urn:uuid:d3847a46-7757-47d5-889c-01d0b7f972d9> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://www.simplymyworld.com/what-is-slapped-cheek/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882573699.52/warc/CC-MAIN-20220819131019-20220819161019-00268.warc.gz | en | 0.964216 | 557 | 3.34375 | 3 |
School Forces Students to Delete Facebook Pages
Schools these days seem to have no compunctions about policing students’ use of social media. An Indiana teenager was recently expelled for swearing in a tweet, and now a Brooklyn, New York school is forcing its charges to delete their Facebook accounts — or face expulsion themselves.
Beis Rivkah High School, a Jewish institution for girls, says the Facebook ban has been in place for two years but has been ignored by some of its students — so those young ladies were given a note saying they must delete their pages and pay a $100 fine, or they’ll be kicked out of school.
“In religious communities they don’t want anybody to have the internet, especially not Facebook,” said school president Benzion Stock. “It’s not a modest thing for a religious Jewish man or woman to be on.”
Parents are upset about the forced deletions, saying just last year students were asked to create Facebook pages to vote for Beis Rivka in a charity giveaway. The school administration, however, says it was parents who were asked to sign up, not the kids themselves. | <urn:uuid:151ea40f-f5b4-4063-9160-871be3114bcb> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://lite987.com/school-forces-students-to-delete-facebook-pages/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560280587.1/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095120-00564-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.984761 | 240 | 1.9375 | 2 |
If my close relative – let’s call him Bob – had a stroke that included language loss (“aphasia“), I would want him to see a speech pathologist as soon as possible. I would want his speech pathologist to:
- be up-to-date on the latest research and clinical guidelines for aphasia rehabilitation; and
- apply the latest and best research when delivering Bob’s treatment.
So what are some of the best speech pathology rehabilitation practices for people with aphasia caused by strokes?
First, some facts:
- Up to 38% of stroke survivors have aphasia immediately after their stroke (Berthier, 2005).
- About 40% of these people experience near complete or complete recovery within a year of their stroke. But the majority have ongoing language problems (Ferro et al., 1999).
- Evidence-based speech therapy in the first three months after stroke can almost double the degree of a patient’s recovery (Brady et al., 2012). But only if the speech pathologist knows what she or he is doing and applies best practices based on clinical consensus and the research evidence.
You can read more about aphasia here.
Real world barriers – and new recommendations to help busy speech pathologists
In the best of worlds, everyone with aphasia would get intensive, personalised care by a speech pathologist for as long as they needed it. But time and hospital resources are limited (e.g. Klippi et al., 2012; Rose et al., 2013). To make things more difficult, there are several published treatment guidelines – over 76 different recommendations in all – that make it hard for speech pathologists to identify, sort and apply best practices to each patient’s care.
The good news for speech pathologists is that Drs Kirstine Shrubsole, Linda Worrall, Emma Power and Denise O’Connor have now published the results of their systematic review of aphasia rehabilitation guidelines. The review distills, consolidates and sorts existing guidelines by the level of evidence. It gives busy speech pathologists practical guidance on best practices for helping people with aphasia post-stroke, and their families.
So back to Bob. What I would want from his speech pathologist?
Based on my reading of the systematic review, here are the key things I would want for Bob and our family:
- A proper assessment using a valid and reliable tool (e.g. Salter et al., 2006).
- Good, “aphasia friendly“, and timely communication of Bob’s assessment results and treatment options:
- to Bob, taking into account his age, gender, education, readiness to receive the information and of course degree of aphasia (e.g. Choi-Kwan et al., 2005; Rise et al., 2003); and
- (with Bob’s consent), Bob’s carers and family, in formats and ways that we could all understand (e.g. Smith et al., 2008; Forster et al., 2005).
- Treatment for Bob starting as soon as he could tolerate it.
- At least 45 minutes of direct speech therapy for at least 5 days a week – preferably as much as Bob could tolerate (e.g. Bhogal et al., 2003; Godecke, 2009).
- Direct treatment provided to Bob:
- based on his assessment results and his communication impairments;
- pursuing meaningful, measurable, challenging, realistic and documented short and long-term goals set collaboratively with Bob, his carers and the rest of his support team;
- possibly based on models derived from cognitive neuro-psychology (e.g. Doesborgh et al., 2004);
- perhaps including constrained-induced language therapy (e.g. Cherney et al., 2008); and
- using all the methods available to Bob to understand others and express himself including gestures, writing, and using communication props (e.g. Rose et al., 2002).
- Carer and family training on communication strategies to help Bob tell others what he wants, needs, thinks and feels (Kalra et al., 2004). This could include training for us in supported conversation techniques (e.g. Kagan et al., 2001).
- If warranted, referral for counselling for Bob and/or his carers (e.g. Clark et al., 2003).
- Coaching to hospital and other staff, carers and social workers to support Bob’s communication in the hospital.
- Continuous updates at different stages of Bob’s recovery, with opportunities for Bob and us to ask questions and to seek clarifications (Smith et al., 2008).
- Easy to understand information about community-based aphasia and stroke support groups and group therapy being given to Bob and his family to help him to continue to improve his communication after discharge (e.g. Brereton et al., 2007).
- Support for Bob’s wish to return to work, including visiting Bob’s workplace to audit the communication demands of the job and then tailoring therapy to help Bob succeed.
Clinical Bottom Line
The list of recommendations set out in the systematic review is very helpful for speech pathologists looking to apply evidence and best clinical practices to help people with aphasia. Although real world resourcing and other barriers exist, the recommendations should also help to set the bar for what informed clients and their families should expect of their speech pathologists treating people with aphasia.
Principal source: Shrubsole, K., Worrall, L., Power, E., & O’Connor, D. (2017) (available online). Recommendations for post-stroke aphasia rehabilitation: an updated systematic review and evaluation of clinical practice guidelines, Aphasiology, 31;1, 1-24, last accessed on 15 November 2016 from here.
As always, any errors of interpretation of the source are mine.
Hi there, I’m David Kinnane.
Principal Speech Pathologist, Banter Speech & Language
Our talented team of certified practising speech pathologists provide unhurried, personalised and evidence-based speech pathology care to children and adults in the Inner West of Sydney and beyond, both in our clinic and via telehealth. | <urn:uuid:22e3f254-4206-4f18-bfdc-0cfec0103774> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://www.banterspeech.com.au/if-my-close-relative-bob-had-a-stroke-causing-aphasia-what-would-i-want-from-his-speech-pathologist/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882571982.99/warc/CC-MAIN-20220813172349-20220813202349-00068.warc.gz | en | 0.933611 | 1,329 | 2.09375 | 2 |
On the PV diagram for an ideal gas, one isothermal curve and one adiabatic curve pass through each point. Prove that the slope of the adiabat is steeper than the slope of the isotherm by the factor y.
Answer to relevant QuestionsA sample of monatomic ideal gas occupies 5.00 L at atmospheric pressure and 300 K (point A in Figure P21.67). It is heated at constant volume to 3.00 atm (point B). Then it is allowed to expand isothermally to 1.00 atm ...One container is filled with helium gas and another with argon gas. If both containers are at the same temperature, which molecules have the higher rms speed? Explain.If a helium-filled balloon initially at room temperature is placed in a freezer, will its volume increase, decrease, or remain the same?Inspecting the magnitudes of CV and CP for the diatomic and polyatomic gases in Table 21.2, we find that the values increase with increasing molecular mass. Give a qualitative explanation of this observation.In 1993 the federal government instituted a requirement that all room air conditioners sold in the United States must have an energy efficiency ratio (EER) of 10 or higher. The EER is defined as the ratio of the cooling ...
Post your question | <urn:uuid:16733598-f863-4ea5-9fd7-264b596fe0a1> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://www.solutioninn.com/on-the-pv-diagram-for-ideal-gas | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560282140.72/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095122-00132-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.921231 | 273 | 3.421875 | 3 |
“The last Israeli attacks were the hardest, the most dangerous. It wasn’t a war, it was a massacre. They shot anyone walking, anyone outside of their home, in their home … it didn’t matter. And it didn’t matter if the victims were children or adults; there was no difference.”
Ali Khalil, 47, has served as a medic with the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) and private hospitals in Gaza for more than 20 years. He has seen some of the worst atrocities committed by the Israeli army. During Israel’s war on Gaza last winter, Khalil worked in Gaza’s northern region, venturing repeatedly into high-risk areas bombarded by Israeli tanks, helicopters and warplanes to rescue the injured and retrieve the dead.
