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Avonmore Electrical replace obsolete Geared
Avonmore Electrical replace obsolete Geared Motors on Asphalt Mixing Plant
Following a recent call from a valued customer, one of our engineers attended site. There were 2 x Helical Geared Units installed on the Asphalt mixing plant and they were in the early stages of failure. The original equipment manufacturer advised the geared units were long since obsolete and the new generation would require significant modifications to the plant in order to accommodate this replacement. The plant had been operational for over 15 years running 2 shifts per day in the summer months.
The geared units required were Helical in-line, foot mounted with 37kW 4 pole IEC motors, they are a tandem arrangement which went into a secondary gearbox assembly. The torque generated was in excess of 6,500Nm per unit. Avonmore Electrical, as a BAUER partner was able to offer a bespoke solution, first of all we needed to ensure the new geared motors could be accommodated, the original 2 geared motors were 300mm base to centre of the shaft, with a 100mm solid output shaft. The BAUER BG90 series gearbox we proposed to change these out for had a base to centre height of 350mm however the original units were assembled on a removable base which was 50mm high, this meant the BAUER unit installed height could be accommodated.
The preference on these units was to fit IEC standard motors and being an Authorised Value Provider for ABB meant we were in the position to offer IE3 premium efficiency motors for this project at a very competitive price. BAUER calculate service factor based on 16 hours per day operation which gave the customer peace of mind that the double shifts during the summer months were going to be no problem. The Motors were delivered from stock in Menden, Germany and the BAUER gearboxes were delivered in 5 weeks from the headquarters in Esslingen. For further information on the above project or to enquire about any of the Avonmore Electrical products please contact eoin@avonmore-electrical.com
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cc/2021-04/en_middle_0070.json.gz/line1544
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GeometryElementary Geometry for College StudentsIn Exercises 19 to 24, classify each statement as true or false. Rain is wet or snow is cold.
In Exercises 19 to 24, classify each statement as true or false. Rain is wet or snow is cold.
1.1 Sets, Statements, And Reasoning1.2 Informal Geometry And Measurement1.3 Early Definitions And Postulates1.4 Angles And Their Relationships1.5 Introduction To Geometric Proof1.6 Relationships: Perpendicular Lines1.7 The Formal Proof Of A Theorem1.CR Review Exercises1.CT Test
Chapter 1.1, Problem 21E
In Exercises 19 to 24, classify each statement as true or false.
Rain is wet or snow is cold.
Chapter 1.1,
Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 1 and 2, which sentences are...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 1 and 2, which sentences are...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 3 and 4, give the negation of each...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 3 and 4, give the negation of each...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 5 to 10, classify each statement as...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 5 to 10, classify each statement as...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 5 to 10, classify each statement as...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 5 to 10, classify each statement as...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 5 to 10, classify each statement as...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 5 to 10, classify each statement as...
Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 11 to 18, state the hypothesis and...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 11 to 18, state the hypothesis and...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 11 to 18, state the hypothesis and...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 11 to 18, state the hypothesis and...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 11 to 18, state the hypothesis and...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 11 to 18, state the hypothesis and...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 11 to 18, state the hypothesis and...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 11 to 18, state the hypothesis and...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 19 to 24, classify each statement as...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 19 to 24, classify each statement as...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 19 to 24, classify each statement as...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 19 to 24, classify each statement as...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 19 to 24, classify each statement as...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 19 to 24, classify each statement as...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 25 to 32, name the type of reasoning...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 25 to 32, name the type of reasoning...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 25 to 32, name the type of reasoning...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 25 to 32, name the type of reasoning...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 25 to 32, name the type of reasoning...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 25 to 32, name the type of reasoning...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 25 to 32, name the type of reasoning...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 25 to 32, name the type of reasoning...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 33 to 36, use intuition to state a...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 33 to 36, use intuition to state a...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 33 to 36, use intuition to state a...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 33 to 36, use intuition to state a...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 37 to 40, use induction to state a...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 37 to 40, use induction to state a...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 37 to 40, use induction to state a...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 37 to 40, use induction to state a...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 41 to 50, use deduction to state a...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 41 to 50, use deduction to state a...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 41 to 50, use deduction to state a...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 41 to 50, use deduction to state a...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 41 to 50, use deduction to state a...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 41 to 50, use deduction to state a...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 41 to 50, use deduction to state a...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 41 to 50, use deduction to state a...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 41 to 50, use deduction to state a...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 41 to 50, use deduction to state a...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 51 to 54, use Venn diagrams to...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 51 to 54, use Venn diagrams to...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 51 to 54, use Venn diagrams to...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 51 to 54, use Venn diagrams to...Ch. 1.1 - Where A={1,2,3} and B={2,4,6,8}, classify each of...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 55 and 56, P is a true statement,...Ch. 1.1 - In Exercises 55 and 56, P is a true statement,...Ch. 1.2 - If line segment AB and line segment CD are drawn...Ch. 1.2 - If angles ABC and DEF were measured with a...Ch. 1.2 - How many endpoints does a line segment have? How...Ch. 1.2 - Do the points A, B, and C appear to be collinear?Ch. 1.2 - How many lines can be drawn that contain both...Ch. 1.2 - Consider noncollinear points A, B, and C. If each...Ch. 1.2 - Name all the angles in the figure.Ch. 1.2 - Which of the following measures can an angle have?...Ch. 1.2 - Must two different points be collinear? Must three...Ch. 1.2 - Which symbols correctly expresses the order in...Ch. 1.2 - Which symbols correctly name the angle shown?ABC,...Ch. 1.2 - A triangle is named ABC. Can it also be named ACB?...Ch. 1.2 - Consider rectangle MNQ. Can it also be named...Ch. 1.2 - Suppose ABC and DEF have the same measure. Which...Ch. 1.2 - Suppose AB and CD have the same length. Which...Ch. 1.2 - When two lines cross intersect, they have exactly...Ch. 1.2 - Judging from the ruler shown not to scale,...Ch. 1.2 - Judging from the ruler, estimate the measure of...Ch. 1.2 - Judging from the protractor provided, estimate the...Ch. 1.2 - Using the drawing for Exercise 19, estimate the...Ch. 1.2 - Consider the square at the right, RSTV. It has...Ch. 1.2 - Square RSTV has diagonals RT and SV not shown. If...Ch. 1.2 - Use a compass to draw a circle. Draw a radius, a...Ch. 1.2 - Use a compass to draw a circle of radius 1 inch....Ch. 1.2 - The sides of the pair of angles are parallel. Are...Ch. 1.2 - The sides of the pair of angles are parallel. Are...Ch. 1.2 - The sides of the pair of angles are perpendicular....Ch. 1.2 - The sides of the pair of angles are perpendicular....Ch. 1.2 - On a piece of paper, use your compass to construct...Ch. 1.2 - On a piece of paper, use your protractor to draw a...Ch. 1.2 - A trapezoid is a four-sided figure that contains...Ch. 1.2 - In the rectangle shown, what is true of the...Ch. 1.2 - A line segment is bisected if its two parts have...Ch. 1.2 - An angle is bisected if its two parts have the...Ch. 1.2 - In Exercises 35 to 38, with A-B-C on AC, it...Ch. 1.2 - In Exercises 35 to 38, with A-B-C on AC, it...Ch. 1.2 - In Exercises 35 to 38, with A-B-C on AC, it...Ch. 1.2 - In Exercises 35 to 38, with A-B-C on AC, it...Ch. 1.2 - ABC is straight angle. Using your protractor, you...Ch. 1.2 - Find m1 if m1=2x and m2=x. HINT: See Exercise 39.Ch. 1.2 - In Exercises 41 to 44, m1+m2=mABC. Find mABC if...Ch. 1.2 - In Exercises 41 to 44,m1+m2=mABC. Find m1 if...Ch. 1.2 - In Exercises 41 to 44, m1+m2=mABC. Find x if m1=x,...Ch. 1.2 - In Exercises 41 to 44,m1+m2=mABC. Find an...Ch. 1.2 - A compass was used to mark off three congruent...Ch. 1.2 - Use your compass and straightedge to bisect EF.Ch. 1.2 - In the figure, m1=x and m2=y. If x-y=24, find x...Ch. 1.2 - In the drawing, m1=x and m2=y. If mRSV=67 and...Ch. 1.2 - For Exercises 49 to 50, use the following...Ch. 1.2 - For Exercises 49 to 50, use the following...Ch. 1.3 - In Exercises 1 and 2, complete the statement....Ch. 1.3 - In Exercises 1 and 2, complete the statement....Ch. 1.3 - In Exercises 3 and 4, use the fact that...Ch. 1.3 - In Exercises 3 and 4, use the fact that...Ch. 1.3 - In Exercises 5 and 6, use the fact that...Ch. 1.3 - In Exercises 5 and 6, use the fact that...Ch. 1.3 - In the figure 15-mile road from A to C is under...Ch. 1.3 - A cross-country runner jogs at a rate of 15 feet...Ch. 1.3 - In Exercises 9 to 28, use the drawings as needed...Ch. 1.3 - In Exercises 9 to 28, use the drawings as needed...Ch. 1.3 - In Exercises 9 to 28, use the drawings as needed...Ch. 1.3 - In Exercises 9 to 28, use the drawings as needed...Ch. 1.3 - In Exercises 9 to 28, use the drawings as needed...Ch. 1.3 - In Exercises 9 to 28, use the drawings as needed...Ch. 1.3 - In Exercises 9 to 28, use the drawings as needed...Ch. 1.3 - In Exercises 9 to 28, use the drawings as needed...Ch. 1.3 - In Exercises 9 to 28, use the drawings as needed...Ch. 1.3 - In Exercises 9 to 28, use the drawings as needed...Ch. 1.3 - In Exercises 9 to 28, use the drawings as needed...Ch. 1.3 - In Exercises 9 to 28, use the drawings as needed...Ch. 1.3 - In Exercises 9 to 28, use the drawings as needed...Ch. 1.3 - In Exercises 9 to 28, use the drawings as needed...Ch. 1.3 - In Exercises 9 to 28, use the drawings as needed...Ch. 1.3 - In Exercises 9 to 28, use the drawings as needed...Ch. 1.3 - In Exercises 9 to 28, use the drawings as needed...Ch. 1.3 - In Exercises 9 to 28, use the drawings as needed...Ch. 1.3 - In Exercises 9 to 28, use the drawings as needed...Ch. 1.3 - In Exercises 9 to 28, use the drawings as needed...Ch. 1.3 - In Exercises 29 to 32, use only a compass and a...Ch. 1.3 - In Exercises 29 to 32, use only a compass and a...Ch. 1.3 - In Exercises 29 to 32, use only a compass and a...Ch. 1.3 - In Exercises 29 to 32, use only a compass and a...Ch. 1.3 - Can you use the construction for the midpoint of a...Ch. 1.3 - Generalize your findings in Exercise 33. 33. Can...Ch. 1.3 - Consider points A, B, C, and D, no three of which...Ch. 1.3 - Consider noncoplanar points A, B, C, and D. Using...Ch. 1.3 - Line l is parallel to plane P that is, it will not...Ch. 1.3 - AB and EF are said to be skew lines because they...Ch. 1.3 - Exercises 3840 In the box shown for Exercise 38,...Ch. 1.3 - Exercises 3940 In the box shown for Exercise 38,...Ch. 1.3 - Let AB=a and BC=b. Point M is the midpoint of BC....Ch. 1.4 - What type of angle has the given measure? a 47 b...Ch. 1.4 - What type of angle has the given measure? a 115 b...Ch. 1.4 - What relationship, if any, exists between two...Ch. 1.4 - What relationship, if any, exists between two...Ch. 1.4 - In Exercises 5 to 8, describe in one word the...Ch. 1.4 - In Exercises 5 to 8, describe in one word the...Ch. 1.4 - In Exercises 5 to 8, describe in one word the...Ch. 1.4 - In Exercises 5 to 8, describe in one word the...Ch. 1.4 - Use drawings as needed to answer each of the...Ch. 1.4 - Suppose that AB,AC,AD,AE, and AF are coplanar,...Ch. 1.4 - Exercises 10-13 Without using a protractor, name...Ch. 1.4 - Exercises 10-13 What, if anything, is wrong with...Ch. 1.4 - Exercises 10-13 FAC and CAD are adjacent and AF...Ch. 1.4 - For Exercises 14 and 15, let m1=x and m2=y. Using...Ch. 1.4 - For Exercises 14 and 15, let m1=x and m2=y. Using...Ch. 1.4 - Given: mRST=39 mTSV=23 Find: mRSV Exercises 1624Ch. 1.4 - Exercises 1624 Given: mRSV=59 mTSV=17 Find: mRSTCh. 1.4 - Exercises 1624 Given: mRST=2x+9 mTSV=3x2 mRSV=67...Ch. 1.4 - Exercises 1624 Given: mRST=2x10 mTSV=x+6...Ch. 1.4 - Exercises 1624 Given: mRST=5(x+1)3 mTSV=4(x2)+3...Ch. 1.4 - Exercises 1624 Given: mRST=x2 mTSV=x4 mRSV=45...Ch. 1.4 - Exercises 1624 Given: mRST=2x3 mTSV=x2 mRSV=49...Ch. 1.4 - Exercises 1624 Given: STbisectsRSV mRST=x+y...Ch. 1.4 - Exercises 1624 Given: STbisectsRSV mRST=2x+3y...Ch. 1.4 - Given: AB and AC in plane P as shown AD intersects...Ch. 1.4 - Two angles are complementary. One angle is 12...Ch. 1.4 - Two angles are supplementary. One angle is 24 more...Ch. 1.4 - For two complementary angles, find an expression...Ch. 1.4 - Suppose that the two angles are supplementary....Ch. 1.4 - On the protractor shown, NP bisects MNQ. Find x....Ch. 1.4 - Exercises 30,31 On the protractor shown for...Ch. 1.4 - Classify as true or false: a If points P and Q lie...Ch. 1.4 - In Exercises 33 to 40, use only a compass and a...Ch. 1.4 - In Exercises 33 to 40, use only a compass and a...Ch. 1.4 - In Exercises 33 to 40, use only a compass and a...Ch. 1.4 - In Exercises 33 to 40, use only a compass and a...Ch. 1.4 - Draw a triangle with three acute angles. Construct...Ch. 1.4 - Given: Acute 1 and AB Triangle ABC with A1, B1 and...Ch. 1.4 - What seem to be true of two of the sides in the...Ch. 1.4 - In Exercises 33 to 40, use only a compass and a...Ch. 1.4 - Refer to the circle with centre O. a Use a...Ch. 1.4 - If mTSV=38,mUSW=40, and mTSW=61, find mUSV....Ch. 1.4 - Exercises 44, 45 If mTSU=x+2z,mUSV=xz, and...Ch. 1.4 - Refer to the circle with centre P. a Use a...Ch. 1.4 - On the hanging sign, the three angles...Ch. 1.4 - With 0x90, an acute angle has a measure x. Find...Ch. 1.5 - In Exercises 1 to 6, which property justifies the...Ch. 1.5 - In Exercises 1 to 6, which property justifies the...Ch. 1.5 - In Exercises 1 to 6, which property justifies the...Ch. 1.5 - In Exercises 1 to 6, which property justifies the...Ch. 1.5 - In Exercises 1 to 6, which property justifies the...Ch. 1.5 - In Exercises 1 to 6, which property justifies the...Ch. 1.5 - In Exercises 7 10, state the property or...Ch. 1.5 - In Exercises 7 10, state the property or...Ch. 1.5 - In Exercises 7 10, state the property or...Ch. 1.5 - In Exercises 7 10, state the property or...Ch. 1.5 - In Exercises 11 to 22, use the Given information...Ch. 1.5 - In Exercises 11 to 22, use the Given information...Ch. 1.5 - In Exercises 11 to 22, use the Given information...Ch. 1.5 - In Exercises 11 to 22, use the Given information...Ch. 1.5 - In Exercises 11 to 22, use the Given information...Ch. 1.5 - In Exercises 11 to 22, use the Given information...Ch. 1.5 - In Exercises 11 to 22, use the Given information...Ch. 1.5 - In Exercises 11 to 22, use the Given information...Ch. 1.5 - In Exercises 11 to 22, use the Given information...Ch. 1.5 - In Exercises 11 to 22, use the Given information...Ch. 1.5 - In Exercises 11 to 22, use the Given information...Ch. 1.5 - In Exercises 11 to 22, use the Given information...Ch. 1.5 - In Exercises 23 to 24, fill in the missing reasons...Ch. 1.5 - In Exercises 23 to 24, fill in the missing reasons...Ch. 1.5 - In Exercises 25 and 26, fill in the missing...Ch. 1.5 - In Exercises 25 and 26, fill in the missing...Ch. 1.5 - In Exercises 27 to 30, fill in the missing reasons...Ch. 1.5 - In Exercises 27 to 30, fill in the missing reasons...Ch. 1.5 - In Exercises 27 to 30, fill in the missing reasons...Ch. 1.5 - In Exercises 27 to 30, fill in the missing reasons...Ch. 1.5 - In Exercises 31 and 32, fill in the missing...Ch. 1.5 - In Exercises 31 and 32, fill in the missing...Ch. 1.5 - When the Distributive Property is written in its...Ch. 1.5 - Another form of the Distributive Property See...Ch. 1.5 - The Multiplication Property of Inequality requires...Ch. 1.5 - The Division Property of Inequality requires that...Ch. 1.5 - Provide reasons for this proof. If a=b and c=d,...Ch. 1.5 - Write a proof for: If a=b and c=d, then ac=bd....Ch. 1.6 - In Exercise 1 and 2, supply reasons. Given: 13...Ch. 1.6 - In Exercise 1 and 2, supply reasons. Given: AB...Ch. 1.6 - In Exercise 3 and 4, supply statements. Given: 12...Ch. 1.6 - In Exercise 3 and 4, supply statements. Given:...Ch. 1.6 - In Exercise 5 to 9, use a compass and a...Ch. 1.6 - In Exercises 5 to 9, use a compass and a...Ch. 1.6 - In Exercise 5 to 9, use a compass and a...Ch. 1.6 - In Exercise 5 to 9, use a compass and a...Ch. 1.6 - In Exercise 5 to 9, use a compass and a...Ch. 1.6 - Draw a conclusion based on the results of Exercise...Ch. 1.6 - In Exercise 11 and 12, provide the missing...Ch. 1.6 - In Exercise 11 and 12, provide the missing...Ch. 1.6 - Does the relation is perpendicular to have a...Ch. 1.6 - Does the relation is greater than have a reflexive...Ch. 1.6 - Does the relation is complementary to for angles...Ch. 1.6 - Does the relation is less than for a numbers have...Ch. 1.6 - Does the relation is a brother of have a reflexive...Ch. 1.6 - Does the relation is in love with have a reflexive...Ch. 1.6 - This textbook has used numerous symbols and...Ch. 1.6 - This textbook has used numerous symbols and...Ch. 1.6 - This textbook has used numerous symbols and...Ch. 1.6 - If there were no understood restriction to lines...Ch. 1.6 - Prove the Extended Segment Addition Property by...Ch. 1.6 - The Segment-Addition Postulate can be generalized...Ch. 1.6 - Prove the Extended Angle Addition Property by...Ch. 1.6 - The Angle-Addition Postulate can be generalized as...Ch. 1.6 - If there were no understood restriction to lines...Ch. 1.6 - In the proof below, provide the missing reasons....Ch. 1.6 - Without writing a proof, explain the conclusion...Ch. 1.6 - Without writing a proof, explain the conclusion...Ch. 1.7 - In Exercises 1 to 6, state the hypothesis H and...Ch. 1.7 - In Exercises 1 to 6, state the hypothesis H and...Ch. 1.7 - In Exercises 1 to 6, state the hypothesis H and...Ch. 1.7 - In Exercises 1 to 6, state the hypothesis H and...Ch. 1.7 - In Exercises 1 to 6, state the hypothesis H and...Ch. 1.7 - In Exercises 1 to 6, state the hypothesis H and...Ch. 1.7 - Name, in order, the five parts of the formal proof...Ch. 1.7 - Which part hypothesis or conclusion of a theorem...Ch. 1.7 - Which part Given or Prove of the proof depends...Ch. 1.7 - Which of the following can be cited as a reason in...Ch. 1.7 - When can a theorem be cited as a reason reason in...Ch. 1.7 - Based upon the hypothesis of a theorem, do the...Ch. 1.7 - For each theorem stated in Exercises 13 to 18,...Ch. 1.7 - For each theorem stated in Exercises 13 to 18,...Ch. 1.7 - For each theorem stated in Exercises 13 to 18,...Ch. 1.7 - For each theorem stated in Exercises 13 to 18,...Ch. 1.7 - For each theorem stated in Exercises 13 to 18,...Ch. 1.7 - For each theorem stated in Exercises 13 to 18,...Ch. 1.7 - In Exercises 19 to 26, use the drawing in which AC...Ch. 1.7 - In Exercises 19 to 26, use the drawing in which AC...Ch. 1.7 - In Exercises 19 to 26, use the drawing in which AC...Ch. 1.7 - In Exercises 19 to 26, use the drawing in which AC...Ch. 1.7 - In Exercises 19 to 26, use the drawing in which AC...Ch. 1.7 - In Exercises 19 to 26, use the drawing in which AC...Ch. 1.7 - In Exercises 19 to 26, use the drawing in which AC...Ch. 1.7 - In Exercises 19 to 26, use the drawing in which AC...Ch. 1.7 - In Exercises 27 to 35, complete the formal proof...Ch. 1.7 - In Exercises 27 to 35, complete the formal proof...Ch. 1.7 - In Exercises 27 to 35, complete the formal proof...Ch. 1.7 - In Exercises 27 to 35, complete the formal proof...Ch. 1.7 - In Exercises 27 to 35, complete the formal proof...Ch. 1.7 - In Exercises 27 to 35, complete the formal proof...Ch. 1.7 - In Exercises 27 to 35, complete the formal proof...Ch. 1.7 - In Exercises 27 to 35, complete the formal proof...Ch. 1.7 - In Exercises 27 to 35, complete the formal proof...Ch. 1.CR - Name the four components of a mathematical system.Ch. 1.CR - Name three types of reasoning.Ch. 1.CR - Name the four characteristics of a good...Ch. 1.CR - In Review Exercises 4 to 6, name the type of...Ch. 1.CR - In Review Exercises 4 to 6, name the type of...Ch. 1.CR - In Review Exercises 4 to 6, name the type of...Ch. 1.CR - In Review Exercises 7 and 8, state the hypothesis...Ch. 1.CR - In Review Exercises 7 and 8, state the hypothesis...Ch. 1.CR - In Review Exercises 9 to 11, draw a valid...Ch. 1.CR - In Review Exercises 9 to 11, draw a valid...Ch. 1.CR - In Review Exercises 9 to 11, draw a valid...Ch. 1.CR - A, B and C are three points on a line. AC=8, BC=4,...Ch. 1.CR - Use three letters to name the angle shown. Also...Ch. 1.CR - Figure MNPQ is a rhombus. Draw diagonals MP and QN...Ch. 1.CR - In Review Exercises 15 to 17, sketch and label the...Ch. 1.CR - In Review Exercises 15 to 17, sketch and label the...Ch. 1.CR - In Review Exercises 15 to 17, sketch and label the...Ch. 1.CR - On the basis of appearance, what type of angle is...Ch. 1.CR - On the basis of appearance, what type of angle is...Ch. 1.CR - Given: BD bisects ABC mABD=2x+15 mDBC=3x+5 Find:...Ch. 1.CR - Given: mABD=2x+5 mDBC=3x4 mABC=86 Find: mDBCCh. 1.CR - Given: AM=3x1 MB=4x5 M is the midpoint of AB Find:...Ch. 1.CR - Given: AM=4x4 MB=5x+2 AB=25 Find: MBCh. 1.CR - Given: D is the midpoint of AC ACBC CD=2x+5...Ch. 1.CR - Given: m3=7x21 m4=3x+7 Find: mFMHCh. 1.CR - Given: mFMH=4x+1 m4=x+4 Find: m4Ch. 1.CR - In the figure, find: a KHFJ b MJMH c KMJJMH d MKMHCh. 1.CR - Given: EFG is a right angle. mHFG=2x6 mEFH=3mHFG...Ch. 1.CR - Two angles are supplementary. One angle is 40 more...Ch. 1.CR - aWrite an expression for the perimeter of the...Ch. 1.CR - The sum of the measures of all three angles of the...Ch. 1.CR - Susan wants to have a 4-ft board with some pegs on...Ch. 1.CR - State whether the sentences in Review Exercises 33...Ch. 1.CR - State whether the sentences in Review Exercises 33...Ch. 1.CR - State whether the sentences in Review Exercises 33...Ch. 1.CR - State whether the sentences in Review Exercises 33...Ch. 1.CR - State whether the sentences in Review Exercises 33...Ch. 1.CR - Fill in the missing statements or reasons. Given:...Ch. 1.CR - Write two-column proofs for Review Exercises 39 to...Ch. 1.CR - Write two-column proofs for Review Exercises 39 to...Ch. 1.CR - Write two-column proofs for Review Exercises 39 to...Ch. 1.CR - Write two-column proofs for Review Exercises 39 to...Ch. 1.CR - Write two-column proofs for Review Exercises 39 to...Ch. 1.CR - For Review Exercise 44, see the figure that...Ch. 1.CR - Write two-column proofs for Review Exercises 39 to...Ch. 1.CR - Write two-column proofs for Review Exercises 39 to...Ch. 1.CR - Given: VP Construct: VW such that VW=4VPCh. 1.CR - Construct a 135 angle.Ch. 1.CR - Given: Triangle PQR Construct: The three angle...Ch. 1.CR - Given: AB,BC and B shown in Review Exercise 51....Ch. 1.CR - Given: mB=50 Construct: An angle whose measure is...Ch. 1.CR - If m1=90, find the measure of reflex angle 2.Ch. 1.CT - Which type of reasoning is illustrated...Ch. 1.CT - Given ABC as shown, provide a second correct...Ch. 1.CT - Using the Segment-Addition Postulate, state a...Ch. 1.CT - Complete each postulate: a If two lines intersect,...Ch. 1.CT - Given that x is the measure of an angle, name the...Ch. 1.CT - What word would describe two angles a whose sum of...Ch. 1.CT - Given that NP bisects MNQ, state a conclusion...Ch. 1.CT - Complete each theorem: a If two lines are...Ch. 1.CT - State the conclusion for the following deductive...Ch. 1.CT - In the figure A-B-C-D, and M is the midpoint of...Ch. 1.CT - In the figure, AB=x, BD=x+5, and AD=27. Find: a...Ch. 1.CT - In the figure, mEFG=68 and m3=33. Find m4.________Ch. 1.CT - In the figure, m3=x and m4=2x3. If mEFG=69, find:...Ch. 1.CT - Lines l and m intersect at point P. If m1=43,...Ch. 1.CT - If m1=2x3andm3=3x28, find: a x_______ b m1_______Ch. 1.CT - If m1=2x3andm2=6x1, find: a x_________ b...Ch. 1.CT - s3 and 4 not shown are complementary. Where m3=x...Ch. 1.CT - Construct the angle bisector of obtuse angle RST.Ch. 1.CT - Construct the perpendicular bisector of AB.Ch. 1.CT - In exercises 20 to 22, complete the missing...Ch. 1.CT - In exercises 20 to 22, complete the missing...Ch. 1.CT - In exercises 20 to 22, complete the missing...Ch. 1.CT - Obtuse angle ABC is bisected by BD and is...
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LATIN AMERICA | 23-10-2018 09:29
Military vs. neoliberals: Bolsonaro faces internal rifts over economic policy
Energy policy and privatisation of state assets are proving contentious among two key sectors behind Jair Bolsonaro's future plan for government.
Leandro Dario
Subeditor de Internacionales Diario Perfil.
Jair Bolsonaro stands with Army officers. | AFP
Jair Messias Bolsonaro is one step away from being elected president of Brazil. According to the latest Datafolha poll, he enjoys a voting intention of 59 percent in the lead up to the run-off vote on October 28 against Fernando Haddad. But his probable arrival at the Planalto Palace will not be free of division among those sectors which support him.
Among them, there are two groups that no longer hide their differences: the neo-liberal economists commanded by Paulo Guedes, who will be in charge of the Treasury portfolio, and the military, represented by the candidate for vice president, Hamilton Mourao, and General Augusto Heleno.
The former are pushing for the deregulation of the economy and the privatisation of state companies, such as Petrobras and Eletrobras, while those in uniform, with a nationalist outlook, have a developmental and statist plan.
This rift was exposed this week in an article published by Folha de S. Paulo titled "180-degree turn in energy policy and controversy among the Bolsonaro group".
Bolsonaro government’s message to Biden: Trumpism lives on in Brazil
"The economic tensions in the candidate's team can, by the way, become a problem for the future government," José Alvaro Moisés, professor of Political Science at the University of Sao Paulo, told this journalist.
Bolsonaro himself last week rejected the total privatisation of Eletrobras and Petrobras, one of the most symbolic proposals of Guedes, in his effort to conquer the centre of the political spectrum and defeat his competitor Haddad.
"Nobody wants Petrobras to go wrong, but neither can it benefit from monopolies," he said in an interview with television station TV Band, regarding the company's fuel price policy. Petrobras controls 99 percent of refining in Brazil.
Brazil arrests Ángel Cabrera, fugitive Argentine golfer accused of abuse
OPENING UP vs GRADUALISM
Guedes, a liberal economist from the University of Chicago, has proposed the privatisation of all state companies in order to reduce the fiscal deficit and attract foreign investment.
"We are clear about where we want to go: decentralisation and reduction of the government's role in the economy, mainly in the energy sector," engineer Luciano de Castro, who along with Guedes advises Bolsonaro, said. According to the São Paulo newspaper, he is one of the technocrats who recommended that a Bolsonaro government "liberalise the economy".
Abortion becomes legal in Argentina as Chile starts a debate
The military, meanwhile, is proposing "gradualism" when it comes to implementing reforms and defends an oil policy that defines Petrobras as a strategic asset.
Reserve Commander General Oswaldo Ferreira, an Army engineer and one of the coordinators of the Bolsonaro plan for government, was identified by the press as the future Minister of Transport and Infrastructure. He is reported to have affirmed that one of the goals of the Executive would be to resume public works projects "that were stopped" by the Lava Jato corruption scandal.
Although he agrees with the concessions programme implemented by President Michel Temer and with the privatisation of oil refining and distribution, Ferreira is more cautious when it comes to the sale of the rest of Petrobras' business units.
Evo Morales says Alberto Fernández offered Covid-19 treatment in Argentina
"Bolsonaro has, during his campaign, embraced the liberal vision of Paulo Guedes in order to win the support of the economic elite. It seems to me that the alliance with Guedes is just an electoral strategy to project his image as a liberal economic candidate. But if we look at Bolsonaro's rhetoric in the last 20 years and how he has voted in Congress, we see that he is an economic nationalist, like other Armed Forces cadres," Oliver Stuenkel, professor of International Relations at the Getulio Vargas Foundation, told this journalist.
'MILITARY PARTY'
In the new Congress, there will be 31 lawmakers and four senators who either military men or police officers. In 2014, that number was as low as 18.
UK to ban South American, Portugal arrivals over Brazil virus strain
If Bolsonaro, a former military man arrives at the Planalto Palace, he is expected to appoint a general as vice president and other comrades in arms to influential ministries. Brazil's military believes it has another opportunity to work towards the "economic miracle" of the 1970s, when the dictatorship promoted a developmental economic policy. But first they must win the elections and, then, negotiate with Guedes and the CEOs who accompany him.
Among the most controversial of Jair Bolsonaro's proposals is to legalise the bearing of weapons.
Brazil's Bolsonaro increasingly isolated as Trump departs office
The far-right candidate plans to reform the current Disarmament Statute, which establishes restrictions on the sale and possession of weapons, in favour of a liberal policy on the commercialisation of these weapons, Brazil's CBN radio has reported.
Bolsonaro has made the right to bear arms one of the key policies of his campaign. He even greets his followers with his fingers pointed in a way so as to imitate the shape of a pistol.
He has also defended the police's right to use force and is pushing for a policy in which any police officer who kills a suspect in the act of service cannot be prosecuted.
Palmeiras into Libertadores final after VAR thwarts River
Days ago he visited a police station in Rio de Janeiro, the BOPE, whose brutality was reflected in the film Tropa de Elite. There, he assured its officers that if he wins the elections, "in January you'll have one of your own in Brasilia".
Telefónica sells mobile phone masts in Europe, Latin America for 7.7 billion euros
Ford to close factories, end manufacturing in Brazil
Por qué ahora le toca a Marcelo Tinelli poner el otro "Cachete"
¿Berenjenas rellenas? Anotá está genial receta para el fin de semana
El destape de Juliana Awada: traje de baño y un magnificado clavado
¿Cómo es la moto de Kevin Benavides, el argentino que ganó el Rally Dakar?
Previous news of "Latin america"
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From Venezuela, to the Subte, to the symphony: the virtuoso sound of Latin Vox Machine
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News Daily: Brexit talks, moorland fire and England v Belgium build-up
By Justin Parkinson
duration 28 June 2018
Hello. Here's your morning briefing:
Time running out for Brexit negotiations, warns Irish PM
Theresa May's going to Brussels for her last EU summit before October, the point when both sides in Brexit negotiations hope a deal will be concluded. But the Irish Republic's prime minister, Leo Varadkar, has called progress so far "disappointing" and warned that "time is running out".
The EU's chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, has said "serious divergences" remain over what to do about the Irish border and any future customs arrangement. Meanwhile, ex-prime minister Tony Blair has suggested the UK's departure from the EU could be delayed.
Mrs May holds a series of one-to-one meetings with other EU leaders today, a major focus of which will be migration challenges. She's expected to return by Friday morning - having watched at least some of the England-Belgium World Cup match in between discussing Brexit at a leaders' dinner tonight.
The BBC's Laura Kuenssberg says there is little expectation that Mrs May will go to Brussels with a "magic key to unlock the Brexit process". The prime minister has also called a cabinet meeting on 6 July to work out the the UK's future blueprint for relations with the EU.
Army and RAF join fight against moorland fire
The fire on Saddleworth Moor has been raging for several days, causing the evacuation of up to 100 homes. With dry, windy conditions exacerbating the difficulties for firefighters, about 100 soldiers and an RAF Chinook helicopter have been sent in. The troops, from the 4th Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland, will help by managing water lines and fire beating. The helicopter will transport high-volume water pumps. Here's the moorland fire in pictures. And we ask how to tackle a blaze of this size and type.
England face World Cup test
So, no Germany. Argentina haven't done much and Brazil have been inconsistent. Dare England fans dream, asks BBC Sport's chief football writer, Phil McNulty.
With Tunisia overcome and Panama thrashed, Gareth Southgate's team take on Belgium, their first world-class opponents of this World Cup, at 19:00. While we're at it, here is just some of the reaction to Germany's poor performance.
Get news from the BBC in your inbox, each weekday morning
'I was struck by lightning… twice'
Exactly a year to the day that I'd first been struck, a storm was brewing outside my house. I was at home because I still couldn't work. My psychologist had encouraged me to face my fears and not hide indoors during bad weather. So, I plucked up the courage and stepped on to our porch.
Then… I felt it. That same flash of light, that same agonising burning. I was thrown back into the house, where my boyfriend David rushed to my side. Before I lost consciousness, I was sure I was going to die.
Sympathy for Germany, who crashed out of the World Cup with a defeat by South Korea on Wednesday, is in short supply. The Sun plasters the word "Schadenfreude" - a noun (from the German) describing the deriving of pleasure from another's misfortune - across its front page. Metro shows deflated fans above the headline "Out Wiedersehen". Meanwhile, the Daily Telegraph leads with comments from Theresa May's former adviser Nick Timothy, who says the UK is heading for the "worst possible Brexit deal". But the Guardian reports that the PM is saying talks are still "on track".
Katya Adler Could Europe's migration crisis finish the EU?
The Queen Taxpayer-funded costs up 13% in 2017-18, partly due to Buckingham Palace refurbishment
Hotel booking sites Regulator tells companies to review the way they rank and display rooms,
Beaches, sailing, cattle, puffins Ordnance Survey publishes analysis of the 82 islands off the coast of Great Britain
If you see one thing today
The girl who helped discover dinosaurs
If you listen to one thing today
Looking again at the British Empire
If you read one thing today
image copyrightGreg Owen
The man who saved thousands of people from HIV
Sign up for a morning briefing direct to your phone
Lookahead
15:00 Hundreds of women are expected to march on Washington DC in protest against the Trump administration's immigration policies.
18:35 The Prince of Wales hosts a reception for recipients of The Queen's Awards for Enterprise at Buckingham Palace.
1991 Former prime minister Margaret Thatcher announces she will stand down as an MP at the next general election.
UK tourists return to Tunisia (Independent)
The neuroscience of pain (New Yorker)
What do feet tell us about our health? (Daily Mail)
World Cup: Why does Australia bother? (Sydney Morning Herald)
News Daily
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BCL.com.au → Magazines → Computer & Technology Magazines Australia
Computer & Technology Magazines Australia
iSUBSCRiBE – Search all the latest Australian computer and IT magazines for Game magazines, Internet, PC & Mac and Technology or check some of the most popular below.