During the 23-day invasion, the Israeli army warplanes, drones, warships, tanks and snipers rendered entire areas off-limits and impossible for ambulances and civil defense fire and rescue trucks to reach. In the north, Ezbet Abed Rabbo and Attatra, east and northwest of Jabaliya, respectively, were among the districts occupied by the Israeli army.
Through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Palestinian rescuers were sometimes able to coordinate with the Israeli army to gain access to areas they controlled.
“We’d wait five hours, even over 30 hours, for coordination from the Israelis to enter the area to retrieve wounded or martyred,” says Khalil. “And much of the time, we wouldn’t get it.”
Even coordination, however, did not ensure access or safety.
“On 9 January, we went to retrieve wounded and martyred. There were three ambulances, and one ICRC jeep in front. We had coordination via the ICRC,” says Khalil.
Marwan Hammouda, 33, a PRCS medic for the last 10 years, was on the same call. “We were driving to the area, speaking with the Israelis on the phone. They’d tell us which way to drive, what road to take. When we got near the wounded, Israeli soldiers started firing. I told them, ‘We have coordination’ and they said to wait. Then they began firing at us again.”
Emergency workers under fire
According to the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR), that same day, 9 January, Israeli soldiers fired on a convoy of 11 ambulances led by a clearly marked ICRC vehicle in central Gaza, injuring an ICRC staff member and damaging the vehicle.
This was not the only that occasion emergency medics came under fire. During the invasion, Israeli forces killed 16 medical rescuers, four in one day alone. Another 57 were injured. At least 16 ambulances were damaged with at least nine completely destroyed.
Although the Geneva Conventions explicitly state that “medical personnel searching, collecting, transporting or treating the wounded should be protected and respected in all circumstances,” throughout Israel’s invasion this was not the case. Indeed, as the injured and emergency workers testify, Israeli forces targeted and prevented medical workers from reaching the wounded.
“If we can’t even access areas with ICRC coordination, how are we supposed to help people?” asks Khalil.
Without coordination, many ambulances did not dare risk Israeli gunfire and shelling, meaning hundreds of calls went unanswered, according to PCHR. Denied medical care, many victims succumbed to their wounds.
It was days before ambulances could reach the bodies of at least five members of the Abu Halima family who were killed when Israeli shelling and white phosphorous struck their home. In addition, two young male cousins, Matar and Muhammad, were shot dead by Israeli soldiers as they tried to drive a tractor-pulled wagon carrying the injured and martyred.
Ambulances trying to answer the calls were fired upon by machine guns and further shelling. Ali Khalil is still traumatized by what he and other emergency workers finally found days later.
“I brought back baby Shahed’s burned, gnawed corpse.”
The infant body that Khalil carried out, burned by white phosphorous, left in the tractor wagon, had been partially eaten by stray dogs.
“For the rest of my life I’ll remember that day. I’ll never get over it.”
Khalil is among many veteran medics who feel all the emergency workers need counseling for the stresses and traumas endured in their work.
Ahmed Abu Foul, 26, works as a medic and coordinator of all the PRCS volunteers in northern Gaza. He also works as a medic and coordinator with the Civil Defense, Gaza’s fire and rescue services. He is newly a father of a baby girl.
Abu Foul has narrowly escaped death while working on many occasions, and his body bears the scars of Israeli-fired bullet, shrapnel and flechette (dart bomb) injuries. In the last invasion alone, Abu Foul was twice targeted by snipers, was at the Fakhoura school when it was hit by white phosphorous shells on 6 January, and was in a building that was being bombed while emergency workers tried to evacuate the victims. In the latter incident, Abu Foul’s colleague was killed and Abu Foul was lacerated with shrapnel to the leg and head.
Despite his many close calls, Abu Foul maintains a convincingly cheerful attitude, and continues to work full time for both the Civil Defense and the PRCS. However, he admits the psychological and physical pain have not abated since the last Israeli attacks.
“My left leg is useless. When I walk too much, the pain becomes unbearable and my leg won’t support me. There’s still shrapnel in it, and the nerves were badly damaged by the shrapnel.”
It’s the same leg that was shot in May 2008 while Abu Foul was on a mission for PRCS, he says. Just above the support bandage around his calf, a hollow in his leg above his kneecap shows where the bullet bored straight through.
“A doctor here said he could remove the shrapnel and repair the nerves, but wanted to open it up from my foot all the way to my thigh,” he says of his recent injury.
“I have pain in my head also, especially when it is sunny,” he adds. “There’s still shrapnel in it from the shelling, although doctors already removed three pieces.”
He endures both injuries, waiting for specialists and the means outside of Gaza to remove the shrapnel. “It’s too dangerous here; we don’t have the means nor the medical equipment to locate the shrapnel before removing it.”
Medical shortages under siege
Under siege since after Hamas’ election in early 2006, Gaza is still not receiving all the necessary medical supplies needed, nor the spare parts to repair aged machinery. Doctors, unable to leave Gaza, cannot obtain advanced and specialized training. The health care system, post-invasion and under siege, is in more dire condition than before the Israeli attacks one year ago. According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, stocks of 141 types of medicines are depleted, as are 116 types of essential medical supplies.
Aside from Abu Foul’s very present physical pain, it is memories of the wounded, the martyred, and the loss of his colleagues that still troubles him.
“I was with Dr. Issa Saleh coming down the stairs from the sixth floor of an apartment building in Jabaliya, evacuating a martyr, when the Israelis again shelled the building. They knew there were medics inside. They could see our uniforms and the ambulances outside. Dr. Saleh was hit by the missile.”
Abu Foul describes in testimony to the al-Mezan Center for Human Rights how he believed he’d been mortally wounded.
“I put my hand on the back of my head and I found blood and brain. I then saw Dr. Issa had been decapitated and realized it must have been his head hitting my head and his brain on the back of my head.”
Just days earlier, Abu Foul and other medics came under heavy Israeli fire for several minutes as they attempted to reach the injured.
The extreme stress and loss have manifested in Abu Foul’s daily life. “I feel as though I don’t care about anything now. Now, when I get angry I find myself hitting and throwing things. I feel nervous and I shout a lot now,” he told al-Mezan.
Yet Abu Foul takes his role as an emergency rescuer seriously and is not daunted in his work, in spite of how it has affected his personal life. Abu Foul now continues to seek replacement equipment, requesting delegations visiting Gaza to bring any sort of emergency equipment.
“Ten out of sixteen fire engines are functional. We need fire hoses, spotlights for the trucks, handheld spotlights for searching in the dark, chemical extinguishing spray, electric saws for cutting through wreckage …” The list is long and seems impossible when the Israeli siege on Gaza is tighter than ever.
“Each invasion becomes harder than the last,” says Marwan Hammouda. Like his colleagues, Hammouda has no fear of death, and like them he has a history of injuries in the line of work, the latest being a gunshot to his left foot when the ambulance he was driving came under Israeli fire in Jabaliya.
Since Israel’s invasion, Hammouda has developed a thyroid disorder, a condition doctors say is a result of post-traumatic stress.
“You saw the last war,” he says. “There was nowhere safe, not homes, not schools, not kindergartens, not media buildings.” And not ambulances.
“So do I want to die in my home, or in my work, at least helping people who have been injured?” Hammouda asks. “The Israelis don’t have any respect for international law. And I have absolutely no confidence that things will change because American politicians give sweet speeches.”
“My children got used to the idea that I could die at any moment in our work,” says the father of six. “During the Israeli attacks, I only saw them for five or ten minutes a day. Some days I didn’t see them at all because I was always with the ambulances.”
Hassan al-Attal, 35, a father of three, was shot by an Israeli sniper while carrying a body from Zimmo crossroads east of Jabaliya back towards the wailing, flashing ambulance.
Since the Israeli tanks rolled in with the land invasion after the first week of aerial bombardment, injured and trapped residents of Ezbet Abed Rabbo — one of the hardest-hit areas during the Israeli attacks — had been calling for ambulances to evacuate the wounded and the dead. In almost all cases, emergency rescuers were unable to reach these calls, hindered by Israeli army shooting and shelling.
A medic for ten years, Attal has on many occasions come under Israeli fire and aggression while working.
His gunshot injury during the 7 January mission at 1:30pm came during Israel’s self-declared “humanitarian cease-fire hours,” when civilians were told they could safely walk the streets to buy food supplies or otherwise leave their homes.
After carrying the corpse only a few meters, Israeli sniper fire broke out on Attal and Jamal Said, 21, the volunteer with him.
“We came under heavy fire, around 20 shots. I was shot in the left thigh,” says Attal.
Hazem Graith, 35, a father of four and a medic with the PRCS since 1999, worked in Gaza’s north during the Israeli attacks.
Like most medics, Graith came to the profession out of a sense of obligation to his community. “Because I love to help people,” he says.
Graith too has come under Israeli fire on many occasions. However, he is quick to emphasize that while the Israeli attacks on rescuers during last winter’s invasion were the most savage and numerous yet, they were not isolated incidents. Rather, they were part of a larger Israeli policy of denying access of emergency personnel to the wounded which dates back to the beginning of the second Palestinian intifada in September 2000.
Targeting hospitals and medical facilities
In addition to attacking rescuers, Israeli warplanes and tanks attacked medical facilities and clinics during the Israeli war on Gaza. An investigative report published by the Guardian in March 2009 found that 15 of Gaza’s 27 hospitals were bombed, and another 44 clinics were damaged — two destroyed completely — although the Israeli military knew the coordinates of all the facilities.
On 15 January, the al-Quds hospital complex in Tel al-Hawa was shelled repeatedly, including with white phosphorous, causing fires to break out, extensive damage and forced the evacuation of all patients from the hospital.
The al-Wafa rehabilitation hospital in eastern Gaza — the only one of its kind in the entire territory — was attacked on the night of 15 January by tank shelling, including with phosphorous, and machine gun fire. Hospital residents included the disabled and immobile patients, as well as the elderly. Fire broke out on the roof of the hospital, and most buildings in the complex sustained extensive damage.
Yousef Abed al-Hamid, 30, a father of two and a medic with the PRCS for 11 years, worked as coordinator and dispatch in Jabaliya during last year’s Israeli attacks on Gaza.
When medics were forced to evacuate the Ezbet Abed Rabbo PRCS station on the second day of the land invasion, the small band of ambulances temporarily stationed outside of Hamid’s home in Jabaliya. Days later, they moved to Beit Lahia’s al-Awda hospital, where they were based for the rest of the Israeli attacks.
“It was the most dangerous invasion we faced. Everywhere was dangerous, there was no safe place. Especially after 4pm it was extremely dangerous to be on the streets. But if we didn’t go out, who would help the people?”
Dodging missiles and gunfire on the streets and at attack sites, medics were further hounded at their temporary station at al-Awda hospital.
“The Israelis launched missiles on al-Awda, a hospital. Fortunately no one was killed in that attack, but it’s a hospital, and our ambulance base,” says Hamid.
Khaled Abu Sada, 43, another long-term medic, will never forget the Israeli attack that savagely martyred his colleague Arafa Abd al-Dayem.
On 4 January, at around 10am, medics Sada, Abd al-Dayem and PRCS volunteer Ala Sarhan, 23, answered the call of civilians targeted by Israeli tank shelling in northern Gaza’s Beit Lahiya.
As they brought the injured and martyred to the ambulance, the medic team was struck by an Israeli tank-fired dart bomb. The flechettes, just two inches long and dart-shaped, are designed to bore through anything, to break apart upon impact, to ensure maximum damage. Arafa Abd al-Dayem, 35, a father of four and volunteer medic for eight years, was shredded by the darts.
Abu Sada testified to the Guardian: “I came round here and found Arafa kneeling down with his hands in the air and praying to God. They found his body full of these nails. The guy that had been brought to the ambulance was in pieces. He was now missing his head and both his legs.”
Arafa Abd al-Dayem went into shock and died an hour or so after the attack, while Ala Sarhan was paralyzed by the injuries sustained in the attack.
Powerless to help
Ashraf al-Khatib has been a medic for 11 years. During the Israeli attacks, he worked at Rafah’s PRCS station. “On 15 January we got a call from a man who said his brother was dead and he was injured by multiple Israeli gunshots. Ahmed and Ibrahim Thabet didn’t know the Israeli army were nearby when they rode their motorcycle through a district of eastern Rafah.”
Called at 11am, al-Khatib attempted to get Israeli coordination via the ICRC to reach the injured man.
“We tried for hours. Ibrahim kept calling us, crying, panicked. We explained we couldn’t reach the area because of the Israeli army. We told him how to stop his bleeding to his chest and leg until we arrived.”
Unable to wait any longer, al-Khatib and colleagues made the decision to risk going without Israeli coordination.
“I told them, we may die. But we agreed to go.”
Two ambulances reached the area and brought out the dead and injured men.
“We had snipers trained on us, lasers on our foreheads and chest,” he says.
Having reached the Thabet brothers, the medics saw more victims.
“It was a busy area. People didn’t know there were Israeli snipers nearby.”
But because of renewed Israeli firing, al-Khatib’s ambulances were forced to retreat, leaving the victims behind.
Al-Khatib recalls another well-known case in Gaza, that of the Shurrab family in Rafah.
“We got a call from Muhammad Shurrab saying he and his sons had been evicted from their home by Israeli soldiers, then shot. They were all living but injured,” he explained.
The family waited, trapped between an Israeli tank and their home, bleeding of their injuries, he says.
“We went, when we tried to reach them Israeli soldiers fired on us, so we retreated and tried to get coordination. Shurrab would call every so often; I’d tell him to be patient while we tried. It was winter, so in addition to their injuries, they were freezing.”
Al-Khatib relates the saga which went on through the night.
“Later, the father called to say one son had died. We called Al-Jazeera television and told them the Israelis were preventing us from reaching Shurrab. Al-Jazeera took his mobile number and interviewed him live on the air. By that time his second son had died. Twelve hours later the Israelis finally allowed us to reach him, but his sons were both dead.”
Al-Khatib says this was the worst challenge he has faced as a medic.
“I knew they were injured but there was no way to reach them, then the kids died. The Israeli army was playing with us,” he says.
Muhammad, who declined to give his last name, 30, a volunteer medic and ambulance driver at the Tel al-Hawa PRCS station, was among the team sent to retrieve injured from the Samouni neighborhood in Zaytoun, eastern Gaza, while the attacks were still raging.
“When we arrived, we saw two tanks and a bulldozer between the trees. The tanks aimed their machine guns at the ambulance and the Israelis told us to continue forward. We went about 500 meters. Suddenly 20 or 30 soldiers appeared on foot and surrounded the ambulance, pointing their guns at us. They told me to get out of the ambulance, slowly. I did. They told me to take off my clothes. I did, at the same time telling them we’d come to bring out injured.”
They ordered his colleague Rami, a volunteer medic, to get out and strip his clothes.
“They forced us to lie on the ground.”
For the next 30 minutes, Muhammad says, they lay on the cold ground in their underwear, soldiers sitting on their backs, guns trained on them.
“Finally, after maybe 30 minutes, they let us go. But they didn’t let us retrieve the injured or the children.”
“Why shoot at ambulances?”
Throughout Gaza, during and before Israel’s latest invasion there, stories of detention, attack, delay and bombardment of stations of both medic rescuers and the Civil Defense abound. Despite the scale of the aggression, the last Israeli war on Gaza was not a precedent for emergency workers, but the continuation of a deeply-entrenched Israeli policy violating international law.
In April 2009, journalist Amira Hass reported in the Israeli daily Haaretz finding a note in Gaza ordering soldiers to “open fire also upon rescue.” Written in Hebrew, Hass reports that the note was found in a home occupied by Israeli forces during the war on Gaza. A military spokesperson, she writes, denied the note represents official Israeli army policy. But the facts on the ground and bodies in the graveyard point to a different conclusion.
Although one year has passed since the Israeli invasion, throughout Gaza the psychological wounds are still wide open. For the emergency rescuers, the prospect of the next Israeli attack is all too real and all too routine.
“Nothing is forbidden here, there is no international law where Israel is concerned. Even though the Geneva Conventions say we have the right to reach the wounded, Israel does not pay attention to international law,” says medic Hazem Graith.
Like Hammouda, Graith speaks wryly of the Israeli explanation for such attacks.
“Why shoot at ambulances? Why destroy them? Why kill medics?” he asks. “The Israelis say we are militants or are carrying militants, that’s the reason they give for targeting medics. Lies, all lies. In our ambulances there are only ever wounded or martyred.”