APC Magazine 12 Month Subscription from iSubscribe
APC is Australia’s most influential computer magazine and the choice monthly magazine for “power users” and IT professionals. Every month APC presents news and analysis of the issues behind technology, hands-on articles and detailed reviews of the latest PC products, systems, components, peripherals and software. Subscribe now and enjoy the convenience of FREE delivery to your home or office….
Computer Music (UK) Magazine 12 Month Subscription from iSubscribe
A Computer Music magazine subscription is the complete guide to making music with a computer. There are millions of potential musicians out there and this magazine will help them get the right software and hardware and show them how to use it. Technology is now at a stage where computer users can complete virtually every musical task in the computer domain. Computer Music magazine subscription enables computer owners to develop their musical interest and expertise. EDITORIAL FEATURES: Extensive interactive tutorials, in-depth product reviews, glossaries, frequently asked questions, interviews with games musicians, integrated DVD-ROM, film music composers and pop personalities. There are also major news reports and detailed Internet features in every issue.Subscribe to Computer Music magazine today and get creative with your computer….
DIYODE Magazine 12 Month Subscription from iSubscribe
DIYODE Magazine, inspiring electronics enthusiasts and makers across Australia, New Zealand and beyond. Each month, DIYODE provides its readers (young and old) with fun and engaging content, providing real-world outcomes, and solving problems (both pesky and mammoth). Hands-on projects are easy-to-build, using locally available components, and caters to all ages from kids to adults. Regular columns include ‘FUNdamentals' to teach the fundamentals of electronics, ‘Secret Code' to educate the reader on different aspects of programming, and ‘The Classroom' to explain various technologies and applications. Whether you are a student or seasoned Maker with an interest in electronics, coding, 3D printing, robotics or new technology you will love DIYODE. Strong STEM principals around electronics and engineering are also covered. Every print issue includes an unlock code to download a high resolution PDF version that you can read on your computer, phone or Tablet….
FM Magazine 12 Month Subscription from iSubscribe
For over 15 years Facility Management (FM) has been the only Australian publication dedicated exclusively to the facilities management industry. Published bimonthly, FM is a truly independent publication. Its editorial is tailored to meet the needs of readers – not the vested interests of industry associations. As a result, FM is firmly established as the magazine of first choice for marketing products and services to the purchasing decision-makers responsible for the management of all aspects of the built environment. These days, the term ‘FM' incorporates far more than the traditional facilities management function. Infrastructure management (IM) not only incorporates traditional FM, but expands it to address the relationships between people and other enterprise assets such as computers, data, telecommunications and the various work processes associated with maintaining, changing and improving the corporate infrastructure. Risk management across all its applications, trends in IT, e-security, facilities and workplace security, OH&S, IR, HR, corporate communications, strategy and contingency planning, corporate governance, compliance and liability, as well as new and upcoming legislation and the latest research studies from around the world are all, in certain contexts, part of the editorial platform of FM magazine….
SILICON CHIP Magazine 12 Month Subscription from iSubscribe
SILICON CHIP is Australia's (and the southern hemisphere's) only monthly publication catering to those in electronics from beginners and students right through to professionals, managers and academics.Every month, SILICON CHIP publishes interesting projects for enthusiasts to build, news and information on the world of electronics and regular columns covering new products, electronics service and even vintage radio.Plus we answer all types of queries from readers covering all aspects of electronics, computers, audio/video and even solar power….
Stuff (UK) Magazine 12 Month Subscription from iSubscribe
A subscription to STUFF magazine is packed with the latest consumer electronics and lifestyle essentials. Palmtops, computers, home entertainment,gadget, audio, computing, AV, IT every week. The new-look STUFF magazine is bursting at the seams with the best buys and the latest technology. >Within the pages of STUFF magazine, an extensive ?buying guide? reviews and recommends everything you could imagine from Harleys to hi-fi, from watches to watersports ? it really is the magazine that knows it's stuff. By taking out a subscription to STUFF magazine, published by Haymarket Consumer Publications Ltd, you will receive direct to your door the UK?s best-selling gadget magazine. With regular features including ?The Rumour Mill? and ?The Next Big Thing??, a dedicated news section, various ?Top 10? lists, reader opinions and a celebrity interview running alongside the many product reviews, a subscription to STUFF magazine should not be missed by technology and gadget lovers everywhere!…
TechLife Magazine 12 Month Subscription from iSubscribe
TechLife always aims to be practical. Everything from hardware comparisons to business, games and educational software reviews, to tutorials and downloadable exclusive software – are done with readers' needs in mind. TechLife publishes timely and informative feature articles that provide readers with a mix of reviews of the best products for the small business/home office computer user, and practical tutorials on how to get the most from these products. Major monthly editorial features include `Test Bench`, `Life Tools`, ‘Discover' and `Help Station`. TechLife – Everything you need for work and play. This magazine is the ideal gift for anyone of any age….
Categories: Magazines
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3,500 COVID-19 patients provided with free medication
18 August 2020 11:33 (UTC+04:00)
By Ayya Lmahamad
Azerbaijan has provided free medication to more than 3,500 COVID-19 patients nationwide who are being treated at home, a member of the COVID-19 working group under the Ministry of Health Inara Makayeva said on August 17.
The free medication is given to asymptomatic COVID-19 patients and those with mild symptoms who are being treated at home in line with the Ministry of Health decision of June 30.
The medical package provided to such patients includes vitamin C, vitamin D3, magnesium, zinc, selenium and paracetamol. These medicines are prescribed to patients in order to prevent complications that may arise during treatment and the course of the disease. It should be noted that the condition of home patients is controlled by district doctor via phone, and if necessary, the doctor visits the patient at home to examine his condition.
The COVID-19 working group has developed special instructions for outpatient treatment of patients with COVID-19. Every day, the clinics keep lists of patients with positive test results, after which these patients are contacted by phone and asked about their current status. Medicines are delivered directly to the patient’s place of residence. Then, the doctor calls twice a day and monitors the medication.
The COVID-19 working group under the ministry was set up on June 29 to coordinate the work of 39 field centers covering 87 medical institutions in Baku. Some 39 territorial medical centers were established according to the decision of the working group's leadership to fight COVID-19, covering these 87 medical institutions on the basis of a territorial subdivision, which is subordinate to the Baku City Health Department.
Currently, the country observes a significant reduction in the number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
As of August 18, Azerbaijan, the nation of ten million people, has registered 34,343 COVID-19 cases and 508 coronavirus- related deaths. The total number of recovered patients is 32,042. Currently, 1,793 people are under treatment in special hospitals.
Azerbaijan, registered its first COVID-19 case on February 28 and introduced the special quarantine regime on March 24.
#CORONAVIRUS IN AZERBAIJAN
#AZERBAIJAN'S MINISTRY OF HEALTH
Country registers 349 new COVID-19 cases
9 January 17:25
Azerbaijan extends term for paying urgent extra allowance to COVID-19 fighting doctors
Azerbaijan to receive 4 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine by late Jan
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Babysitter squeezed baby to death
by Joseph Gamp, The Sun
A US babysitter who beat and squeezed a 20-month-old baby to death has escaped the death penalty, instead being sentenced to life in prison.
Texas woman Shayla Boniello, 30, pleaded guilty to capital murder on Thursday morning according to the Milam County District Attorney, NBC KXAN reported.
It previously emerged in court documents that Boniello admitted she punched, slapped, shook and squeezed Patricia "Annie" Rader out of frustration during the incident on December 3, 2018.
Emergency crews rushed to the baby's grandfather's home in Rockdale following reports of an unresponsive child.
But paramedics were unable to revive her and Annie was pronounced dead at the scene.
RELATED: Nurse arrested over eight baby deaths
RELATED: Dad arrested over baby's horror death
Boniello has avoided the death sentence for the murder.
Boniello was arrested and charged with child endangerment before being charged with capital murder.
The 20-month-old sustained extensive injuries from the ordeal including lacerations and bruising across her whole body.
Court documents stated that Boniello admitted squeezing the girl for three minutes, "until she felt her bones begin to pop and crush," according to an affidavit.
The baby's grandfather had temporary custody of the child when the murder occurred.
But according to KXAN, Annie's grandfather was in a relationship with Boniello, who was living with him after the pair met on a dating site.
Patricia ‘Annie’ Rader was just one year old when she was squeezed to death by her babysitter.
Despite the life sentence, according to the Facebook page, "Justice for Annie," the baby's family members were not happy with Boniello's sentencing.
A post on the page reads: "Our family is disappointed with the fact that the death penalty was taken off the table. Life in prison isn't a severe enough penalty for what was done to Annie."
Rachel Bond, Annie's great-aunt, told ABC 25 that since Boniello "showed Annie absolutely no mercy whatsoever," the killer shouldn't receive mercy either.
However, the prosecution reviewed the case and determined that Boniello had sustained a traumatic brain injury and had a nonviolent past, according to a report by The Eagle.
Those two factors played into the decision to give the 30-year-old life in prison instead of sentencing her to death.
This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced here with permission
Originally published as Babysitter squeezed baby to death
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BedandBreakfasts.co.uk
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Baillieston Railway Station Bed and Breakfast, Cheap Hotel and Guest House Accommodation
Baillieston Railway Station
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Hamilton 5.08 8.17 N/A 17181920212223 £39.50 £39.50 £39.50 £39.50 £39.50 £39.50 £39.50 £39.50
52 Charlotte Street
Glasgow 5.22 8.39 N/A 17181920212223 £60.00 £65.00 £65.00 £65.00 £65.00 £65.00 £75.00 £60.00
Arron House
Hamilton 5.47 8.8 3 17181920212223 £50.00 £50.00 £50.00 £50.00 £50.00 £50.00 £50.00 £50.00
Holiday Inn Express - Glasgow - City Ctr Riverside
The Z Hotel Glasgow
Glasgow 5.6 9.02 N/A 17181920212223 £40.00 £40.00 £40.00 £40.00 £40.00 £40.00 £40.00 £40.00
The Merchant City Inn
PREMIER SUITES PLUS Glasgow George Square
Holiday Inn Express Hamilton
Hamilton 5.7 9.17 3 17181920212223 £50.99 £55.99 £58.99 £58.99 £53.99 £54.99 £53.99 £50.99
Native Glasgow
B/W Motherwell Centre Moorings Hotel
Holiday Inn - Glasgow - City Ctr Theatreland
Holiday Inn Express - Glasgow - City Ctr Theatreland
Euro Hostel Glasgow
Jurys Inn Glasgow
citizenM Glasgow
Motel One Glasgow
Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow
Alexander Thomson
Crosshill House
Hampton by Hilton Glasgow Central
Phoenix Cresent, Bellshill, ML4 3JQ
Distance:3.08 miles | Star Rating:
Between Glasgow and Edinburgh, the DoubleTree by Hilton Strathclyde is a 30-minute drive from both Glasgow and Edinburgh Airports. With en-suite rooms...more
Between Glasgow and Edinburgh, the DoubleTree by Hilton Strathclyde is a 30-minute drive from both Glasgow and Edinburgh Airports. With en-suite rooms and a restaurant, it is Scotland's largest hotel health club. Each guest room features modern amenities including WiFi access and a large HDTV. The DoubleTree by Hilton Strathclyde's extensive leisure facilities include a swimming pool, spa baths, sauna, and steam rooms. Guests can also enjoy the beauty rooms. The Space restaurant serves international cuisine. The DoubleTree by Hilton Strathclyde is within a 10-minute drive of Strathclyde Loch, Hamilton Racecourse, and the New Lanark World Heritage site. There are 6 meeting rooms and a business centre. The property is entirely non-smoking. There is 24-hour room service available.
Sunday, 17 January 2021Jan 2021
Dates:Jan 17, 2021 - Jan 18, 2021 Sun Jan 17, 2021 - Mon Jan 18, 2021 Nights:1
Total cost: £ 59.00
In Shortlist
295 Glasgow Road Blantyre, High Blantyre, G72 9HJ
Distance:3.57 miles | Star Rating: N/A
Located in the heart of Blantyre in the Lanarkshire region, The Cottage Bed & Breakfast offers accommodation with free WiFi. Guests can enjoy a select...more
Located in the heart of Blantyre in the Lanarkshire region, The Cottage Bed & Breakfast offers accommodation with free WiFi. Guests can enjoy a selection of bars and restaurants near the property. The bed and breakfast offers a flat-screen TV with free Netflix access, Tempur mattress toppers and a private bathroom with free toiletries, a hair dryer and shower. A fridge and kettle are also provided. A Full English/Irish breakfast can be enjoyed at the property. Glasgow is 13 km from The Cottage Bed & Breakfast. The nearest airport is Glasgow Airport, 22 km from the accommodation.
Cumbernauld Road, Chryston, G33 6HW
Situated 10 minutes' drive from Glasgow city centre, Best Western Garfield House Hotel features free Wi-Fi, an on-site bar and grill restaurant and am...more
Situated 10 minutes' drive from Glasgow city centre, Best Western Garfield House Hotel features free Wi-Fi, an on-site bar and grill restaurant and ample free parking. An en suite bathroom is provided in each room at Garfield House, as well as a flat-screen TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. A 24-hour reception is available, as well as function and meeting rooms. Award-winning Lanarkshire ice cream is served in the bar and grill restaurant, as well as grilled meats and fine wines. Full Scotish and continental breakfasts are also available. The M8 motorway is just 2.5 miles away and provides easy access to Edinburgh city centre, which is only an hour's drive. Crow Wood Golf Course is a 20-minute walk from the hotel.
Cumbernauld Rd, Muirhead, Chryston, G69 9BS
Halo Crowwood Hotel Glasgow enjoys a relaxed out of town atmosphere. The hotel is located adjacent to Crowwood Golf Club and just a 10-minute drive fr...more
Halo Crowwood Hotel Glasgow enjoys a relaxed out of town atmosphere. The hotel is located adjacent to Crowwood Golf Club and just a 10-minute drive from Glasgow city centre. Stirling (the gateway to the Highlands) is a 25-minute drive. The hotel is situated on the main A80 route from Glasgow to Stirling and Edinburgh and is therefore ideally situated as a base for both business and leisure guests with free on-site parking. Halo Crowwood Hotel Glasgow also offers function and meeting rooms The comfortably furnished well-equipped bedrooms are doubles, twins and family rooms that sleep up to 4. The hotel also has 2 spacious wheelchair access bedrooms. Early check-in/check-out available on request.
2 onslow drive, glasgow, G31 2LX
single double twin rooms free wifi
775 Springfield Road, Glasgow, G31 4HN
Set 500 metres from Celtic Park in Glasgow, Bellway Commonwealth Apartment offers accommodation with a kitchen. This property is 1.2 km from Sir Chris...more
Set 500 metres from Celtic Park in Glasgow, Bellway Commonwealth Apartment offers accommodation with a kitchen. This property is 1.2 km from Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome. The apartment comes with a satellite flat-screen TV, 2 bedrooms and a living room. Glasgow Cathedral is 3.5 km from the apartment, while Glasgow Necropolis is 3.8 km from the property.
Country Park, Hamilton Road, Motherwell, ML1 3RB
Distance:3.8 miles | Star Rating:
Holiday Inn Express Strathclyde Park offers ample free parking and a continental buffet breakfast. The modern rooms feature power showers, satellite T...more
Holiday Inn Express Strathclyde Park offers ample free parking and a continental buffet breakfast. The modern rooms feature power showers, satellite TV and work desks. Free Wi-FI is available in the lounge. Just off junction 5 of the M74, Holiday Inn Express Strathclyde has easy access to motorway links, just 8 miles from Glasgow. The en suite rooms have tea/coffee making facilities, flat-screen TV, a work desk, radio and hair dryer. Guests can also benefit from a pillow menu and electrical adapters. Holiday Inn Express is next to Strathclyde Country Park, which features a water sports centre and a theme park with free entry. Golf courses are 1.5 miles from the hotel. The hotel has a lounge bar that serves evening bar meals. Two meeting rooms and office supplies are available at the hotel. Hamilton and Motherwell are within 5 minutes' drive of the hotel. Glasgow Airport is a 35-minute drive away.
Strathclyde Country Park, Motherwell, ML1 3RT
On the banks of the loch in the grounds of the idyllic Strathclyde Country Park, Alona Hotel has a laidback atmosphere and a lovely restaurant. Locate...more
On the banks of the loch in the grounds of the idyllic Strathclyde Country Park, Alona Hotel has a laidback atmosphere and a lovely restaurant. Located in Motherwell, southeast of Glasgow, Alona Hotel is close to the M74 motorway. The Glasshouse Restaurant, with its bright, airy decor and relaxed atmosphere, offers modern Scottish dishes created from local produce. Full Scottish breakfast is served each morning. The bedroom facilities include blackout drapes, a flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi access.
Mill Street, Glasgow, G73 2LX
In a quiet part of Glasgow, this hotel has a view of Overtoun Park. There is free Wi-Fi, free parking, en suite rooms and continental breakfasts. The ...more
In a quiet part of Glasgow, this hotel has a view of Overtoun Park. There is free Wi-Fi, free parking, en suite rooms and continental breakfasts. The bar shows Sky Sports. The Terrace Restaurant has views of the park; meals are also available in the Kings Park Hotel's bar. Here there is also a pool table and a games machine. Kings Park is well placed for the motorway. The city centre is 12 minutes' drive away, and there are good public transport links via the 2 nearby rail stations.
332 Gallowgate, Glasgow, G4 0TX
Located 10 minutes' walk from the vibrant Glasgow's city centre, My Glasgow House offers 2 apartments with private parking and free Wi-Fi. Famous for ...more
Located 10 minutes' walk from the vibrant Glasgow's city centre, My Glasgow House offers 2 apartments with private parking and free Wi-Fi. Famous for a variety of concerts held in the summer, Glasgow Green is also home to the museum People's Palace and Winter Gardens. Both apartments at My Glasgow House feature a fully equipped kitchen, a dining area, and a living room with a flat-screen TV. Guests can find a wide range of restaurants, cafés, and bars within 10 minutes' walk, with al fresco dining during the warmer months. Forge Retail Park is a minute's walk away, and a supermarket is just across the road. Celtic Park Stadium is also within walking distance. With an unrivalled mix of boutiques, Princes Square is only 15 minutes' walk and from there, the shopping centre in Buchanan Street can be reached in 5 minutes' walk. The famous Barrowland Ballroom is only 100 yards from the property
39 Bothwell Road, Hamilton, ML3 0AS
Situated in Hamilton, The Bay Horse provides free WiFi. Guests can make use of a bar. At the hotel, rooms have a desk, a flat-screen TV and a private ...more
Situated in Hamilton, The Bay Horse provides free WiFi. Guests can make use of a bar. At the hotel, rooms have a desk, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. All guest rooms have a wardrobe. Glasgow is 22 km from The Bay Horse. The nearest airport is Glasgow Airport, 32 km from the property.
52 Charlotte Street, Glasgow, G1 5DW
Set within 1.2 km of Glasgow Cathedral in Glasgow, 52 Charlotte Street features accommodation with free WiFi and flat-screen TV. The units provide vie...more
Set within 1.2 km of Glasgow Cathedral in Glasgow, 52 Charlotte Street features accommodation with free WiFi and flat-screen TV. The units provide views of the city and come with a washing machine, a fully equipped kitchen, and a private bathroom with a hair dryer. An oven and microwave are also available, as well as a kettle. The apartment offers a terrace. George Square is 1.5 km from 52 Charlotte Street.
1a auchingramont road Hamilton, Hamilton, ML3 6JP
Set in Hamilton in the Lanarkshire region, Arron House has a patio and garden views. Complimentary WiFi is offered. The bed and breakfast is equipped ...more
Set in Hamilton in the Lanarkshire region, Arron House has a patio and garden views. Complimentary WiFi is offered. The bed and breakfast is equipped with a flat-screen TV. Guests can also relax in the shared lounge area. Glasgow is 24 km from the bed and breakfast, while Stirling is 49 km from the property. The nearest airport is Glasgow Airport, 34 km from Arron House.
Stockwell Street, Glasgow, G1 4LW
This modern hotel is in Glasgow city centre, beside the River Clyde and 0.6 miles (1 km) from Glasgow Central Rail Station. The air-conditioned rooms ...more
This modern hotel is in Glasgow city centre, beside the River Clyde and 0.6 miles (1 km) from Glasgow Central Rail Station. The air-conditioned rooms have flat-screen TVs and power showers. The Holiday Inn Express Glasgow City - Riverside is less than 500 metres from the St. Enoch Centre shopping mall and St Enoch Subway Station. George Square is 800 metres away. Rooms feature modern decor, free WiFi, a 32-inch flat-screen TV, an en-suite with a power shower and an iron/ironing board. There is a bar in reception and a vending machine with snacks. A buffet breakfast is included for guests and can be enjoyed in the Great Room lounge. An evening snack menu is available and pizzas can be ordered at any time. The Holiday Inn Express Glasgow City - Riverside also offers guests discounted parking for the nearby public car parks.
36 North Frederick Street, Glasgow, G1 2BS
Distance:5.6 miles | Star Rating: N/A
In the city centre beside George Square and 200 metres from Queen Street Station, The Z Hotel Glasgow features compact and luxury accommodation in a c...more
In the city centre beside George Square and 200 metres from Queen Street Station, The Z Hotel Glasgow features compact and luxury accommodation in a contemporary design. All rooms include hand crafted beds, 40-inch Samsung HD TV with free Sky Sports and Movie channels, free WiFi and an en suite shower room with complimentary toiletries. Each room also has under-bed storage for an overnight bag, and wall-mounted hanging space for clothing. The Z Hotel Glasgow also offers wheelchair accessible rooms. Continental breakfast is served in The Z Café every morning, including fresh croissants, pastries, cereals, fresh fruit salad and bacon rolls. A selection of salads, sandwiches and hot savoury dishes are on offer throughout the day. The Z Hotel Glasgow is located 400 metres from Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall. Edinburgh with its many historical landmarks is a 45-minute train ride away and Glasgow Airport is 11 km away.
52 Virginia Street, Glasgow, G1 1TY
The privately owned 3-star Merchant City Inn is set in the centre of Glasgow, in a secluded street adjacent to renowned Argyle Street and 2 minutes' w...more
The privately owned 3-star Merchant City Inn is set in the centre of Glasgow, in a secluded street adjacent to renowned Argyle Street and 2 minutes' walk from George Square. It is in the heart of Glasgow's famous Merchant City district, with magnificent shopping streets, and offering countless restaurants, bars, designer boutiques and theatres. A continental breakfast is available every morning. The 40 bedrooms are all fully furnished with stylish but modern amenities. The hotel also has easy access to nearby tourist cities, being easily accessible to city centre train and bus stations.
Olympic House, 136-144 Queen Street, Glasgow, G1 3BX
In the heart of Glasgow's city centre, Premier Suites Plus Glasgow is just a few minutes' walk from the bustling shopping area of Glasgow. Free WiFi i...more
In the heart of Glasgow's city centre, Premier Suites Plus Glasgow is just a few minutes' walk from the bustling shopping area of Glasgow. Free WiFi is available and some suites boast views over George Square or Queen Street. All of the suites have a living area and a separate bedroom area. They boast a 47-inch flat-screen TV, a safe, a Nespresso machine, a washing machine and a dishwasher. Each suite has a welcome pack with tea, coffee, milk sugar and biscuits. The penthouse suites also offer the luxury of air conditioning. The Pavillion Theatre is a 9-minute walk whilst the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall can be reached within a 7-minute walk. A variety of supermarkets can be reached within a few minutes walk and the cinema is a 10-minute walk. Queen Street Rail Station is a 5-minute walk from the building. It is a 5-minute drive from Premier Suites Plus Glasgow to the M8 motorway, for easily accessing the rest of Scotland.
Keith Street, Hamilton, ML37BL
Conveniently located just off Junction 6 of the M74, with easy access to Motherwell and Eurocentral, this hotel offers free Wi-Fi throughout and free ...more
Conveniently located just off Junction 6 of the M74, with easy access to Motherwell and Eurocentral, this hotel offers free Wi-Fi throughout and free parking in the adjacent car park. Hamilton's shops, restaurants and multi-screen cinema are all a short walk away. All rooms at Holiday Inn Express Hamilton are spacious and have en suite bathrooms, hairdryers and a comfortable seating area. Every room has a 32-inch flat-screen TV with Freeview channels. A buffet style breakfast is included for each guest. A tasty snack menu is available in the Great Room with soup, panini, pizza and curry, and the lounge bar has ample seating with a wide range of hot and cold beverages on offer. The hotel has a business centre with meeting rooms with printing and photocopying services available. Situated in Hamilton town centre, Glasgow is just 15 minutes' drive from the hotel, while Glasgow Airport is 25 minutes away by car. Edinburgh Airport is around 40 minutes' drive away. Strathclyde Country Park is around 1 mile away.
14 Saint Vincent Place, Glasgow, G1 2DH
Found in an Edwardian building formerly home to the Anchor Line Shipping Company's headquarters, this city centre aparthotel is inspired by a 1920s oc...more
Found in an Edwardian building formerly home to the Anchor Line Shipping Company's headquarters, this city centre aparthotel is inspired by a 1920s ocean liner. With original 1906 features, there are glazed tiles, terrazzo flooring, timber wall-panelling, fireplaces and even the original safes. With a 24-hour reception, concierge and on-site breakfast at the Anchor Line restaurant on the ground floor, Native Glasgow is located next to George Square. Featuring a terrace, all units include a seating area, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen, a dining area, and a private bathroom. A dishwasher, a microwave and fridge are also available, as well as a kettle. The on-site restaurant specialises in European cuisine. Citizens' Theatre is 1.1 km from the aparthotel, while Glasgow Royal Infirmary is 1.3 km from the property.
114 Hamilton Rd, Motherwell, ML1 3DG
Sitting proudly in a wonderful elevated location, the B/W Motherwell Centre Moorings Hotel is situated in an area of natural beauty, close to a pictur...more
Sitting proudly in a wonderful elevated location, the B/W Motherwell Centre Moorings Hotel is situated in an area of natural beauty, close to a picturesque country park. Enjoy a relaxing experience in comfortable surroundings within easy reach of such main attractions as Lanark New Town, Strathclyde Country Park, Loch Lomond, Burns Country, Stirling, Edinburgh, Highland Perthshire, The Borders and Glasgow. The hotel is also a great comfort stop on the way north from England and the south. For businessman, the B/W Motherwell Centre Moorings Hotel offers excellent conference, meeting and seminar facilities and close proximity to the main M74 and M8 Scottish motorway arteries in Lanarkshire, Central Scotland. Come and spend some time here to find out why the hotel has such a growing reputation among both leisure and business visitors to Scotland.
161 West Nile Street, Glasgow, G1 2RL
This 4-star Holiday Inn is located in the heart of Glasgow, just 50 metres from the Royal Concert Hall. It offers bright, elegant rooms with modern ba...more
This 4-star Holiday Inn is located in the heart of Glasgow, just 50 metres from the Royal Concert Hall. It offers bright, elegant rooms with modern bathrooms, 1 hour of free Wi-Fi and an award-winning restaurant. Bedrooms are light and airy and are decorated in a modern style. They are equipped with air conditioning and feature satellite TV with Sky Sports and pay per view movies. The Parisian style AA Rosette La Bonne Auberge Brasserie serves traditional Scottish breakfasts and authentic Mediterranean and French cuisine in stylish surroundings. The bar offers a wide range of cocktails and fine wines. The King and Pavilion Theatres and Glasgow Queen Street Station are all within a 5-minute walk of the hotel. Glasgow has excellent shopping, with the Buchanan Galleries Shopping Mall just 100 metres from the hotel.
Theatreland, Glasgow, G1 2RL
The Holiday Inn Express Glasgow Theatreland is well-placed in the city centre, just a few metres from shops and nightlife. It has a bar, a restaurant,...more
The Holiday Inn Express Glasgow Theatreland is well-placed in the city centre, just a few metres from shops and nightlife. It has a bar, a restaurant, meeting facilities and bright modern bedrooms with free Wi-Fi. Featuring a satellite TV and free tea and coffee, rooms also have ironing facilities on request. Every private bathroom features a Grohe power shower. Large buffet breakfasts are provided each morning in The Great Room. Guests can also sample traditional full Scottish breakfasts and French/Mediterranean fine dining in La Bonne Auberge. Ideal for Glasgow's theatres and restaurants, this Holiday Inn Express is also just 0.3 miles from Buchanan Street Bus, Rail and Tube Stations, while the Scottish Conference and Exhibition Centre is 3 km away.
318 Clyde Street, Glasgow, G1 4NR
In Glasgow's city centre, Euro Hostel Glasgow offers free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk. The modern hostel is just a 5-minute walk from Glasgow Centr...more
In Glasgow's city centre, Euro Hostel Glasgow offers free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk. The modern hostel is just a 5-minute walk from Glasgow Central Railway Station. Euro Hostel has budget accommodation in private and dormitory rooms. There are also a TV lounge with comfortable seating, and a games area with a pool table. There is also a lively bar for light snacks and beverages. A buffet breakfast is available for an additional cost. The Euro Hostel Glasgow is within a 10-minute walk of Glasgow's famous nightlife. The Gallery of Modern Art is just a 5-minute walk away, and Glasgow Airport is 15 minutes away by car.
60-96 Jamaica Street, Glasgow, G1 4QG
Overlooking the River Clyde, this Jurys Inn is in the city centre, next to Glasgow Central Station. It boasts air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen s...more
Overlooking the River Clyde, this Jurys Inn is in the city centre, next to Glasgow Central Station. It boasts air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen satellite TVs, 24-hour reception, bar and restaurant. The stylish bedrooms at the Jurys Inn Glasgow feature a Dream bed with crisp white linens, flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi access. The spacious bathrooms boast spa toiletries. A hot and cold breakfast buffet is available daily with a selection of a la carte dishes. Organic coffee, Twinings tea and Bonne Maman preserves are offered. The contemporary restaurant offers an international dinner menu. The bar serves lunch and snacks and fresh coffees and pastries are available at Il Barista. The Glasgow Jurys Inn provides dry cleaning and laundry services. Public parking is available close to the hotel. The city's attractions, including shopping, nightlife and the SECC (Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre) are less than 1 mile away. The Royal Concert Hall, Gallery of Modern Art and City Hall are all within 10 minutes' walk.
60 Renfrew Street (corner of Hope Street), Glasgow, G2 3BW
This citizenM Glasgow is located 400 metres from Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall. It offers stylish, modern rooms with free Wi-Fi, a cocktail bar, a desi...more
This citizenM Glasgow is located 400 metres from Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall. It offers stylish, modern rooms with free Wi-Fi, a cocktail bar, a designer lobby and a 24-hour canteen. Glasgow Central Rail Station and the Buchanan Galleries shopping centre are less than a 10-minute walk away. George Square and Jamie's Italian restaurant can also be reached in 10 minutes on foot. Rooms at the hotel are bright, and have wall-to-wall windows and luxury beds. Each comes with an iPad mini, which guests can use to modify room color, climate control, control the smart-TV and also adapt the blinds and black-out curtains. Guest can also bring and connect their own device. The bathroom includes a power rain shower and free toiletries. CanteenM is a 24-hour self-service canteen that offers meals and snacks. The contemporary lounge has fashionable furniture and a large-screen TV. Buchanan Bus Station, for easily accessing the city's shops and sights, is 5 minutes' walk from the citizenM Glasgow.
78-82 Oswald Street , Glasgow, G1 4PL
Boasting an excellent location in Glasgow city centre, Motel One Glasgow is next to Central Train Station and is only a 9-minute walk from George Squa...more
Boasting an excellent location in Glasgow city centre, Motel One Glasgow is next to Central Train Station and is only a 9-minute walk from George Square and Queen Street Train Station. At the hotel, every room is fitted with a desk and a private bathroom with a shower, a hairdryer and free toiletries. The units in Motel One Glasgow are also fitted with a flat-screen TV and a safe. A continental breakfast can be served at the property and fresh coffee, cocktails and toasties can be enjoyed in the relaxing One Lounge. Free WiFi is available throughout the hotel. The Hotel is 200 metres from the famous Buchanan Street Style Mile, while the Hydro is 1.6 km away. The Royal Concert Hall is 900 metres from the property.
301 Argyle St, Glasgow, G2 8DL
This modern hotel is opposite Glasgow Central Station and features award-winning architecture. It boasts a stunning atrium and rooms with wall-to-ceil...more
This modern hotel is opposite Glasgow Central Station and features award-winning architecture. It boasts a stunning atrium and rooms with wall-to-ceiling windows. The spacious rooms at the Radisson BLU Glasgow are decorated in soft colours and feature a TV, free WiFi and a minibar. With heated floors and mirrors, bathrooms include bathrobes and slippers. The Grahamston Kitchen offers British cuisine with a twist, and includes a range of signature dishes. The food is produced using fresh ingredients and a selection of wines are also available. The casual Lobby Bar has light meals, coffees and snacks. The hotel is just a 5-minute walk to the Gallery of Modern Art and St.Enoch Shopping Centre. The Royal Concert Hall and George Square are both half a mile away.
320 Argyle Street, Glasgow, G2 8LY
Located in Glasgow city centre on one of the main shopping streets, the Alexander Thomson hotel is 200 metres from Glasgow Central rail station. A buf...more
Located in Glasgow city centre on one of the main shopping streets, the Alexander Thomson hotel is 200 metres from Glasgow Central rail station. A buffet breakfast is available and all rooms have a private bathroom. Free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour reception desk are also available. Set in a Victorian building, the Alexander Thomson hotel is situated in Glasgow's financial and business district. The Gallery of Modern Art and the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall are within 15 minutes' walk of the Alexander. The Scottish Exhibition Centre is just over 1 mile away. High ceilings and large windows are some of the original features that are included in the hotel. Guests can relax in the traditionally decorated lounge area. A TV and tea/coffee facilities with biscuits are provided in each room. All rooms also have a hairdryer, a work desk and ironing facilities.
46-48, Queen Mary Avenue, Glasgow, G42 8DT
Crosshill House is located 2 miles from Glasgow city centre, 600 metres from Crosshill railway station with trains to the centre every 10-15 minutes. ...more
Crosshill House is located 2 miles from Glasgow city centre, 600 metres from Crosshill railway station with trains to the centre every 10-15 minutes. Crosshill House features free WiFi access and free private parking. Each en suite room has a large flat-screen TV and complimentary tea /coffee making facilities. The en suite shower rooms have rain showers, luxury Cole & Lewis toiletries and hairdryers. There is a shared lounge at the property and guests can enjoy the landscaped gardens. Celtic & Rangers Football Clubs are 15 minutes away by car. Hampden Park is a 10 minute walk from Crosshill House, while Citizens' Theatre is 2.1 km away. Glasgow Airport is 16 km from the property.
140 West Campbell Street , Glasgow, G2 4TZ
Boasting a 24-hour front desk with express check-in/check-out, a bar and a restaurant, Hampton by Hilton Glasgow Central also features a fitness cente...more
Boasting a 24-hour front desk with express check-in/check-out, a bar and a restaurant, Hampton by Hilton Glasgow Central also features a fitness center. Centrally located, the hotel is a 6-minute walk from Glasgow Central Station and less than 9 miles from Glasgow Airport. Free WiFi access is available throughout. Each of the air-conditioned rooms feature a flat-screen TV, a laptop safe, a phone, an en-suite bathroom and a hairdryer. Ironing facilities and an electric kettle are also included. Guests can start their day with a hot breakfast. The lobby bar also offers a range of drink options, light meals and snacks. An on-the-go breakfast is available to guests in a hurry to explore. From the property, the SECC Glasgow is 1.4 miles away and Princes Square Shopping Centre is a 10-minute stroll away. Hampden Park is 3 miles away and the University of Strathclyde is 13 minutes' walk away.
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New decision-support tools will help drive genetic selection, Angus conference told
The skills acquired by the ‘master seedstock breeder’ will continue to play a vital role in genetic improvement in cattle over the next ten years, but new and emerging decision-support tools will allow him or her to make better, more informed and more efficient breeding decisions.
Kent Anderson, director of technical services with Zoetis Animal Genetics
That’s the view Dr Kent Anderson, director of technical services with Zoetis Animal Genetics, who spoke at last week’s Angus Through the Ages conference in Albury.
The noted US animal geneticist was tasked with doing some crystal-ball gazing about where cattle genetics and genomics progress might head over the next ten years, to 2030. Here’s a summary of his views:
Dr Anderson said conference delegates had no doubt started to see the headlines about how the use of blockchain technology is integrating all sorts of food supply chains, where an animal’s information enters an electronic ledger, and then different people along the supply chain can extract information from the ledger, as well as contribute information.
“While that may seem far-fetched today, by 2030 I would image we will have a lot of these beef supply chains up and operational using blockchain, including back at the seedstock level,” he said.
The beef industry was moving from a time when we were a segmented supply chain that included seedstock, cow/calf, stocker or backgrounder, lotfeeder, packer, distributor, retailer and consumer. Today the chain is much more streamlined, more united and more willing to share and use information (including genetics) to make the whole chain more efficient.
Genetic opportunities:
Dr Anderson congratulated Angus Australia for its implementation of single step DNA analysts, the ‘state-of-the-art’ way to blend all of the information including pedigree, phenotype as well as genomic information, driving accuracy for young non-parent animals.
“It means EBVs are more dependable, and there’s less risk and fewer mistakes in selection and mating decisions.
“When a producer asks us what the benefits are of selling or buying bulls that have been genomically-tested, we use progeny equivalents to attempt to answer the question,” he said.