While the destruction of ambulances is a major obstacle to medics’ work, Graith calls for more than mere aid.
“We don’t want new ambulances from the international community. We want you to see what Israel does and apply pressure to stop Israel from firing on ambulances.”
He emphasizes, “Go to the root of the problem.”
All images by Eva Bartlett.
Description of Yousef Abed al-Hamid was inadvertently omitted in the version of this article originally published. This version of the article has been updated to include the description.
Eva Bartlett is a Canadian human rights advocate and freelancer who arrived in Gaza in November 2008 on the third Free Gaza Movement boat. She has been volunteering with the International Solidarity Movement and documenting Israel’s ongoing attacks on Palestinians in Gaza. During Israel’s recent assault on Gaza, she and other ISM volunteers accompanied ambulances and documenting the Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip.
- “Goldstone member to EI: Gaza ambulance shelled ‘point blank’”, Desmond Travers (28 January 2010) | <urn:uuid:64cb8c05-18f4-4a72-bc29-b95de1c55954> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | https://electronicintifada.net/content/gazas-thin-red-line-one-year-later/8638 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560280763.38/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095120-00513-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.979212 | 4,900 | 1.929688 | 2 |
Former Kansas Forest Service leader honored by Arbor Day Foundation
Biles recognized for work that includes planting 2.5M trees in Kansas
Sept. 25, 2020
According to a release from the foundation, the award honors an individual’s lifelong commitment to tree planting and conservation.
Biles served as state forester from 2008 to 2019, culminating a 52-year that spanned a military career and appointments with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Southern Forestry Research Partnership in Athens, Georgia.
As state forester in Kansas, his key accomplishments include overseeing the Conservation Tree Planting program, which planted more than 2.5 million trees across the state; and securing a $13 million Regional Conservation Partnership Program grant for the Kansas Forest Service – the largest grant ever received by the organization.
“The State of Kansas greatly benefitted from Larry’s career-long commitment to forestry,” said Dan Lambe, president of the Arbor Day Foundation. “His leadership resulted in the conservation of millions of trees, the improvement of water quality throughout the state, and the improvement of industry-wide best practices.”
Biles is one of five individuals honored during September for their contributions to tree planting, conservation and stewardship. More information on the honorees is available online.
Since 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation has recognized life-changing work of leading environmental stewards and tree planters. Past award winners include Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai, Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, the United States Forest Service, and Procter & Gamble.
Learn more about the Arbor Day Foundation at www.arborday.org. | <urn:uuid:e9280bdf-e371-4996-bdb3-19a1ad266f6e> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news/stories/2020/09/kansas-forest-service-leader-honored-by-arbor-day-foundation.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882572215.27/warc/CC-MAIN-20220815235954-20220816025954-00671.warc.gz | en | 0.935029 | 341 | 1.84375 | 2 |
Audi Airomorph: A Morphing Design Concept
Eric Kim put together this impressive concept design for an Audi racer while working as an exterior design intern at Audi’s headquarters in Ingolstadt, Germany. Kim created the Audi Airomorph under the supervision of Kris Vancoppenolle, a designer at Audi AG.
As you may have gleaned from the car’s unique name, the Airomorph is conceived as a car with a body that can morph, with a skin made of a silver expansion-resistant textile that is stretched across the body and supported by a movable metal wire structure.
The structure, controlled by hydraulic actuators, can then be moved under the skin to change the car’s aerodynamic characteristics. Each wheel pod is also individually controlled, allowing the car’s shape to change all the way out to the four corners. Inspired by racing catamarans, the concept design is pretty startling to consider. We wonder if we’ll see morphing aerodynamics – even just on certain surfaces – in the future of Formula 1 or other series. | <urn:uuid:20b8d76c-8d67-4763-8ff9-02f1f4270409> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://95octane.com/2014/08/04/audi-airomorph-design-concept/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882573908.30/warc/CC-MAIN-20220820043108-20220820073108-00274.warc.gz | en | 0.93287 | 225 | 1.773438 | 2 |
Letters: Your headline (12m workers have reading age of children, January 24) obscures the picture revealed by the report of the Commons accounts committee on the government's Skills for Life strategy.
A prisons inspectorate report published today condemned young offenders' institutions for failing to provide adequate education and training, resulting in inmates having literacy and numeracy abilities far below their age.
A "long tail of under-achievement" in literacy among school leavers in England compared with the continent could be eradicated by switching to a teaching method proven in Switzerland, researchers claim today.
Chris Woodhead accused David Blunkett of presiding "over a set of initiatives that has wasted taxpayers' money, distracted teachers from their real responsibilities and encapsulated the worst of the discredited ideology that has done so much damage since the 1960s". He said there had been more than 60 initiatives since 1997, including the following:
Tony Blair will today signal one of his big second term themes when he calls for a drive to improve the reading and writing skills of 7m British adults whose literacy is below that of the average 11-year-old. | <urn:uuid:b1439344-e29c-4d45-ba8e-43339a10194f> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | https://www.theguardian.com/education/adult-literacy?page=3 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560280761.39/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095120-00094-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.962181 | 229 | 1.71875 | 2 |
The Muslim slaughtermen turns the sheep to face Mecca, offering a prayer to Allah as he slits its throat and leaves the sheep to bleed out.
This bloody image is the face of halal in New Zealand, but business leaders will have to move past it if they want a piece of the largely untapped $2.3 trillion halal economy globally.
"Halal is not about ritual slaughtering of animals," said Jamil Bidin, chief executive of Malaysia's Halal Industry Development Corporation.
"If you go beyond that, halal is not only in food products, but non-food."
Halal, which simply means "permissible" in Arabic, relates to the Islamic beliefs around what can and cannot be consumed. A cosmetic containing animal products or alcohol, for example, might not be considered halal.
Bidin is part of a visiting delegation who spoke at the University of Auckland Business School's Asia Dialogue conference today.
The delegation leaders, which also included Malaysian billionaire Tan Sri Halim Saad, want Kiwis to realise that the true scope of the halal economy extends beyond just meat.
Cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, financial services and furniture are just a few of the opportunities they identify, with no shortage of demand and virtually no supply.
"If you look at the requirements of the Islam religion, if there is a halal product available you must consume or use halal product," said Bidin.
"With just one logo on your product, you will have an additional 1.8 billion Muslim customers around the world."
Certification has been one of the main barriers to uptake of halal practices, with a range of licensees here adhering to varying standards and intepretations of Islamic law.
One representative spoke out at the conference to say he was surprised that others did not consider the process simple or transparent.
"It looks like we have not done a good enough job in communicating that to the industry."
Bidin and Halim Saad said that New Zealand would need support - from Government or elsewhere - to continue to raise awareness and dispel misconceptions.
"There needs to be a body to provide some kind of advice or guidance to the industry players," said Bidin.
In Australia, he said, the halal economy was already on the government agenda because of the sizeable economic contribution it provided.
Most New Zealand abattoirs already perform halal killing, but Halim Saad said he was looking for an end-to-end process "from farm to fork".
That would extends the practice to every single link in the supply and logistics chain, raising the possibility of creating international halal networks.
(Stuff.Coz.Nz / 13 July 2012)
Alfalah Consulting - Kuala Lumpur: www.alfalahconsulting.com
Islamic Investment Malaysia: www.islamic-invest-malaysia.com | <urn:uuid:37b9af37-cb55-4c72-9f1a-8edac89479da> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://www.alfalahconsulting.com/2012/07/new-zealand-tapping-into-halal-economy.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560281069.89/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095121-00265-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.946127 | 603 | 1.96875 | 2 |
The Brain and Mind Research Institute undertakes neuroimaging research into cognitive functioning and underlying brain processes in neuropsychiatric disorders. Major research themes are the regulation of emotion, attention and consciousness, learning and memory as well as neurotransmitter function. The research techniques used to study these themes include functional-MRI, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, electroencephalography, transcranial direct current stimulation and behavioral techniques.