Dr Anderson made a comparison with conventional, non-genomic enhanced genetic evaluation, in how many offspring (daughters or carcases) would otherwise be required to achieve the same level of accuracy as what genomics was delivering immediately.
As this table shows, for most traits across material, growth, efficiency and carcase, the progeny equivalents – the additional accuracy that the marker provides – jump-starts the EBV such that it has accuracy similar to what otherwise would require the better part of a first calf crop with phenotypes contributing to the evaluation, he said.
“The question is, by 2030, what might be the progeny equivalence and how accurate might animals get? This is is obviously dependent on the rate of adoption of the technology and the submission of additional phenotypes, and the assembly of markers that are all the more informative.
“It’s really been this whole notion of achieving the better part of a calf-crop in progeny equivalence that has driven the adoption of genomic technology in the US,” Dr Anderson said.
Currently across the different beef breeds in use in the US there were about 800,000 animals with genotype information, and obviously Angus was leading the way with more than 540,000, distributed among animals located nationwide.
Thinking differently about accuracy
Dr Anderson suggested that by 2030, seedstock breeders might think ‘differently’ about accuracy.
“Will accuracy matter, because young, tested animals will have effectively ‘high’ accuracy – reducing generation interval,” he said.
‘Currently, as a breeder I am one who is moderate in my tolerance towards accuracy, meaning I would normally pick a combination of bulls that are proven – and then maybe a few that are not yet proven for carcase and daughter traits, but are proven for calving ease and growth.
“In 2030, I think the aspiration that we should all have as breeders and breed associations would be to have our technology deliver effectively high-accuracy for non-parent animals – whereby accuracy may not matter so much.”
As a precursor to this, he used the US dairy industry as an example.
The average age of AI sires in the latest 2018 crop of Holstein bulls was one-third younger than it was just six years ago.
“So the dairy industry is obviously using a lot more young, genetically-elite sires earlier – decreasing the generational interval, and speeding genetic progress. They are doing that through more accurate predictions on young, superior animals,” he said.
Additional trait predictions
Dr Anderson also touched on predictions for additional traits that might be needed in 2030 to best describe difference in the profitability of animals – a topic covered in some detail in Dr Dorian Garrick’s earlier conference presentation.
He categorised these into three categories:
Health Events: Respiratory disease, heart failures (late-term feedlot deaths); Scours, Pinkeye, Foot-rot, etc; Survival – birth to weaning, yearling, harvest
Maternal Fitness/Adaptability: Fertility/Longevity, teat/udder quality, cow body condition score; Maternal behaviour (mothering at time of calving), calf vigour; Environmental tolerances (Altitude (PAP), Brisket disease, fescue, heat/humidity (hair shedding scores), cold, etc.
Bull durability & specific complementarity: Probability of survival/service through “X” breeding seasons; Reasons for premature death/culling (i.e. failed semen test, structural soundness.)
“We think there is opportunity to evaluate animals for more maternal fitness and adaptability across a wide variety of traits,” he said.
Another category of traits – “open ground, yet to be ploughed,” – was the notion of being able to select for the do-ability of bulls, to last for more breeding seasons and produce a lot of calves, and not break down over structural or semen quality issues.
“I would challenge you, as breeders, to add to this list pf possible traits. You no doubt have observed things over the years that are important – so by all means engage with your breed association to scope those new traits, that you can collect in volume to give you more insights to the traits that might better describe your profit function.”
Respiratory disease resistance
Of all the traits highlighted above, respiratory (BRD) was the highest on the priority list, Dr Anderson said.
He said he had ‘real confidence’ that the whole idea of selecting cattle for immunity was going to work for the beef industry. “I’m delighted to hear of the investment that Angus Australia has made in this sort of work in Angus cattle.”
He showed results from a validation study for calf wellness traits in susceptibility to respiratory disease in dairy animals. “Although only lowly heritable, these things really do respond to selection, and are associated with observed phenotypes for the traits.”
In the dairy example used to illustrate his point (graph below), the group of animals with the worst genetic merit for susceptibility to respiratory disease also had the highest incidence of BRD. Conversely, the highest genetic merit animals for BRD resistance had the lowest incidence of disease.
“We see results like this over and over again across all of the cow and calf wellness traits – and we’re excited about the prospects,” Dr Anderson said.
Another feature that was helping rapid genetic progress in the US dairy industry was the sheer quantity of data. The number of genotyped dairy animals now approached three million head.
“As it relates to the economic profit function, the dairy industry has turned around the negative response in reproduction in recent years, and has now sustained improvement in profit,” he said.
Precision animal management
Dr Anderson said by the year 2030, new technologies that were just now coming on line would make the collection of animal phenotypes more automated, and make the submission more streamined
“We’re working with a technology called SmartBow in dairy, and another called Advex applied to feeder cattle in feedlots, whereby an RFID eartag monitors all kinds of things about the animal. They can tell the duration of rumination, the duration of eating at the bunk; and which dairy animals are in heat.
“Our forecast is that we are moving, within a very short time period to what we call precision animal management. The parallel would be precision farming, where you marry-up GPS with soil maps, plant population and tailored fertiliser programs. We see the same thing coming down the turnpike for both dairy and beef cattle.”
Some other interesting developments were already emerging in dairy cattle.
“The dairy industry is getting very sophisticated in the way it manages its cow inventory. Using the industry’s Dairy Wellness Profit Dollars index, where animals are ranked according to their profitability (including both wellness and production traits – see graph below), the industry is getting very sophisticated. Sexed heifer semen is used to produce genetically elite females for replacement, using the top end of their cows. And then – so as not to produce a lower genetic value dairy animal – they are strategically mating the bottom portion of their distribution to beef sires, to make them more valuable as a beef x dairy feeder animal.”
“We’re moving to the point now where the major US studs are selling more beef semen into the dairy industry than they are into beef herds. We think that’s an opportunity into the future to enhance efficiency across the whole beef/dairy supply chain,” Dr Anderson said.
Basic science investment still needed
Dr Anderson said he also thought that some basic science investment was needed to pave the way to 2030.
In 2018, Zoetis invested in developing a whole reference genome – a complete DNA sequence – of an Angus animal. Previously many of the DNA markers were derived from a mixed breed research animal from Montana.
“One thing that has paved the way for wellness traits in dairy industry has been developing a Holstein complete DNA sequence,” he said. “{We’re hopeful that completing that for Angus will be insightful for beef, as well, as we develop predictions for new, difficult, expensive and hard to measure traits in the future.”
Beyond the actual predictions and the expansion of traits for which we might have predictions in 2030, Dr Anderson suggested that the way in which the industry used the predictions was also likely to become more sophisticated – even though breeders only have two things at their disposal to improve the profitability of animals: selection and mating.
“I think we will see decision-support tools that enable us to optimise these things, and help the master breeder make those decisions better and more efficiently.
“I’d challenge breeders to think about what are those things are that they can select for that are truly going to maximise their profit function between now and 2030, and beyond.
“Hats off to Angus Australia for the work they have done on multi-trait economic selection indexes. I think these are a saviour in trying to take a lot of information on a lot of different traits – and the economic ramifications they contain on costs as well as revenue from production – and putting them into one number that can be used as a screening tool for animals that represent the best profit function.”
“Beyond the indexes you have the individual traits you can fall back on to select those particular sires for propagation in your program to help both with the overall profit function, as well as improving individual trait weakness.”
“One of the components of the MateCell software is to work with breeders to really nail down their desired breeding objective, defining which index best represents the profit function for the breeder and their customers; what levels of inbreeding are tolerable; and what threshold levels of individual traits are of most value.
“Answering those questions, and marrying it up with the MateCell software really helps breeders to optimise that blend between the profit function described by the index, tolerable levels of inbreeding and desired levels of individual trait performance.
“I only see the future between now and 2030 as becoming more and more dependent on the use of decision support technology like this – because of the vast array of information we have to try to digest in our selection decisions.”
“Just 200 cows potentially mated to 15 candidate sires means that there is 3000 different possible outcomes to evaluate. It’s not at all that we are trying to threaten or take away the work of the ‘master breeder’ on both visually evaluated traits as well as those things that are just synergistic in the bulls we choose, but these tools simply help us become more efficient, because they will give us the sire that is the most optimum, as well as the ranked back-ups, so we have that at our disposal to think about as we build our breeding plans and make our final sire selection decisions.”
By 2030, the industry would also become more sophisticated in the way it delivered genetic information to commercial users of Angus genetics, and how knowledge from decision-making tools like HeiferSelect in turn would inform ‘wiser, smarter’ bull buying decisions from seedstock providers, Dr Anderson said.
“Imagine the day when your biggest commercial bull customers know all about the strengths and weaknesses of their cow inventory. They could come to you, and running Matecell with all the bulls in your sale catalogue, you could provide them with a prioritised list of those that are the best complement – that best synergised with the strengths, and corrected any weaknesses in that commercial herd, and make the best bull buying decisions possible.”
By 2030, it was also possible that phenotypes from tested commercial herds might contribute to genetic evaluation, especially for traits like reproductive traits, he said.
Nathaniel Makoni, June 5, 2019
Can I have a copy of this paper
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Betbonus.se
Sport och spel!
« We look forward to the (super)sports year 2016
Results, Tour de Ski 2016 »
Finland won the World Juniors 2016
By Betbonus | 6 January, 2016 - 00:32 | 28 February, 2019 Hockey
The 2016 IIHF World Juniors eventually became a tale with a happy ending for the host nation Finland. After the group phase they eliminated team Canada in the quarterfinal, their nordic rivals Sweden in the semifinal and in the final against Russia, Hartwall Arena exploded when Kasperi Kapanen scored the decisive goal in sudden death.
Finland won a dramatic final
However, it was Russia who got the early lead through Vladislav Kamenev 4:50 into the first period. Both teams had their chances in the first and second period, but both goalies played a solid game. In the third period, Finlands best offensive line woke up though. Patrik Laine scored the equalized just 24 seconds into the period. They were also close to gaining the lead, but instead, Russia scored 2-1 on the counter attack. Finland tied the game once again, this time through Sebastian Aho, assisted by Laine and Jesse Puljujärvi. With only 2:09 left on the clock, many thought that Mikko Rantanen would be Finland’s golden hero with his 3-2 goal. Russia managed to tie the game to 3-3 with only 6,9 seconds left on the clock though and this show went to overtime. One and a half minute into sudden death, Kasperi Kapanen rounded the Russian goal and scored the decider. This was Finland’s second gold in three years, both gold medals gained through overtime victories.
Team USA won the bronze
Sweden did not manage to recharge and motivate themselves after the loss in the semifinal against Finland. USA got the early 2-0 lead. Sweden quickly tied the game in the first period, but most of the remaining game was all about USA who won comfortably 8-3. This year’s version of Sweden’s national team Three Crowns was about all-or-nothing. They went for the gold, and when this goal was out of reach, they failed to recharge. The World Juniors is a hard tournament to win with all the best players participating. In the playoffs there are three elimination games that have to be won in order to become the world champions. Sweden will have to go back to the drawing board and find new ways of winning important games. The next year they will have a new coach since Rikard Grönborg is going to coach the senior national hockey team, starting with the World Cup of Hockey.
World Juniors 2017
The World Juniors 2017 are played in Canada and these are the groups:
Montreal:
Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Czech Republic, Switzerland
Canada, Russia, USA, Slovakia, Latvia
A hockey tournament in Canada means small ice and a dedicated crowd. It will be a blast! In the 2012 World Juniors, the tournament was hosted in Calgary and Edmonton. Then, Sweden won the gold by defeating Russia in the final. Mika Zibanejad scored the decisive goal in overtime. Maybe we will see something similar happening next year. One can always hope!
The all star team 2016:
Goalie: Linus Söderström, Sverige
Defenders: Olli Juolevi, Finland, Zach Warenski, USA
Forwards: Patrik Laine, Finland (MVP), Jesse Puljujärvi, Finland, Auston Matthews, USA
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Hair, Makeup & Nails
Sam Faiers Speaks on Her Spanish Inspired First Fragrance
by Pamela | Jun 20, 2014 | Hair, Makeup, & Nails | 11 comments
Photo: HeatWorld
British reality star Sam Faiers, who appears in ‘The Only Way is Essex’, has opened up on crafting her first fragrance named ‘la Bella’ which she says has been inspired by her childhood in Spain. She says the country is like a second home to her and she wanted to reflect her happy memories spent there through the new scent. She opened up:
”La Bella means ‘the beautiful’ in Spanish and Italian. Growing up I lived in Spain, and my grandparents still live out there – it’s like a second home. I wanted to build a perfume that was elegant and pretty, I wanted it to mean something to me. I didn’t want to name the perfume something silly, so [it reminds me of my] Spanish background.”
Speaking on the scent itself, Sam says she has made her perfume to be youthful and sweet, but still with an appeal to people of all ages:
”It’s quite sweet, but it’s not sickly sweet. My following is quite young, but I wanted the fragrance to be across all ages. To me it represents sophistication and [can be worn] everyday, as well being classy and elegant.”
Sam was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease earlier this year and says she is now very focused on her health as a result:
”Everyone is being really supportive … I’ve been cutting out carbs, working with my personal trainer, everything in moderation really. Just living a healthy lifestyle. I do kettle bells with my trainer so I don’t do cardio, it’s more about toning.”
Erin on June 25, 2014 at 6:04 pm
Not even sure who this is but her face looks like she just made a bad smell.
Janelle on June 24, 2014 at 4:36 am
She’s beautiful, I love her hair… and she looks great in that dress.
Allie on June 24, 2014 at 4:35 am
I would like to smell this stuff, sounds nice.
Amber NElson on June 23, 2014 at 7:11 pm
I think this would make a great gift for someone.
BusyBee on June 22, 2014 at 3:58 pm
At least she knows that reality TV demo is younger skewing and that her fans are going to like something sweet
Jen on June 21, 2014 at 4:46 am
This is probably quite nice. I’ll def seek it out and see.
Me too I am always curious as to what celebrity fragances really smell like.
I’ve tried this, it’s very nice. Now I want to get some for my sister.
That sounds really nice of you to do for your sister.
Sounds heavenly, I need to pick up a bottle
dd on June 20, 2014 at 9:10 pm
I would definitely like to give it a try!
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Austin Cindric completes Xfinity sweep at Kentucky Speedway
by: GARY B. GRAVES, Associated Press
Posted: Jul 10, 2020 / 10:55 PM GMT-0500 / Updated: Jul 11, 2020 / 12:26 AM GMT-0500
Austin Cindric (22) celebrates after winning a NASCAR Xfinity Series auto race Friday, July 10, 2020, in Sparta, Ky. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
SPARTA, Ky. (AP) — In two nights, Austin Cindric went from the cusp of winning on ovals to showing his ability to dominate those layouts.
As Cindric threw his hands in the air after his most impressive win, Harrison Burton and Noah Gragson threw punches at each other in the only real battle at Kentucky Speedway.
Cindric dominated Friday night to sweep the NASCAR Xfinity Series doubleheader at Kentucky. A night after racing to his first career oval victory in an overtime finish, the Team Penske driver was even stronger in the No. 22 Ford Mustang in the 300-mile capper.
Cindric was third in the first stage, won the second and stretched it out in the final segment. He trailed briefly on the final restart, then sliced through two cars out of Turn 2 and rolled to victory by 2.262 seconds over points leader Chase Briscoe in the No. 98 Ford.
“What we did tonight was really impressive because we ran one setup last night and won the race and came with another setup and won the race again,” said Cindric, who started 15th. “That happens at the shop, that happens with the guys on the box. All credit to them.”
Just after Cindric celebrated his victory with a burnout, Burton and Gragson argued before throwing punches in a fight that lasted several moments before they were separated. Burton had on a mask, while Gragson didn’t.
The two collided in the final laps, with both cars brushing the wall. The frustrations spilled over after the race, first with the drivers arguing nose to nose before they shoved each other and started duking it out.
“This has been two times since we’ve come back from the COVID-19 pandemic on restarts,” said Burton, alluding to previous clashes with Gragson. “Same situation. We rallied all night to get our Supra into fourth place and then the No. 9 (Gragson) happens to start in third and I don’t know if he forgets what race track we’re at or what, but both times puts us in the fence — Charlotte and now here.
“I had a lot of people come up to me and say that was a long time coming, so I guess that was the popular move. I was just frustrated, and sorry for our team that that happened.”
Gragson was seventh, and Burton finished 12th.
NASCAR talked to both drivers but doesn’t anticipate any penalties or suspensions.
“We’re all racing hard,” Gragson said. “I really don’t have a comment, haven’t seen everything that happened.”
Justin Haley was third, followed by fellow Chevy drivers Ross Chastain and Justin Allgaier, who was cleared to race earlier in the day after being taken to a hospital following Thursday night’s race for a non-racing related medical purposes.
The 21-year-old Cindric, son of Team Penske president Tim Cindric, won twice last year on road courses at Watkins Glen and Mid-Ohio. On Friday night, he led the final 43 laps and 130 of 200 overall.
“He (Cindric) was in a league of his own,” Briscoe said. “It seems like Penske has always been really good here.”
Gragson again showed early strength in taking the 45-lap first stage, his third segment win in two nights on the 1.5-mile oval. The race belonged to Cindric after that and the question was who would finish behind him.
The final restart on lap 188 offered some hope for Briscoe before Cindric quickly took it away by darting down the banking and between two cars and putting it out of reach.
It was much like the night before, just sooner and more thorough.
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PARKINSON HAILS 'ONE OF THE BEST'
Bantams boss Phil Parkinson feels City's impressive Good Friday win at Doncaster Rovers was one of his side's best victories of the season.
Second half goals from Gary MacKenzie, Billy Clarke and Tony McMahon helped Parkinson's men on their way to a deserved three-point haul at the home of one of their fellow League 1 Play-Off contenders.
The Bantams' win at Doncaster moves them up to seventh in the league, only three points off the top six with a game in hand.
Parkinson said: "In terms of wins for this season, this one has to be up there as one of the best.
"Coming here on the back of Tuesday's disappointment to face a side who hadn't played for two weeks and who have a lot of Championship-quality players in their squad, I don't think the 3-0 win flattered us.
"It was a deserved scoreline.
"Doncaster had a 10-15 minute period towards the end of the first half, but you would expect a team of Doncaster's quality to have periods in the game.
"The second half, however, we have dominated it.
"We got the goals at good times and we could have scored a couple more.
"We did the right things in the right areas and we played some terrific football.
"The pitch was slick and I think some of our players relished showing what they could do on it."
MacKenzie and McMahon's goals were the first each for the pair since joining the club on loan from Blackpool earlier this season. MacKenzie's opener will have been particular sweet for the giant Scot given his unfortunate error that lead to Chesterfield's winner last time out on Tuesday.
Clarke's strike at the Keepmoat Stadium was his eleventh of an increasingly productive campaign - moving him level with James Hanson at the top of City's scoring charts in the process.
Parkinson: "Football is all about character, and Gary has gone through a character test because he made a mistake on Tuesday for the goal. Everyone makes mistakes though, and he has responded tremendously well tonight (Friday).
"Billy is playing really well at the moment. His finish for the goal was very good but his all-round link-up play and movement around the pitch was impressive as well.
"Mark Yeates' shoulder popped out again so we put Tony on there at left midfield and he showed exactly what he is all about.
"His experience and nous was there for all to see. To get a goal on top of that was fantastic for him"
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BMW X3 M Competition vs Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio: Driving.Ca Test
Home » Models » BMW X3 M » BMW X3 M Competition vs Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio: Driving.Ca Test
Nico DeMattia
October 31, 2019 / 2 minutes read
When I first drove the BMW X3 M Competition, the first car that came to mind was the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio. Like the Alfa, the new X3 M has a sense of fun and excitement about it that seems like it shouldn’t exist in an SUV. It isn’t quite as intoxicating as the Alfa, or as manic, but it’s closer than any other SUV I’ve driven since. Both cars are extremely similar on paper, too; both have similar engines, both are similarly quick and both are similarly priced. So they couldn’t be more direct competitors. But, the real question is: which one is better?
In this new comparison test from Driving.ca, we get to find out which they think is best. It’s an interesting test because, on paper, they’re so similar but they actually start to differ once you really get to driving them. First, though, let’s look at the specs.
Powering the BMW X3 M is a twin-turbocharged inline-six engine with 503 hp (510 PS) and 442 lb-ft of torque. The Alfa gets a twin-turbocharged V6 and 505 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. Both cars also use eight-speed automatics from ZF and are both rear-wheel drive based, all-wheel drive SUVs. While the BMW X3 M takes 4.0 seconds flat to hit 60 mph, the Alfa does it in 3.8 seconds. See what I mean about them being similar?
However, getting them on the road shows off their differences. They’re both pretty psychotic cars, to be honest, as they both feel like their straining at the leash. However, the Alfa is even more so. Plus, the Alfa is the more enjoyable car to drive, even if just by a bit. Its steering a bit sharper, its chassis a bit more playful and it makes a better noise. The BMW X3 M isn’t too far off but there’s a noticeable difference in excitement between the two.
That does make the X3 M a bit more enjoyable to drive around town, though. Both cars are rattle-your-teeth stiff but the X3 M, in Comfort mode, is tolerable. While the Alfa is brutal in any setting. The BMW X3 M is also packed with much better tech, as a better interior and more practicality.
In the end, it’s the BMW X3 M that’s deemed the better everyday car and probably the better car overall. But if either Driving editor had to choose just one to drive, it’d be the Alfa.
[Source: Driving.ca]
More from BMW X3 M
3 responses to “BMW X3 M Competition vs Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio: Driving.Ca Test”
pacho kardana says:
BMW rides better because in premium segment people like sport and comfort, not only to jump over bumps. They want premium feeling which is not particularly related to super sport suspension , but rather a comfortable one , because on a daily basis the car which packs all of these goodies in best manner will be a seller.
Frank Atcheson says:
I sell these, so I am biased, but the Design Language for BMW is just amazing vs. other brands, including Porsche which I worked with for 10 years. BMW is targeting a range of clients, specifically Mercedes and Lexus, so they have to offer some comfort and a lot of Luxury!
cnet-970ad33b278bd3b05502252be3640ea5 says:
BMW seem to have realized it is more lucrative to retail their vehicles like luxury items to upper echelons of the market than target volume mass market competition.
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What Does a Director of IT Do on a Board?
Interconnectivity is a maze of opportunity that is also fraught with both seen and unseen risks. The web of threats and rewards is an equally challenging playing field for cyber-attackers, whose tricks and tactics are getting smarter and more sophisticated.
Managing cybersecurity risk demands a tech-savvy board of directors that gives a high priority to overseeing cybersecurity matters. A director of IT does double duty on a board of directors as a board director at-large who takes the lead on all IT-related issues.
Director of IT Has the Same Duties and Responsibilities of Every Other Board Director
While it’s important for a director of IT to take the lead in all things technology-related, this person can’t afford to be lax in other areas of board duties and responsibilities. The director of IT must be a person of strong ethical character who takes their fiduciary duties seriously. The person who fills the role of IT director is equally committed to the company’s mission and vision as their fellow board directors are.
Along with fellow board members, the director of IT participates in selecting the executive director or CEO, setting the salary for the position and completing the annual CEO performance review. This director serves on at least one committee and provides input on the budget, particularly in the area of cybersecurity. Regular board duties give oversight and strategic planning top priority. The IT director has special expertise and insight as to how cybersecurity fits into overall board duties.
How Does Having an IT Director Benefit a Board of Directors?
A qualified IT director is a valuable asset because the person who fills this role helps the board with its duties of oversight and planning, and also stands as a liaison with managers in implementing cybersecurity plans to protect the company and its shareholders.
How Having an IT Director Helps the Board
The IT director is an instrumental person on the board who accepts the primary responsibility for cybersecurity issues. Boards need a technological expert who stays up-to-date and informed on cyber trends.
Part of this responsibility requires helping the board to see cybersecurity as an enterprise-wide risk issue that has the potential for a major negative impact on the company, and not just as an important board topic. From a financial standpoint, the IT director helps to analyze the assets that the company could lose during a breach.
The IT director makes sure that the board dedicates enough time on the agenda to cybersecurity issues. Typically, the IT director gives the board a briefing on cybersecurity issues at least quarterly. Within the spirit of educating the board, the IT director may occasionally bring in third-party experts, advisors, law firms, audit firms or communications firms to help educate board members. Such meetings should help the rest of the board to better understand technological issues, risks and preparedness. Boards that are appropriately informed about cybersecurity issues will be able to make better decisions about the amount of money that they need to allocate for it in the budget so that it’s adequately funded.
An IT director will be able to review the company’s cybersecurity insurance policy and make sure they have enough liability coverage to protect their assets. As an expert in the field, the IT director guides the rest of the board on creating appropriate cybersecurity policies and procedures. The IT director anticipates changes around cybersecurity issues and updates the board on new security strategies and challenges as information becomes available.
Companies are starting to move in the direction of delegating cybersecurity issues to a standing technology committee. In this case, it makes obvious sense that the IT director would chair this committee.
How Having an IT Director Helps Senior-Level Managers
While it’s ultra-important that board members be able to make strategic decisions around cybersecurity issues, the IT director also stands as a liaison and niche expert with senior-level managers. Senior managers who fail to implement the board’s plans for cybersecurity may cost the company large sums of money, legal fees and lost time in production. More importantly, lax cybersecurity could cost loss of customers and weaken the company’s brand.
Managers rely on IT experts to advise them on setting goals and making plans for implementing the board’s decisions. This requires continually searching for and identifying risks from the normal channels and through third parties. The IT director works with managers to analyze challenges and work toward overcoming them. In addition, managers have much to gain from an IT director who has adequate knowledge of cybersecurity issues to inform the board about the need for adequate staffing and budgets for cybersecurity.
In the event of a breach, managers will be the frontline people to respond. An IT director can help managers create a rapid-response team to mitigate damage and communicate with the board. The IT director usually helps managers to set up a simulation or dry run of a breach, so they can practice their response and learn from it.
Corporations Moving in the Direction of Recruiting IT Directors
Boards of directors are recognizing the need to have cybersecurity and technological experts around the board table, which is creating a trend for recruiting board directors with technological expertise. IT board directors need the basic skills and abilities of board directors along with their niche expertise.
Many corporations are finding IT board directors out of a pool of former CISOs and CSOs. These individuals have experience in information and communications. Those who also have some background or experience in technical issues tend to make viable candidates for an IT board director position. Board candidates with military or intelligence backgrounds are also worthy candidates for IT director. Individuals under consideration may also have other qualifications, such as financial knowledge and sophistication, global experience and diversity.
Companies that appointed IT directors for their boards include AIG, Blackberry, CMS Energy, GM, Wells Fargo, Delta Air Lines and Ecolab. Axom and Parsons Corporation appointed women IT directors to their boards, which speaks to their commitment to diversity.
Having an IT director on the board is a valuable asset in today’s risky marketplace; however, boards need to be aware that such an appointment doesn’t relieve them of their duties with respect to cybersecurity oversight.
See how you can properly protect your board materials by using the right board portal solution. See how BoardEffect is the right solution for the needs of your nonprofit board.
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Aman launches Sva, a new range of wellness supplements for holistic health at home
Travel might remain at a standstill but luxury hotel group Aman still wants to bring…
Travel might remain at a standstill but luxury hotel group Aman still wants to bring its unique brand of wellness to you.
Called Sva — derived from svasthya, Sanskrit for the universal wisdom of staying true to one’s own self — the new range of holistic formulas and supplements is testament of the firm’s dedication in providing well-rounded health, both mentally and physically, to guests and fans of its lauded spa treatments.
© Provided by Lifestyle Asia
In keeping with this promise of quality well-being, all products from Sva are made from high quality all-natural ingredients, and come in granule, capsule, or tonic form to help support digestion, blood circulation and a healthy mind.
The 19 products draw from the brand’s expertise in both traditional know-how with contemporary science and nutrition findings, and are branched into three ranges: Chinese Herbal Formulas, Micronutrient Supplements, and Botanical Tonics (the latter of which will launch later this year). The gluten-free, plant-based products have been designed to be easily integrated into anyone’s daily routine, and aim to be a defence against daily and seasonal stressors.
The brand’s hero formula, the Respiratory Support, for example, was developed specifically to boost the respiratory system, especially during cold or flu season. Six other formulas borrow from ancient Chinese remedies to fortify various parts of the body, such as Nourish for the digestive system, and Immune Support, which rebalances the immune system. Each formula has been carefully concocted from ingredients that have become an integral part of Aman’s wellness philosophy over the years, such as jujube red dates and Chinese licorice.
On the other hand, the Sva Micronutrient Supplements were created in partnership with Biogena to provide essential vitamins and nutrients in a capsule form to help support everyday mind and body functions. If you’re still into pulling wild all-nighters, supplements like the Liver Detox have been blended to support the liver’s natural detoxifying function. Relax & Sleep focuses on keeping anxiety at bay, while Heart & Brain Function ensures you’re always at the top of your game mentally.
The Sva products continue Aman’s penchant for understated style by being discreetly packaged in sustainable glass bottles with a subtle yet sleek monochrome design.
The Chinese Herbal Formulas and Micronutrient Supplements are available online now at shop.aman.com and will be available at select Aman Spas.
The post Aman launches Sva, a new range of wellness supplements for holistic health at home appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Singapore.
Tags: Aman, Health, Holistic, Home, Launches, range, Supplements, Sva, Wellness
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Travel PR News | Hyatt announces new adjacent boutique properties: Mission Pacific Hotel and The Seabird Resort, opening in Spring 2021 in Oceanside, California
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Abundant Community Conversation with David Korten
In the spirit of Berrett-Koehler Foundation's "simple" mission,
sharing BK community resources to co-create a world that works for all,
we're continuing to share gifts from our beloved community.
These June gifts all aim to equip us to create an equitable future.
a free online event
June 16 ~ 1 pm Eastern
David will talk with John McKnight, Peter Block, and other social innovators about how our common future depends on a New Economy in which the power and responsibilities of ownership of the means of living are distributed equitably among the people who depend on them.
David Korten is the founder and president of the Living Economies Forum; co-founder, board member, and board chair emeritus of YES! Magazine; and a full member of the Club of Rome. He is best known for his seminal books such as How Wealth Rules the World, When Corporations Rule the World, Change the Story, Change the Future, and more. These books frame a new economy for the Ecological Civilization to which humanity must now transition.
Sign-Up To Join Abundant Community Conversation
And it's not too late to partake in gifts from Marilee Adams (BK author) and Meg VanDeusen (BK Foundation Action Learning Fellow)
Join Marilee Adams, author of Change Your Questions, Change Your Life, and the Inquiry Institute team to explore Re-Imagining Our Futures. These are free, interactive calls.
Connecting and Compassionate Conversations,
Mondays, June 8 & 22, 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. ET
To sign up, click on the button below. Please note that you must register at this link to receive follow up emails with information and details to join the calls. You are welcome to join either or both calls.
Join Connecting & Compassionate Conversations
Check out Feedback Labs' TIPS & TOOLS
shared by Meg VanDeusen (BKF Action Learning Fellow)
Do you want to improve how you listen and respond to the people you seek to serve? Whether you have five minutes to poke around or five days to deep-dive, here are useful resources to help you improve your feedback practice.
Feedback Labs is a non-profit organization that believes people are the best experts in their own lives, and they should ultimately drive the policies and programs that impact them.
Find Feedback Labs' Quick Tips & Tools Here
The BK Foundation hopes connecting with your BKF community powers capablity!
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Home » Richard Wilson Art Gallery
Richard Wilson Art Gallery
Wilson has produced an impressive twenty-year career as a productive professional artist, freelance and corporate graphic designer, and teacher at Pitt Community College. He has artworks in numerous collections, public and private, but is most proud of his official portrait of George Henry White, the last former slave to serve in Congress, and the fact that Wilson is the first African-American artist to have a portrait publicly displayed in a North Carolina courthouse.
$27.99 More
Anticipation II
Stretching Ballerina
Ballerina II
Ballerina IV
Ballerina III
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Columbia Care Receives Provisional License for Adult Use at its Patriot Care Dispensary in Downtown Boston • American Lending Center Supports Small and Minority-Owned Businesses in Second Round PPP • NAELA Celebrates Passage of Latest COVID-19 Relief Package • Tractor Supply Company Appoints Joy Brown to Its Board of Directors • Birks Group Presents Its FY2021 Holiday Period Sales Results • Rivers Casino Philadelphia Resumes Indoor Dining on Saturday, Jan. 16, at Noon • BET Announces Its Multiplatform Programming Strategy for Inauguration 2021 • BET to Air Mega Night of Tyler Perry Must-Watch Originals With the Return of “Tyler Perry’s The Oval” and the • San Carlos Apache Tribe Sues US Forest Service to Stop Resolution Copper Mine • Unmet Need for Afterschool Programs Skyrockets in the Black Community, With Four Million Black Children Without the Access to Af • MLK Jr. oratory competitions go virtual, allowing kids to send messages of hope to a nation in distress • Statement by Minister Chagger on Raoul Wallenberg Day • Feinstein Institutes Awarded More Than $4M to Research Perinatal Depression • 360WiSE MEDiA Helps In Social Justice With Digitally Amplifying The Voice For Social, Economic, and Environmental Change With Th • My Eyelab is Now in Michigan: New Store in the Saginaw Area • Health Care of South Florida opens a new office in Broward County • Connecticut Water Files Application With Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) to Amend Rates • Speech from the Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada • Newkirk Zwagerman, PLC and Bogas & Koncius, PC: Michigan State University's Women's Varsity Swimming and Diving Team Files T • Singer-Songwriter Baby Yors Drops Single & Video for Sex-Fueled Dance Anthem "Like A Gun"
Study - Michelle Obama Dispels Black Women Sterotypes
WASHINGTON -- In a first of its kind groundbreaking national study on the lives of college educated, accomplished black women, more than 87% of the black female survey respondents (n=540) believe that First Lady Michelle Obama has helped dispel negative stereotypes of accomplished black women in America.
The results of what author Sophia Nelson has dubbed as the "Age of Michelle Obama" survey are published in a new book Black Woman Redefined: Dispelling Myths and Discovering Fulfillment in the Age of Michelle Obama. Essence Magazine has hailed the book as a "Game Changer" for black women in America. The New York Post writes "At a moment of profound economic and cultural change for America, Black Woman Redefined comes along at the perfect time. While Sophia Nelson knows her target audience, she's also aware of the broader, diverse world. With solid research and a smooth inclusive voice, Nelson has produced a book that that holds lessons for many."
In this book, Nelson, a respected cultural and political thought leader, opinion writer and former national columnist for Jet Magazine, reveals a different side of black women that provides historical, anecdotal, and quantitative research on the lives of 21st century black women. The release of the book comes at a time when a recent article in Newsweek analyzed how poorly reality TV portrays successful black women like Nene & Star Jones on the top rated "Celebrity Apprentice" as well as a solid 12-month barrage of negativity lambasting black women from the Pepsi Super Bowl add to ABC's "Why Can't A Successful Black Woman Get a Man", "Black Marriage Negotiations" video and numerous other examples.
In addition to the national survey results, Nelson opens her much heralded book with an 'open letter' to the First Lady who is scheduled to make the commencement address at Spelman College this Sunday.
Nelson's book, which is a cover feature story in the June issue of Essence Magazine and set to be released May 31st, also dissects Mrs. Obama's professional success and family success in the context of how she is affirmatively "changing the game" in a positive direction for black women of a new generation in America.
Nelson opines in her letter to the First Lady that she has taught women of a new generation how to handle conflict and criticism with grace and class:
"You don't have to shout back at your critics or crawl into the pit of mudslinging with them. The best revenge (in life) is success, and success comes with a willingness to constantly reinvent, reform, and redefine the rules of the game, how you play the game, and what you consider a "win" at the end of the game."
Nelson uses proprietary national research (conducted with expert women's pollster Kellyanne Conway of The Polling Company, Inc./Woman Trend and noted black studies scholar Dr. Silas Lee, Silas Lee & Associates/Xavier University) and real-life stories to reveal what drives and perpetuates common myths and misconceptions of black women.
* Fully 87% of professional Black women credited First Lady Michelle Obama with dispelling stereotypes about the accomplishments and actualities of being a Black woman in America.
* The top descriptor words used in the 1,000 sample of all Americans to describe Mrs. Obama chose the following words: wife & mother (82%), intelligent (76%), strong-willed (71%), and accomplished (70%).
* The top descriptor words the BWR Black Female Sample Survey respondent (n=540) used to describe Mrs. Obama: intelligent (40%), accomplished (35%), wife and mother (28%), inspiring (26%), and role model (23%).
* White men had the least favorable opinions of Mrs. Obama and women in general (across race) had favorable responses toward her.
Celebrity guest contributors to the book include: CNN's Soledad O'Brien, Tom Joyner Morning Show's Roland S. Martin & Jeff Johnson, Academy award nominated actress Taraji Henson, For Colored Girls' Kimberly Elise along with Dr. Lamont Hill, Co-host of ABC's The View Sherri Shepherd, Congressmen Jesse L. Jackson Jr. (D-IL), Terri Sewell (D-Alabama) and many more.
STORY TAGS: Michelle Obama , angry black woman , stereotypes , Black News, African American News, Minority News, Civil Rights News, Discrimination, Racism, Racial Equality, Bias, Equality, Afro American News, Women News, Minority News, Discrimination, Diversity, Female, Underrepresented, Equality, Gender Bias, Equality
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Addenbrooke's apologises for 'unprecedented' number of cancelled operations
Cambridge University Hospitals has offered its "sincerest apologies" to patients
David Ottewell - Data Unit
Samar Maguire
Cambridge has seen a surge in operations cancelled at the last minute, as pressures continue on the NHS.
Data released showed a total of 340 "elective" (meaning non-emergency) operations were cancelled on the day they were due to take place for "non-clinical" reasons at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust between January and March this year.
Addenbrooke's hospital has been dealing with unprecedented levels of demand
That compares with just 242 in the previous three months, and 231 the same period last year.
Of the 340 people who saw their elective operation cancelled, 31 were not treated in the following 28 days.
Cambridge life science cluster to give economy £1bn boost
NHS standards say anyone whose procedure is cancelled by the hospital for non-clinical reasons at the last minute should be offered a new binding date within that timescale, or pay for similar treatment at another hospital of the patient's choice.
Elective surgery essentially covers all planned operations that are due to take place at a time agreed by the hospital and patient.
"Non-clinical" reasons include beds being unavailable, surgical staff being unavailable, equipment failure, lists over-running, and emergency cases taking precedence.
Readers defend Papworth Hospital after critic calls it 'designed by Mickey Mouse'
'Unprecedented demand'
Chief operating officer at Cambridge University Hospitals, Sam Higginson, said: "It was with great regret and our sincerest apologies to patients that we had to cancel a higher than normal number of elective operations during this period.
"This came about as a result of serious IT issues on two consecutive days, and another when we declared Opel Level Four – the highest level of alert - because of unprecedented demand on our accident and emergency department, adding to general winter pressures.
Signs outside Addenbrooke's in March asking people to only attend in an emergency
"We understand how frustrating and stressful this can be for patients, and our staff, and we are constantly striving to make improvements and efficiencies which mitigate against the need to cancel elective operations.
"When this happens they are always rescheduled as soon as possible and prioritised according to greatest clinical need."
Addenbrooke's news
ANPR cameras on Addenbrooke's Road
Mums speak about their premature babies
Man uses rat run to beat ambulance
See world through eyes of the elderly
'Black alert'
In March Addenbrooke's was stretched to its limits with ambulances diverted, all operations cancelled and no beds available.
The hospital was operating at the highest level of alert - Opel level 4 - after a huge influx of patients.
A leaked memo from the hospital revealed all surgeries had been cancelled - including cancer and urgent cases- and that there were no beds available at one point on March 27.
A leaked internal document, sent to the News, shows the scale of the problem at Addenbrooke's today.
It was also reported during one night patients had to queue out the door at A&E and some patients reportedly had to wait more than 12 hours to be seen.
According to the leaked document there were 316 people who attended A&E on Monday with 131 breaches of the four-hour wait target.
You can now dissect a realistic 'human body' after dinner and drinks in Cambridge
The national picture
The rise in Cambridge was mirrored in other parts of the country.
While January to March is traditionally quarter with most cancelled electives - as hospitals suffer from increased winter-time demand - the figures have still hit record levels.
Download the CambridgeshireLive App for iPhone and Android
If you're looking for a way to keep up to date with the latest news from across Cambridgeshire, the CambridgeshireLive app has you covered.
Available for free on both iOS and Android devices, the clean and tidy interface is the easiest way to follow our news updates.
The team at CambridgeshireLive are committed to bringing our readers the latest breaking news, in-depth features, and exclusive content from all across the county.
Once installed, you can even select the area in which you live to receive dedicated notifications whenever we post a story that is relevant to you.
If you have an iOS device, you can download it from the App Store online by clicking here.
If you have an Android device, you can find the app on the Google Play Store here.
Across England as a whole, there were 25,506 cancelled elective operations between January and March 2018 - the highest for any quarter since recent records began in 1994/95.
That compares with 21,219 in January to March last year, 23,352 in January to March in 2016, and 20,464 in January to March 2015.
It means a total of 1.3 per cent of all elective operations were cancelled at the last-minute for non-clinical reasons in January to March this year - again, a record high.
Have you had an operation cancelled at Addenbrooke's? We'd love to speak to you anonymously about your experiences - call us on 01223 632267, or email newsdesk@cambridge-news.co.uk.
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Cheapest car to own and maintain
Alborz Fallah
I don't know how many emails I get with these questions every single day:
Which car is the least expensive car to run?
Which car depreciates the less?
Which car has the lowest running costs?
To be honest, there is no real right answer. As I mentioned in a post about the Depreciation of Australian made cars, the Commodore and Falcon are definitely not the cheapest cars to own. Not because they break down or are not reliable or even that they are not fuel efficient, but more so because they depreciate faster than stocks in OneTel. Nevertheless, there seems to be an answer, finally.
The Royal Automobile Association of South Australia (RAA) has labelled the Kia Rio as the cheapest car to own and maintain all around. If you haven't noticed already I am not the biggest Korean car fan boy, but I have to hand it to Kia for making a small car that is cheap but doesn't cost an arm and a leg to maintain.
The 2006 Vehicle Operating Costs survey showed that the Kia Rio, at an average cost of $117.50 per week, was the cheapest to run of all cars surveyed and was 4 percent less expensive to run than its nearest competitor in the Light Car class.
Even the RACV have listed the Rio as the cheapest car to maintain in Victoria with the average operating cost for the Rio dropping to $111.20 per week. The survey calculations are based over a five-year, 75,000km ownership period, and take into account standing costs that include
depreciation,
loan interest costs,
servicing.
Although I bad mouth the cheap Korean cars quite a lot, Kia is quick to point out that the Kia Rio's low cost of ownership doesn't come at the expense of Quality.
“Rio was recently ranked highest for initial quality in the sub-compact (light car) category in the JD Power and Associates 2006 Initial Quality StudySM (IQS) in the United States. In that toughest of car markets, Rio was judged equal highest for quality in a comprehensive study that measures 217 vehicle attributes across eight categories, including driving experience, engine and transmission, and a broad range of quality problem symptoms reported by vehicle owners.”
The 1.6-litre Kia Rio manual 5-door hatch sells for a recommended retail price of $15,990, with air-conditioning, six-speaker audio system with CD, dual airbags, full-sized spare wheel, power windows and mirrors and remote central locking all fitted as standard. Automatic transmission is available for an extra $2,000.
Okay, okay, so maybe the Rio isn't that bad if you are after a cheap car to get around and have absolutely no taste in cars what so ever, but that still doesn't take away the fact that its bloody ugly!
Video: 2021 Ferrari Roma walkaround
Video: 2021 Porsche Cayman 718 GT4 Review
Video: 2021 Toyota Yaris gets five-star safety
Video: 2021 Kia Carnival Australian first drive review
2021 Abarth 595 Scorpioneoro coming to Australia, due second half of 2021
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Industry X
CAR MBS
Advanced Propulsion
CAV – Working Group
The State of Industry X in Automotive
Brett Smith Eric Paul Dennis, P.E. Shashank Modi Emeka Nriagu
Produced By: Technology Research
Categories: Industry 4.0
With the support of a unique and powerful consortium of technology companies, the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) investigated the state of Industry X in automotive. Although the research included mostly North American participants, and thus presents a North American perspective, the participating companies are global.
Industry X acknowledges that the pace of change has become so rapid that it no longer makes sense to think of manufacturing and production as advancing in discrete stages. The digital technologies that gave rise to the concept of “Industry 4.0” have continued to improve. No organization can reasonably aspire to adopt a state-of-the-art digital enterprise architecture because “state-of-the-art” is sure to advance by some degree by the time a new enterprise architecture is deployed.
This project presents an ecosystem approach to Industry X research. Industry X is a massive, complex, and rapidly evolving sector. The CAR research team thinks it is unlikely that any entity or individual can fully comprehend the depth and breadth of Industry X. To use a well-worn phrase, it takes a village to implement—and research—Industry X. The CAR Industry X ecosystem team consists of Hardware (Dell and Intel), Data Management (Cloudera), Digital Automation and Analytics (Rockwell Automation and PTC), Consulting (Accenture), and Cloud Infrastructure (Microsoft Azure). These companies provided financial support—but equally important, they provided the CAR research team with unmatched technical and strategic knowledge and perspective. Throughout the project, the CAR researcher’s interaction with the industry and the consortium members proved that no one participant has all the answers. A collaborative ecosystem would be a beneficial environment for all of these stakeholders.
Center for Automotive Research
880 Technology Drive, Suite C
© 2017 Center for Automotive Research. All Rights Reserved.
Antitrust Policy | Privacy Policy
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Sample records for controlled interrupted time
Interrupted Time Series Versus Statistical Process Control in Quality Improvement Projects.
Andersson Hagiwara, Magnus; Andersson Gäre, Boel; Elg, Mattias
To measure the effect of quality improvement interventions, it is appropriate to use analysis methods that measure data over time. Examples of such methods include statistical process control analysis and interrupted time series with segmented regression analysis. This article compares the use of statistical process control analysis and interrupted time series with segmented regression analysis for evaluating the longitudinal effects of quality improvement interventions, using an example study on an evaluation of a computerized decision support system.
A combined teamwork training and work standardisation intervention in operating theatres: controlled interrupted time series study.
Morgan, Lauren; Pickering, Sharon P; Hadi, Mohammed; Robertson, Eleanor; New, Steve; Griffin, Damian; Collins, Gary; Rivero-Arias, Oliver; Catchpole, Ken; McCulloch, Peter
Teamwork training and system standardisation have both been proposed to reduce error and harm in surgery. Since the approaches differ markedly, there is potential for synergy between them. Controlled interrupted time series with a 3 month intervention and observation phases before and after. Operating theatres conducting elective orthopaedic surgery in a single hospital system (UK Hospital Trust). Teamwork training based on crew resource management plus training and follow-up support in developing standardised operating procedures. Focus of subsequent standardisation efforts decided by theatre staff. Paired observers watched whole procedures together. We assessed non-technical skills using NOTECHS II, technical performance using glitch rate and compliance with WHO checklist using a simple quality tool. We measured complication and readmission rates and hospital stay using hospital administrative records. Before/after change was compared in the active and control groups using two-way ANOVA and regression models. 1121 patients were operated on before and 1100 after intervention. 44 operations were observed before and 50 afterwards. Non-technical skills (p=0.002) and WHO compliance (pteamwork and system improvement causes marked improvements in team behaviour and WHO performance, but not technical performance or outcome. These findings are consistent with the synergistic hypothesis, but larger controlled studies with a strong implementation strategy are required to test potential outcome effects. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.
Mental health impacts of flooding: a controlled interrupted time series analysis of prescribing data in England.
Milojevic, Ai; Armstrong, Ben; Wilkinson, Paul
There is emerging evidence that people affected by flooding suffer adverse impacts on their mental well-being, mostly based on self-reports. We examined prescription records for drugs used in the management of common mental disorder among primary care practices located in the vicinity of recent large flood events in England, 2011-2014. A controlled interrupted time series analysis was conducted of the number of prescribing items for antidepressant drugs in the year before and after the flood onset. Pre-post changes were compared by distance of the practice from the inundated boundaries among 930 practices located within 10 km of a flood. After control for deprivation and population density, there was an increase of 0.59% (95% CI 0.24 to 0.94) prescriptions in the postflood year among practices located within 1 km of a flood over and above the change observed in the furthest distance band. The increase was greater in more deprived areas. This study suggests an increase in prescribed antidepressant drugs in the year after flooding in primary care practices close to recent major floods in England. The degree to which the increase is actually concentrated in those flooded can only be determined by more detailed linkage studies. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.
An electronic trigger tool to optimise intravenous to oral antibiotic switch: a controlled, interrupted time series study
Marvin A. H. Berrevoets
Full Text Available Abstract Background Timely switch from intravenous (iv antibiotics to oral therapy is a key component of antimicrobial stewardship programs in order to improve patient safety, promote early discharge and reduce costs. We have introduced a time-efficient and easily implementable intervention that relies on a computerized trigger tool, which identifies patients who are candidates for an iv to oral antibiotic switch. Methods The intervention was introduced on all internal medicine wards in a teaching hospital. Patients were automatically identified by an electronic trigger tool when parenteral antibiotics were used for >48 h and clinical or pharmacological data did not preclude switch therapy. A weekly educational session was introduced to alert the physicians on the intervention wards. The intervention wards were compared with control wards, which included all other hospital wards. An interrupted time-series analysis was performed to compare the pre-intervention period with the post-intervention period using ‘% of i.v. prescriptions >72 h’ and ‘median duration of iv therapy per prescription’ as outcomes. We performed a detailed prospective evaluation on a subset of 244 prescriptions to evaluate the efficacy and appropriateness of the intervention. Results The number of intravenous prescriptions longer than 72 h was reduced by 19% in the intervention group (n = 1519 (p control group (n = 4366 the intervention was responsible for an additional decrease of 13% (pÂ
Thinking aloud in the presence of interruptions and time constraints
Hertzum, Morten; Holmegaard, Kristin Due
and time constraints, two frequent elements of real-world activities. We find that the presence of auditory, visual, audiovisual, or no interruptions interacts with thinking aloud for task solution rate, task completion time, and participants’ fixation rate. Thinking-aloud participants also spend longer......Thinking aloud is widely used for usability evaluation and its reactivity is therefore important to the quality of evaluation results. This study investigates whether thinking aloud (i.e., verbalization at levels 1 and 2) affects the behaviour of users who perform tasks that involve interruptions...... responding to interruptions than control participants. Conversely, the absence or presence of time constraints does not interact with thinking aloud, suggesting that time pressure is less likely to make thinking aloud reactive than previously assumed. Our results inform practitioners faced with the decision...
Enhanced Interrupt Response Time in the nMPRA based on Embedded Real Time Microcontrollers
GAITAN, N. C.
Full Text Available In any real-time operating system, task switching and scheduling, interrupts, synchronization and communication between processes, represent major problems. The implementation of these mechanisms through software generates significant delays for many applications. The nMPRA (Multi Pipeline Register Architecture architecture is designed for the implementation of real-time embedded microcontrollers. It supports the competitive execution of n tasks, enabling very fast switching between them, with a usual delay of one machine cycle and a maximum of 3 machine cycles, for the memory-related work instructions. This is because each task has its own PC (Program Counter, set of pipeline registers and a general registers file. The nMPRA is provided with an advanced distributed interrupt controller that implements the concept of "interrupts as threads". This allows the attachment of one or more interrupts to the same task. In this context, the original contribution of this article is to presents the solutions for improving the response time to interrupts when a task has attached a large number of interrupts. The proposed solutions enhance the original architecture for interrupts logic in order to transfer control, to the interrupt handler as soon as possible, and to create an interrupt prioritization at task level.
Muscle-invasive bladder cancer treated with external beam radiation: influence of total dose, overall treatment time, and treatment interruption on local control
Moonen, L.; Voet, H. van der; Nijs, R. de; Horenblas, S.; Hart, A.A.M.; Bartelink, H.
Purpose: To evaluate and eventually quantify a possible influence of tumor proliferation during the external radiation course on local control in muscle invasive bladder cancer. Methods and Materials: The influence of total dose, overall treatment time, and treatment interruption has retrospectively been analyzed in a series of 379 patients with nonmetastasized, muscle-invasive transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder. All patients received external beam radiotherapy at the Netherlands Cancer Institute between 1977 and 1990. Total dose varied between 50 and 75 Gy with a mean of 60.5 Gy and a median of 60.4 Gy. Overall treatment time varied between 20 and 270 days with a mean of 49 days and a median of 41 days. Number of fractions varied between 17 and 36 with a mean of 27 and a median of 26. Two hundred and forty-four patients had a continuous radiation course, whereas 135 had an intended split course or an unintended treatment interruption. Median follow-up was 22 months for all patients and 82 months for the 30 patients still alive at last follow-up. A stepwise procedure using proportional hazard regression has been used to identify prognostic treatment factors with respect to local recurrence as sole first recurrence. Results: One hundred and thirty-six patients experienced a local recurrence and 120 of these occurred before regional or distant metastases. The actuarial local control rate was 40.3% at 5 years and 32.3% at 10 years. In a multivariate analysis total dose showed a significant association with local control (p 0.0039), however in a markedly nonlinear way. In fact only those patients treated with a dose below 57.5 Gy had a significant higher bladder relapse rate, whereas no difference in relapse rate was found among patients treated with doses above 57.5 Gy. This remained the case even after adjustment for overall treatment time and all significant tumor and patient characteristics. The Normalized Tumor Dose (NTD) (α/β = 10) and NTD (Î
Implementation and impact of an audit and feedback antimicrobial stewardship intervention in the orthopaedics department of a tertiary-care hospital: a controlled interrupted time series study.
Tavares, Margarida; Carvalho, Ana Cláudia; Almeida, José Pedro; Andrade, Paulo; São-Simão, Ricardo; Soares, Pedro; Alves, Carlos; Pinto, Rui; Fontanet, Arnaud; Watier, Laurence
A prospective audit and feedback antimicrobial stewardship intervention conducted in the Orthopaedics Department of a university hospital in Portugal was evaluated by comparing an interrupted time series in the intervention group with a non-intervention (control) group. Monthly antibiotic use (except cefazolin) was measured as the World Health Organization's Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical defined daily doses (ATC-DDD) from January 2012 to September 2016, excluding the 6-month phase of intervention implementation starting on 1 January 2015. Compared with the control group, the intervention group had a monthly decrease in the use of fluoroquinolones by 2.3 DDD/1000 patient-days [95% confidence interval (CI) -3.97 to -0.63]. An increase in the use of penicillins by 103.3 DDD/1000 patient-days (95% CI 47.42 to 159.10) was associated with intervention implementation, followed by a decrease during the intervention period (slope = -5.2, 95% CI -8.56 to -1.82). In the challenging scenario of treatment of osteoarticular and prosthetic joint infections, an audit and feedback intervention reduced antibiotic exposure and spectrum. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. and International Society of Chemotherapy. All rights reserved.
The effect of health insurance and health facility-upgrades on hospital deliveries in rural Nigeria: a controlled interrupted time-series study.
Brals, Daniëlla; Aderibigbe, Sunday A; Wit, Ferdinand W; van Ophem, Johannes C M; van der List, Marijn; Osagbemi, Gordon K; Hendriks, Marleen E; Akande, Tanimola M; Boele van Hensbroek, Michael; Schultsz, Constance
Access to quality obstetric care is considered essential to reducing maternal and new-born mortality. We evaluated the effect of the introduction of a multifaceted voluntary health insurance programme on hospital deliveries in rural Nigeria. We used an interrupted time-series design, including a control group. The intervention consisted of providing voluntary health insurance covering primary and secondary healthcare, including antenatal and obstetric care, combined with improving the quality of healthcare facilities. We compared changes in hospital deliveries from 1 May 2005 to 30 April 2013 between the programme area and control area in a difference-in-differences analysis with multiple time periods, adjusting for observed confounders. Data were collected through household surveys. Eligible households ( n = 1500) were selected from a stratified probability sample of enumeration areas. All deliveries during the 4-year baseline period ( n = 460) and 4-year follow-up period ( n = 380) were included. Insurance coverage increased from 0% before the insurance was introduced to 70.2% in April 2013 in the programme area. In the control area insurance coverage remained 0% between May 2005 and April 2013. Although hospital deliveries followed a common stable trend over the 4 pre-programme years ( P = 0.89), the increase in hospital deliveries during the 4-year follow-up period in the programme area was 29.3 percentage points (95% CI: 16.1 to 42.6; P health insurance but who could make use of the upgraded care delivered significantly more often in a hospital during the follow-up period than women living in the control area ( P = 0.04). Voluntary health insurance combined with quality healthcare services is highly effective in increasing hospital deliveries in rural Nigeria, by improving access to healthcare for insured and uninsured women in the programme area. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press in association with The London School of Hygiene and
Immediate and sustained effects of user fee exemption on healthcare utilization among children under five in Burkina Faso: A controlled interrupted time-series analysis.
Zombré, David; De Allegri, Manuela; Ridde, Valéry
Little is known about the long-term effects of user fee exemption policies on health care use in developing countries. We examined the association between user fee exemption and health care use among children under five in Burkina Faso. We also examined how factors related to characteristics of health facilities and their environment moderate this association. We used a multilevel controlled interrupted time-series design to examine the strength of effect and long term effects of user fee exemption policy on the rate of health service utilization in children under five between January 2004 and December 2014. The initiation of the intervention more than doubled the utilization rate with an immediate 132.596% increase in intervention facilities (IRR: 2.326; 95% CI: 1.980 to 2.672). The effect of the intervention was 32.766% higher in facilities with higher workforce density (IRR: 1.328; 95% CI (1.209-1.446)) and during the rainy season (IRR:1.2001; 95% CI: 1.0953-1.3149), but not significant in facilities with higher dispersed populations (IRR: 1.075; 95% CI: (0.942-1.207)). Although the intervention effect was substantially significant immediately following its inception, the pace of growth, while positive over a first phase, decelerated to stabilize itself three years and 7 months later before starting to decrease slowly towards the end of the study period. This study provides additional evidence to support user fee exemption policies complemented by improvements in health care quality. Future work should include an assessment of the impact of user fee exemption on infant morbidity and mortality and better discuss factors that could explain the slowdown in this upward trend of utilization rates three and a half years after the intervention onset. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
The effect of interruptions and prolonged treatment time in radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Kwong, Dora L.W.; Sham, Jonathan S.T.; Chua, Daniel T.T.; Choy, Damon T.K.; Au, Gordon K.H.; Wu, P.M.
Purpose: The effect of interruptions and prolonged overall treatment time in radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma and the significance of timing of interruption was investigated. Methods and Materials: Treatment records of 229 patients treated with continuous course (CC) and 567 patients treated with split course (SC) radiotherapy for nonmetastatic NPC were reviewed. Overall treatment time without inclusion of time for boost was calculated. Treatment that extended 1 week beyond scheduled time was considered prolonged. Outcome in patients who completed treatment 'per schedule' were compared with those who had 'prolonged' treatment. Because of known patient selection bias between CC and SC, patients on the two schedules were analyzed separately. Multivariate analysis was performed for patients on SC. Total number of days of interruption, age, sex, T and N stage, and the use of boost were tested for the whole SC group. Analysis on the effect of timing of interruption was performed in a subgroup of 223 patients on SC who had a single unplanned interruption. Timing of interruption, either before or after the fourth week for the unplanned interruption, was tested in addition to the other variables in multivariate analysis for this subgroup of SC. Results: Twenty-seven (11.8%) patients on CC and 96 (16.9%) patients on SC had prolonged treatment. Patients on SC who had prolonged treatment had significantly poorer loco-regional control rate and disease free survival when compared with those who completed radiotherapy per schedule (p = 0.0063 and 0.001, respectively, with adjustment for stage). For CC, the effect of prolonged treatment on outcome was not significant. The small number of events for patients on CC probably account for the insignificant finding. The number of days of interruption was confirmed as prognostic factor, independent of T and N stages, for loco-regional control and disease-free survival in multivariate analysis for SC. The hazard rate for loco
Optimal treatment interruptions control of TB transmission model
Nainggolan, Jonner; Suparwati, Titik; Kawuwung, Westy B.
A tuberculosis model which incorporates treatment interruptions of infectives is established. Optimal control of individuals infected with active TB is given in the model. It is obtained that the control reproduction numbers is smaller than the reproduction number, this means treatment controls could optimize the decrease in the spread of active TB. For this model, controls on treatment of infection individuals to reduce the actively infected individual populations, by application the Pontryagins Maximum Principle for optimal control. The result further emphasized the importance of controlling disease relapse in reducing the number of actively infected and treatment interruptions individuals with tuberculosis.
Acute glucoregulatory and vascular outcomes of three strategies for interrupting prolonged sitting time in postmenopausal women: A pilot, laboratory-based, randomized, controlled, 4-condition, 4-period crossover trial.
Jacqueline Kerr
Full Text Available Prolonged sitting is associated with cardiometabolic and vascular disease. Despite emerging evidence regarding the acute health benefits of interrupting prolonged sitting time, the effectiveness of different modalities in older adults (who sit the most is unclear.In preparation for a future randomized controlled trial, we enrolled 10 sedentary, overweight or obese, postmenopausal women (mean age 66 years ±9; mean body mass index 30.6 kg/m2 ±4.2 in a 4-condition, 4-period crossover feasibility pilot study in San Diego to test 3 different sitting interruption modalities designed to improve glucoregulatory and vascular outcomes compared to a prolonged sitting control condition. The interruption modalities included: a 2 minutes standing every 20 minutes; b 2 minutes walking every hour; and c 10 minutes standing every hour. During each 5-hr condition, participants consumed two identical, standardized meals. Blood samples, blood pressure, and heart rate were collected every 30 minutes. Endothelial function of the superficial femoral artery was measured at baseline and end of each 5-hr condition using flow-mediated dilation (FMD. Participants completed each condition on separate days, in randomized order. This feasibility pilot study was not powered to detect statistically significant differences in the various outcomes, however, analytic methods (mixed models were used to test statistical significance within the small sample size.Nine participants completed all 4 study visits, one participant completed 3 study visits and then was lost to follow up. Net incremental area under the curve (iAUC values for postprandial plasma glucose and insulin during the 5-hr sitting interruption conditions were not significantly different compared to the control condition. Exploratory analyses revealed that the 2-minute standing every 20 minutes and the 2-minute walking every hour conditions were associated with a significantly lower glycemic response to the second
The time-course of recovery from interruption during reading: eye movement evidence for the role of interruption lag and spatial memory.
Cane, James E; Cauchard, Fabrice; Weger, Ulrich W
Two experiments examined how interruptions impact reading and how interruption lags and the reader's spatial memory affect the recovery from such interruptions. Participants read paragraphs of text and were interrupted unpredictably by a spoken news story while their eye movements were monitored. Time made available for consolidation prior to responding to the interruption did not aid reading resumption. However, providing readers with a visual cue that indicated the interruption location did aid task resumption substantially in Experiment 2. Taken together, the findings show that the recovery from interruptions during reading draws on spatial memory resources and can be aided by processes that support spatial memory. Practical implications are discussed.
Impact of Frequent Interruption on Nurses' Patient-Controlled Analgesia Programming Performance.
Campoe, Kristi R; Giuliano, Karen K
The purpose was to add to the body of knowledge regarding the impact of interruption on acute care nurses' cognitive workload, total task completion times, nurse frustration, and medication administration error while programming a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump. Data support that the severity of medication administration error increases with the number of interruptions, which is especially critical during the administration of high-risk medications. Bar code technology, interruption-free zones, and medication safety vests have been shown to decrease administration-related errors. However, there are few published data regarding the impact of number of interruptions on nurses' clinical performance during PCA programming. Nine acute care nurses completed three PCA pump programming tasks in a simulation laboratory. Programming tasks were completed under three conditions where the number of interruptions varied between two, four, and six. Outcome measures included cognitive workload (six NASA Task Load Index [NASA-TLX] subscales), total task completion time (seconds), nurse frustration (NASA-TLX Subscale 6), and PCA medication administration error (incorrect final programming). Increases in the number of interruptions were associated with significant increases in total task completion time ( p = .003). We also found increases in nurses' cognitive workload, nurse frustration, and PCA pump programming errors, but these increases were not statistically significant. Complex technology use permeates the acute care nursing practice environment. These results add new knowledge on nurses' clinical performance during PCA pump programming and high-risk medication administration.
Control instrumentation and data handling of heavy current inductive load interrupter
Calpin, J.E.
The heavy duty DC interrupter is a switching system with the ability to interrupt very high inductive currents with precise timing, work in concert with an additional number of similar systems, and withstand fast recovery voltages (30 kV) after interruption. Further, it is required to be self-protecting and the high current busses isolated to 50 kV DC and subjected to 95 kV BIL test voltages. Interruption is accomplished by the separation of vacuum interrupter contacts, which prior to counterpulse arc for milliseconds, generating horrendous noise signals of frequencies from DC to ultraviolet. Neutralization of such signals on the computer interface was effected by unique BALUN filters on 25 control and status lines. The noise abatement circuitry rationale will be discussed along with triple shielding, Hall effect current level sensing and light pipe communication between high level busses and interface HTL cards. Triggering of the isolated counterpulse circuitry will be outlined. The self-protective aspects of the system employ current sensors to reclose the interrupter if current persists for two milliseconds after counterpulse
Interrupted time-series analysis: studying trends in neurosurgery.
Wong, Ricky H; Smieliauskas, Fabrice; Pan, I-Wen; Lam, Sandi K
OBJECT Neurosurgery studies traditionally have evaluated the effects of interventions on health care outcomes by studying overall changes in measured outcomes over time. Yet, this type of linear analysis is limited due to lack of consideration of the trend's effects both pre- and postintervention and the potential for confounding influences. The aim of this study was to illustrate interrupted time-series analysis (ITSA) as applied to an example in the neurosurgical literature and highlight ITSA's potential for future applications. METHODS The methods used in previous neurosurgical studies were analyzed and then compared with the methodology of ITSA. RESULTS The ITSA method was identified in the neurosurgical literature as an important technique for isolating the effect of an intervention (such as a policy change or a quality and safety initiative) on a health outcome independent of other factors driving trends in the outcome. The authors determined that ITSA allows for analysis of the intervention's immediate impact on outcome level and on subsequent trends and enables a more careful measure of the causal effects of interventions on health care outcomes. CONCLUSIONS ITSA represents a significant improvement over traditional observational study designs in quantifying the impact of an intervention. ITSA is a useful statistical procedure to understand, consider, and implement as the field of neurosurgery evolves in sophistication in big-data analytics, economics, and health services research.
Interrupt Handlers in Java
Korsholm, Stephan; Schoeberl, Martin; Ravn, Anders Peter
An important part of implementing device drivers is to control the interrupt facilities of the hardware platform and to program interrupt handlers. Current methods for handling interrupts in Java use a server thread waiting for the VM to signal an interrupt occurrence. It means that the interrupt...... is handled at a later time, which has some disadvantages. We present constructs that allow interrupts to be handled directly and not at a later point decided by a scheduler. A desirable feature of our approach is that we do not require a native middleware layer but can handle interrupts entirely with Java...... code. We have implemented our approach using an interpreter and a Java processor, and give an example demonstrating its use....
Statistical method for the control of the electric power service interruptions (second part); Metodo de control estadistico de las interrupciones del servicio electrico (2a. parte)
Issouribehere, Pedro E.; Barbero, Juan C. [Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), Buenos Aires (Argentina). Facultad de Ingenieria. Inst. de Investigaciones Tecnologicas para Redes y Equipos Electricos (IITREE-LAT)]. E-mail: iitree@.ing.unlp.edu.ar; Martinez, Jorge L.; Galinski, Alejandro [Ente Nacional Regulador de la Electricidad (ENRE), Buenos Aires (Argentina)
This paper presents the register of interruptions in application points of the concession areas of three concessionaires. The reliability indexes are presented of the controlled sites: interruption ratio {lambda}, time of average reposition r and unavailability Q obtained with the field information recompiled during three years from June 2000. The paper also obtains by concessionaire, the ratios of brief interruptions occurrence which constitutes another indicator of the Electric Service Quality.
Long-term effects of flooding on mortality in England and Wales, 1994-2005: controlled interrupted time-series analysis
Leonardi Giovanni
Full Text Available Abstract Background Limited evidence suggests that being flooded may increase mortality and morbidity among affected householders not just at the time of the flood but for months afterwards. The objective of this study is to explore the methods for quantifying such long-term health effects of flooding by analysis of routine mortality registrations in England and Wales. Methods Mortality data, geo-referenced by postcode of residence, were linked to a national database of flood events for 1994 to 2005. The ratio of mortality in the post-flood year to that in the pre-flood year within flooded postcodes was compared with that in non-flooded boundary areas (within 5 km of a flood. Further analyses compared the observed number of flood-area deaths in the year after flooding with the number expected from analysis of mortality trends stratified by region, age-group, sex, deprivation group and urban-rural status. Results Among the 319 recorded floods, there were 771 deaths in the year before flooding and 693 deaths in the year after (post-/pre-flood ratio of 0.90, 95% CI 0.82, 1.00. This ratio did not vary substantially by age, sex, population density or deprivation. A similar post-flood 'deficit' of deaths was suggested by the analyses based on observed/expected deaths. Conclusions The observed post-flood 'deficit' of deaths is counter-intuitive and difficult to interpret because of the possible influence of population displacement caused by flooding. The bias that might arise from such displacement remains unquantified but has important implications for future studies that use place of residence as a marker of exposure.
Background Limited evidence suggests that being flooded may increase mortality and morbidity among affected householders not just at the time of the flood but for months afterwards. The objective of this study is to explore the methods for quantifying such long-term health effects of flooding by analysis of routine mortality registrations in England and Wales. Methods Mortality data, geo-referenced by postcode of residence, were linked to a national database of flood events for 1994 to 2005. The ratio of mortality in the post-flood year to that in the pre-flood year within flooded postcodes was compared with that in non-flooded boundary areas (within 5 km of a flood). Further analyses compared the observed number of flood-area deaths in the year after flooding with the number expected from analysis of mortality trends stratified by region, age-group, sex, deprivation group and urban-rural status. Results Among the 319 recorded floods, there were 771 deaths in the year before flooding and 693 deaths in the year after (post-/pre-flood ratio of 0.90, 95% CI 0.82, 1.00). This ratio did not vary substantially by age, sex, population density or deprivation. A similar post-flood 'deficit' of deaths was suggested by the analyses based on observed/expected deaths. Conclusions The observed post-flood 'deficit' of deaths is counter-intuitive and difficult to interpret because of the possible influence of population displacement caused by flooding. The bias that might arise from such displacement remains unquantified but has important implications for future studies that use place of residence as a marker of exposure. PMID:21288358
Real time interrupt handling using FORTRAN IV plus under RSX-11M
Schultz, D.E.
A real-time data acquisition application for a linear accelerator is described. The important programming features of this application are use of connect to interrupt, a shared library, map to I/O page, and a shared data area. How you can provide rapid interrupt handling using these tools from FORTRAN IV PLUS is explained
Hospital admission interviews are time-consuming with several interruptions
Ghazanfar, Misbah N; Honoré, Per Gustaf Hartvig; Nielsen, Trine R H
The admission interview is an important procedure to reduce medication errors. Studies indicate that physicians do not spend much time on the interview and that the major obstacles are lack of time and heavy workload. The aim of this study was to measure the time physicians spend on admission...... interviews and to describe factors that affect time consumption....
Interrupted time series analysis in drug utilization research is increasing: systematic review and recommendations.
Jandoc, Racquel; Burden, Andrea M; Mamdani, Muhammad; Lévesque, Linda E; Cadarette, Suzanne M
To describe the use and reporting of interrupted time series methods in drug utilization research. We completed a systematic search of MEDLINE, Web of Science, and reference lists to identify English language articles through to December 2013 that used interrupted time series methods in drug utilization research. We tabulated the number of studies by publication year and summarized methodological detail. We identified 220 eligible empirical applications since 1984. Only 17 (8%) were published before 2000, and 90 (41%) were published since 2010. Segmented regression was the most commonly applied interrupted time series method (67%). Most studies assessed drug policy changes (51%, n = 112); 22% (n = 48) examined the impact of new evidence, 18% (n = 39) examined safety advisories, and 16% (n = 35) examined quality improvement interventions. Autocorrelation was considered in 66% of studies, 31% reported adjusting for seasonality, and 15% accounted for nonstationarity. Use of interrupted time series methods in drug utilization research has increased, particularly in recent years. Despite methodological recommendations, there is large variation in reporting of analytic methods. Developing methodological and reporting standards for interrupted time series analysis is important to improve its application in drug utilization research, and we provide recommendations for consideration. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Power Supply Interruption Costs: Models and Methods Incorporating Time Dependent Patterns
Kjoelle, G.H.
This doctoral thesis develops models and methods for estimation of annual interruption costs for delivery points, emphasizing the handling of time dependent patterns and uncertainties in the variables determining the annual costs. It presents an analytical method for calculation of annual expected interruption costs for delivery points in radial systems, based on a radial reliability model, with time dependent variables. And a similar method for meshed systems, based on a list of outage events, assuming that these events are found in advance from load flow and contingency analyses. A Monte Carlo simulation model is given which handles both time variations and stochastic variations in the input variables and is based on the same list of outage events. This general procedure for radial and meshed systems provides expectation values and probability distributions for interruption costs from delivery points. There is also a procedure for handling uncertainties in input variables by a fuzzy description, giving annual interruption costs as a fuzzy membership function. The methods are developed for practical applications in radial and meshed systems, based on available data from failure statistics, load registrations and customer surveys. Traditional reliability indices such as annual interruption time, power- and energy not supplied, are calculated as by-products. The methods are presented as algorithms and/or procedures which are available as prototypes. 97 refs., 114 figs., 62 tabs
This doctoral thesis develops models and methods for estimation of annual interruption costs for delivery points, emphasizing the handling of time dependent patterns and uncertainties in the variables determining the annual costs. It presents an analytical method for calculation of annual expected interruption costs for delivery points in radial systems, based on a radial reliability model, with time dependent variables. And a similar method for meshed systems, based on a list of outage events, assuming that these events are found in advance from load flow and contingency analyses. A Monte Carlo simulation model is given which handles both time variations and stochastic variations in the input variables and is based on the same list of outage events. This general procedure for radial and meshed systems provides expectation values and probability distributions for interruption costs from delivery points. There is also a procedure for handling uncertainties in input variables by a fuzzy description, giving annual interruption costs as a fuzzy membership function. The methods are developed for practical applications in radial and meshed systems, based on available data from failure statistics, load registrations and customer surveys. Traditional reliability indices such as annual interruption time, power- and energy not supplied, are calculated as by-products. The methods are presented as algorithms and/or procedures which are available as prototypes. 97 refs., 114 figs., 62 tabs.