A PhD position is currently available to investigate the mechanisms of action of a novel brain stimulation technique called transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS). The tDCS technique has investigative and therapeutic potential in psychiatric research and involves the use of small currents, applied focally through scalp electrodes, to alter the excitability of underlying cortical neurons. Persisting changes in neuronal excitability have been demonstrated in response to tDCS to the motor cortex and the focus of this project is to investigate the therapeutic benefit of tDCS in patients with depression by measuring efficacy and cognitive side effect outcomes. Electrophysiological (EEG) and neuroimaging (fMRI) studies will be undertaken simultaneously with tDCS in healthy control subjects and depressed patients to elucidate the mechanisms of action of tDCS.This project will be conducted at the Brain and Mind Research Institute using a 3-Tesla Siemens MRI scanner.PhD candidates should have a background in science, psychology, medicine, biomedical engineering, or other related neuroscience field. Experience with functional MRI and/or EEG is an advantage.
The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is 662 | <urn:uuid:54bccfa5-557d-4367-b133-2e15edfdfc7d> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://www.sydney.edu.au/research/opportunities/662 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882572221.38/warc/CC-MAIN-20220816060335-20220816090335-00064.warc.gz | en | 0.896259 | 310 | 2.03125 | 2 |
The pad and bristles need to be cleaned periodically. For best results, use a Cleaning Brush, which comes with all the larger models.
Follow the cleaning instructions below and you will keep your Mason Pearson Hairbrush in first-class condition even after years of use.
Proper care is the key to preserving the integrity of the brush!
Dry Clean it Frequently:
Dead hairs and scales from the scalp can clog the pad and bristles of your hairbrush.
Loosen woven strands of hair with a comb. Insert the comb at the sides of the brush as near to the pad as possible and follow round the whole circumfrence of the brush, raking the hair away.
Draw the special cleaning brush across the bristles from end to end. If there is an accumulation of dust on the surface of the rubber pad, use the tips of the filaments of the Cleaning Brush to dislodge it using a light scrubbing action.
Wash it Occasionally:
Grease, in contact with the rubber pad, causes deterioration and in such cases more frequent washing is advised.
Dry clean the brush as above.
Make a lather of lukewarm, soapy water. Do not use dergents or ammonia.
Dip the cleaning brush only in the suds and use it to brush the bristles of your hairbrush in the same way as for dry cleaning. Hold the hairbrush so that it is sloping downwards and no water can enter the little air hole at the end. Thi should never be locked, either when cleaning or when the brush is in use.
Dip the cleaning brush in clean rinsing water and repeat the brushing movement.
Shake the hairbrush to remove moisture and leave it to dry with the handle uppermost and the pad pointing down wards.
Never dry bristles with a towel!
Nylon hairbrushes are softened if they become excessively moist. In this case dry out the brush in an airing cupboard for an hour.
If the hairbrush is pure bristle or a mixture of bristle and nylon , then this method should not be used. Natural bristle can become brittle if exposed to dry heat for an extended period. So, leave the brush to dry naturally at a comfortable temperature.
Care of the Handle:
For plastic handles to maintain their shape, do not boil in water or apply heat to them. Strong chemicals, notably nail varnish remover, can attack the surface or cause the plastic to sink. In addition, these can draw out the coloured dyes and pigments from the plastic.
Do not use products containing oils, spirits, solvents or other chemicals on your hairbrush. These can destroy the rubber.
Do not use heated appliances directly on or near your hairbrush. Extended heat from a hair dryer can damage the brush.
Do not use the hairbrush on applications for which it was not designed. e.g. it is not designed to be used on animals.
The brush should not be left continuously in strong sunlight. The rubber perishes more quickly due to the ultraviolet light. The sun's heat can also distort the handle. | <urn:uuid:c1bd9fad-525b-47ad-a277-14c70581fdbe> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://www.glamot.com/blog/26283/how-to-care-of-mason-pearson-brushes-to-last-forever | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882571284.54/warc/CC-MAIN-20220811103305-20220811133305-00466.warc.gz | en | 0.925476 | 680 | 2 | 2 |
We’ve all seen that image of a street that looks like it was made from wood. I’m not talking about a street that has a couple of bricks or a few boards that you can see through. I’m talking about a street that was constructed with a lot of wooden cladding on top of each other.
In many ways it’s a good thing that the game is going to go to a new level. If it gets to a level where you start walking in circles, you’ll be able to get the game to a new level.
In that new level, you’ll start to encounter various types of wooden structures that appear random, and have a couple of problems you need to overcome. The first is that the wooden structures are all very close together, which can be difficult to navigate. Also, they are built in a way that makes it very difficult to find the right ones. The second is that there is a lot of variation between each wooden structure.
In the old days, wooden structures were built at a very different place. The first one was a wooden house, the second was a wooden bridge, and the third was a wooden wall, which is the same as a wooden building. These are all different materials. The wooden bridge, like the wooden house, is very thin and it was built with wooden rods about 500 feet long.
Now we have a few options. The wood is a very poor material. I would recommend building from the inside out. You may need to drill some holes in the wall. I would do this in a different way. It is better to make them as close to the floor as possible. If it is not possible, then make some larger holes, and use more wood, and the whole thing is more sturdy.
One option is to construct the bridge from the inside out. The bridge should be hollow in the middle. Inside the bridge, you should have a hole for each of the rods to fit into. You can use something to prevent the rods from falling through the hole. I would use a door.
When I’ve seen the bridge from the inside out, I’ve found that it is not so strong, as you have to be careful about the hole. This is where wooden boards could be placed to strengthen the bridge. If you want to make the bridge from the outside in, you can use the same method as you did for the pier, except for the holes.
I think the bridge is solid, but the boards you can add to it are solid too. But the bridge is supposed to be the strong part of the city, so wood would make it the stronger part. Like I said, I think this is a good idea.
You can also just remove some of the wooden posts that support the bridge, like the ones that support the pier and the ones that support the bridge itself. This would strengthen the bridge a bit too, but it would also make the bridge look a bit less impressive.
I think this would be a good idea. The bridge is supposed to be solid, but the boards you can add to it are solid too. But the bridge is supposed to be the strong part of the city, so wood would make it the stronger part. Like I said, I think this is a good idea. | <urn:uuid:c53523dd-2509-4880-906d-325b2ccae79a> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://specialtyretailexpert.com/wooden-street-in-pittsburgh-2/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882570871.10/warc/CC-MAIN-20220808183040-20220808213040-00272.warc.gz | en | 0.984552 | 682 | 2.453125 | 2 |
- slide 1 of 5
Technology Has Landed
When computers and technology began to invade society, life changed, mostly for the better. The Internet made it so that people could talk and see loved ones in other cities, other states, and even other countries; made it so workers who couldn't make it to the office could still do work from home; and turned medical possibilities into realities.
With the advances of technology, the aspect of having paperless offices--that is, offices that have electronic documentation--started to be a viable option for many businesses, both corporate and home based. But what is a paperless office? Why would it be a good decision to convert? In this article, learn how a paperless office system works, how it keeps information from being lost, and how you can keep that information secure.
- slide 2 of 5
How it Works
So how does a paperless office system work? A paperless office works just like a typical, traditional office--only documents, files, and folders are kept on a computer or online through online storage or on/off site servers.
Think of some of the jobs that have a filing system - there is probably a cabinet in a room that holds hundreds, if not thousands, of records for different people on different subjects. Usually they will be in alphabetical order, but in the chaos of the average work week or even work day, sometimes files and folders get misplaced or are lost, creating much frustration and downtime.
With a paperless office, most of these documents are stored online, usually in a database that can be accessed by employees or managers that have the authorization to access it. Sometimes offices will have hard copies (paper), but will utilize digital ones for when they need to make changes (paperless). This enables for better searching when looking up information and better ways of finding people.
With the files online, there is no issue of losing documents or the inability to find a file. If a business uses an online database, the manager can enter in the names of the clients and then assign their paperwork to individual people. An employee can enter a particular client name or project listing into the database and then come up with all the paperwork that is tied to that name.
- slide 3 of 5
Easy Exchange of Information: One benefit is being able to send out files to multiple people or to send multiple files to one person. One way to achieve this is through PDF documents. PDF stands for portable document format and that is exactly what it is--a portable document that you can send to anyone as long as they have a PDF reader, such as Adobe Reader. PDFs make it easy to send a file to someone who may not be using the same office software (such as using the new Microsoft Office 2010 vs the 2003 version) or even someone using a different operating system (Windows vs Linux).