A randomized controlled trial of daily sedation interruption in critically ill children
Vet, N.J.; Wildt, S.N. de; Verlaat, C.W.; Knibbe, C.A.; Mooij, M.G.; Woensel, J.B. van; Rosmalen, J. van; Tibboel, D.; Hoog, M. de
PURPOSE: To compare daily sedation interruption plus protocolized sedation (DSI + PS) to protocolized sedation only (PS) in critically ill children. METHODS: In this multicenter randomized controlled trial in three pediatric intensive care units in the Netherlands, mechanically ventilated critically
Vet, Nienke J.; de Wildt, Saskia N.; Verlaat, Carin W. M.; Knibbe, Catherijne A. J.; Mooij, Miriam G.; van Woensel, Job B. M.; van Rosmalen, Joost; Tibboel, Dick; de Hoog, Matthijs
To compare daily sedation interruption plus protocolized sedation (DSI + PS) to protocolized sedation only (PS) in critically ill children. In this multicenter randomized controlled trial in three pediatric intensive care units in the Netherlands, mechanically ventilated critically ill children with
The Impact of the Hotel Room Tax: An Interrupted Time Series Approach
Bonham, Carl; Fujii, Edwin; Im, Eric; Mak, James
Employs interrupted time series analysis to estimate ex post the impact of a hotel room tax on real net hotel revenues by analyzing that time series before and after the imposition of the tax. Finds that the tax had a negligible effect on real hotel revenues.
Reduction of Hospital Physicians' Workflow Interruptions: A Controlled Unit-Based Intervention Study
Matthias Weigl
Full Text Available Highly interruptive clinical environments may cause work stress and suboptimal clinical care. This study features an intervention to reduce workflow interruptions by re-designing work and organizational practices in hospital physicians providing ward coverage. A prospective, controlled intervention was conducted in two surgical and two internal wards. The intervention was based on physician quality circles - a participative technique to involve employees in the development of solutions to overcome work-related stressors. Outcome measures were the frequency of observed workflow interruptions. Workflow interruptions by fellow physicians and nursing staff were significantly lower after the intervention. However, a similar decrease was also observed in control units. Additional interviews to explore process-related factors suggested that there might have been spill-over effects in the sense that solutions were not strictly confined to the intervention group. Recommendations for further research on the effectiveness and consequences of such interventions for professional communication and patient safety are discussed.
A Unified Framework for Estimating Minimum Detectable Effects for Comparative Short Interrupted Time Series Designs
Price, Cristofer; Unlu, Fatih
The Comparative Short Interrupted Time Series (C-SITS) design is a frequently employed quasi-experimental method, in which the pre- and post-intervention changes observed in the outcome levels of a treatment group is compared with those of a comparison group where the difference between the former and the latter is attributed to the treatment. The…
Comparison Groups in Short Interrupted Time-Series: An Illustration Evaluating No Child Left Behind
Wong, Manyee; Cook, Thomas D.; Steiner, Peter M.
Interrupted time-series (ITS) are often used to assess the causal effect of a planned or even unplanned shock introduced into an on-going process. The pre-intervention slope is supposed to index the causal counterfactual, and deviations from it in mean, slope or variance are used to indicate an effect. However, a secure causal inference is only…
PERFORMANCE COMPARISON OF USART COMMUNICATION BETWEEN REAL TIME OPERATING SYSTEM (RTOS AND NATIVE INTERRUPT
Novian Habibie
Full Text Available Comunication between microcontrollers is one of the crucial point in embedded sytems. On the other hand, embedded system must be able to run many parallel task simultaneously. To handle this, we need a reliabe system that can do a multitasking without decreasing every task’s performance. The most widely used methods for multitasking in embedded systems are using Interrupt Service Routine (ISR or using Real Time Operating System (RTOS. This research compared perfomance of USART communication on system with RTOS to a system that use interrupt. Experiments run on two identical development board XMega A3BU-Xplained which used intenal sensor (light and temperature and used servo as external component. Perfomance comparison done by counting ping time (elapsing time to transmit data and get a reply as a mark that data has been received and compare it. This experiments divided into two scenarios: (1 system loaded with many tasks, (2 system loaded with few tasks. Result of the experiments show that communication will be faster if system only loaded with few tasks. System with RTOS has won from interrupt in case (1, but lose to interrupt in case (2.
N.J. Vet (Nienke); S.N. de Wildt (Saskia); C.W.M. Verlaat (Carin); C.A.J. Knibbe (Catherijne); M.G. Mooij (Miriam); J.B. van Woensel (Job); J.M. van Rosmalen (Joost); D. Tibboel (Dick); M. de Hoog (Matthijs)
textabstractPurpose: To compare daily sedation interruption plus protocolized sedation (DSIÂ +Â PS) to protocolized sedation only (PS) in critically ill children. Methods: In this multicenter randomized controlled trial in three pediatric intensive care units in the Netherlands, mechanically
Reward, interrupted: Inhibitory control and its relevance to addictions.
Jentsch, James David; Pennington, Zachary T
There are broad individual differences in the ability to voluntarily and effortfully suppress motivated, reward-seeking behaviors, and this review presents the hypothesis that these individual differences are relevant to addictive disorders. On one hand, cumulative experience with drug abuse appears to alter the molecular, cellular and circuit mechanisms that mediate inhibitory abilities, leading to increasingly uncontrolled patterns of drug-seeking and -taking. On the other, native inter-individual differences in inhibitory control are apparently a risk factor for aspects of drug-reinforced responding and substance use disorders. In both cases, the behavioral manifestation of poor inhibitory abilities is linked to relatively low striatal dopamine D2-like receptor availability, and evidence is accumulating for a more direct contribution of striatopallidal neurons to cognitive control processes. Mechanistic research is now identifying genes upstream of dopamine transmission that mediate these relationships, as well as the involvement of other neurotransmitter systems, acting alone and in concert with dopamine. The reviewed research stands poised to identify new mechanisms that can be targeted by pharmacotherapies and/or by behavioral interventions that are designed to prevent or treat addictive behaviors and associated behavioral pathology. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'NIDA 40th Anniversary Issue'. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Using machine learning to identify structural breaks in single-group interrupted time series designs.
Linden, Ariel; Yarnold, Paul R
Single-group interrupted time series analysis (ITSA) is a popular evaluation methodology in which a single unit of observation is being studied, the outcome variable is serially ordered as a time series and the intervention is expected to 'interrupt' the level and/or trend of the time series, subsequent to its introduction. Given that the internal validity of the design rests on the premise that the interruption in the time series is associated with the introduction of the treatment, treatment effects may seem less plausible if a parallel trend already exists in the time series prior to the actual intervention. Thus, sensitivity analyses should focus on detecting structural breaks in the time series before the intervention. In this paper, we introduce a machine-learning algorithm called optimal discriminant analysis (ODA) as an approach to determine if structural breaks can be identified in years prior to the initiation of the intervention, using data from California's 1988 voter-initiated Proposition 99 to reduce smoking rates. The ODA analysis indicates that numerous structural breaks occurred prior to the actual initiation of Proposition 99 in 1989, including perfect structural breaks in 1983 and 1985, thereby casting doubt on the validity of treatment effects estimated for the actual intervention when using a single-group ITSA design. Given the widespread use of ITSA for evaluating observational data and the increasing use of machine-learning techniques in traditional research, we recommend that structural break sensitivity analysis is routinely incorporated in all research using the single-group ITSA design. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photolytic interruptions of the bacteriorhodopsin photocycle examined by time-resolved resonance raman spectroscopy.
Grieger, I; Atkinson, G H
An investigation of the photolytic conditions used to initiate and spectroscopically monitor the bacteriorhodopsin (BR) photocycle utilizing time-resolved resonance Raman (TR3) spectroscopy has revealed and characterized two photoinduced reactions that interrupt the thermal pathway. One reaction involves the photolytic interconversion of M-412 and M', and the other involves the direct photolytic conversion of the BR-570/K-590 photostationary mixture either to M-412 and M' or to M-like intermediates within 10 ns. The photolytic threshold conditions describing both reactions have been quantitatively measured and are discussed in terms of experimental parameters.
BED-time charts and their application to the problems of interruptions in external beam radiotherapy treatments
Sinclair, Judith A.; Oates, Jason P.; Dale, Roger G.
Purpose: The use of radiobiological modelling to examine the likely consequences of interruptions to radiotherapy schedules and to assess various compensatory measures. Methods and Materials: An effect-time graphical display, the BED-time chart, has been developed using the linear-quadratic (LQ) model. This is used to examine the effects on tumour and normal tissues of treatment interruption scenarios representative of clinical situations. The mathematical criteria governing successful salvage have also been drafted and applied to typical situations. Results: The successful salvage of an interrupted treatment is dependent on a number of interacting factors and the method presented here can be used to examine the trade-offs that exist. Although the mathematics may be complex, it is shown that the dilemmas posed by an interrupted treatment may be more easily appreciated with reference to BED-time charts. These may therefore have a useful role as a teaching aid for portraying a wider variety of radiotherapy problems and also in the documentation of interruptions to treatment and the measures taken to compensate for them. Conclusions: Interruptions to radiotherapy regimes are undesirable and compensatory measures need to be initiated as soon as possible after the gap, with a view to completing the amended treatment within the originally prescribed treatment time. Adequate compensation is particularly difficult for long gaps and gaps which occur towards the end of the scheduled treatment. Modelling exercises can help establish guidelines on the available windows of opportunity
Direct Load Control (DLC) Considering Nodal Interrupted Energy Assessment Rate (NIEAR) in Restructured Power Systems
Wu, Qiuwei; Wang, Peng; Goel, Lalit
is used as the bids from the ACL customers, is utilized to determine the direct monetary compensation to the ACL customers. The proposed scheme was investigated for the PoolCo electricity market. The optimal DLC scheme is determined based on the minimum system operating cost which is comprised......A direct load control (DLC) scheme of air conditioning loads (ACL) considering direct monetary compensation to ACL customers for the service interruption caused by the DLC program is proposed in this paper for restructured power systems. The nodal interrupted energy assessment rate (NIEAR), which...... of the system energy cost, the system spinning reserve cost and the compensation cost to the ACL customers. Dynamic programming (DP) was used to obtain the optimal DLC scheme. The IEEE reliability test system (RTS) was studied to illustrate the proposed DLC scheme....
Graphical Data Analysis on the Circle: Wrap-Around Time Series Plots for (Interrupted) Time Series Designs.
Rodgers, Joseph Lee; Beasley, William Howard; Schuelke, Matthew
Many data structures, particularly time series data, are naturally seasonal, cyclical, or otherwise circular. Past graphical methods for time series have focused on linear plots. In this article, we move graphical analysis onto the circle. We focus on 2 particular methods, one old and one new. Rose diagrams are circular histograms and can be produced in several different forms using the RRose software system. In addition, we propose, develop, illustrate, and provide software support for a new circular graphical method, called Wrap-Around Time Series Plots (WATS Plots), which is a graphical method useful to support time series analyses in general but in particular in relation to interrupted time series designs. We illustrate the use of WATS Plots with an interrupted time series design evaluating the effect of the Oklahoma City bombing on birthrates in Oklahoma County during the 10Â years surrounding the bombing of the Murrah Building in Oklahoma City. We compare WATS Plots with linear time series representations and overlay them with smoothing and error bands. Each method is shown to have advantages in relation to the other; in our example, the WATS Plots more clearly show the existence and effect size of the fertility differential.
Using forecast modelling to evaluate treatment effects in single-group interrupted time series analysis.
Linden, Ariel
Interrupted time series analysis (ITSA) is an evaluation methodology in which a single treatment unit's outcome is studied serially over time and the intervention is expected to "interrupt" the level and/or trend of that outcome. ITSA is commonly evaluated using methods which may produce biased results if model assumptions are violated. In this paper, treatment effects are alternatively assessed by using forecasting methods to closely fit the preintervention observations and then forecast the post-intervention trend. A treatment effect may be inferred if the actual post-intervention observations diverge from the forecasts by some specified amount. The forecasting approach is demonstrated using the effect of California's Proposition 99 for reducing cigarette sales. Three forecast models are fit to the preintervention series-linear regression (REG), Holt-Winters (HW) non-seasonal smoothing, and autoregressive moving average (ARIMA)-and forecasts are generated into the post-intervention period. The actual observations are then compared with the forecasts to assess intervention effects. The preintervention data were fit best by HW, followed closely by ARIMA. REG fit the data poorly. The actual post-intervention observations were above the forecasts in HW and ARIMA, suggesting no intervention effect, but below the forecasts in the REG (suggesting a treatment effect), thereby raising doubts about any definitive conclusion of a treatment effect. In a single-group ITSA, treatment effects are likely to be biased if the model is misspecified. Therefore, evaluators should consider using forecast models to accurately fit the preintervention data and generate plausible counterfactual forecasts, thereby improving causal inference of treatment effects in single-group ITSA studies. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interrupted time-series analysis of regulations to reduce paracetamol (acetaminophen poisoning.
Oliver W Morgan
Full Text Available Paracetamol (acetaminophen poisoning is the leading cause of acute liver failure in Great Britain and the United States. Successful interventions to reduced harm from paracetamol poisoning are needed. To achieve this, the government of the United Kingdom introduced legislation in 1998 limiting the pack size of paracetamol sold in shops. Several studies have reported recent decreases in fatal poisonings involving paracetamol. We use interrupted time-series analysis to evaluate whether the recent fall in the number of paracetamol deaths is different to trends in fatal poisoning involving aspirin, paracetamol compounds, antidepressants, or nondrug poisoning suicide.We calculated directly age-standardised mortality rates for paracetamol poisoning in England and Wales from 1993 to 2004. We used an ordinary least-squares regression model divided into pre- and postintervention segments at 1999. The model included a term for autocorrelation within the time series. We tested for changes in the level and slope between the pre- and postintervention segments. To assess whether observed changes in the time series were unique to paracetamol, we compared against poisoning deaths involving compound paracetamol (not covered by the regulations, aspirin, antidepressants, and nonpoisoning suicide deaths. We did this comparison by calculating a ratio of each comparison series with paracetamol and applying a segmented regression model to the ratios. No change in the ratio level or slope indicated no difference compared to the control series. There were about 2,200 deaths involving paracetamol. The age-standardised mortality rate rose from 8.1 per million in 1993 to 8.8 per million in 1997, subsequently falling to about 5.3 per million in 2004. After the regulations were introduced, deaths dropped by 2.69 per million (p = 0.003. Trends in the age-standardised mortality rate for paracetamol compounds, aspirin, and antidepressants were broadly similar to paracetamol
Real-Time Predictions of Reservoir Size and Rebound Time during Antiretroviral Therapy Interruption Trials for HIV.
Alison L Hill
Full Text Available Monitoring the efficacy of novel reservoir-reducing treatments for HIV is challenging. The limited ability to sample and quantify latent infection means that supervised antiretroviral therapy (ART interruption studies are generally required. Here we introduce a set of mathematical and statistical modeling tools to aid in the design and interpretation of ART-interruption trials. We show how the likely size of the remaining reservoir can be updated in real-time as patients continue off treatment, by combining the output of laboratory assays with insights from models of reservoir dynamics and rebound. We design an optimal schedule for viral load sampling during interruption, whereby the frequency of follow-up can be decreased as patients continue off ART without rebound. While this scheme can minimize costs when the chance of rebound between visits is low, we find that the reservoir will be almost completely reseeded before rebound is detected unless sampling occurs at least every two weeks and the most sensitive viral load assays are used. We use simulated data to predict the clinical trial size needed to estimate treatment effects in the face of highly variable patient outcomes and imperfect reservoir assays. Our findings suggest that large numbers of patients-between 40 and 150-will be necessary to reliably estimate the reservoir-reducing potential of a new therapy and to compare this across interventions. As an example, we apply these methods to the two "Boston patients", recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplants who experienced large reductions in latent infection and underwent ART-interruption. We argue that the timing of viral rebound was not particularly surprising given the information available before treatment cessation. Additionally, we show how other clinical data can be used to estimate the relative contribution that remaining HIV+ cells in the recipient versus newly infected cells from the donor made to the
Examining the Internal Validity and Statistical Precision of the Comparative Interrupted Time Series Design by Comparison with a Randomized Experiment
St.Clair, Travis; Cook, Thomas D.; Hallberg, Kelly
Although evaluators often use an interrupted time series (ITS) design to test hypotheses about program effects, there are few empirical tests of the design's validity. We take a randomized experiment on an educational topic and compare its effects to those from a comparative ITS (CITS) design that uses the same treatment group as the experiment…
The Validity and Precision of the Comparative Interrupted Time-Series Design: Three Within-Study Comparisons
St. Clair, Travis; Hallberg, Kelly; Cook, Thomas D.
We explore the conditions under which short, comparative interrupted time-series (CITS) designs represent valid alternatives to randomized experiments in educational evaluations. To do so, we conduct three within-study comparisons, each of which uses a unique data set to test the validity of the CITS design by comparing its causal estimates to…
Effect of an evidence-based website on healthcare usage: an interrupted time-series study
Spoelman, Wouter A; Bonten, Tobias N; de Waal, Margot W M; Drenthen, Ton; Smeele, Ivo J M; Nielen, Markus M J; Chavannes, Niels H
Objectives Healthcare costs and usage are rising. Evidence-based online health information may reduce healthcare usage, but the evidence is scarce. The objective of this study was to determine whether the release of a nationwide evidence-based health website was associated with a reduction in healthcare usage. Design Interrupted time series analysis of observational primary care data of healthcare use in the Netherlands from 2009 to 2014. Setting General community primary care. Population 912 000 patients who visited their general practitioners 18.1 million times during the study period. Intervention In March 2012, an evidence-based health information website was launched by the Dutch College of General Practitioners. It was easily accessible and understandable using plain language. At the end of the study period, the website had 2.9 million unique page views per month. Main outcomes measures Primary outcome was the change in consultation rate (consultations/1000 patients/month) before and after the release of the website. Additionally, a reference group was created by including consultations about topics not being viewed at the website. Subgroup analyses were performed for type of consultations, sex, age and socioeconomic status. Results After launch of the website, the trend in consultation rate decreased with 1.620 consultations/1000 patients/month (p<0.001). This corresponds to a 12% decline in consultations 2 years after launch of the website. The trend in consultation rate of the reference group showed no change. The subgroup analyses showed a specific decline for consultations by phone and were significant for all other subgroups, except for the youngest age group. Conclusions Healthcare usage decreased by 12% after providing high-quality evidence-based online health information. These findings show that e-Health can be effective to improve self-management and reduce healthcare usage in times of increasing healthcare costs. PMID:28186945
Effect of an evidence-based website on healthcare usage: an interrupted time-series study.
Healthcare costs and usage are rising. Evidence-based online health information may reduce healthcare usage, but the evidence is scarce. The objective of this study was to determine whether the release of a nationwide evidence-based health website was associated with a reduction in healthcare usage. Interrupted time series analysis of observational primary care data of healthcare use in the Netherlands from 2009 to 2014. General community primary care. 912 000 patients who visited their general practitioners 18.1 million times during the study period. In March 2012, an evidence-based health information website was launched by the Dutch College of General Practitioners. It was easily accessible and understandable using plain language. At the end of the study period, the website had 2.9 million unique page views per month. Primary outcome was the change in consultation rate (consultations/1000 patients/month) before and after the release of the website. Additionally, a reference group was created by including consultations about topics not being viewed at the website. Subgroup analyses were performed for type of consultations, sex, age and socioeconomic status. After launch of the website, the trend in consultation rate decreased with 1.620 consultations/1000 patients/month (pHealthcare usage decreased by 12% after providing high-quality evidence-based online health information. These findings show that e-Health can be effective to improve self-management and reduce healthcare usage in times of increasing healthcare costs. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.
Evaluating the impact of flexible alcohol trading hours on violence: an interrupted time series analysis.
David K Humphreys
Full Text Available On November 24(th 2005, the Government of England and Wales removed regulatory restrictions on the times at which licensed premises could sell alcohol. This study tests availability theory by treating the implementation of Licensing Act (2003 as a natural experiment in alcohol policy.An interrupted time series design was employed to estimate the Act's immediate and delayed impact on violence in the City of Manchester (Population 464,200. We collected police recorded rates of violence, robbery, and total crime between the 1st of February 2004 and the 31st of December 2007. Events were aggregated by week, yielding a total of 204 observations (95 pre-, and 109 post-intervention. Secondary analysis examined changes in daily patterns of violence. Pre- and post-intervention events were separated into four three-hour segments 18∶00-20∶59, 21∶00-23.59, 00∶00-02∶59, 03∶00-05∶59.Analysis found no evidence that the Licensing Act (2003 affected the overall volume of violence. However, analyses of night-time violence found a gradual and permanent shift of weekend violence into later parts of the night. The results estimated an initial increase of 27.5% between 03∶00 to 06∶00 (ω = 0.2433, 95% CI = 0.06, 0.42, which increased to 36% by the end of the study period (δ = -0.897, 95% CI = -1.02, -0.77.This study found no evidence that a national policy increasing the physical availability of alcohol affected the overall volume of violence. There was, however, evidence suggesting that the policy may be associated with changes to patterns of violence in the early morning (3 a.m. to 6 a.m..
A knowledge translation tool improved osteoporosis disease management in primary care: an interrupted time series analysis.
Kastner, Monika; Sawka, Anna M; Hamid, Jemila; Chen, Maggie; Thorpe, Kevin; Chignell, Mark; Ewusie, Joycelyne; Marquez, Christine; Newton, David; Straus, Sharon E
Osteoporosis affects over 200 million people worldwide at a high cost to healthcare systems, yet gaps in management still exist. In response, we developed a multi-component osteoporosis knowledge translation (Op-KT) tool involving a patient-initiated risk assessment questionnaire (RAQ), which generates individualized best practice recommendations for physicians and customized education for patients at the point of care. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Op-KT tool for appropriate disease management by physicians. The Op-KT tool was evaluated using an interrupted time series design. This involved multiple assessments of the outcomes 12 months before (baseline) and 12 months after tool implementation (52 data points in total). Inclusion criteria were family physicians and their patients at risk for osteoporosis (women aged ≥ 50 years, men aged ≥ 65 years). Primary outcomes were the initiation of appropriate osteoporosis screening and treatment. Analyses included segmented linear regression modeling and analysis of variance. The Op-KT tool was implemented in three family practices in Ontario, Canada representing 5 family physicians with 2840 age eligible patients (mean age 67 years; 76% women). Time series regression models showed an overall increase from baseline in the initiation of screening (3.4%; P management addressed by their physician. Study limitations included the inherent susceptibility of our design compared with a randomized trial. The multicomponent Op-KT tool significantly increased osteoporosis investigations in three family practices, and highlights its potential to facilitate patient self-management. Next steps include wider implementation and evaluation of the tool in primary care.
Improving prehospital trauma care in Rwanda through continuous quality improvement: an interrupted time series analysis.
Scott, John W; Nyinawankusi, Jeanne D'Arc; Enumah, Samuel; Maine, Rebecca; Uwitonze, Eric; Hu, Yihan; Kabagema, Ignace; Byiringiro, Jean Claude; Riviello, Robert; Jayaraman, Sudha
Injury is a major cause of premature death and disability in East Africa, and high-quality pre-hospital care is essential for optimal trauma outcomes. The Rwandan pre-hospital emergency care service (SAMU) uses an electronic database to evaluate and optimize pre-hospital care through a continuous quality improvement programme (CQIP), beginning March 2014. The SAMU database was used to assess pre-hospital quality metrics including supplementary oxygen for hypoxia (O2), intravenous fluids for hypotension (IVF), cervical collar placement for head injuries (c-collar), and either splinting (splint) or administration of pain medications (pain) for long bone fractures. Targets of >90% were set for each metric and daily team meetings and monthly feedback sessions were implemented to address opportunities for improvement. These five pre-hospital quality metrics were assessed monthly before and after implementation of the CQIP. Met and unmet needs for O2, IVF, and c-collar were combined into a summative monthly SAMU Trauma Quality Scores (STQ score). An interrupted time series linear regression model compared the STQ score during 14 months before the CQIP implementation to the first 14 months after. During the 29-month study period 3,822 patients met study criteria. 1,028 patients needed one or more of the five studied interventions during the study period. All five endpoints had a significant increase between the pre-CQI and post-CQI periods (pRwanda. This programme may be used as an example for additional efforts engaging frontline staff with real-time data feedback in order to rapidly translate data collection efforts into improved care for the injured in a resource-limited setting. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The effects of pay for performance on disparities in stroke, hypertension, and coronary heart disease management: interrupted time series study.
Lee, John Tayu; Netuveli, Gopalakrishnan; Majeed, Azeem; Millett, Christopher
The Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF), a major pay-for-performance programme, was introduced into United Kingdom primary care in April 2004. The impact of this programme on disparities in health care remains unclear. This study examines the following questions: has this pay for performance programme improved the quality of care for coronary heart disease, stroke and hypertension in white, black and south Asian patients? Has this programme reduced disparities in the quality of care between these ethnic groups? Did general practices with different baseline performance respond differently to this programme? Retrospective cohort study of patients registered with family practices in Wandsworth, London during 2007. Segmented regression analysis of interrupted time series was used to take into account the previous time trend. Primary outcome measures were mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Our findings suggest that the implementation of QOF resulted in significant short term improvements in blood pressure control. The magnitude of benefit varied between ethnic groups with a statistically significant short term reduction in systolic BP in white and black but not in south Asian patients with hypertension. Disparities in risk factor control were attenuated only on few measures and largely remained intact at the end of the study period. Pay for performance programmes such as the QOF in the UK should set challenging but achievable targets. Specific targets aimed at reducing ethnic disparities in health care may also be needed.
Optogenetic control of thalamus as a tool for interrupting penicillin induced seizures.
Han, Yechao; Ma, Feiqiang; Li, Hongbao; Wang, Yueming; Xu, Kedi
Penicillin epilepsy model, whose discharge resembles that of human absence epilepsy, is one of the most useful acute experimental epilepsy models. Though closed-loop optogenetic strategy of interrupting seizures was proved sufficient to switch off epilepsy by controlling thalamus in the post-lesion partial chronic epilepsy model, doubts still exist in absence epilepsy attenuation through silencing thalamus. Here we directly arrested the thalamus to modulate penicillin-induced absence seizures through pseudorandom responsive stimulation on eNpHR-transfected rats. Our data suggested that the duration of epileptiform bursts under light conditions, compared with no light conditions, did not increase or decrease when modulated specific eNpHR-expressing neurons in thalamus.
Impact of STROBE statement publication on quality of observational study reporting: interrupted time series versus before-after analysis.
Sylvie Bastuji-Garin
Full Text Available In uncontrolled before-after studies, CONSORT was shown to improve the reporting of randomised trials. Before-after studies ignore underlying secular trends and may overestimate the impact of interventions. Our aim was to assess the impact of the 2007 STROBE statement publication on the quality of observational study reporting, using both uncontrolled before-after analyses and interrupted time series.For this quasi-experimental study, original articles reporting cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies published between 2004 and 2010 in the four dermatological journals having the highest 5-year impact factors (≥ 4 were selected. We compared the proportions of STROBE items (STROBE score adequately reported in each article during three periods, two pre STROBE period (2004-2005 and 2006-2007 and one post STROBE period (2008-2010. Segmented regression analysis of interrupted time series was also performed.Of the 456 included articles, 187 (41% reported cohort studies, 166 (36.4% cross-sectional studies, and 103 (22.6% case-control studies. The median STROBE score was 57% (range, 18%-98%. Before-after analysis evidenced significant STROBE score increases between the two pre-STROBE periods and between the earliest pre-STROBE period and the post-STROBE period (median score2004-05 48% versus median score2008-10 58%, p<0.001 but not between the immediate pre-STROBE period and the post-STROBE period (median score2006-07 58% versus median score2008-10 58%, p = 0.42. In the pre STROBE period, the six-monthly mean STROBE score increased significantly, by 1.19% per six-month period (absolute increase 95%CI, 0.26% to 2.11%, p = 0.016. By segmented analysis, no significant changes in STROBE score trends occurred (-0.40%; 95%CI, -2.20 to 1.41; p = 0.64 in the post STROBE statement publication.The quality of reports increased over time but was not affected by STROBE. Our findings raise concerns about the relevance of uncontrolled before
An Interrupted Time-Series Analysis of Durkheim's Social Deregulation Thesis: The Case of the Russian Federation.
Pridemore, William Alex; Chamlin, Mitchell B; Cochran, John K
The dissolution of the Soviet Union resulted in sudden, widespread, and fundamental changes to Russian society. The former social welfare system-with its broad guarantees of employment, healthcare, education, and other forms of social support-was dismantled in the shift toward democracy, rule of law, and a free-market economy. This unique natural experiment provides a rare opportunity to examine the potentially disintegrative effects of rapid social change on deviance, and thus to evaluate one of Durkheim's core tenets. We took advantage of this opportunity by performing interrupted time-series analyses of annual age-adjusted homicide, suicide, and alcohol-related mortality rates for the Russian Federation using data from 1956 to 2002, with 1992-2002 as the postintervention time-frame. The ARIMA models indicate that, controlling for the long-term processes that generated these three time series, the breakup of the Soviet Union was associated with an appreciable increase in each of the cause-of-death rates. We interpret these findings as being consistent with the Durkheimian hypothesis that rapid social change disrupts social order, thereby increasing the level of crime and deviance.
An Interrupted Time-Series Analysis of Durkheim's Social Deregulation Thesis: The Case of the Russian Federation
Pridemore, William Alex; Chamlin, Mitchell B.; Cochran, John K.
The dissolution of the Soviet Union resulted in sudden, widespread, and fundamental changes to Russian society. The former social welfare system-with its broad guarantees of employment, healthcare, education, and other forms of social support-was dismantled in the shift toward democracy, rule of law, and a free-market economy. This unique natural experiment provides a rare opportunity to examine the potentially disintegrative effects of rapid social change on deviance, and thus to evaluate one of Durkheim's core tenets. We took advantage of this opportunity by performing interrupted time-series analyses of annual age-adjusted homicide, suicide, and alcohol-related mortality rates for the Russian Federation using data from 1956 to 2002, with 1992-2002 as the postintervention time-frame. The ARIMA models indicate that, controlling for the long-term processes that generated these three time series, the breakup of the Soviet Union was associated with an appreciable increase in each of the cause-of-death rates. We interpret these findings as being consistent with the Durkheimian hypothesis that rapid social change disrupts social order, thereby increasing the level of crime and deviance. PMID:20165565
Immune control of HIV-1 infection after therapy interruption: immediate versus deferred antiretroviral therapy
Bernaschi Massimo
Full Text Available Abstract Background The optimal stage for initiating antiretroviral therapies in HIV-1 bearing patients is still a matter of debate. Methods We present computer simulations of HIV-1 infection aimed at identifying the pro et contra of immediate as compared to deferred Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART. Results Our simulations highlight that a prompt specific CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes response is detected when therapy is delayed. Compared to very early initiation of HAART, in deferred treated patients CD8+ T cells manage to mediate the decline of viremia in a shorter time and, at interruption of therapy, the virus experiences a stronger immune pressure. We also observe, however, that the immunological effects of the therapy fade with time in both therapeutic regimens. Thus, within one year from discontinuation, viral burden recovers to the value at which it would level off in the absence of therapy. In summary, simulations show that immediate therapy does not prolong the disease-free period and does not confer a survival benefit when compared to treatment started during the chronic infection phase. Conclusion Our conclusion is that, since there is no therapy to date that guarantees life-long protection, deferral of therapy should be preferred in order to minimize the risk of adverse effects, the occurrence of drug resistances and the costs of treatment.
Impact of a COPD discharge care bundle on readmissions following admission with acute exacerbation: interrupted time series analysis.
Anthony A Laverty
Full Text Available We evaluated the impact of a COPD discharge care bundle on readmission rates following hospitalisation with an acute exacerbation.Interrupted time series analysis, comparing readmission rates for COPD exacerbations at nine trusts that introduced the bundle, to two comparison groups; (1 other NHS trusts in London and (2 all other NHS trusts in England. Care bundles were implemented at different times for different NHS trusts, ranging from October 2009 to April 2011.Nine NHS acute trusts in the London, England.Patients aged 45 years and older admitted to an NHS acute hospital in England for acute exacerbation of COPD. Data come from Hospital Episode Statistics, April 2002 to March 2012.Annual trend readmission rates (and in total bed days within 7, 28 and 90 days, before and after implementation.In hospitals introducing the bundle readmission rates were rising before implementation and falling afterwards (e.g. readmissions within 28 days +2.13% per annum (pa pre and -5.32% pa post (p for difference in trends = 0.012. Following implementation, readmission rates within 7 and 28 day were falling faster than among other trusts in London, although this was not statistically significant (e.g. readmissions within 28 days -4.6% pa vs. -3.2% pa, p = 0.44. Comparisons with a national control group were similar.The COPD discharge care bundle appeared to be associated with a reduction in readmission rate among hospitals using it. The significance of this is unclear because of changes to background trends in London and nationally.
Multifaceted academic detailing program to increase pharmacotherapy for alcohol use disorder: interrupted time series evaluation of effectiveness.
Harris, Alex H S; Bowe, Thomas; Hagedorn, Hildi; Nevedal, Andrea; Finlay, Andrea K; Gidwani, Risha; Rosen, Craig; Kay, Chad; Christopher, Melissa
Active consideration of effective medications to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a consensus standard of care, yet knowledge and use of these medications are very low across diverse settings. This study evaluated the overall effectiveness a multifaceted academic detailing program to address this persistent quality problem in the US Veterans Health Administration (VHA), as well as the context and process factors that explained variation in effectiveness across sites. An interrupted time series design, analyzed with mixed-effects segmented logistic regression, was used to evaluate changes in level and rate of change in the monthly percent of patients with a clinically documented AUD who received naltrexone, acamprosate, disulfiram, or topiramate. Using data from a 20 month post-implementation period, intervention sites (n = 37) were compared to their own 16 month pre-implementation performance and separately to the rest of VHA. From immediately pre-intervention to the end of the observation period, the percent of patients in the intervention sites with AUD who received medication increased over 3.4 % in absolute terms and 68 % in relative terms (i.e., 4.9-8.3 %). This change was significant compared to the pre-implementation period in the intervention sites and secular trends in control sites. Sites with lower pre-implementation adoption, more person hours of detailing, but fewer people detailed, had larger immediate increases in medication receipt after implementation. The average number of detailing encounters per person was associated with steeper increases in slope over time. This study found empirical support for a multifaceted quality improvement strategy aimed at increasing access to and utilization of pharmacotherapy for AUD. Future studies should focus on determining how to enhance the programs effects, especially in non-responsive locations.
Measuring Quality Improvement in Acute Ischemic Stroke Care: Interrupted Time Series Analysis of Door-to-Needle Time
Anne Margreet van Dishoeck
Full Text Available Background: In patients with acute ischemic stroke, early treatment with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA improves functional outcome by effectively reducing disability and dependency. Timely thrombolysis, within 1 h, is a vital aspect of acute stroke treatment, and is reflected in the widely used performance indicator ‘door-to-needle time' (DNT. DNT measures the time from the moment the patient enters the emergency department until he/she receives intravenous rtPA. The purpose of the study was to measure quality improvement from the first implementation of thrombolysis in stroke patients in a university hospital in the Netherlands. We further aimed to identify specific interventions that affect DNT. Methods: We included all patients with acute ischemic stroke consecutively admitted to a large university hospital in the Netherlands between January 2006 and December 2012, and focused on those treated with thrombolytic therapy on admission. Data were collected routinely for research purposes and internal quality measurement (the Erasmus Stroke Study. We used a retrospective interrupted time series design to study the trend in DNT, analyzed by means of segmented regression. Results: Between January 2006 and December 2012, 1,703 patients with ischemic stroke were admitted and 262 (17% were treated with rtPA. Patients treated with thrombolysis were on average 63 years old at the time of the stroke and 52% were male. Mean age (p = 0.58 and sex distribution (p = 0.98 did not change over the years. The proportion treated with thrombolysis increased from 5% in 2006 to 22% in 2012. In 2006, none of the patients were treated within 1 h. In 2012, this had increased to 81%. In a logistic regression analysis, this trend was significant (OR 1.6 per year, CI 1.4-1.8. The median DNT was reduced from 75 min in 2006 to 45 min in 2012 (p Conclusion and Implications: The DNT steadily improved from the first implementation of thrombolysis. Specific
Network interruptions
On Sunday 12 June 2005, a site-wide security software upgrade will be performed on all CERN network equipment. This maintenance operation will cause at least 2 short network interruptions of 2 minutes on each equipment item. There are hundreds of such items across the CERN site (Meyrin, Prévessin and all SPS and LHC pits), and it will thus take the whole day to treat them all. All network users and services will be affected. Central batch computing services will be interrupted during this period, expected to last from 8 a.m. until late evening. Job submission will still be possible but no jobs will actually be run. It is hoped to complete the computer centre upgrades in the morning so that stable access can be restored to lxplus, afs and nice services as soon as possible; this cannot be guaranteed, however. The opportunity will be used to interrupt and perform upgrades on the CERN Document Servers.
The effect of the late 2000s financial crisis on suicides in Spain: an interrupted time-series analysis.
Lopez Bernal, James A; Gasparrini, Antonio; Artundo, Carlos M; McKee, Martin
The current financial crisis is having a major impact on European economies, especially that of Spain. Past evidence suggests that adverse macro-economic conditions exacerbate mental illness, but evidence from the current crisis is limited. This study analyses the association between the financial crisis and suicide rates in Spain. An interrupted time-series analysis of national suicides data between 2005 and 2010 was used to establish whether there has been any deviation in the underlying trend in suicide rates associated with the financial crisis. Segmented regression with a seasonally adjusted quasi-Poisson model was used for the analysis. Stratified analyses were performed to establish whether the effect of the crisis on suicides varied by region, sex and age group. The mean monthly suicide rate in Spain during the study period was 0.61 per 100 000 with an underlying trend of a 0.3% decrease per month. We found an 8.0% increase in the suicide rate above this underlying trend since the financial crisis (95% CI: 1.009-1.156; P = 0.03); this was robust to sensitivity analysis. A control analysis showed no change in deaths from accidental falls associated with the crisis. Stratified analyses suggested that the association between the crisis and suicide rates is greatest in the Mediterranean and Northern areas, in males and amongst those of working age. The financial crisis in Spain has been associated with a relative increase in suicides. Males and those of working age may be at particular risk of suicide associated with the crisis and may benefit from targeted interventions.
Effect of a population-level performance dashboard intervention on maternal-newborn outcomes: an interrupted time series study.
Weiss, Deborah; Dunn, Sandra I; Sprague, Ann E; Fell, Deshayne B; Grimshaw, Jeremy M; Darling, Elizabeth; Graham, Ian D; Harrold, JoAnn; Smith, Graeme N; Peterson, Wendy E; Reszel, Jessica; Lanes, Andrea; Walker, Mark C; Taljaard, Monica
To assess the effect of the Maternal Newborn Dashboard on six key clinical performance indicators in the province of Ontario, Canada. Interrupted time series using population-based data from the provincial birth registry covering a 3-year period before implementation of the Dashboard and 2.5 years after implementation (November 2009 through March 2015). All hospitals in the province of Ontario providing maternal-newborn care (n=94). A hospital-based online audit and feedback programme. Rates of the six performance indicators included in the Dashboard. 2.5 years after implementation, the audit and feedback programme was associated with statistically significant absolute decreases in the rates of episiotomy (decrease of 1.5 per 100 women, 95% CI 0.64 to 2.39), induction for postdates in women who were less than 41 weeks at delivery (decrease of 11.7 per 100 women, 95% CI 7.4 to 16.0), repeat caesarean delivery in low-risk women performed before 39 weeks (decrease of 10.4 per 100 women, 95% CI 9.3 to 11.5) and an absolute increase in the rate of appropriately timed group B streptococcus screening (increase of 2.8 per 100, 95% CI 2.2 to 3.5). The audit and feedback programme did not significantly affect the rates of unsatisfactory newborn screening blood samples or formula supplementation at discharge. No statistically significant effects were observed for the two internal control outcomes or the four external control indicators-in fact, two external control indicators (episiotomy and postdates induction) worsened relative to before implementation. An electronic audit and feedback programme implemented in maternal-newborn hospitals was associated with clinically relevant practice improvements at the provincial level in the majority of targeted indicators. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.
Interrupting Prolonged Sitting with Regular Activity Breaks does not Acutely Influence Appetite: A Randomised Controlled Trial.
Mete, Evelyn M; Perry, Tracy L; Haszard, Jillian J; Homer, Ashleigh R; Fenemor, Stephen P; Rehrer, Nancy J; Skeaff, C Murray; Peddie, Meredith C
Regular activity breaks increase energy expenditure; however, this may promote compensatory eating behaviour. The present study compared the effects of regular activity breaks and prolonged sitting on appetite. In a randomised, cross-over trial, 36 healthy adults (BMI (Body Mass Index) 23.9 kg/m² (S.D. = 3.9)) completed four, two-day interventions: two with prolonged sitting (SIT), and two with sitting and 2 min of walking every 30 min (RAB). Standardized meals were provided throughout the intervention, with an ad libitum meal at the end of Day 2. Appetite and satiety were assessed throughout both days of each intervention using five visual analogue scales. The five responses were combined into a single appetite response at each time point. The area under the appetite response curve (AUC) was calculated for each day. Intervention effects for appetite response AUC and ad libitum meal intake were tested using linear mixed models. Appetite AUC did not differ between interventions (standardised effect of RAB compared to SIT: Day 1: 0.11; 95% CI: -0.28, 0.06; p = 0.212; Day 2: 0.04; 95% CI: -0.15, 0.24; p = 0.648). There was no significant difference in energy consumed at the ad libitum lunch meal on Day 2 between RAB and SIT. Interrupting prolonged sitting with regular activity breaks does not acutely influence appetite or volume of food consumed, despite inferred increases in energy expenditure. Longer-term investigation into the effects of regular activity breaks on energy balance is warranted.
Interrupting Prolonged Sitting with Regular Activity Breaks does not Acutely Influence Appetite: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Evelyn M. Mete
Full Text Available Regular activity breaks increase energy expenditure; however, this may promote compensatory eating behaviour. The present study compared the effects of regular activity breaks and prolonged sitting on appetite. In a randomised, cross-over trial, 36 healthy adults (BMI (Body Mass Index 23.9 kg/m2 (S.D. = 3.9 completed four, two-day interventions: two with prolonged sitting (SIT, and two with sitting and 2 min of walking every 30 min (RAB. Standardized meals were provided throughout the intervention, with an ad libitum meal at the end of Day 2. Appetite and satiety were assessed throughout both days of each intervention using five visual analogue scales. The five responses were combined into a single appetite response at each time point. The area under the appetite response curve (AUC was calculated for each day. Intervention effects for appetite response AUC and ad libitum meal intake were tested using linear mixed models. Appetite AUC did not differ between interventions (standardised effect of RAB compared to SIT: Day 1: 0.11; 95% CI: −0.28, 0.06; p = 0.212; Day 2: 0.04; 95% CI: −0.15, 0.24; p = 0.648. There was no significant difference in energy consumed at the ad libitum lunch meal on Day 2 between RAB and SIT. Interrupting prolonged sitting with regular activity breaks does not acutely influence appetite or volume of food consumed, despite inferred increases in energy expenditure. Longer-term investigation into the effects of regular activity breaks on energy balance is warranted.
A combination of subcuticular suture and sterile Micropore tape compared with conventional interrupted sutures for skin closure. A controlled trial.
Taube, M.; Porter, R. J.; Lord, P. H.
We have conducted a controlled trial to compare skin closure using conventional interrupted sutures with a combination of subcuticular suture and sterile Micropore tape in 169 patients undergoing appendicectomy, inguinal herniorrhaphy, or saphenofemoral ligation. We have found that the combination technique consistently gives a better cosmetic result and that the tape acts well as a dressing, is convenient, and is well tolerated by patients. Images Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Fig. 3 Fig. 4 PMID:6344732
Researches on Nutritional Behaviour in Romanian Black and White Primiparous Cows. Interruptions Number and their Duration in the Ration Consumption Time
Silvia Erina
Full Text Available The study was carried out on 9 Romanian Black and White primiparous cows. The aim of this study was todetermine some aspect of nutritional behaviour of the cows. During the experiments, the following behaviour aspectswere determined: interruption number and their duration in the feed consumption time. Results showed that theadministration order of forages had an influence on the interruptions number, which was 0.74 less for hay in fibroussucculentorder (O1. For silage, the interruption number was 0.42 higher in fibrous-succulent order (O1. Betweenportion 1 (P1 and portion 3 (P3, the significant difference (p<0.05 was for interruptions duration, duringconsumption silage, in favour portion P1. Distinct significant differences (p<0.01 was observed for the interruptionnumber during consumption silage (0.95 sec. higher in P1 than in P3, for interruption duration (5.96 sec. higher inP1 than in P3. Between P2 and P3, significant difference (p<0.05 was observed for interruptions number duringconsumption silage and for average interruptions duration during consumption beet in favour to portion P2.Regarding the number of feedings per portion, always the differences were higher in the second feeding F1 than inthe first feeding F2.
Water Supply Interruptions and Suspected Cholera Incidence: A Time-Series Regression in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Jeandron, Aurélie; Saidi, Jaime Mufitini; Kapama, Alois; Burhole, Manu; Birembano, Freddy; Vandevelde, Thierry; Gasparrini, Antonio; Armstrong, Ben; Cairncross, Sandy; Ensink, Jeroen H. J.
Background The eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo have been identified as endemic areas for cholera transmission, and despite continuous control efforts, they continue to experience regular cholera outbreaks that occasionally spread to the rest of the country. In a region where access to improved water sources is particularly poor, the question of which improvements in water access should be prioritized to address cholera transmission remains unresolved. This study aimed at investigating the temporal association between water supply interruptions and Cholera Treatment Centre (CTC) admissions in a medium-sized town. Methods and Findings Time-series patterns of daily incidence of suspected cholera cases admitted to the Cholera Treatment Centre in Uvira in South Kivu Province between 2009 and 2014 were examined in relation to the daily variations in volume of water supplied by the town water treatment plant. Quasi-poisson regression and distributed lag nonlinear models up to 12 d were used, adjusting for daily precipitation rates, day of the week, and seasonal variations. A total of 5,745 patients over 5 y of age with acute watery diarrhoea symptoms were admitted to the CTC over the study period of 1,946 d. Following a day without tap water supply, the suspected cholera incidence rate increased on average by 155% over the next 12 d, corresponding to a rate ratio of 2.55 (95% CI: 1.54–4.24), compared to the incidence experienced after a day with optimal production (defined as the 95th percentile—4,794 m3). Suspected cholera cases attributable to a suboptimal tap water supply reached 23.2% of total admissions (95% CI 11.4%–33.2%). Although generally reporting less admissions to the CTC, neighbourhoods with a higher consumption of tap water were more affected by water supply interruptions, with a rate ratio of 3.71 (95% CI: 1.91–7.20) and an attributable fraction of cases of 31.4% (95% CI: 17.3%–42.5%). The analysis did not suggest any
Water supply interruptions and suspected cholera incidence: a time-series regression in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Jeandron, Aurélie; Saidi, Jaime Mufitini; Kapama, Alois; Burhole, Manu; Birembano, Freddy; Vandevelde, Thierry; Gasparrini, Antonio; Armstrong, Ben; Cairncross, Sandy; Ensink, Jeroen H J
The eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo have been identified as endemic areas for cholera transmission, and despite continuous control efforts, they continue to experience regular cholera outbreaks that occasionally spread to the rest of the country. In a region where access to improved water sources is particularly poor, the question of which improvements in water access should be prioritized to address cholera transmission remains unresolved. This study aimed at investigating the temporal association between water supply interruptions and Cholera Treatment Centre (CTC) admissions in a medium-sized town. Time-series patterns of daily incidence of suspected cholera cases admitted to the Cholera Treatment Centre in Uvira in South Kivu Province between 2009 and 2014 were examined in relation to the daily variations in volume of water supplied by the town water treatment plant. Quasi-poisson regression and distributed lag nonlinear models up to 12 d were used, adjusting for daily precipitation rates, day of the week, and seasonal variations. A total of 5,745 patients over 5 y of age with acute watery diarrhoea symptoms were admitted to the CTC over the study period of 1,946 d. Following a day without tap water supply, the suspected cholera incidence rate increased on average by 155% over the next 12 d, corresponding to a rate ratio of 2.55 (95% CI: 1.54-4.24), compared to the incidence experienced after a day with optimal production (defined as the 95th percentile-4,794 m3). Suspected cholera cases attributable to a suboptimal tap water supply reached 23.2% of total admissions (95% CI 11.4%-33.2%). Although generally reporting less admissions to the CTC, neighbourhoods with a higher consumption of tap water were more affected by water supply interruptions, with a rate ratio of 3.71 (95% CI: 1.91-7.20) and an attributable fraction of cases of 31.4% (95% CI: 17.3%-42.5%). The analysis did not suggest any association between levels of residual
Just-in-time preemptive single machine problem with costs of earliness/tardiness, interruption and work-in-process
Mohammad Kazemi
Full Text Available This paper considers preemption and idle time are allowed in a single machine scheduling problem with just-in-time (JIT approach. It incorporates Earliness/Tardiness (E/T penalties, interruption penalties and holding cost of jobs which are waiting to be processed as work-in-process (WIP. Generally in non-preemptive problems, E/T penalties are a function of the completion time of the jobs. Then, we introduce a non-linear preemptive scheduling model where the earliness penalty depends on the starting time of a job. The model is liberalized by an elaborately–designed procedure to reach the optimum solution. To validate and verify the performance of proposed model, computational results are presented by solving a number of numerical examples.
General bulk service queueing system with N-policy, multiplevacations, setup time and server breakdown without interruption
Sasikala, S.; Indhira, K.; Chandrasekaran, V. M.
In this paper, we have considered an MX / (a,b) / 1 queueing system with server breakdown without interruption, multiple vacations, setup times and N-policy. After a batch of service, if the size of the queue is ξ (customers in the queue. After a vacation, if the server finds at least N customers waiting for service, then the server needs a setup time to start the service. After a batch of service, if the amount of waiting customers in the queue is ξ (≥ a) then the server serves a batch of min(ξ,b) customers, where b ≥ a. We derived the probability generating function of queue length at arbitrary time epoch. Further, we obtained some important performance measures.
Segmented regression analysis of interrupted time series data to assess outcomes of a South American road traffic alcohol policy change.
Nistal-Nuño, Beatriz
In Chile, a new law introduced in March 2012 decreased the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for driving while impaired from 1 to 0.8Â g/l and the legal BAC limit for driving under the influence of alcohol from 0.5 to 0.3Â g/l. The goal is to assess the impact of this new law on mortality and morbidity outcomes in Chile. A review of national databases in Chile was conducted from January 2003 to December 2014. Segmented regression analysis of interrupted time series was used for analyzing the data. In a series of multivariable linear regression models, the change in intercept and slope in the monthly incidence rate of traffic deaths and injuries and association with alcohol per 100,000 inhabitants was estimated from pre-intervention to postintervention, while controlling for secular changes. In nested regression models, potential confounding seasonal effects were accounted for. All analyses were performed at a two-sided significance level of 0.05. Immediate level drops in all the monthly rates were observed after the law from the end of the prelaw period in the majority of models and in all the de-seasonalized models, although statistical significance was reached only in the model for injures related to alcohol. After the law, the estimated monthly rate dropped abruptly by -0.869 for injuries related to alcohol and by -0.859 adjusting for seasonality (PÂ
Sequential hand hygiene promotion contributes to a reduced nosocomial bloodstream infection rate among very low-birth weight infants: an interrupted time series over a 10-year period.
Helder, Onno K; Brug, Johannes; van Goudoever, Johannes B; Looman, Caspar W N; Reiss, Irwin K M; Kornelisse, René F
Sustained high compliance with hand hygiene (HH) is needed to reduce nosocomial bloodstream infections (NBSIs). However, over time, a wash out effect often occurs. We studied the long-term effect of sequential HH-promoting interventions. An observational study with an interrupted time series analysis of the occurrence of NBSI was performed in very low-birth weight (VLBW) infants. Interventions consisted of an education program, gain-framed screen saver messages, and an infection prevention week with an introduction on consistent glove use. A total of 1,964 VLBW infants admitted between January 1, 2002, and December 31, 2011, were studied. The proportion of infants with ≥1 NBSI decreased from 47.6%-21.2% (P Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.
A robust interrupted time series model for analyzing complex health care intervention data
Cruz, Maricela
Current health policy calls for greater use of evidence-based care delivery services to improve patient quality and safety outcomes. Care delivery is complex, with interacting and interdependent components that challenge traditional statistical analytic techniques, in particular, when modeling a time series of outcomes data that might be
Cruz, Maricela; Bender, Miriam; Ombao, Hernando
Sequential hand hygiene promotion contributes to a reduced nosocomial bloodstream infection rate among very low-birth weight infants: an interrupted time series over a 10-year period
Helder, Onno K.; Brug, Johannes; van Goudoever, Johannes B.; Looman, Caspar W. N.; Reiss, Irwin K. M.; Kornelisse, René F.
Sustained high compliance with hand hygiene (HH) is needed to reduce nosocomial bloodstream infections (NBSIs). However, over time, a wash out effect often occurs. We studied the long-term effect of sequential HH-promoting interventions. An observational study with an interrupted time series
Effect of nocturnal sound reduction on the incidence of delirium in intensive care unit patients: An interrupted time series analysis.
van de Pol, Ineke; van Iterson, Mat; Maaskant, Jolanda
Delirium in critically-ill patients is a common multifactorial disorder that is associated with various negative outcomes. It is assumed that sleep disturbances can result in an increased risk of delirium. This study hypothesized that implementing a protocol that reduces overall nocturnal sound levels improves quality of sleep and reduces the incidence of delirium in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients. This interrupted time series study was performed in an adult mixed medical and surgical 24-bed ICU. A pre-intervention group of 211 patients was compared with a post-intervention group of 210 patients after implementation of a nocturnal sound-reduction protocol. Primary outcome measures were incidence of delirium, measured by the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC) and quality of sleep, measured by the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ). Secondary outcome measures were use of sleep-inducing medication, delirium treatment medication, and patient-perceived nocturnal noise. A significant difference in slope in the percentage of delirium was observed between the pre- and post-intervention periods (-3.7% per time period, p=0.02). Quality of sleep was unaffected (0.3 per time period, p=0.85). The post-intervention group used significantly less sleep-inducing medication (psound-reduction protocol. However, reported sleep quality did not improve. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Effects of Health Insurance Interruption on Loss of Hypertension Control in Women With and Women Without HIV.
Edmonds, Andrew; Ludema, Christina; Eron, Joseph J; Cole, Stephen R; Adedimeji, Adebola A; Cohen, Mardge H; Cooper, Hannah L; Fischl, Margaret; Johnson, Mallory O; Krause, Denise D; Merenstein, Dan; Milam, Joel; Wilson, Tracey E; Adimora, Adaora A
Among low-income women with and without HIV, it is a priority to reduce age-related comorbidities, including hypertension and its sequelae. Because consistent health insurance access has been identified as an important factor in controlling many chronic diseases, we estimated the effects of coverage interruption on loss of hypertension control in a cohort of women in the United States. We analyzed prospective, longitudinal data from the Women's Interagency HIV Study. HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected women were included between 2005 and 2014 when they reported health insurance at consecutive biannual visits and had controlled hypertension, and were followed for any insurance break and loss of hypertension control. We estimated hazard ratios (HRs) by Cox proportional hazards regression with inverse-probability-of-treatment-and censoring weights (marginal structural models), and plotted the cumulative incidence of hypertension control loss. Among 890 HIV-infected women, the weighted HR for hypertension control loss comparing health insurance interruption to uninterrupted coverage was 1.37 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.99-1.91). Inclusion of AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) participation with health insurance modestly increased the HR (1.47; 95% CI, 1.04-2.07). Analysis of 272 HIV-uninfected women yielded a similar HR (1.39; 95% CI, 0.88-2.21). Additionally, there were indications of uninterrupted coverage having a protective effect on hypertension when compared with the natural course in HIV-infected (HR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.61-1.11) and HIV-uninfected (HR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.52-1.19) women. This study provides evidence that health insurance continuity promotes hypertension control in key populations. Interventions that ensure coverage stability and ADAP access should be a policy priority.
The driving and controlling techniques of compactPCI bus in VxWorks real-time operating system
Li Anzong; Ju Xiaodong; Qiao Wenxiao
CompactPCI bus and interface featuring, the content and function of PCI configuration register are introduced herein. The driving and controlling techniques of CompactPCI bus in VxWorks real-time operating system are detailed. Hardware interrupt handling is one of key significance in real-time systems, because it is usually through interrupts that the system is informed of external events. VxWorks allows C functions to be connected to any interrupt. A routine connected to an interrupt in this way is called an interrupt service routine (ISR). For response of interrupt, interrupt control/status register of PCI 9054 interface chip needs to be set. The general-purpose binary semaphore used in ISR is capable of addressing the requirements of both forms of task coordination: mutual exclusion and synchronization. Therefore, the system runs stably and reliably. (authors)
Incidence of infective endocarditis in England, 2000-13: a secular trend, interrupted time-series analysis.
Dayer, Mark J; Jones, Simon; Prendergast, Bernard; Baddour, Larry M; Lockhart, Peter B; Thornhill, Martin H
Antibiotic prophylaxis given before invasive dental procedures in patients at risk of developing infective endocarditis has historically been the focus of infective endocarditis prevention. Recent changes in antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines in the USA and Europe have substantially reduced the number of patients for whom antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended. In the UK, guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommended complete cessation of antibiotic prophylaxis for prevention of infective endocarditis in March, 2008. We aimed to investigate changes in the prescribing of antibiotic prophylaxis and the incidence of infective endocarditis since the introduction of these guidelines. We did a retrospective secular trend study, analysed as an interrupted time series, to investigate the effect of antibiotic prophylaxis versus no prophylaxis on the incidence of infective endocarditis in England. We analysed data for the prescription of antibiotic prophylaxis from Jan 1, 2004, to March 31, 2013, and hospital discharge episode statistics for patients with a primary diagnosis of infective endocarditis from Jan 1, 2000, to March 31, 2013. We compared the incidence of infective endocarditis before and after the introduction of the NICE guidelines using segmented regression analysis of the interrupted time series. Prescriptions of antibiotic prophylaxis for the prevention of infective endocarditis fell substantially after introduction of the NICE guidance (mean 10,900 prescriptions per month [Jan 1, 2004, to March 31, 2008] vs 2236 prescriptions per month [April 1, 2008, to March 31, 2013], pinfective endocarditis increased significantly above the projected historical trend, by 0·11 cases per 10 million people per month (95% CI 0·05-0·16, pinfective endocarditis was significant for both individuals at high risk of infective endocarditis and those at lower risk. Although our data do not establish a causal association, prescriptions
Interrupting seasonal transmission of Schistosoma haematobium and control of soil-transmitted helminthiasis in northern and central Côte d'Ivoire: a SCORE study protocol.
Tian-Bi, Yves-Nathan T; Ouattara, Mamadou; Knopp, Stefanie; Coulibaly, Jean T; Hürlimann, Eveline; Webster, Bonnie; Allan, Fiona; Rollinson, David; Meïté, Aboulaye; Diakité, Nana R; Konan, Cyrille K; N'Goran, Eliézer K; Utzinger, Jürg
To achieve a world free of schistosomiasis, the objective is to scale up control and elimination efforts in all endemic countries. Where interruption of transmission is considered feasible, countries are encouraged to implement a comprehensive intervention package, including preventive chemotherapy, information, education and communication (IEC), water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and snail control. In northern and central Côte d'Ivoire, transmission of Schistosoma haematobium is seasonal and elimination might be achieved. In a cluster-randomised trial, we will assess different treatment schemes to interrupt S. haematobium transmission and control soil-transmitted helminthiasis over a 3-year period. We will compare the impact of (i) arm A: annual mass drug administration (MDA) with praziquantel and albendazole before the peak schistosomiasis transmission season; (ii) arm B: annual MDA after the peak schistosomiasis transmission season; (iii) arm C: two yearly treatments before and after peak schistosomiasis transmission; and (iv) arm D: annual MDA before peak schistosomiasis transmission, coupled with chemical snail control using niclosamide. The prevalence and intensity of S. haematobium and soil-transmitted helminth infections will be assessed using urine filtration and Kato-Katz thick smears, respectively, in six administrative regions in northern and central parts of Côte d'Ivoire. Once a year, urine and stool samples will be collected and examined from 50 children aged 5-8 years, 100 children aged 9-12 years and 50 adults aged 20-55 years in each of 60 selected villages. Changes in S. haematobium and soil-transmitted helminth prevalence and intensity will be assessed between years and stratified by intervention arm. In the 15 villages randomly assigned to intervention arm D, intermediate host snails will be collected three times per year, before niclosamide is applied to the selected freshwater bodies. The snail abundance and infection rates over time
The Use of Piecewise Growth Models to Estimate Learning Trajectories and RtI Instructional Effects in a Comparative Interrupted Time-Series Design
Zvoch, Keith
Piecewise growth models (PGMs) were used to estimate and model changes in the preliteracy skill development of kindergartners in a moderately sized school district in the Pacific Northwest. PGMs were applied to interrupted time-series (ITS) data that arose within the context of a response-to-intervention (RtI) instructional framework. During the…
Helder, O.K.; Brug, J.; van Goudoever, J.B.; Looman, C.W.N.; Reiss, I.K.M.; Kornelisse, R.F.
Background Sustained high compliance with hand hygiene (HH) is needed to reduce nosocomial bloodstream infections (NBSIs). However, over time, a wash out effect often occurs. We studied the long-term effect of sequential HH-promoting interventions. Methods An observational study with an interrupted
The impact of "Option B" on HIV transmission from mother to child in Rwanda: An interrupted time series analysis.
Abimpaye, Monique; Kirk, Catherine M; Iyer, Hari S; Gupta, Neil; Remera, Eric; Mugwaneza, Placidie; Law, Michael R
Nearly a quarter of a million children have acquired HIV, prompting the implementation of new protocols-Option B and B+-for treating HIV+ pregnant women. While efficacy has been demonstrated in randomized trials, there is limited real-world evidence on the impact of these changes. Using longitudinal, routinely collected data we assessed the impact of the adoption of WHO Option B in Rwanda on mother to infant transmission. We used interrupted time series analysis to evaluate the impact of Option B on mother-to-child HIV transmission in Rwanda. Our primary outcome was the proportion of HIV tests in infants with positive results at six weeks of age. We included data for 20 months before and 22 months after the 2010 policy change. Of the 15,830 HIV tests conducted during our study period, 392 tested positive. We found a significant decrease in both the level (-2.08 positive tests per 100 tests conducted, 95% CI: -2.71 to -1.45, p Option B in Rwanda contributed to an immediate decrease in the rate of HIV transmission from mother to child. This suggests other countries may benefit from adopting these WHO guidelines.
The impact of public transportation strikes on use of a bicycle share program in London: interrupted time series design.
Fuller, Daniel; Sahlqvist, Shannon; Cummins, Steven; Ogilvie, David
To investigate the immediate and sustained effects of two London Underground strikes on use of a public bicycle share program. An interrupted time series design was used to examine the impact of two 24 hour strikes on the total number of trips per day and mean trip duration per day on the London public bicycle share program. The strikes occurred on September 6th and October 4th 2010 and limited service on the London Underground. The mean total number of trips per day over the whole study period was 14,699 (SD=5390) while the mean trip duration was 18.5 minutes (SD=3.7). Significant increases in daily trip count were observed following strike 1 (3864: 95% CI 125 to 7604) and strike 2 (11,293: 95% CI 5169 to 17,416). Events that greatly constrain the primary motorised mode of transportation for a population may have unintended short-term effects on travel behaviour. These findings suggest that limiting transportation options may have the potential to increase population levels of physical activity by promoting the use of cycling. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Prevention of brachial plexus injury-12Â years of shoulder dystocia training: an interrupted time-series study.
Crofts, J F; Lenguerrand, E; Bentham, G L; Tawfik, S; Claireaux, H A; Odd, D; Fox, R; Draycott, T J
To investigate management and outcomes of incidences of shoulder dystocia in the 12 years following the introduction of an obstetric emergencies training programme. Interrupted time-series study comparing management and neonatal outcome of births complicated by shoulder dystocia over three 4-year periods: (i) Pre-training (1996-99), (ii) Early training (2001-04), and (iii) Late training (2009-12). Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK, with approximately 6000 births per annum. Infants and their mothers who experienced shoulder dystocia. A bi-monthly multi-professional 1-day intrapartum emergencies training course, that included a 30-minute practical session on shoulder dystocia management, commenced in 2000. Neonatal morbidity (brachial plexus injury, humeral fracture, clavicular fracture, 5-minute Apgar score dystocia (resolution manoeuvres performed, traction applied, head-to-body delivery interval). Compliance with national guidance improved with continued training. At least one recognised resolution manoeuvre was used in 99.8% (561/562) of cases of shoulder dystocia in the late training period, demonstrating a continued improvement from 46.3% (150/324, P dystocia. © 2015 Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
Impact of the zero-markup drug policy on hospitalisation expenditure in western rural China: an interrupted time series analysis.
Yang, Caijun; Shen, Qian; Cai, Wenfang; Zhu, Wenwen; Li, Zongjie; Wu, Lina; Fang, Yu
To assess the long-term effects of the introduction of China's zero-markup drug policy on hospitalisation expenditure and hospitalisation expenditures after reimbursement. An interrupted time series was used to evaluate the impact of the zero-markup drug policy on hospitalisation expenditure and hospitalisation expenditure after reimbursement at primary health institutions in Fufeng County of Shaanxi Province, western China. Two regression models were developed. Monthly average hospitalisation expenditure and monthly average hospitalisation expenditure after reimbursement in primary health institutions were analysed covering the period 2009 through to 2013. For the monthly average hospitalisation expenditure, the increasing trend was slowed down after the introduction of the zero-markup drug policy (coefficient = -16.49, P = 0.009). For the monthly average hospitalisation expenditure after reimbursement, the increasing trend was slowed down after the introduction of the zero-markup drug policy (coefficient = -10.84, P = 0.064), and a significant decrease in the intercept was noted after the second intervention of changes in reimbursement schemes of the new rural cooperative medical insurance (coefficient = -220.64, P markup drug policy in western China. However, hospitalisation expenditure and hospitalisation expenditure after reimbursement were still increasing. More effective policies are needed to prevent these costs from continuing to rise. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
The impact of an electronic health record on nurse sensitive patient outcomes: an interrupted time series analysis.
Dowding, Dawn W; Turley, Marianne; Garrido, Terhilda
To evaluate the impact of electronic health record (EHR) implementation on nursing care processes and outcomes. Interrupted time series analysis, 2003-2009. A large US not-for-profit integrated health care organization. 29 hospitals in Northern and Southern California. An integrated EHR including computerized physician order entry, nursing documentation, risk assessment tools, and documentation tools. Percentage of patients with completed risk assessments for hospital acquired pressure ulcers (HAPUs) and falls (process measures) and rates of HAPU and falls (outcome measures). EHR implementation was significantly associated with an increase in documentation rates for HAPU risk (coefficient 2.21, 95% CI 0.67 to 3.75); the increase for fall risk was not statistically significant (0.36; -3.58 to 4.30). EHR implementation was associated with a 13% decrease in HAPU rates (coefficient -0.76, 95% CI -1.37 to -0.16) but no decrease in fall rates (-0.091; -0.29 to 0.11). Irrespective of EHR implementation, HAPU rates decreased significantly over time (-0.16; -0.20 to -0.13), while fall rates did not (0.0052; -0.01 to 0.02). Hospital region was a significant predictor of variation for both HAPU (0.72; 0.30 to 1.14) and fall rates (0.57; 0.41 to 0.72). The introduction of an integrated EHR was associated with a reduction in the number of HAPUs but not in patient fall rates. Other factors, such as changes over time and hospital region, were also associated with variation in outcomes. The findings suggest that EHR impact on nursing care processes and outcomes is dependent on a number of factors that should be further explored.
Changing use of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis in Thika Hospital, Kenya: a quality improvement intervention with an interrupted time series design.
Alexander M Aiken
Full Text Available In low-income countries, Surgical Site Infection (SSI is a common form of hospital-acquired infection. Antibiotic prophylaxis is an effective method of preventing these infections, if given immediately before the start of surgery. Although several studies in Africa have compared pre-operative versus post-operative prophylaxis, there are no studies describing the implementation of policies to improve prescribing of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis in African hospitals.We conducted SSI surveillance at a typical Government hospital in Kenya over a 16 month period between August 2010 and December 2011, using standard definitions of SSI and the extent of contamination of surgical wounds. As an intervention, we developed a hospital policy that advised pre-operative antibiotic prophylaxis and discouraged extended post-operative antibiotics use. We measured process, outcome and balancing effects of this intervention in using an interrupted time series design.From a starting point of near-exclusive post-operative antibiotic use, after policy introduction in February 2011 there was rapid adoption of the use of pre-operative antibiotic prophylaxis (60% of operations at 1 week; 98% at 6 weeks and a substantial decrease in the use of post-operative antibiotics (40% of operations at 1 week; 10% at 6 weeks in Clean and Clean-Contaminated surgery. There was no immediate step-change in risk of SSI, but overall, there appeared to be a moderate reduction in the risk of superficial SSI across all levels of wound contamination. There were marked reductions in the costs associated with antibiotic use, the number of intravenous injections performed and nursing time spent administering these.Implementation of a locally developed policy regarding surgical antibiotic prophylaxis is an achievable quality improvement target for hospitals in low-income countries, and can lead to substantial benefits for individual patients and the institution.
Aiken, Alexander M; Wanyoro, Anthony K; Mwangi, Jonah; Juma, Francis; Mugoya, Isaac K; Scott, J Anthony G
In low-income countries, Surgical Site Infection (SSI) is a common form of hospital-acquired infection. Antibiotic prophylaxis is an effective method of preventing these infections, if given immediately before the start of surgery. Although several studies in Africa have compared pre-operative versus post-operative prophylaxis, there are no studies describing the implementation of policies to improve prescribing of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis in African hospitals. We conducted SSI surveillance at a typical Government hospital in Kenya over a 16 month period between August 2010 and December 2011, using standard definitions of SSI and the extent of contamination of surgical wounds. As an intervention, we developed a hospital policy that advised pre-operative antibiotic prophylaxis and discouraged extended post-operative antibiotics use. We measured process, outcome and balancing effects of this intervention in using an interrupted time series design. From a starting point of near-exclusive post-operative antibiotic use, after policy introduction in February 2011 there was rapid adoption of the use of pre-operative antibiotic prophylaxis (60% of operations at 1 week; 98% at 6 weeks) and a substantial decrease in the use of post-operative antibiotics (40% of operations at 1 week; 10% at 6 weeks) in Clean and Clean-Contaminated surgery. There was no immediate step-change in risk of SSI, but overall, there appeared to be a moderate reduction in the risk of superficial SSI across all levels of wound contamination. There were marked reductions in the costs associated with antibiotic use, the number of intravenous injections performed and nursing time spent administering these. Implementation of a locally developed policy regarding surgical antibiotic prophylaxis is an achievable quality improvement target for hospitals in low-income countries, and can lead to substantial benefits for individual patients and the institution.
Evaluation of a clinical decision support tool for osteoporosis disease management: protocol for an interrupted time series design.
Kastner, Monika; Sawka, Anna; Thorpe, Kevin; Chignel, Mark; Marquez, Christine; Newton, David; Straus, Sharon E
Osteoporosis affects over 200 million people worldwide at a high cost to healthcare systems. Although guidelines on assessing and managing osteoporosis are available, many patients are not receiving appropriate diagnostic testing or treatment. Findings from a systematic review of osteoporosis interventions, a series of mixed-methods studies, and advice from experts in osteoporosis and human-factors engineering were used collectively to develop a multicomponent tool (targeted to family physicians and patients at risk for osteoporosis) that may support clinical decision making in osteoporosis disease management at the point of care. A three-phased approach will be used to evaluate the osteoporosis tool. In phase 1, the tool will be implemented in three family practices. It will involve ensuring optimal functioning of the tool while minimizing disruption to usual practice. In phase 2, the tool will be pilot tested in a quasi-experimental interrupted time series (ITS) design to determine if it can improve osteoporosis disease management at the point of care. Phase 3 will involve conducting a qualitative postintervention follow-up study to better understand participants' experiences and perceived utility of the tool and readiness to adopt the tool at the point of care. The osteoporosis tool has the potential to make several contributions to the development and evaluation of complex, chronic disease interventions, such as the inclusion of an implementation strategy prior to conducting an evaluation study. Anticipated benefits of the tool may be to increase awareness for patients about osteoporosis and its associated risks and provide an opportunity to discuss a management plan with their physician, which may all facilitate patient self-management.
Reducing waiting time and raising outpatient satisfaction in a Chinese public tertiary general hospital-an interrupted time series study
Jing Sun
Full Text Available Abstract Background It is globally agreed that a well-designed health system deliver timely and convenient access to health services for all patients. Many interventions aiming to reduce waiting times have been implemented in Chinese public tertiary hospitals to improve patients’ satisfaction. However, few were well-documented, and the effects were rarely measured with robust methods. Methods We conducted a longitudinal study of the length of waiting times in a public tertiary hospital in Southern China which developed comprehensive data collection systems. Around an average of 60,000 outpatients and 70,000 prescribed outpatients per month were targeted for the study during Oct 2014-February 2017. We analyzed longitudinal time series data using a segmented linear regression model to assess changes in levels and trends of waiting times before and after the introduction of waiting time reduction interventions. Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to indicate the strength of association between waiting times and patient satisfactions. The statistical significance level was set at 0.05. Results The monthly average length of waiting time decreased 3.49 min (P = 0.003 for consultations and 8.70 min (P = 0.02 for filling prescriptions in the corresponding month when respective interventions were introduced. The trend shifted from baseline slight increasing to afterwards significant decreasing for filling prescriptions (P =0.003. There was a significant negative correlation between waiting time of filling prescriptions and outpatient satisfaction towards pharmacy services (r = −0.71, P = 0.004. Conclusions The interventions aimed at reducing waiting time and raising patient satisfaction in Fujian Provincial Hospital are effective. A long-lasting reduction effect on waiting time for filling prescriptions was observed because of carefully designed continuous efforts, rather than a one-time campaign, and with appropriate incentives
Reducing waiting time and raising outpatient satisfaction in a Chinese public tertiary general hospital-an interrupted time series study.