Ability to Telecommute: Another benefit for a paperless office system is that of the remote worker. Many employees these days use remote software to log in to the respective computers in order to work. Having a paperless office allows them to work on their files from home or anywhere in the world. For example, a member of the management team goes on a business trip, but will need to work on certain files while he is gone. A traditional office would probably see the manager take a load of files and folders along for the trip, which carries the risk that they could be lost along the way. Or perhaps an employee gets into an accident, but is unable to work for several weeks or even months.
With a paperless office, the management team member could log in to his desktop remotely to work on the files or log in to the remote access area, while the injured employee would be able to work from home by remoting into the company's online document storage system.
Less Clutter: With a paperless office, home office employees can reduce or eliminate the clutter that may be on or around their desk. Files and folders can easily be added to either online storage, such as keeping documents in a cloud environment, or on a home server.
Access to Everything: Technology is growing to the point where anything you need is easily accessed by either desktop, laptop, or even your smartphone. Out at a lunch meeting and need to know how much you have in the bank account? Waiting on a check? Many banking institutions, such as Chase, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America have smartphone applications that allow you to manage your account from your phone and even online websites so you can check balances and even send out checks. PayPal has a feature in which you can send and receive funds from either the website or your smartphone.
Instant Access: With the advent of email, you no longer have to wait for that phone call or letter in the mail; instead get a free email address from either Google, Yahoo, or Hotmail/Live and have people send you emails. This can also be done with bills, so you'll never be caught off guard when the electricity or your Internet bills are due.
- slide 4 of 5
Should You Go Paperless?
There are many advantages and disadvantages of having a paperless office. Businesses can more efficiently communicate and share documents or files with each other through email or online storage access; however, a paperless office can also be subjected to online threats as well as real-world threats, such as hacking and viruses.
Deciding to go toward a more paperless office is of course largely determined by the type of work that a business does. Would going paperless help or hinder your current atmosphere? If employees are constantly complaining about the inability to find important documents or they are spending more time looking for those documents, perhaps a paperless office would be more efficient for your business.
By going paperless, it is very important that network and computer security is maintained on a regular basis to prevent private information and data from falling into the wrong hands.
- slide 5 of 5
Advantages of a Paperless Office from Go Paperless, http://www.gopaperless.com/art_paperless_office_advantages.aspx
Image content @ Adobe.com | <urn:uuid:3b7ab572-f32e-42d8-9297-fc818a9b335a> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://www.brighthub.com/office/home/articles/101617.aspx | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560280504.74/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095120-00142-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.956039 | 1,258 | 2.578125 | 3 |
Lament concerning Saul and Jonathan
📕 2 Samuel Chapter 1:17-27
“Your glory, O Israel, lies slain on your heights.. the bow of Jonathan did not turn back, the sword of Saul did not turn unsatisfied…
O daughters of Israel, weep for Saul.. Jonathan lies slain on your heights. “
THE LAMENT OF THE BOW
📝 In 1 Samuel Chapter 31 , it is recorded that the battle between the Philistines and the Israelites had gone worst. Israel lost the battle ; Saul’s three sons were killed and Saul himself was wounded. Later on Saul committed suicide by falling on his sword ( 1Sam 31:4-6 )
📌 The Philistines cut off Saul’s head and took his armour as trophies, as David had Goliath’s ( v 9 ; 1Sam 17:54 ) and hanged Saul’s decapitated body on the city wall ( v 10 )
📝 In today’s reading passage, David was informed about the death of Saul and Jonathan. So David had instructed that the people of Judah be taught the Lament concerning Saul and Jonathan under the title THE LAMENT OF THE BOW ( v 17-18 )
📌 In spite of all that David had suffered at the hands of Saul, he recalls only the best. In his opening lines David calls the people’s attention to the humiliation that has been heaped upon their nation by leaving their king’s dead body ( “.. slain on the heights ” v 19 , 25 )
📌 David describes Saul and Jonathan at the height of their fighting form ( “.. swifter than eagles and stronger than lions” v 22- 23b ) . He recalls the unity of Saul and Jonathan when they were alive, and now they were together in death ( v 23a )
📌 David expresses his profound personal grief and fervent love for Jonathan. By calling Jonathan – “my brother” , David expresses the strength of their relationship, which was bounded by the covenants ( v 26a ; 1Sam 18:3; 20:16;23:18 )
📌 David sings, “Jonathan, your love for me is more wonderful than that of women” ( v 26b ) . It was the sweetest way to describe his friendship with Jonathan.
💞 Beloved Church, a Punjabi poet has said, “Dushman maray te khushi na kariye, sajna vi marjana” ( Let us not rejoice at the death of the enemy. Our dear ones will also die).
🔖 David sets us an even finer example than the above saying. He not only refrains from rejoicing over the death of Saul, he truly grieves the loss of one who had become his enemy.
🔖 David recalls only the good things of the era that has come to an END.
🔖 Let us write KINDNESS in marble and INJURIES in the dust.
Glory to God 🙌
✍🏻 Mark Boje
Arunachal Pradesh, India 🇮🇳 | <urn:uuid:afe810cc-f8b2-4298-b41a-dcf63cdb2b4f> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://kotkoh.org/bible-reading/270-days-bible-reading/2-samuel/lament-concerning-saul-and-jonathan/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882573399.40/warc/CC-MAIN-20220818185216-20220818215216-00065.warc.gz | en | 0.957801 | 678 | 2.59375 | 3 |
could you please explain following:
We use the zero conditional to talk about things in general. Could you explain the difference between a sentence with “when” and “if”? In what situation are they used?
When/If you fly budget airline, you have to pay for your drinks and snacks.
If/When you need more space, a small car is big enough for one person.
When we talk about things in general, we use the Present Simple.
When we are talking about things in general, we use the Present Simple.
Giving a definition, speaking in general, when do we use the Present continuous in the when-clause? Is there a difference? And again can we replace when with if in these cases? | <urn:uuid:7dc3a524-f63d-4228-addb-fd00f76f3101> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://forum.english.best/t/zero-conditional/52318 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882572212.96/warc/CC-MAIN-20220815205848-20220815235848-00474.warc.gz | en | 0.91903 | 166 | 3.5 | 4 |
In early 2013 Casey Family Programs partnered with the Native American Rights Fund to create an online resource that would focus solely on Indian child welfare issues. Thus, began the ICWA INFO blog. It was envisioned that this site would provide the public with information and timely updates about all things related to Indian child welfare and the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). This would include:
- news about lawsuits related to ICWA in tribal, state, and federal courts,
- related training and conferences,
- legal analysis and research resources,
- federal and state regulations,
- information about relevant groups and agencies,
- and job postings.
To see our most recent additions and edits, visit our home page. To see past materials, you can use our search box or review materials by category, date posted, or topic from the links at the right.
We hope that you find this resource useful and we invite you to submit materials for this website at the contact page. | <urn:uuid:eee3d911-debb-4980-9553-a0b02ec98886> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://icwa.narf.org/about-icwa-info | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560283301.73/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095123-00506-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.935173 | 197 | 1.578125 | 2 |
by Richard Lunsford.
Often on our forums people ask about, allude to
or otherwise mention thiaminase, typically in discussions about fish in turtle
diets, particularly frozen fish. Let’s talk about what it is, what it does, why
it matters & what you should do about it.
Thiamine is Vitamin B1 – a water-soluble vitamin involved in energy
metabolism - much of what I know about it comes from its importance in thiamine
deficiency in human alcoholics, but there’s a lot more to it than that.
Click to read about it at Nutrition.org. (Note: I saw both ‘thiamine’
& ‘thiamin’ spellings used in online sources).
Chronic, heavy drinking alcoholics may over-rely on alcoholic beverages
as a caloric source & eat poorly, developing a thiamine deficiency over long
This can eventually lead to acute confusional episodes called Wernicke’s
Click here to read about it.
If this condition persists long enough, severely enough, it can lead to
Korsakoff’s Psychosis (covered in the same link given for Wernicke’s
Encephalopathy). K.P. is an anterograde amnestic state rather than a psychotic
state. It can be permanent.
This article at Cornell University states “In humans thiamin deficiency
leads to a disease termed "beri-beri". Symptoms of beri-beri are basically the
same as thiamin deficiency in other non-ruminants - anorexia, cardiac
enlargement, and muscular weakness leading to ataxia. However, the disease has
been divided into the following two forms:
Dry beri-beri - usually without cardiac involvement, this form of
the disease is typified by atrophy of the legs and peripheral neuritis. It
occurs mainly in adults.