Sun, Jing; Lin, Qian; Zhao, Pengyu; Zhang, Qiongyao; Xu, Kai; Chen, Huiying; Hu, Cecile Jia; Stuntz, Mark; Li, Hong; Liu, Yuanli
It is globally agreed that a well-designed health system deliver timely and convenient access to health services for all patients. Many interventions aiming to reduce waiting times have been implemented in Chinese public tertiary hospitals to improve patients' satisfaction. However, few were well-documented, and the effects were rarely measured with robust methods. We conducted a longitudinal study of the length of waiting times in a public tertiary hospital in Southern China which developed comprehensive data collection systems. Around an average of 60,000 outpatients and 70,000 prescribed outpatients per month were targeted for the study during Oct 2014-February 2017. We analyzed longitudinal time series data using a segmented linear regression model to assess changes in levels and trends of waiting times before and after the introduction of waiting time reduction interventions. Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to indicate the strength of association between waiting times and patient satisfactions. The statistical significance level was set at 0.05. The monthly average length of waiting time decreased 3.49 min (P = 0.003) for consultations and 8.70 min (P = 0.02) for filling prescriptions in the corresponding month when respective interventions were introduced. The trend shifted from baseline slight increasing to afterwards significant decreasing for filling prescriptions (P =0.003). There was a significant negative correlation between waiting time of filling prescriptions and outpatient satisfaction towards pharmacy services (r = -0.71, P = 0.004). The interventions aimed at reducing waiting time and raising patient satisfaction in Fujian Provincial Hospital are effective. A long-lasting reduction effect on waiting time for filling prescriptions was observed because of carefully designed continuous efforts, rather than a one-time campaign, and with appropriate incentives implemented by a taskforce authorized by the hospital managers. This
Breeding limits foraging time : Evidence of interrupted foraging response from body mass variation in a tropical environment
Nwaogu, Chima J.; Dietz, Maurine W.; Tieleman, B. Irene; Cresswell, Will
Birds should store body reserves if starvation risk is anticipated; this is known as an ‘interrupted foraging response’. If foraging remains unrestricted, however, body mass should remain low to limit the predation risk that gaining and carrying body reserves entails. In temperate environments mass
Effects of Interruptibility-Aware Robot Behavior
Banerjee, Siddhartha; Silva, Andrew; Feigh, Karen; Chernova, Sonia
As robots become increasingly prevalent in human environments, there will inevitably be times when a robot needs to interrupt a human to initiate an interaction. Our work introduces the first interruptibility-aware mobile robot system, and evaluates the effects of interruptibility-awareness on human task performance, robot task performance, and on human interpretation of the robot's social aptitude. Our results show that our robot is effective at predicting interruptibility at high accuracy, ...
Randomized trial of time-limited interruptions of protease inhibitor-based antiretroviral therapy (ART vs. continuous therapy for HIV-1 infection.
Cynthia Firnhaber
Full Text Available The clinical outcomes of short interruptions of PI-based ART regimens remains undefined.A 2-arm non-inferiority trial was conducted on 53 HIV-1 infected South African participants with viral load 450 cells/µl on stavudine (or zidovudine, lamivudine and lopinavir/ritonavir. Subjects were randomized to a sequential 2, 4 and 8-week ART interruptions or b continuous ART (cART. Primary analysis was based on the proportion of CD4 count >350 cells(c/ml over 72 weeks. Adherence, HIV-1 drug resistance, and CD4 count rise over time were analyzed as secondary endpoints.The proportions of CD4 counts >350 cells/µl were 82.12% for the intermittent arm and 93.73 for the cART arm; the difference of 11.95% was above the defined 10% threshold for non-inferiority (upper limit of 97.5% CI, 24.1%; 2-sided CI: -0.16, 23.1. No clinically significant differences in opportunistic infections, adverse events, adherence or viral resistance were noted; after randomization, long-term CD4 rise was observed only in the cART arm.We are unable to conclude that short PI-based ART interruptions are non-inferior to cART in retention of immune reconstitution; however, short interruptions did not lead to a greater rate of resistance mutations or adverse events than cART suggesting that this regimen may be more forgiving than NNRTIs if interruptions in therapy occur.ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00100646.
Sound, memory and interruption
Pinder, David
This chapter considers how art can interrupt the times and spaces of urban development so they might be imagined, experienced and understood differently. It focuses on the construction of the M11 Link Road through north-east London during the 1990s that demolished hundreds of homes and displaced...... around a thousand people. The highway was strongly resisted and it became the site of one of the country’s longest and largest anti-road struggles. The chapter addresses specifically Graeme Miller’s sound walk LINKED (2003), which for more than a decade has been broadcasting memories and stories...... of people who were violently displaced by the road as well as those who actively sought to halt it. Attention is given to the walk’s interruption of senses of the given and inevitable in two main ways. The first is in relation to the pace of the work and its deployment of slowness and arrest in a context...
Impact of statin related media coverage on use of statins: interrupted time series analysis with UK primary care data.
Matthews, Anthony; Herrett, Emily; Gasparrini, Antonio; Van Staa, Tjeerd; Goldacre, Ben; Smeeth, Liam; Bhaskaran, Krishnan
 To quantify how a period of intense media coverage of controversy over the risk:benefit balance of statins affected their use.  Interrupted time series analysis of prospectively collected electronic data from primary care.  Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) in the United Kingdom.  Patients newly eligible for or currently taking statins for primary and secondary cardiovascular disease prevention in each month in January 2011-March 2015.  Adjusted odds ratios for starting/stopping taking statins after the media coverage (October 2013-March 2014).  There was no evidence that the period of high media coverage was associated with changes in statin initiation among patients with a high recorded risk score for cardiovascular disease (primary prevention) or a recent cardiovascular event (secondary prevention) (odds ratio 0.99 (95% confidence interval 0.87 to 1.13; P=0.92) and 1.04 (0.92 to 1.18; P=0.54), respectively), though there was a decrease in the overall proportion of patients with a recorded risk score. Patients already taking statins were more likely to stop taking them for both primary and secondary prevention after the high media coverage period (1.11 (1.05 to 1.18; P<0.001) and 1.12 (1.04 to 1.21; P=0.003), respectively). Stratified analyses showed that older patients and those with a longer continuous prescription were more likely to stop taking statins after the media coverage. In post hoc analyses, the increased rates of cessation were no longer observed after six months.  A period of intense public discussion over the risks:benefit balance of statins, covered widely in the media, was followed by a transient rise in the proportion of people who stopped taking statins. This research highlights the potential for widely covered health stories in the lay media to impact on healthcare related behaviour. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.
Microstructural changes after control rolling and interrupted accelerated cooling simulations in pipeline steel
Sanchez-Mourino, Nuria; Petrov, Roumen [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Ghent University, Technologiepark Zwijnaarde 903, B-9052 Ghent (Belgium); Bae, Jin-Ho; Kim, Kisoo [Sheet Products and Process Research Group, POSCO, Jeonnam, 545-090 (Korea, Republic of); Kestens, Leo A.I. [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Ghent University, Technologiepark Zwijnaarde 903, B-9052 Ghent (Belgium); Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 2, 2628 CD, Delft (Netherlands)
The {gamma}-{alpha} transformation and final microstructure in pipeline steel was studied by carrying out a number of physical simulations of industrial hot rolling schedules. Particularly, the effect of the reheating temperature, deformation and cooling parameters on the transformation temperatures and final grain size were considered with a goal to obtain an appropriate thermo-mechanical processing route which will generate appropriate microstructures for pipeline applications. The CCT diagram of the steel was derived experimentally by means of dilatometric tests. Hot torsion experiments were applied in a multi-deformation cycle at various temperatures in the austenite region to simulate industrial rolling schedules. By variation of the reheating temperature, equivalent strain, and accelerated cooling, different types of microstructures were obtained. It was found that the deformation increases the transformation temperatures whereas the higher cooling rates after deformation decrease them. Post-deformation microstructure consists of fine bainitic-ferrite grains with dispersed carbides and small amount of dispersed martensite/austenite islands which can be controlled by varying the reheating temperature, deformation and post-deformation cooling. The detailed microstructure characteristics obtained from the present work could be used to optimize the mechanical properties, strength and toughness of pipeline steel grades by an appropriate control of the thermo-mechanical processing. (Copyright copyright 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The impact of family policy and career interruptions on women's perceptions of negative occupational consequences of full-time home care
Ejrnæs, Anders
for their careers. On the one hand, our findings confirm the hypothesis that long-term absence from the labour market due to full-time care has negative consequences for women's occupational careers. On the other hand, our findings show that countries with well paid leave schemes combined with access to high...... quality childcare reduce the perceived negative occupational consequences of the time spent on full-time care. This is the case independently of the duration of the career interruption due to care-giving....
Effectiveness of employer financial incentives in reducing time to report worker injury: an interrupted time series study of two Australian workers' compensation jurisdictions.
Lane, Tyler J; Gray, Shannon; Hassani-Mahmooei, Behrooz; Collie, Alex
Early intervention following occupational injury can improve health outcomes and reduce the duration and cost of workers' compensation claims. Financial early reporting incentives (ERIs) for employers may shorten the time between injury and access to compensation benefits and services. We examined ERI effect on time spent in the claim lodgement process in two Australian states: South Australia (SA), which introduced them in January 2009, and Tasmania (TAS), which introduced them in July 2010. Using administrative records of 1.47 million claims lodged between July 2006 and June 2012, we conducted an interrupted time series study of ERI impact on monthly median days in the claim lodgement process. Time periods included claim reporting, insurer decision, and total time. The 18-month gap in implementation between the states allowed for a multiple baseline design. In SA, we analysed periods within claim reporting: worker and employer reporting times (similar data were not available in TAS). To account for external threats to validity, we examined impact in reference to a comparator of other Australian workers' compensation jurisdictions. Total time in the process did not immediately change, though trend significantly decreased in both jurisdictions (SA: -0.36 days per month, 95% CI -0.63 to -0.09; TAS: 0.35, -0.50 to -0.20). Claim reporting time also decreased in both (SA: -1.6 days, -2.4 to -0.8; TAS: -5.4, -7.4 to -3.3). In TAS, there was a significant increase in insurer decision time (4.6, 3.9 to 5.4) and a similar but non-significant pattern in SA. In SA, worker reporting time significantly decreased (-4.7, -5.8 to -3.5), but employer reporting time did not (-0.3, -0.8 to 0.2). The results suggest that ERIs reduced claim lodgement time and, in the long-term, reduced total time in the claim lodgement process. However, only worker reporting time significantly decreased in SA, indicating that ERIs may not have shortened the process through the intended target of
Current interruption transients calculation
Peelo, David F
Provides an original, detailed and practical description of current interruption transients, origins, and the circuits involved, and how they can be calculated Current Interruption Transients Calculationis a comprehensive resource for the understanding, calculation and analysis of the transient recovery voltages (TRVs) and related re-ignition or re-striking transients associated with fault current interruption and the switching of inductive and capacitive load currents in circuits. This book provides an original, detailed and practical description of current interruption transients, origins,
Understanding Emergency Medicine Physicians Multitasking Behaviors Around Interruptions.
Fong, Allan; Ratwani, Raj M
Interruptions can adversely impact human performance, particularly in fast-paced and high-risk environments such as the emergency department (ED). Understanding physician behaviors before, during, and after interruptions is important to the design and promotion of safe and effective workflow solutions. However, traditional human factors based interruption models do not accurately reflect the complexities of real-world environments like the ED and may not capture multiple interruptions and multitasking. We present a more comprehensive framework for understanding interruptions that is composed of three phases, each with multiple levels: Interruption Start Transition, Interruption Engagement, and Interruption End Transition. This three-phase framework is not constrained to discrete task transitions, providing a robust method to categorize multitasking behaviors around interruptions. We apply this framework in categorizing 457 interruption episodes. 457 interruption episodes were captured during 36 hours of observation. The interrupted task was immediately suspended 348 (76.1%) times. Participants engaged in new self-initiated tasks during the interrupting task 164 (35.9%) times and did not directly resume the interrupted task in 284 (62.1%) interruption episodes. Using this framework provides a more detailed description of the types of physician behaviors in complex environments. Understanding the different types of interruption and resumption patterns, which may have a different impact on performance, can support the design of interruption mitigation strategies. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Impact of pharmaceutical policy interventions on utilization of antipsychotic medicines in Finland and Portugal in times of economic recession: interrupted time series analyses.
Leopold, Christine; Zhang, Fang; Mantel-Teeuwisse, Aukje K; Vogler, Sabine; Valkova, Silvia; Ross-Degnan, Dennis; Wagner, Anita K
To analyze the impacts of pharmaceutical sector policies implemented to contain country spending during the economic recession--a reference price system in Finland and a mix of policies including changes in reimbursement rates, a generic promotion campaign and discounts granted to the public payer in Portugal - on utilization of, as a proxy for access to, antipsychotic medicines. We obtained monthly IMS Health sales data in standard units of antipsychotic medicines in Portugal and Finland for the period January 2007 to December 2011. We used an interrupted time series design to estimate changes in overall use and generic market shares by comparing pre-policy and post-policy levels and trends. Both countries' policy approaches were associated with slight, likely unintended, decreases in overall use of antipsychotic medicines and with increases in generic market shares of major antipsychotic products. In Finland, quetiapine and risperidone generic market shares increased substantially (estimates one year post-policy compared to before, quetiapine: 6.80% [3.92%, 9.68%]; risperidone: 11.13% [6.79%, 15.48%]. The policy interventions in Portugal resulted in a substantially increased generic market share for amisulpride (estimate one year post-policy compared to before: 22.95% [21.01%, 24.90%]; generic risperidone already dominated the market prior to the policy interventions. Different policy approaches to contain pharmaceutical expenditures in times of the economic recession in Finland and Portugal had intended--increased use of generics--and likely unintended--slightly decreased overall sales, possibly consistent with decreased access to needed medicines--impacts. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring and evaluating the effects of pharmaceutical policy interventions on use of medicines and health outcomes.
The development, implementation and evaluation of clinical pathways for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Saskatchewan: protocol for an interrupted times series evaluation.
Rotter, Thomas; Plishka, Christopher; Hansia, Mohammed Rashaad; Goodridge, Donna; Penz, Erika; Kinsman, Leigh; Lawal, Adegboyega; O'Quinn, Sheryl; Buchan, Nancy; Comfort, Patricia; Patel, Prakesh; Anderson, Sheila; Winkel, Tanya; Lang, Rae Lynn; Marciniuk, Darcy D
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has substantial economic and human costs; it is expected to be the third leading cause of death worldwide by 2030. To minimize these costs high quality guidelines have been developed. However, guidelines alone rarely result in meaningful change. One method of integrating guidelines into practice is the use of clinical pathways (CPWs). CPWs bring available evidence to a range of healthcare professionals by detailing the essential steps in care and adapting guidelines to the local context. We are working with local stakeholders to develop CPWs for COPD with the aims of improving care while reducing utilization. The CPWs will employ several steps including: standardizing diagnostic training, unifying components of chronic disease care, coordinating education and reconditioning programs, and ensuring care uses best practices. Further, we have worked to identify evidence-informed implementation strategies which will be tailored to the local context. We will conduct a three-year research project using an interrupted time series (ITS) design in the form of a multiple baseline approach with control groups. The CPW will be implemented in two health regions (experimental groups) and two health regions will act as controls (control groups). The experimental and control groups will each contain an urban and rural health region. Primary outcomes for the study will be quality of care operationalized using hospital readmission rates and emergency department (ED) presentation rates. Secondary outcomes will be healthcare utilization and guideline adherence, operationalized using hospital admission rates, hospital length of stay and general practitioner (GP) visits. Results will be analyzed using segmented regression analysis. Funding has been procured from multiple stakeholders. The project has been deemed exempt from ethics review as it is a quality improvement project. Intervention implementation is expected to begin in summer of 2017
Did the Great Recession increase suicides in the USA? Evidence from an interrupted time-series analysis.
Harper, Sam; Bruckner, Tim A
Research suggests that the Great Recession of 2007-2009 led to nearly 5000 excess suicides in the United States. However, prior work has not accounted for seasonal patterning and unique suicide trends by age and gender. We calculated monthly suicide rates from 1999 to 2013 for men and women aged 15 and above. Suicide rates before the Great Recession were used to predict the rate during and after the Great Recession. Death rates for each age-gender group were modeled using Poisson regression with robust variance, accounting for seasonal and nonlinear suicide trajectories. There were 56,658 suicide deaths during the Great Recession. Age- and gender-specific suicide trends before the recession demonstrated clear seasonal and nonlinear trajectories. Our models predicted 57,140 expected suicide deaths, leading to 482 fewer observed than expected suicides (95% confidence interval -2079, 943). We found little evidence to suggest that the Great Recession interrupted existing trajectories of suicide rates. Suicide rates were already increasing before the Great Recession for middle-aged men and women. Future studies estimating the impact of recessions on suicide should account for the diverse and unique suicide trajectories of different social groups. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Long term effect of reduced pack sizes of paracetamol on poisoning deaths and liver transplant activity in England and Wales: interrupted time series analyses
Bergen, Helen; Simkin, Sue; Dodd, Sue; Pocock, Phil; Bernal, William; Gunnell, David; Kapur, Navneet
Objective To assess the long term effect of United Kingdom legislation introduced in September 1998 to restrict pack sizes of paracetamol on deaths from paracetamol poisoning and liver unit activity. Design Interrupted time series analyses to assess mean quarterly changes from October 1998 to the end of 2009 relative to projected deaths without the legislation based on pre-legislation trends. Setting Mortality (1993-2009) and liver unit activity (1995-2009) in England and Wales, using information from the Office for National Statistics and NHS Blood and Transplant, respectively. Participants Residents of England and Wales. Main outcome measures Suicide, deaths of undetermined intent, and accidental poisoning deaths involving single drug ingestion of paracetamol and paracetamol compounds in people aged 10 years and over, and liver unit registrations and transplantations for paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity. Results Compared with the pre-legislation level, following the legislation there was an estimated average reduction of 17 (95% confidence interval −25 to −9) deaths per quarter in England and Wales involving paracetamol alone (with or without alcohol) that received suicide or undetermined verdicts. This decrease represented a 43% reduction or an estimated 765 fewer deaths over the 11¼ years after the legislation. A similar effect was found when accidental poisoning deaths were included, and when a conservative method of analysis was used. This decrease was largely unaltered after controlling for a non-significant reduction in deaths involving other methods of poisoning and also suicides by all methods. There was a 61% reduction in registrations for liver transplantation for paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity (−11 (−20 to −1) registrations per quarter). But no reduction was seen in actual transplantations (−3 (−12 to 6)), nor in registrations after a conservative method of analysis was used. Conclusions UK legislation to reduce pack sizes of
Algorithm Design of CPCI Backboard's Interrupts Management Based on VxWorks' Multi-Tasks
Cheng, Jingyuan; An, Qi; Yang, Junfeng
This paper begins with a brief introduction of the embedded real-time operating system VxWorks and CompactPCI standard, then gives the programming interfaces of Peripheral Controller Interface (PCI) configuring, interrupts handling and multi-tasks programming interface under VxWorks, and then emphasis is placed on the software frameworks of CPCI interrupt management based on multi-tasks. This method is sound in design and easy to adapt, ensures that all possible interrupts are handled in time, which makes it suitable for data acquisition systems with multi-channels, a high data rate, and hard real-time high energy physics.
Servicing a globally broadcast interrupt signal in a multi-threaded computer
Attinella, John E.; Davis, Kristan D.; Musselman, Roy G.; Satterfield, David L.
Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for servicing a globally broadcast interrupt signal in a multi-threaded computer comprising a plurality of processor threads. Embodiments include an interrupt controller indicating in a plurality of local interrupt status locations that a globally broadcast interrupt signal has been received by the interrupt controller. Embodiments also include a thread determining that a local interrupt status location corresponding to the thread indicates that the globally broadcast interrupt signal has been received by the interrupt controller. Embodiments also include the thread processing one or more entries in a global interrupt status bit queue based on whether global interrupt status bits associated with the globally broadcast interrupt signal are locked. Each entry in the global interrupt status bit queue corresponds to a queued global interrupt.
Static Checking of Interrupt-driven Software
Brylow, Dennis; Damgaard, Niels; Palsberg, Jens
at the assembly level. In this paper we present the design and implementation of a static checker for interrupt-driven Z86-based software with hard real-time requirements. For six commercial microcontrollers, our checker has produced upper bounds on interrupt latencies and stack sizes, as well as verified...
Basic interrupt and command structures and applications
Davies, R.C.
Interrupt and command structures of a real-time system are described through specific examples. References to applications of a real-time system and programing development references are supplied. (auth)
Total and cause-specific mortality before and after the onset of the Greek economic crisis: an interrupted time-series analysis.
Laliotis, Ioannis; Ioannidis, John P A; Stavropoulou, Charitini
Greece was one of the countries hit the hardest by the 2008 financial crisis in Europe. Yet, evidence on the effect of the crisis on total and cause-specific mortality remains unclear. We explored whether the economic crisis affected the trend of overall and cause-specific mortality rates. We used regional panel data from the Hellenic Statistical Authority to assess mortality trends by age, sex, region, and cause in Greece between January, 2001, and December, 2013. We used Eurostat data to calculate monthly age-standardised mortality rates per 100 000 inhabitants for each region. Data were divided into two subperiods: before the crisis (January, 2001, to August, 2008) and after the onset of the crisis (September, 2008, to December, 2013). We tested for changes in the slope of mortality by doing an interrupted time-series analysis. Overall mortality continued to decline after the onset of the financial crisis (-0·065, 95% CI -0·080 to -0·049), but at a slower pace than before the crisis (-0·13, -0·15 to -0·10; trend difference 0·062, 95% CI 0·041 to 0·083; pperiod after the onset of the crisis with extrapolated values based on the period before the crisis, we estimate that an extra 242 deaths per month occurred after the onset of the crisis. Mortality trends have been interrupted after the onset of compared with before the crisis, but changes vary by age, sex, and cause of death. The increase in deaths due to adverse events during medical treatment might reflect the effects of deterioration in quality of care during economic recessions. None. Copyright © 2016 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY license. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.
A prospective interrupted time series study of interventions to improve the quality, rating, framing and structure of goal-setting in community-based brain injury rehabilitation.
Hassett, Leanne; Simpson, Grahame; Cotter, Rachel; Whiting, Diane; Hodgkinson, Adeline; Martin, Diane
To investigate whether the introduction of an electronic goals system followed by staff training improved the quality, rating, framing and structure of goals written by a community-based brain injury rehabilitation team. Interrupted time series design. Two interventions were introduced six months apart. The first intervention comprised the introduction of an electronic goals system. The second intervention comprised a staff goal training workshop. An audit protocol was devised to evaluate the goals. A random selection of goal statements from the 12 months prior to the interventions (Time 1 baseline) were compared with all goal statements written after the introduction of the electronic goals system (Time 2) and staff training (Time 3). All goals were de-identified for client and time-period, and randomly ordered. A total of 745 goals (Time 1 n = 242; Time 2 n = 283; Time 3 n = 220) were evaluated. Compared with baseline, the introduction of the electronic goals system alone significantly increased goal rating, framing and structure (χ(2) tests 144.7, 18.9, 48.1, respectively, p goal quality, which was only a trend at Time 2, was statistically significant at Time 3 (χ(2) 15.0, p ≤ 001). The training also led to a further significant increase in the framing and structuring of goals over the electronic goals system (χ(2) 11.5, 12.5, respectively, p ≤ 0.001). An electronic goals system combined with staff training improved the quality, rating, framing and structure of goal statements. © The Author(s) 2014.
Post-treatment HIV-1 controllers with a long-term virological remission after the interruption of early initiated antiretroviral therapy ANRS VISCONTI Study.
Asier Sáez-Cirión
Full Text Available Combination antiretroviral therapy (cART reduces HIV-associated morbidities and mortalities but cannot cure the infection. Given the difficulty of eradicating HIV-1, a functional cure for HIV-infected patients appears to be a more reachable short-term goal. We identified 14 HIV patients (post-treatment controllers [PTCs] whose viremia remained controlled for several years after the interruption of prolonged cART initiated during the primary infection. Most PTCs lacked the protective HLA B alleles that are overrepresented in spontaneous HIV controllers (HICs; instead, they carried risk-associated HLA alleles that were largely absent among the HICs. Accordingly, the PTCs had poorer CD8+ T cell responses and more severe primary infections than the HICs did. Moreover, the incidence of viral control after the interruption of early antiretroviral therapy was higher among the PTCs than has been reported for spontaneous control. Off therapy, the PTCs were able to maintain and, in some cases, further reduce an extremely low viral reservoir. We found that long-lived HIV-infected CD4+ T cells contributed poorly to the total resting HIV reservoir in the PTCs because of a low rate of infection of naïve T cells and a skewed distribution of resting memory CD4+ T cell subsets. Our results show that early and prolonged cART may allow some individuals with a rather unfavorable background to achieve long-term infection control and may have important implications in the search for a functional HIV cure.
Reactor pressure elevation preventing device upon interruption of load
Ota, Yasuo; Okukawa, Ryutaro.
In a power load imbalance circuit of a steam turbine control device, a power load imbalance occurrence signal is outputted for a predetermined period of time upon occurrence of load interruption. A function for suppressing increase of number of rotation of a turbine due to load interruption is not disturbed, and the power load imbalance circuit is not operated at least after a primary peak where the number of rotation of the turbine is increased. Since a steam control valve flow rate demand signal and a turbine bypass valve flow rate demand signals are corporated subsequently to control the opening degree of the steam control valve and the turbine bypass valve, elevation of reactor pressure is always suppressed and maintained constant, as well as abrupt opening of the steam control valve due to cancel of the power load imbalance circuit when steam control valve opening demand is outputted can be prevented. (N.H.)
Energy expenditure of interruptions to sedentary behavior
Strath Scott J
Full Text Available Abstract Background Advances in technology, social influences and environmental attributes have resulted in substan-tial portions of the day spent in sedentary pursuits. Sedentary behavior may be a cause of many chronic diseases including obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome. Research demonstrated that breaking up sedentary time was beneficially associated with markers of body composition, cardiovascular health and type 2 diabetes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to quantify the total energy expenditure of three different durations of physical activity within a 30-minute sedentary period and to examine the potential benefits of interrupting sedentary behavior with physical activity for weight control. Methods Participants completed four consecutive 30-minute bouts of sedentary behavior (reading, working on the computer, or doing other desk activities with and without interruptions of walking at a self-selected pace. Bout one contained no walking interruptions. Bout two contained a 1-minute walking period. Bout three contained a 2-minute walking period. Bout four contained a 5-minute walking period. Body composition and resting metabolic rate were assessed. Result Twenty males and females (18-39 years completed this study. Results of the repeated measures analysis of variance with post-hoc testing showed that significantly more energy was expended during each 30 minute sedentary bout with a walking break than in the 30 minute sedentary bout (p Conclusions This study demonstrated that making small changes, such as taking a five minute walking break every hour could yield beneficial weight control or weight loss results. Therefore, taking breaks from sedentary time is a potential outlet to prevent obesity and the rise of obesity in developed countries.
Nested Interrupt Analysis of Low Cost and High Performance Embedded Systems Using GSPN Framework
Lin, Cheng-Min
Interrupt service routines are a key technology for embedded systems. In this paper, we introduce the standard approach for using Generalized Stochastic Petri Nets (GSPNs) as a high-level model for generating CTMC Continuous-Time Markov Chains (CTMCs) and then use Markov Reward Models (MRMs) to compute the performance for embedded systems. This framework is employed to analyze two embedded controllers with low cost and high performance, ARM7 and Cortex-M3. Cortex-M3 is designed with a tail-chaining mechanism to improve the performance of ARM7 when a nested interrupt occurs on an embedded controller. The Platform Independent Petri net Editor 2 (PIPE2) tool is used to model and evaluate the controllers in terms of power consumption and interrupt overhead performance. Using numerical results, in spite of the power consumption or interrupt overhead, Cortex-M3 performs better than ARM7.
Causes of unplanned interruption of radiotherapy
Diegues, Sylvia Suelotto; Ciconelli, Rozana Mesquita; Segreto, Roberto Araujo
Objective: To evaluate the occurrence and causes of unplanned interruption of radiotherapy. Materials and methods: Retrospective study developed in the Division of Radiotherapy of Hospital Alemao Oswaldo Cruz in Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil, with data collected from 560 dossiers of patients submitted to radiotherapy in the period between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2005. Chi-squared and Student t tests were utilized in the data analysis, and p < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Interruption of treatment was identified in 350 cases, corresponding to 62.5% of the patients. The reasons for treatment interruption were the following: preventive device maintenance (55%), patient's own private reasons (13%), adverse reactions to the treatment or to combined radiotherapy/chemotherapy (6%), clinical worsening (3%), two or more combined reasons (23%). The interruption time interval ranged between 1 and 24 days (mean 1.4 day). One-day interruption was mostly due to preventive device maintenance (84.4%); two-five-day interruption was due to combined reasons (48.28%). Conclusion: The most frequent cause of interruption was preventive device maintenance, with maximum two-day time interval. (author)
Incidence of hip and knee replacement in patients with rheumatoid arthritis following the introduction of biological DMARDs: an interrupted time-series analysis using nationwide Danish healthcare registers.
Cordtz, René Lindholm; Hawley, Samuel; Prieto-Alhambra, Daniel; Højgaard, Pil; Zobbe, Kristian; Overgaard, Søren; Odgaard, Anders; Kristensen, Lars Erik; Dreyer, Lene
To study the impact of the introduction of biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) and associated rheumatoid arthritis (RA) management guidelines on the incidence of total hip (THR) and knee replacements (TKR) in Denmark. Nationwide register-based cohort and interrupted time-series analysis. Patients with incident RA between 1996 and 2011 were identified in the Danish National Patient Register. Patients with RA were matched on age, sex and municipality with up to 10 general population comparators (GPCs). Standardised 5-year incidence rates of THR and TKR per 1000 person-years were calculated for patients with RA and GPCs in 6-month periods. Levels and trends in the pre-bDMARD (1996-2001) were compared with the bDMARD era (2003-2016) using segmented linear regression interrupted by a 1-year lag period (2002). We identified 30 404 patients with incident RA and 297 916 GPCs. In 1996, the incidence rate of THR and TKR was 8.72 and 5.87, respectively, among patients with RA, and 2.89 and 0.42 in GPCs. From 1996 to 2016, the incidence rate of THR decreased among patients with RA, but increased among GPCs. Among patients with RA, the incidence rate of TKR increased from 1996 to 2001, but started to decrease from 2003 and throughout the bDMARD era. The incidence of TKR increased among GPCs from 1996 to 2016. We report that the incidence rate of THR and TKR was 3-fold and 14-fold higher, respectively among patients with RA compared with GPCs in 1996. In patients with RA, introduction of bDMARDs was associated with a decreasing incidence rate of TKR, whereas the incidence of THR had started to decrease before bDMARD introduction. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.
Prediction of Unmet Primary Care Needs for the Medically Vulnerable Post-Disaster: An Interrupted Time-Series Analysis of Health System Responses
Amy B. Martin
Full Text Available Disasters serve as shocks and precipitate unanticipated disturbances to the health care system. Public health surveillance is generally focused on monitoring latent health and environmental exposure effects, rather than health system performance in response to these local shocks. The following intervention study sought to determine the long-term effects of the 2005 chlorine spill in Graniteville, South Carolina on primary care access for vulnerable populations. We used an interrupted time-series approach to model monthly visits for Ambulatory Care Sensitive Conditions, an indicator of unmet primary care need, to quantify the impact of the disaster on unmet primary care need in Medicaid beneficiaries. The results showed Medicaid beneficiaries in the directly impacted service area experienced improved access to primary care in the 24 months post-disaster. We provide evidence that a health system serving the medically underserved can prove resilient and display improved adaptive capacity under adverse circumstances (i.e., technological disasters to ensure access to primary care for vulnerable sub-groups. The results suggests a new application for ambulatory care sensitive conditions as a population-based metric to advance anecdotal evidence of secondary surge and evaluate pre- and post-health system surge capacity following a disaster.
Void Shapes Controlled by Using Interruption-Free Epitaxial Lateral Overgrowth of GaN Films on Patterned SiO2 AlN/Sapphire Template
Yu-An Chen
Full Text Available GaN epitaxial layers with embedded air voids grown on patterned SiO2 AlN/sapphire templates were proposed. Using interruption-free epitaxial lateral overgrowth technology, we realized uninterrupted growth and controlled the shape of embedded air voids. These layers showed improved crystal quality using X-ray diffraction and measurement of etching pits density. Compared with conventional undoped-GaN film, the full width at half-maximum of the GaN (0 0 2 and (1 0 2 peaks decreased from 485 arcsec to 376 arcsec and from 600 arcsec to 322 arcsec, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy results showed that the coalesced GaN growth led to bending threading dislocation. We also proposed a growth model based on results of scanning electron microscopy.
Contrasting Effects of Dual-task Paradigm and of Timing Interruption Paradigm in Interval Timing of the Context of Culti-modal Processing%跨通é�“情境下å�Œä»»åŠ¡èŒƒå¼�与计时ä¸æ–范å¼�ä¸çš„效应比较*
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solution as it uses a blank interruption instead. The researchers consistently found a similar position and interruption effect in both paradigms (Casini & Macar, 1997; Cortin, & Remblai,, 2006; Remblai, & Cortin,, 2003). Furthermore, the results showed both the discontinuity and interference of current information processing were belong to interruption effect, but to varying extents (Cortin, & Masse, 2000; Macar, 2002). However, though the position and interruption effect were similar in the two paradigms, they have not been explored in a same stimuli series. As we know, information exchange with the outside world is not dependent on single sensory channel, but rather the interaction of cross-modal information processing. It would be valuable to explore the position and interruption effect in the context ofcross-modal processing. It would not only help to uncover the cognitive mechanism of time processing, but also have important practical values as it is more similar with daily life. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the position and interruption effect in the two paradigms in the cross-modal conditions. To this end, the study consisted of two experiments. In experiment 1, 2500 ms and 4500 ms were set for the target time intervals, using the same stimulus sequence (visual presentation, with aural interruption), participants were allocated to control, break and interference condition respectively. In experiment 2,the target intervals were set to 1500 ms and 2500 ms. Results of experiment 1 showed that the interruption effect is more significant in break condition regardless of target time intervals. Furthermore, under the 2500ms, position effect were found in all three conditions, whereas under the 4500ms condition, the position effect only existed in the break condition. Experiment 2 found that there was position effect consistently, regardless of the interpolation conditions or target time intervals. Besides, the interrupt effect was more
On randomly interrupted diffusion
Luczka, J.
Processes driven by randomly interrupted Gaussian white noise are considered. An evolution equation for single-event probability distributions in presented. Stationary states are considered as a solution of a second-order ordinary differential equation with two imposed conditions. A linear model is analyzed and its stationary distributions are explicitly given. (author). 10 refs
Programming a real-time operating system for satellite control applications Satellite Control Applications
Omer, M.; Anjum, O.; Suddle, M.R.
With the realization of ideas like formation flights and multi-body space vehicles the demands on an attitude control system have become increasingly complex. Even in its most simplified form, the control system for a typical geostationary satellite has to run various supervisory functions along with determination and control algorithms side by side. Within each algorithm it has to employ multiple actuation and sensing mechanisms and service real time interrupts, for example, in the case of actuator saturation and sensor data fusion. This entails the idea of thread scheduling and program synchronization, tasks specifically meant for a real time OS. This paper explores the embedding of attitude determination and control loop within the framework of a real time operating system provided for TI's DSP C6xxx series. The paper details out the much functionality provided within the scaleable real time kernel and the analysis and configuration tools available, It goes on to describe a layered implementation stack associated with a typical control for Geo Stationary satellites. An application for control is then presented in which state of the art analysis tools are employed to view program threads, synchronization semaphores, hardware interrupts and data exchange pipes operating in real time. (author)
Effect of editors' implementation of CONSORT guidelines on the reporting of abstracts in high impact medical journals: interrupted time series analysis.