Wet beri-beri - the primary sign of this form of the disease is
cardiac enlargement and edema.”
turtles, we turn to the Practical Encyclopedia of Keeping & Breeding
Tortoises & Freshwater Turtles, Page 90, where A. C. Highfield states a
Vitamin B deficiency (he doesn’t break it down, but B1 is clearly covered) can
produce symptoms including muscle tremors, nervous type behavior and anorexia.
7.) Thiaminase (There are 2
types, Type I & Type II) is an enzyme.
Enzymes are biological catalysts made of proteins.
A catalyst is a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without
being consumed by that reaction. It makes reactions happen faster. Like if a log
rots over 5 years, & you somehow catalyze all the chemical reactions involved &
make it rot in 5 minutes.
Our bodies require enzymes to speed some of the chemical reactions
required in our metabolism.
Thiaminase destroys Thiamine (Vitamin B1).
Regular intake of substantial amounts of food containing thiaminase could
introduce enough thiaminase into the gut to break down the thiamine in food &
render an animal thiamine-deficient.
Some fish contain thiaminase (Type I, not II) & some don’t.
For an in-depth discussion of thiamine’s role in the body, Type I & Type
check out this article at Cornell University.
Nutrient Requirements of Mink and Foxes, Second Revised Edition, 1982, Pages 64
& 65, provides tables of fish reported to contain & not to contain
thiaminase. A sampling from those tables (bold emphasizing fish you might use):
Fish Reported to contain Thiaminase:
White Bass – Morone chrysops
Bowfin – Amia calva
Bream – Abramis brama
(Not the U.S. fish;
see this link).
Buffalofish – Ictiobus
Bullhead catfish –
Ameiurus m. melas
Carp – Cyprinus carpio
Channel Catfish –
Fathead minnow –
Pimephales promelas (the red rosy is a color morph of this fish!)
Goldfish – Carassius
Moray Eel – Gymnothorax
ocellatus (since someone recently asked about keeping the brackish water
species with turtles…)
Gizzard Shad –
Spottail Shiner –
Buckeye shiner –
Central Stoneroller –
Campostoma anomalum pullum
Common White Sucker –
Lake Whitefish – Coregonus clupeiformis
Fish Reported to not contain Thiaminase:
Largemouth Bass – Huro
salmoides (I think that’s actually now Micropterus salmoides)
Rock Bass –
Smallmouth Bass –
Bluegill – Lepomis
Chub (Bloater) – Coregonus
Cod – Gadus morhua
Crappie – Pomoxis
Eel – Anguilla rostrata
Northern Longnose Gar –
Lepisosteus osseus oxyurus
Northern Pike – Esox lucius
Pumpkinseed – Lepomis
Salmon – Salmo salar
Brown Trout – Salmo trutta
Lake Trout – Salvelinus
Rainbow Trout –
Note: Be aware that fish are
acquired from pet stores, bait stores, traditional rod & reel or cane poll fish
& netting (dip net, casting net, seine). So you may get such fish as shad… Since
bluegill & pumpkinseed don’t contain thiaminase, I suspect the sunfish generally
won’t (but that’s an assumption…).
It widely rumored that frozen fish is prone to contain more thiaminase
than fish that has not been frozen. But why would this be so? Is it because
thiaminase-containing fish are amongst species offered frozen, or because
thiaminase is formed when some fish are frozen &/or thawed?
It makes no sense to me that something as complex as an enzyme would
‘accidentally happen’ (be made) when fish is frozen & thawed. However, if
thiaminase were contained in the fishes’ cells, when those cells ruptured this
might release thiaminase, making it easier to measure. I would expect digestion
to rupture all the cells in a prey item, anyway.
However, in Practical Encyclopedia of Keeping & Breeding Tortoises &
Freshwater Turtles, on Page 90 A. C. Highfield states that the enzyme
thiaminase forms in fish after death. I have no idea where he got such info. &
can neither prove nor disprove it. He also states that aquatic turtles with a
diet including fish should always be provided a concurrent vitamin B1
Thiaminase is of greatest concern to people feeding animals a fish-heavy
diet, which while inappropriate for most species (i.e.: RES, stinkpots, etc…)
may be needful in some (Chitra softshells & Mata Mata turtles).
Occasional feedings should be irrelevant, but frequent feeding could in theory
keep enough thiaminase in the gut to degrade thiamine.
Some Commercial Turtle Foods listing Thiamine on the label –
(for aquatic turtles, newts & frogs), Wardley®
Reptile Sticks, Jurassi·Diet™ Aquatic Turtle Food, Jurassi·Diet™
Reptile Food, Nature Zone Aquatic Turtle Bites, T-Rex®
Tortoise Dry Formula,
Mazuri® Fresh Water Turtle Diet,
Mazuri® Tortoise Diet.
Options to combat thiaminase deficiencies include:
Oral supplementation of thiamine – I ‘m not up on this. Most won’t
need to explore it but if you keep a Mata Mata, Chitra softshell or other
animal with a high-fish (in some cases only fish) diet you’d better look
Avoiding fish known to contain thiaminase – no red rosies or
feeder goldfish! And who knows whether guppies or platys contain it or not?
Don’t feed fish over once per week on an ongoing basis – ensuring
the turtle eats nutritious food likely to contain thiamine (like reputable
commercial turtle foods) when they’ve had no fish for a few days should help
ensure the body gets to absorb thiamine.
that Cornell article points out that “Thiaminases are denatured by heat,
therefore subjecting any of the sources of thiaminases to cooking or other heat
treatment will render the thiaminases inactive.” Unfortunately, it doesn’t tell
us how much or how long to heat it. Perhaps slow baking or broiling? In this
case ‘denature’ refers to the breakdown of a protein under heat.
Dictionary.com’s entry includes a number of definitions of ‘Denature,’
including “To cause the tertiary structure of (a protein) to unfold, as with
heat, alkali, or acid, so that some of its original properties, especially its
biological activity, are diminished or eliminated.”
Appendix of Useful Online Resources:
Nutrition.org’s Thiamine Info. Page.
Cornell University’s Thiaminase Article.
Fish Base – an online relational
database global info. system on fish claiming to have
28500 Species, 193900 Common names,
36700 Pictures, 33700 References, 1110 Collaborators & 11 million Hits/month.
Their search page is useful to pulling up info. on wild fish species.
Dictionary.com – self-explanatory. | <urn:uuid:f5add854-e3cf-484e-adab-2502c1044ba0> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Articles/Thiaminase.htm | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560281574.78/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095121-00018-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.843252 | 2,158 | 2.828125 | 3 |
Publication Type:Journal Article
Source:BMC Bioinformatics, Volume 13, p.92 (2012)
A fundamental problem in modern genomics is to taxonomically or functionally classify DNA sequence fragments derived from environmental sampling (i.e., metagenomics). Several different methods have been proposed for doing this effectively and efficiently, and many have been implemented in software. In addition to varying their basic algorithmic approach to classification, some methods screen sequence reads for 'barcoding genes' like 16S rRNA, or various types of protein-coding genes. Due to the sheer number and complexity of methods, it can be difficult for a researcher to choose one that is well-suited for a particular analysis.
We divided the very large number of programs that have been released in recent years for solving the sequence classification problem into three main categories based on the general algorithm they use to compare a query sequence against a database of sequences. We also evaluated the performance of the leading programs in each category on data sets whose taxonomic and functional composition is known.
We found significant variability in classification accuracy, precision, and resource consumption of sequence classification programs when used to analyze various metagenomics data sets. However, we observe some general trends and patterns that will be useful to researchers who use sequence classification programs. | <urn:uuid:da8048a3-6bc1-4f34-ab6a-0e397e1acde7> | CC-MAIN-2016-44 | http://molevol.umiacs.umd.edu/node/1374 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2016-44/segments/1476988717783.68/warc/CC-MAIN-20161020183837-00076-ip-10-171-6-4.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.92762 | 267 | 2.21875 | 2 |
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy held a hearing on the proposed Back 40 Mine in Stephenson, Michigan, on June 25.
Sixty people spoke: 49 against the mine for the potential degradation of the fishing, camping and water-sports industries; and 11 in favor of the mine for its ability to bring jobs to the area. Aquila Resources, which has proposed the metallic sulfide mine on the banks of the Menominee River, has been granted all four of the four permits required by Michigan’s Department of Environmental Quality.
Last month an administrative law judge ruled in favor of Aquila in a legal challenge regarding the mining permit. Marinette native Tom Boemer, the Menominee Indian Tribe and the Save the Menominee River Coalition have also challenged the granting of a wetlands permit that has yet to be decided. The Menominee River flows into Green Bay and from there into Lake Michigan. It is directly across from Door County. | <urn:uuid:b40d5679-a88e-4617-b34f-7fa23558c736> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://doorcountypulse.com/hearing-on-back-40-mine/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882573118.26/warc/CC-MAIN-20220817213446-20220818003446-00679.warc.gz | en | 0.953024 | 200 | 2.1875 | 2 |
We’ve shared some solar-powered cooking options in the past, ranging from giant sun-baked ovens to scorching hot solar stoves. Now there’s a new sun-based cooking contraption on the market, except there's a twist. Sunplace, designed by Francesca Lanzavecchia and Hunn Wai, is a “solar cooking table” designed to bring people together not only by breaking bread, but by cooperating to cook whatever will go alongside it.
The Sunplace is a concept piece created by an Italian and Singaporan brings together the couple’s diverse perspectives to create a practical and inspiring BBQ tool for social gatherings. Solar-powered cooking devices are typically pretty simple; there aren’t a lot of steps needed to convert sunbeams into cook-worthy energy, just a little concentration. In the Sunplace, an adjustable fresnel lens heats the cast iron cooking surface, concentrating the sun’s energy and directing it where it needs to go.
The Sunplace table is a new-fangled green gadget, but that’s not its only purpose. The table was designed to be used not by a solitary “grillmaster” but by a group of individuals, all pitching in with their own tools, taking turns tending to the food in close proximity to one another. The designers want to “promote interpersonal relationships” and “recover the ritual of the banquet as a shared moment” through this unusual cooking surface, according to their website. Gloves and special protective eyewear are the required uniform for this BBQ party, although one could certainly pair those with a favorite “Kiss the cook” apron, for an extra, loving touch.
Via Fast Company
Images via Angelo Becci for Lanzavecchia & Wai | <urn:uuid:71de928c-1634-4e76-83b8-8c8a541533e8> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://inhabitat.com/brilliant-sunplace-table-beams-solar-energy-on-a-cast-iron-cooking-surface/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560281353.56/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095121-00068-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.938122 | 384 | 1.75 | 2 |
Do you know the right techniques to getting a good sleep? Well, I do. That is why I am writing this article today. I want to share my knowledge on the certain techniques that I used to cure my insomnia once and for ALL! In addition, these techniques on how to sleep well are proven to be effective by many other patients who are suffering from insomnia too!
So what’s the technique on how to get a good sleep then?
Here are the techniques to “how to sleep well?”
How to sleep well technique #1: Fly free of jet lag
In the days when world travel meant crossing the sea in an ocean liner and not by plane, our bodies would gradually cross time zones, and our internal clock would be in sync with the environment. Well, we kissed those days goodbye a long time ago.
As technology advances, we now jet across time zones in hours and not days, and hence, we often experience an unsettling feeling called circadian misalignment whereby our internal clock is out of sync with the external environment. Because our internal clock controls many of the body’s functions, jet lag can leave you with digestive problems, headaches, and of course, insomnia. Furthermore, it can also cause many problems with memory, attention span, judgment, and communication, all especially troubling for business travelers.
The time of day that you travel, the direction, and of course, the distance all factor into how jet lag might affect your daily activities. Traveling from east to west tends to be easier on our bodies simply because we’re heading into the sun.
Generally, our internal clock resets itself about one time zone per day. Hence, to help matters along, you must decrease the loss of energy that comes from jet lag.
Here are a few tips that you can take:
Be well rested
Don’t start the trip with sleep debts. You had be surprised to find that many people overlook this part of the anti-jet lag program and run themselves ragged right before leaving for vacation.
Drink beverages wisely
Since re-circulated air is dehydrating, drink as much water as possible before you take flight. A good idea is to drink at least a few of those small bottles the airlines give out.
How to sleep well technique #2: Buy a comfortable mattress
Poor sleep = low energy. Hence, if you are not getting the sleep you need, an outdated and uncomfortable mattress may be the culprit. If you have hung on to the same mattress for more than ten years – or if you are waking up feeling stiff and sore – then it’s time to go mattress shopping. A new mattress can do many wonders including getting you a high quality sleep during the night. And a high quality sleep means that it can do wonders for your energy level throughout the day too! However, finding the right mattress is like finding the right mate, you need to choose the right one as what’s perfect for one person might be all wrong for the next.
So … Why wait? Act now and start using these techniques to help you sleep better throughout the night! In addition, I would strongly urge you to read my other articles related to insomnia as I have written more than 2 techniques that can cure your insomnia instantly and efficiently with ease.
Ethan Chong is a sleep expert who has been training and teaching people professionally on how to cure and treat their sleep disorders easily and instantly. Have a question related to sleep insomnia? Ask Ethan Chong at http://www.SleepWellSecrets.com. The author grants full reprint rights to this article. You may reprint and electronically distribute this article so long as its contents remain unchanged and the author's byline remains in place.
How to sleep well? | <urn:uuid:4eee7292-650b-4b7f-9ace-02eb5e6c89d2> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://copytaste.com/d3951 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560284405.58/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095124-00037-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.953794 | 771 | 1.726563 | 2 |
What does one-point perspective look like?
Railway tracks are parallel, but they seem to converge in the distance.
You can learn to draw in perspective - it's much easier than you
imagine, and a lot of fun. We'll start with simple one-point
perspective, see what it looks like, and practice constructing simple
The first thing you need to know is that in perspective drawing, every set of parallel lines has its own vanishing point.
That will make more sense in a moment. Remember from math class that
parallel means running side by side, the same distance apart. So the
sides of a road or the sides of a door can both be thought of as pairs
of parallel lines.
Let's look at this picture. It's in one-point perspective. All of
the lines that are parallel to us - the railway sleepers and fence
posts - go straight across or straight up and down, and if they were
longer, they'd keep going straight across, or straight up and down,
staying the same distance apart and not meeting. The lines at
right-angles to us, the ones moving away from us, come together at a vanishing point in the middle of the picture.
To draw one-point perspective, we arrange our subject so that one
set of visible lines has a vanishing point right in front of us, and
the set at right-angles goes out to infinity on each side. So if it's a
road, it goes straight away from us, or if it is a house, one wall goes
straight across in front of us, not sloping. In reality of course, there
are always objects which won't be lined up perfectly, but for now,
let's keep things simple!
Draw One-Point Perspective
Notice that the back of the box - which you know is the same size as the front - looks narrower from this point of view.
To make sense of what we will be drawing, first lets take a look at a
box from one-point perspective in real life. Then we can see how it
works. Here's a photograph of a box on a table, again showing us how one
set of lines stays parallel and the other set vanishes to a point.
Note that the line across the back is not the horizon line
- it's the edge of the table, and is lower than my eye level, and so,
lower than the horizon. If we continue the lines made by the edges of
the box, they meet at a point above the table - at eye level. If we
could see into the distance, it would be on the horizon, (provided the
camera is looking straight ahead, and not tilted). The front edges of
the box are quite parallel.
Draw One-Point Perspective
Let's draw a simple box using one-point perspective. First, draw a
horizon line about one-third down your page. Use a small dot or line to
mark a spot roughly in the middle of the line. That's your vanishing
point. (Don't make it as big as this example - you want it to be small,
so that all your lines finish in exactly the same spot.)
Draw a Box in One Point Perspective Step Two
Now draw square or rectangle, well below and to one side of your vanishing point. Make sure your vertical lines are perpendicular
(at right angles) to your horizon line, and your horizontal lines are
parallel. No funny angles or wobbly lines! For a successful perspective
drawing, you need straight lines and corners that meet exactly.
Drawing the Orthogonals
Now draw a line from each corner of your square or rectangle to the
vanishing point. Make sure they are straight and finish exactly at the
vanishing point. In perspective drawing, we call these lines orthogonal lines
or orthogonals, which is derives somewhat from their meaning in
mathematics (because they are at right angles to the horizontal plane). | <urn:uuid:da4cea6a-7b8f-41ad-86ae-410002231614> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://horizon.4ulike.com/t433-draw-one-point-perspective | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560280292.50/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095120-00338-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.930676 | 844 | 3.875 | 4 |
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