Hopewell, Sally; Ravaud, Philippe; Baron, Gabriel; Boutron, Isabelle
To investigate the effect of the CONSORT for Abstracts guidelines, and different editorial policies used by five leading general medical journals to implement the guidelines, on the reporting quality of abstracts of randomised trials. Interrupted time series analysis. We randomly selected up to 60 primary reports of randomised trials per journal per year from five high impact, general medical journals in 2006-09, if indexed in PubMed with an electronic abstract. We excluded reports that did not include an electronic abstract, and any secondary trial publications or economic analyses. We classified journals in three categories: those not mentioning the guidelines in their instructions to authors (JAMA and New England Journal of Medicine), those referring to the guidelines in their instructions to authors but with no specific policy to implement them (BMJ), and those referring to the guidelines in their instructions to authors with an active policy to implement them (Annals of Internal Medicine and Lancet). Two authors extracted data independently using the CONSORT for Abstracts checklist. Mean number of CONSORT items reported in selected abstracts, among nine items reported in fewer than 50% of the abstracts published across the five journals in 2006. We assessed 955 reports of abstracts of randomised trials. Journals with an active policy to enforce the guidelines showed an immediate increase in the level of mean number of items reported (increase of 1.50 items; P=0.0037). At 23 months after publication of the guidelines, the mean number of items reported per abstract for the primary outcome was 5.41 of nine items, a 53% increase compared with the expected level estimated on the basis of pre-intervention trends. The change in level or trend did not increase in journals with no policy to enforce the guidelines (BMJ, JAMA, and New England Journal of Medicine). Active implementation of the CONSORT for Abstracts guidelines by journals can lead to improvements in the
Do restrictive omnibus immigration laws reduce enrollment in public health insurance by Latino citizen children? A comparative interrupted time series study.
Allen, Chenoa D; McNeely, Clea A
In the United States, there is concern that recent state laws restricting undocumented immigrants' rights could threaten access to Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for citizen children of immigrant parents. Of particular concern are omnibus immigration laws, state laws that include multiple provisions increasing immigration enforcement and restricting rights for undocumented immigrants. These laws could limit Medicaid/CHIP access for citizen children in immigrant families by creating misinformation about their eligibility and fostering fear and mistrust of government among immigrant parents. This study uses nationally-representative data from the National Health Interview Survey (2005-2014; n = 70,187) and comparative interrupted time series methods to assess whether passage of state omnibus immigration laws reduced access to Medicaid/CHIP for US citizen Latino children. We found that law passage did not reduce enrollment for children with noncitizen parents and actually resulted in temporary increases in coverage among Latino children with at least one citizen parent. These findings are surprising in light of prior research. We offer potential explanations for this finding and conclude with a call for future research to be expanded in three ways: 1) examine whether policy effects vary for children of undocumented parents, compared to children whose noncitizen parents are legally present; 2) examine the joint effects of immigration-related policies at different levels, from the city or county to the state to the federal; and 3) draw on the large social movements and political mobilization literature that describes when and how Latinos and immigrants push back against restrictive immigration laws. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Rotavirus vaccine impact and socioeconomic deprivation: an interrupted time-series analysis of gastrointestinal disease outcomes across primary and secondary care in the UK.
Hungerford, Daniel; Vivancos, Roberto; Read, Jonathan M; Iturriza-GÏŒmara, Miren; French, Neil; Cunliffe, Nigel A
Rotavirus causes severe gastroenteritis in infants and young children worldwide. The UK introduced the monovalent rotavirus vaccine (Rotarix®) in July 2013. Vaccination is free of charge to parents, with two doses delivered at 8 and 12 weeks of age. We evaluated vaccine impact across a health system in relation to socioeconomic deprivation. We used interrupted time-series analyses to assess changes in monthly health-care attendances in Merseyside, UK, for all ages, from July 2013 to June 2016, compared to predicted counterfactual attendances without vaccination spanning 3-11 years pre-vaccine. Outcome measures included laboratory-confirmed rotavirus gastroenteritis (RVGE) hospitalisations, acute gastroenteritis (AGE) hospitalisations, emergency department (ED) attendances for gastrointestinal conditions and consultations for infectious gastroenteritis at community walk-in centres (WIC) and general practices (GP). All analyses were stratified by age. Hospitalisations were additionally stratified by vaccine uptake and small-area-level socioeconomic deprivation. The uptake of the first and second doses of rotavirus vaccine was 91.4% (29,108/31,836) and 86.7% (27,594/31,836), respectively. Among children aged impact was greatest during the rotavirus season and for vaccine-eligible age groups. In adults aged 65+ years, AGE hospitalisations fell by 25% (95% CI 19-30%; p socioeconomically deprived communities (adjusted incident rate ratio 1.57; 95% CI 1.51-1.64; p impact was greatest among the most deprived populations, despite lower vaccine uptake. Prioritising vaccine uptake in socioeconomically deprived communities should give the greatest health benefit in terms of population disease burden.
33-GVA interrupter test facility
Parsons, W.M.; Honig, E.M.; Warren, R.W.
The use of commercial ac circuit breakers for dc switching operations requires that they be evaluated to determine their dc limitations. Two 2.4-GVA facilities have been constructed and used for this purpose at LASL during the last several years. In response to the increased demand on switching technology, a 33-GVA facility has been constructed. Novel features incorporated into this facility include (1) separate capacitive and cryogenic inductive energy storage systems, (2) fiber-optic controls and optically-coupled data links, and (3) digital data acquisition systems. Facility details and planned tests on an experimental rod-array vacuum interrupter are presented
Interruption Practice Reduces Errors
miscalculations (Koppel et al., 2005). There are cases where the user (medical staff, MD, Nurse , etc.) forgets to complete the PCS which is to log off or...13. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting, vol. 58, 1 vol. pp. 265-269, 2014. 14. ABSTRACT...2000). The effects of interruptions in work activ- ity: Field and laboratory results. Applied Ergonomics , 31(5), 537– 543. González, V. M., & Mark, G
Treatment interruptions: Statistics, causes and management in service radiotherapy
Ferrando Sanchez, A.; Milanes Gaillet, A. I.; Eugui Martinez, R.; Crespo Diaz, M. P.
Despite the clinical maximum administer the prescribed dose at a given time, treatment interruptions are unavoidable in practice. In tumors quickly reproduce no evidence that the prolongation thereof entails loss of tumor control. It has tracked two of these conditions: squamous cell cancer of the head and neck (SCCHN) and lung cancer (NSCLC) over 2011 and 2012 to evaluate both the number of stops treatment as the reason for them and its management. (Author)
Improving Neuromuscular Monitoring and Reducing Residual Neuromuscular Blockade With E-Learning: Protocol for the Multicenter Interrupted Time Series INVERT Study.
Thomsen, Jakob Louis Demant; Mathiesen, Ole; Hägi-Pedersen, Daniel; Skovgaard, Lene Theil; Østergaard, Doris; Engbaek, Jens; Gätke, Mona Ring
Muscle relaxants facilitate endotracheal intubation under general anesthesia and improve surgical conditions. Residual neuromuscular blockade occurs when the patient is still partially paralyzed when awakened after surgery. The condition is associated with subjective discomfort and an increased risk of respiratory complications. Use of an objective neuromuscular monitoring device may prevent residual block. Despite this, many anesthetists refrain from using the device. Efforts to increase the use of objective monitoring are time consuming and require the presence of expert personnel. A neuromuscular monitoring e-learning module might support consistent use of neuromuscular monitoring devices. The aim of the study is to assess the effect of a neuromuscular monitoring e-learning module on anesthesia staff's use of objective neuromuscular monitoring and the incidence of residual neuromuscular blockade in surgical patients at 6 Danish teaching hospitals. In this interrupted time series study, we are collecting data repeatedly, in consecutive 3-week periods, before and after the intervention, and we will analyze the effect using segmented regression analysis. Anesthesia departments in the Zealand Region of Denmark are included, and data from all patients receiving a muscle relaxant are collected from the anesthesia information management system MetaVision. We will assess the effect of the module on all levels of potential effect: staff's knowledge and skills, patient care practice, and patient outcomes. The primary outcome is use of neuromuscular monitoring in patients according to the type of muscle relaxant received. Secondary outcomes include last recorded train-of-four value, administration of reversal agents, and time to discharge from the postanesthesia care unit as well as a multiple-choice test to assess knowledge. The e-learning module was developed based on a needs assessment process, including focus group interviews, surveys, and expert opinions. The e
The effects of financial incentives for case finding for depression in patients with diabetes and coronary heart disease: interrupted time series analysis.
McLintock, Kate; Russell, Amy M; Alderson, Sarah L; West, Robert; House, Allan; Westerman, Karen; Foy, Robbie
To evaluate the effects of Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) incentivised case finding for depression on diagnosis and treatment in targeted and non-targeted long-term conditions. Interrupted time series analysis. General practices in Leeds, UK. 65 (58%) of 112 general practices shared data on 37,229 patients with diabetes and coronary heart disease targeted by case finding incentives, and 101,008 patients with four other long-term conditions not targeted (hypertension, epilepsy, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma). Incentivised case finding for depression using two standard screening questions. Clinical codes indicating new depression-related diagnoses and new prescriptions of antidepressants. We extracted routinely recorded data from February 2002 through April 2012. The number of new diagnoses and prescriptions for those on registers was modelled with a binomial regression, which provided the strength of associations between time periods and their rates. New diagnoses of depression increased from 21 to 94/100,000 per month in targeted patients between the periods 2002-2004 and 2007-2011 (OR 2.09; 1.92 to 2.27). The rate increased from 27 to 77/100,000 per month in non-targeted patients (OR 1.53; 1.46 to 1.62). The slopes in prescribing for both groups flattened to zero immediately after QOF was introduced but before incentivised case finding (p<0.01 for both). Antidepressant prescribing in targeted patients returned to the pre-QOF secular upward trend (Wald test for equivalence of slope, z=0.73, p=0.47); the slope was less steep for non-targeted patients (z=-4.14, p<0.01). Incentivised case finding increased new depression-related diagnoses. The establishment of QOF disrupted rising trends in new prescriptions of antidepressants, which resumed following the introduction of incentivised case finding. Prescribing trends are of concern given that they may include people with mild-to-moderate depression unlikely to respond to such treatment
Health Facility Utilisation Changes during the Introduction of Community Case Management of Malaria in South Western Uganda: An Interrupted Time Series Approach.
Sham Lal
Full Text Available Malaria endemic countries have scaled-up community health worker (CHW interventions, to diagnose and treat malaria in communities with limited access to public health systems. The evaluations of these programmes have centred on CHW's compliance to guidelines, but the broader changes at public health centres including utilisation and diagnoses made, has received limited attention.This analysis was conducted during a CHW-intervention for malaria in Rukungiri District, Western Uganda. Outpatient department (OPD visit data were collected for children under-5 attending three health centres one year before the CHW-intervention started (pre-intervention period and for 20 months during the intervention (intervention-period. An interrupted time series analysis with segmented regression models was used to compare the trends in malaria, non-malaria and overall OPD visits during the pre-intervention and intervention-period.The introduction of a CHW-intervention suggested the frequency of diagnoses of diarrhoeal diseases, pneumonia and helminths increased, whilst the frequency of malaria diagnoses declined at health centres. In May 2010 when the intervention began, overall health centre utilisation decreased by 63% compared to the pre-intervention period and the health centres saw 32 fewer overall visits per month compared to the pre-intervention period (p<0.001. Malaria visits also declined shortly after the intervention began and there were 27 fewer visits per month during the intervention-period compared with the pre-intervention period (p<0.05. The declines in overall and malaria visits were sustained for the entire intervention-period. In contrast, there were no observable changes in trends of non-malarial visits between the pre-intervention and intervention-period.This analysis suggests introducing a CHW-intervention can reduce the number of child malaria visits and change the profile of cases presenting at health centres. The reduction in workload of
Chemoradiotherapy in patients with anal cancer: Impact of length of unplanned treatment interruption on outcome
Meyer, Andreas; Meier Zu Eissen, Juergen; Karstens, Johann H.; Bremer, Michael [Medical School Hannover (Germany). Dept. of Radiation Oncology
The aim of this retrospective analysis was to evaluate feasibility and effectiveness of definitive chemoradiotherapy without split-course technique in anal cancer patients. From 1993 to 2003, 81 patients were treated; 13 were excluded due to various chemotherapeutic regimes, thus 68 patients were analysed. In case of acute grade 3 toxicities, treatment was halted until improvement or resolution independent of dose. Short interruption was defined as completing treatment without exceeding eight cumulative treatment days beyond scheduled plan, other patients were considered to have had prolonged interruption. Median follow-up was 46 months. Median overall treatment time was 53 days corresponding to an interruption of eight cumulative treatment days. Thirty-five patients (51%) had treatment interruption of <8 days. No acute grade 4 toxicities were observed; one fatality occurred during treatment due to ileus-like symptoms according to acute grade 5 toxicity. Comparing patients with short vs. prolonged interruption 5-year actuarial rates for local control were 85% vs. 81% (p{approx}0.605) and for colostomy-free survival 85% vs. 87% (p{approx}0.762), respectively. Chemoradiotherapy with short individualised treatment interruptions seems to be feasible with acceptable acute or late toxicities. Treatment is highly effective in terms of local control and colostomy-free survival.
Impact of clinical trial findings on Bell's palsy management in general practice in the UK 2001–2012: interrupted time series regression analysis
Morales, Daniel R; Donnan, Peter T; Daly, Fergus; Staa, Tjeerd Van; Sullivan, Frank M
Objectives To measure the incidence of Bell's palsy and determine the impact of clinical trial findings on Bell's palsy management in the UK. Design Interrupted time series regression analysis and incidence measures. Setting General practices in the UK contributing to the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD). Participants Patients ≥16 years with a diagnosis of Bell's palsy between 2001 and 2012. Interventions (1) Publication of the 2004 Cochrane reviews of clinical trials on corticosteroids and antivirals for Bell's palsy, which made no clear recommendation on their use and (2) publication of the 2007 Scottish Bell's Palsy Study (SBPS), which made a clear recommendation that treatment with prednisolone alone improves chances for complete recovery. Main outcome measures Incidence of Bell's palsy per 100 000 person-years. Changes in the management of Bell's palsy with either prednisolone therapy, antiviral therapy, combination therapy (prednisolone with antiviral therapy) or untreated cases. Results During the 12-year period, 14 460 cases of Bell's palsy were identified with an overall incidence of 37.7/100 000 person-years. The 2004 Cochrane reviews were associated with immediate falls in prednisolone therapy (−6.3% (−11.0 to −1.6)), rising trends in combination therapy (1.1% per quarter (0.5 to 1.7)) and falling trends for untreated cases (−0.8% per quarter (−1.4 to −0.3)). SBPS was associated with immediate increases in prednisolone therapy (5.1% (0.9 to 9.3)) and rising trends in prednisolone therapy (0.7% per quarter (0.4 to 1.2)); falling trends in combination therapy (−1.7% per quarter (−2.2 to −1.3)); and rising trends for untreated cases (1.2% per quarter (0.8 to 1.6)). Despite improvements, 44% still remain untreated. Conclusions SBPS was clearly associated with change in management, but a significant proportion of patients failed to receive effective treatment, which cannot be fully explained. Clarity and uncertainty in
A simplified prevention bundle with dual hand hygiene audit reduces early-onset ventilator-associated pneumonia in cardiovascular surgery units: An interrupted time-series analysis.
Kang-Cheng Su
Full Text Available To investigate the effect of a simplified prevention bundle with alcohol-based, dual hand hygiene (HH audit on the incidence of early-onset ventilation-associated pneumonia (VAP.This 3-year, quasi-experimental study with interrupted time-series analysis was conducted in two cardiovascular surgery intensive care units in a medical center. Unaware external HH audit (eHH performed by non-unit-based observers was a routine task before and after bundle implementation. Based on the realistic ICU settings, we implemented a 3-component bundle, which included: a compulsory education program, a knowing internal HH audit (iHH performed by unit-based observers, and a standardized oral care (OC protocol with 0.1% chlorhexidine gluconate. The study periods comprised 4 phases: 12-month pre-implementation phase 1 (eHH+/education-/iHH-/OC-, 3-month run-in phase 2 (eHH+/education+/iHH+/OC+, 15-month implementation phase 3 (eHH+/education+/iHH+/OC+, and 6-month post-implementation phase 4 (eHH+/education-/iHH+/OC-.A total of 2553 ventilator-days were observed. VAP incidences (events/1000 ventilator days in phase 1-4 were 39.1, 40.5, 15.9, and 20.4, respectively. VAP was significantly reduced by 59% in phase 3 (vs. phase 1, incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0.41, P = 0.002, but rebounded in phase 4. Moreover, VAP incidence was inversely correlated to compliance of OC (r2 = 0.531, P = 0.001 and eHH (r2 = 0.878, P < 0.001, but not applied for iHH, despite iHH compliance was higher than eHH compliance during phase 2 to 4. Compared to eHH, iHH provided more efficient and faster improvements for standard HH practice. The minimal compliances required for significant VAP reduction were 85% and 75% for OC and eHH (both P < 0.05, IRR 0.28 and 0.42, respectively.This simplified prevention bundle effectively reduces early-onset VAP incidence. An unaware HH compliance correlates with VAP incidence. A knowing HH audit provides better improvement in HH practice. Accordingly, we suggest
Youth Mental Health Services Utilization Rates After a Large-Scale Social Media Campaign: Population-Based Interrupted Time-Series Analysis.
Booth, Richard G; Allen, Britney N; Bray Jenkyn, Krista M; Li, Lihua; Shariff, Salimah Z
Despite the uptake of mass media campaigns, their overall impact remains unclear. Since 2011, a Canadian telecommunications company has operated an annual, large-scale mental health advocacy campaign (Bell Let's Talk) focused on mental health awareness and stigma reduction. In February 2012, the campaign began to explicitly leverage the social media platform Twitter and incented participation from the public by promising donations of Can $0.05 for each interaction with a campaign-specific username (@Bell_LetsTalk). The intent of the study was to examine the impact of this 2012 campaign on youth outpatient mental health services in the province of Ontario, Canada. Monthly outpatient mental health visits (primary health care and psychiatric services) were obtained for the Ontario youth aged 10 to 24 years (approximately 5.66 million visits) from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2015. Interrupted time series, autoregressive integrated moving average modeling was implemented to evaluate the impact of the campaign on rates of monthly outpatient mental health visits. A lagged intervention date of April 1, 2012 was selected to account for the delay required for a patient to schedule and attend a mental health-related physician visit. The inclusion of Twitter into the 2012 Bell Let's Talk campaign was temporally associated with an increase in outpatient mental health utilization for both males and females. Within primary health care environments, female adolescents aged 10 to 17 years experienced a monthly increase in the mental health visit rate from 10.2/1000 in April 2006 to 14.1/1000 in April 2015 (slope change of 0.094 following campaign, Pcampaign, Pcampaign (slope change of 0.005, P=.02; slope change of 0.003, P=.005, respectively). For young adults aged 18 to 24 years, females who used primary health care experienced the most significant increases in mental health visit rates from 26.5/1000 in April 2006 to 29.2/1000 in April 2015 (slope change of 0.17 following
Learning about interruptions
Brandrup, Morten
‘Interruption’ is a well described phenomenon within health-care. This study describes a field study in which nurses at a surgical ward desired to gain insights to what they experienced as interruptions from phone calls of the coordinating nurse. Employing an effects-driven approach data about...... the frequency and types of phone calls was collected using a tailored experience sampling tool. The data as well as the data became a way for the nurses to learn about the problem and use it as a stepping stone for discussing possible solutions....
The Effects of Interruptions on Oncologists' Patient Assessment and Medication Ordering Practices
Patricia L. Trbovich
Full Text Available Interruptions are causal factors in medication errors. Although researchers have assessed the nature and frequency of interruptions during medication administration, there has been little focus on understanding their effects during medication ordering. The goal of this research was to examine the nature, frequency, and impact of interruptions on oncologists' ordering practices. Direct observations were conducted at a Canadian cancer treatment facility to (1 document the nature, frequency, and timing of interruptions during medication ordering, and (2 quantify the use of coping mechanisms by oncologists. On average, oncologists were interrupted 17 % of their time, and were frequently interrupted during safety-critical stages of medication ordering. When confronted with interruptions, oncologists engaged/multitasked more often than resorting to deferring/blocking. While some interruptions are necessary forms of communication, efforts must be made to reduce unnecessary interruptions during safety-critical tasks, and to develop interventions that increase oncologists' resiliency to inevitable interruptions.
Compromised local control due to treatment interruptions and late treatment breaks in early glottic cancer: Population-based outcomes study supporting need for intensified treatment schedules
Groome, Patti A.; O'Sullivan, Brian; Mackillop, William J.; Jackson, Lynda D.; Schulze, Karleen M.Math.; Irish, Jonathan C.; Warde, Padraig R.; Schneider, Ken M.; Mackenzie, Robert G.; Hodson, D. Ian; Hammond, J. Alex; Gulavita, Sunil P.P.; Eapen, Libni J.; Dixon, Peter F. M.B.; Bissett, Randy J.
Purpose: This population-based study describes the treatment of early glottic cancer in Ontario, Canada and assesses whether treatment variations were associated with treatment effectiveness. Methods and Materials: We studied 491 T1N0 and 213 T2N0 patients. Data abstracted from charts included age, sex, stage, treatment details, disease control, and survival. Results: The total dose ranged from 50 to 70 Gy, and the daily dose ranged from 1.9 to 2.8 Gy. In 90%, treatment duration was between 25 and 50 days. Field sizes, field reductions, beam arrangement, and beam energy varied. Late treatment breaks occurred in 13.6% of T1N0 and 27.1% of T2N0 cases. Local control was comparable to other reports for T1N0 (82% at 5 years), but was only 63.2% in T2N0. Variables associated with local failure in T1N0 were age less than 49 years (relative risk [RR], 3.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.49-6.90) and >3 treatment interruption days (RR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.00-5.91). In T2N0, these were field reduction (RR, 2.33; 95% CI, 1.23-4.42) and late treatment breaks (RR, 2.19; 95% CI, 1.09-4.41). Conclusion: Some aspects of treatment for early glottic cancer were associated with worse local control. Problems with protracted treatment are of particular concern, underscoring the need for randomized studies to intensify radiotherapy
Analysis of Smartphone Interruptions on Academic General Internal Medicine Wards. Frequent Interruptions may cause a 'Crisis Mode' Work Climate.
Vaisman, Alon; Wu, Robert C
Hospital-based medical services are increasingly utilizing team-based pagers and smartphones to streamline communications. However, an unintended consequence may be higher volumes of interruptions potentially leading to medical error. There is likely a level at which interruptions are excessive and cause a 'crisis mode' climate. We retrospectively collected phone, text messaging, and email interruptions directed to hospital-assigned smartphones on eight General Internal Medicine (GIM) teams at two tertiary care centres in Toronto, Ontario from April 2013 to September 2014. We also calculated the number of times these interruptions exceeded a pre-specified threshold per hour, termed 'crisis mode', defined as at least five interruptions in 30 minutes. We analyzed the correlation between interruptions and date, site, and patient volumes. A total of 187,049 interruptions were collected over an 18-month period. Daily weekday interruptions rose sharply in the morning, peaking between 11 AM to 12 PM and measuring 4.8 and 3.7 mean interruptions/hour at each site, respectively. Mean daily interruptions per team totaled 46.2 ± 3.6 at Site 1 and 39.2 ± 4.2 at Site 2. The 'crisis mode' threshold was exceeded, on average, 2.3 times/day per GIM team during weekdays. In a multivariable linear regression analysis, site (β6.43 CI95% 5.44 - 7.42, ptime.
Chemical control of flowering time
Ionescu, Irina Alexandra; Møller, Birger Lindberg; Sánchez Pérez, Raquel
Flowering at the right time is of great importance; it secures seed production and therefore species survival and crop yield. In addition to the genetic network controlling flowering time, there are a number of much less studied metabolites and exogenously applied chemicals that may influence...... on the genetic aspects of flowering time regulation in annuals, but less so in perennials. An alternative to plant breeding approaches is to engineer flowering time chemically via the external application of flower-inducing compounds. This review discusses a variety of exogenously applied compounds used in fruit...
Interrupting Mythic Community
Linnell Secomb
Full Text Available If nation is increasingly perceived as a less than honourable institution formed through war, invasion and geo-political territorialisation, and government is widely denounced as the site of political intrigue and the means of subjectification of citizen–voters, community appears to escape this critique and to be viewed as an idyllic formation based on bonds of affinity. However, this romancing of community is disrupted by trans-cultural and sub-cultural formations that expose the fantasy of a harmonious, homogenous community. While community is often conceived as arising organically from familial, tribal or cultural similarity, or as constituted through a common history and shared cultural institutions, this totalising conception of community is interrupted by the demands of difference and heterogeneity and by a questioning of the idyll of community authenticated in myths of archaic origin.
Three axis electronic flight motion simulator real time control system design and implementation
Gao, Zhiyuan; Miao, Zhonghua, E-mail: zhonghua-miao@163.com; Wang, Xiaohua [School of Mechatronic Engineering and Automation, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200072 (China); Wang, Xuyong [School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240 (China)
A three axis electronic flight motion simulator is reported in this paper including the modelling, the controller design as well as the hardware implementation. This flight motion simulator could be used for inertial navigation test and high precision inertial navigation system with good dynamic and static performances. A real time control system is designed, several control system implementation problems were solved including time unification with parallel port interrupt, high speed finding-zero method of rotary inductosyn, zero-crossing management with continuous rotary, etc. Tests were carried out to show the effectiveness of the proposed real time control system.
Three axis electronic flight motion simulator real time control system design and implementation.
Gao, Zhiyuan; Miao, Zhonghua; Wang, Xuyong; Wang, Xiaohua
Markets and pricing for interruptible electric power
Gedra, T.W.; Varaiya, P.P.
The authors propose a market for interruptible, or callable, forward contracts for electric power, in which the consumer grants the power supplier the right to interrupt a given unit of load in return for a price discount. The callable forward contracts are traded continuously until the time of use. This allows recourse for those customers with uncertain demand, while risk-averse consumers can minimize their price risk by purchasing early. Callable forward contracts are simple in form, and can be directly incorporated into the utility's economic dispatch procedure
The impact of national-level interventions to improve hygiene on the incidence of irritant contact dermatitis in healthcare workers: changes in incidence from 1996 to 2012 and interrupted times series analysis.
Stocks, S J; McNamee, R; Turner, S; Carder, M; Agius, R M
Reducing healthcare-associated infections (HCAI) has been a priority in the U.K. over recent decades and this has been reflected in interventions focusing on improving hygiene procedures. To evaluate whether these interventions coincided with an increased incidence of work-related irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) attributed to hand hygiene or/and other hygiene measures in healthcare workers (HCWs). A quasi-experimental (interrupted time series) design was used to compare trends in incidence of ICD in HCWs attributed to hygiene before and after interventions to reduce HCAI with trends in the same periods in control groups (ICD in other workers). Cases of ICD reported to a U.K. surveillance scheme from 1996 to 2012 were analysed. The time periods compared were defined objectively based on the dates of the publication of national evidence-based guidelines, the U.K. Health Act 2006 and the Cleanyourhands campaign. The reported incidence of ICD in HCWs attributed to hygiene has increased steadily from 1996 to 2012 [annual incidence rate ratio (95% confidence interval): hand hygiene only 1.10 (1.07-1.12); all hygiene 1.05 (1.03-1.07)], whereas the incidence in other workers is declining. An increase in incidence of ICD in HCWs attributed to hand hygiene was observed at the beginning of the Cleanyourhands campaign. The increasing incidence of ICD in HCWs combined with the popularity of interventions to reduce HCAI warrants increased efforts towards identifying products and implementing practices posing the least risk of ICD. © 2015 British Association of Dermatologists.
Evaluation of the national Cleanyourhands campaign to reduce Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia and Clostridium difficile infection in hospitals in England and Wales by improved hand hygiene: four year, prospective, ecological, interrupted time series study.
Stone, Sheldon Paul; Fuller, Christopher; Savage, Joan; Cookson, Barry; Hayward, Andrew; Cooper, Ben; Duckworth, Georgia; Michie, Susan; Murray, Miranda; Jeanes, Annette; Roberts, J; Teare, Louise; Charlett, Andre
To evaluate the impact of the Cleanyourhands campaign on rates of hospital procurement of alcohol hand rub and soap, report trends in selected healthcare associated infections, and investigate the association between infections and procurement. Prospective, ecological, interrupted time series study from 1 July 2004 to 30 June 2008. 187 acute trusts in England and Wales. Installation of bedside alcohol hand rub, materials promoting hand hygiene and institutional engagement, regular hand hygiene audits, rolled out nationally from 1 December 2004. Quarterly (that is, every three months) rates for each trust of hospital procurement of alcohol hand rub and liquid soap; Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia (meticillin resistant (MRSA) and meticillin sensitive (MSSA)) and Clostridium difficile infection for each trust. Associations between procurement and infection rates assessed by mixed effect Poisson regression model (which also accounted for effect of bed occupancy, hospital type, and timing of other national interventions targeting these infections). Combined procurement of soap and alcohol hand rub tripled from 21.8 to 59.8 mL per patient bed day; procurement rose in association with each phase of the campaign. Rates fell for MRSA bacteraemia (1.88 to 0.91 cases per 10,000 bed days) and C difficile infection (16.75 to 9.49 cases). MSSA bacteraemia rates did not fall. Increased procurement of soap was independently associated with reduced C difficile infection throughout the study (adjusted incidence rate ratio for 1 mL increase per patient bed day 0.993, 95% confidence interval 0.990 to 0.996; P hospital procurement of alcohol rub and soap, which the results suggest has an important role in reducing rates of some healthcare associated infections. National interventions for infection control undertaken in the context of a high profile political drive can reduce selected healthcare associated infections.
Children and Career Interruptions: The Family Gap in Denmark
Gupta, Nabanita Datta; Smith, Nina
Abstract: The effect of children and career interruptions on the family gap is analysed based on longitudinal data covering the years 1980-1995. The estimated model controls for unobserved time-constant heterogeneity. The results show that when controlling for unobserved heterogeneity, the negative...... effect of children on mothers' wages disappear, but there are large differences between educational groups and the public and private sector. The main effect of children seems to be a loss of human capital accumulation during child-birth periods. Beside this, there is no indication that children have...
Vacuum interrupters used for the interruption of high dc currents
Warren, R.W.
Conventional ac vacuum interrupters are being used to interrupt currents in pulsed energy storage systems. They have been tested with dc currents of up to 37 kA. The limit to the current which can be successfully interrupted has been measured as a function of various parameters. Among these are (1) the size of the interrupter, (2) the magnitude of the counterpulse current, (3) the nature and flux rating of the saturable reactor used, and (4) the kind of ''snubber'' circuit used. Fragmentary data have also been collected on electrode erosion rates and on mechanical failure of the bellows. A description is given of the circuits used in these tests and of the results found for a representative selection of the commercially available domestic interrupters. More recently efforts have been made to increase the values found for the maximum interruptible current. The techniques used have included connecting interrupters in parallel and operating them in an impressed axial magnetic field. The results of this work are discussed
Real-time operating system timing jitter and its impact on motor control
Proctor, Frederick M.; Shackleford, William P.
General-purpose microprocessors are increasingly being used for control applications due to their widespread availability and software support for non-control functions like networking and operator interfaces. Two classes of real-time operating systems (RTOS) exist for these systems. The traditional RTOS serves as the sole operating system, and provides all OS services. Examples include ETS, LynxOS, QNX, Windows CE and VxWorks. RTOS extensions add real-time scheduling capabilities to non-real-time OSes, and provide minimal services needed for the time-critical portions of an application. Examples include RTAI and RTL for Linux, and HyperKernel, OnTime and RTX for Windows NT. Timing jitter is an issue in these systems, due to hardware effects such as bus locking, caches and pipelines, and software effects from mutual exclusion resource locks, non-preemtible critical sections, disabled interrupts, and multiple code paths in the scheduler. Jitter is typically on the order of a microsecond to a few tens of microseconds for hard real-time operating systems, and ranges from milliseconds to seconds in the worst case for soft real-time operating systems. The question of its significance on the performance of a controller arises. Naturally, the smaller the scheduling period required for a control task, the more significant is the impact of timing jitter. Aside from this intuitive relationship is the greater significance of timing on open-loop control, such as for stepper motors, than for closed-loop control, such as for servo motors. Techniques for measuring timing jitter are discussed, and comparisons between various platforms are presented. Techniques to reduce jitter or mitigate its effects are presented. The impact of jitter on stepper motor control is analyzed.
Individual Differences in Working-Memory Capacity and Task Resumption Following Interruptions
Foroughi, Cyrus K.; Werner, Nicole E.; McKendrick, Ryan; Cades, David M.; Boehm-Davis, Deborah A.
Previous research has shown that there is a time cost (i.e., a resumption lag) associated with resuming a task following an interruption and that the longer the duration of the interruption, the greater the time cost (i.e., resumption lag increases as interruption duration increases). The memory-for-goals model (Altmann & Trafton, 2002)…
Stepping Stones and Creating Futures intervention: shortened interrupted time series evaluation of a behavioural and structural health promotion and violence prevention intervention for young people in informal settlements in Durban, South Africa.
Jewkes, Rachel; Gibbs, Andrew; Jama-Shai, Nwabisa; Willan, Samantha; Misselhorn, Alison; Mushinga, Mildred; Washington, Laura; Mbatha, Nompumelelo; Skiweyiya, Yandisa
Gender-based violence and HIV are highly prevalent in the harsh environment of informal settlements and reducing violence here is very challenging. The group intervention Stepping Stones has been shown to reduce men's perpetration of violence in more rural areas, but violence experienced by women in the study was not affected. Economic empowerment interventions with gender training can protect older women from violence, but microloan interventions have proved challenging with young women. We investigated whether combining a broad economic empowerment intervention and Stepping Stones could impact on violence among young men and women. The intervention, Creating Futures, was developed as a new generation of economic empowerment intervention, which enabled livelihood strengthening though helping participants find work or set up a business, and did not give cash or make loans. We piloted Stepping Stones with Creating Futures in two informal settlements of Durban with 232 out of school youth, mostly aged 18-30 and evaluated with a shortened interrupted time series of two baseline surveys and at 28 and 58 weeks post-baseline. 94/110 men and 111/122 women completed the last assessment, 85.5% and 90.2% respectively of those enrolled. To determine trend, we built random effects regression models with each individual as the cluster for each variable, and measured the slope of the line across the time points. Men's mean earnings in the past month increased by 247% from R411 (~$40) to R1015 (~$102, and women's by 278% R 174 (~$17) to R 484 (about $48) (trend test, p < 0.0001). There was a significant reduction in women's experience of the combined measure of physical and/or sexual IPV in the prior three months from 30.3% to 18.9% (p = 0.037). This was not seen for men. However both men and women scored significantly better on gender attitudes and men significantly reduced their controlling practices in their relationship. The prevalence of moderate or severe depression
DNA/MVA Vaccination of HIV-1 Infected Participants with Viral Suppression on Antiretroviral Therapy, followed by Treatment Interruption: Elicitation of Immune Responses without Control of Re-Emergent Virus.
Thompson, Melanie; Heath, Sonya L; Sweeton, Bentley; Williams, Kathy; Cunningham, Pamela; Keele, Brandon F; Sen, Sharon; Palmer, Brent E; Chomont, Nicolas; Xu, Yongxian; Basu, Rahul; Hellerstein, Michael S; Kwa, Suefen; Robinson, Harriet L
GV-TH-01, a Phase 1 open-label trial of a DNA prime—Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) boost vaccine (GOVX-B11), was undertaken in HIV infected participants on antiretroviral treatment (ART) to evaluate safety and vaccine-elicited T cell responses, and explore the ability of elicited CD8+ T cells to control viral rebound during analytical treatment interruption (TI). Nine men who began antiretroviral therapy (ART) within 18 months of seroconversion and had sustained plasma HIV-1 RNA HIV-1 RNA was 140,000 copies/ml and mean baseline CD4 count was 755/μl. Two DNA, followed by 2 MVA, inoculations were given 8 weeks apart. Eight subjects completed all vaccinations and TI. Clinical and laboratory adverse events were generally mild, with no serious or grade 4 events. Only reactogenicity events were considered related to study drug. No treatment emergent viral resistance was seen. The vaccinations did not reduce viral reservoirs and virus re-emerged in all participants during TI, with a median time to re-emergence of 4 weeks. Eight of 9 participants had CD8+ T cells that could be stimulated by vaccine-matched Gag peptides prior to vaccination. Vaccinations boosted these responses as well as eliciting previously undetected CD8+ responses. Elicited T cells did not display signs of exhaustion. During TI, temporal patterns of viral re-emergence and Gag-specific CD8+ T cell expansion suggested that vaccine-specific CD8+ T cells had been stimulated by re-emergent virus in only 2 of 8 participants. In these 2, transient decreases in viremia were associated with Gag selection in known CD8+ T cell epitopes. We hypothesize that escape mutations, already archived in the viral reservoir, plus a poor ability of CD8+ T cells to traffic to and control virus at sites of re-emergence, limited the therapeutic efficacy of the DNA/MVA vaccine. clinicaltrials.gov NCT01378156.
Associations between introduction and withdrawal of a financial incentive and timing of attendance for antenatal care and incidence of small for gestational age: natural experimental evaluation using interrupted time series methods
van der Waal, Zelda; Rushton, Steven; Rankin, Judith
Objectives To determine whether introduction or withdrawal of a maternal financial incentive was associated with changes in timing of first attendance for antenatal care (‘booking’), or incidence of small for gestational age. Design A natural experimental evaluation using interrupted time series analysis. Setting A hospital-based maternity unit in the north of England. Participants 34 589 women (and their live-born babies) who delivered at the study hospital and completed the 25th week of pregnancy in the 75 months before (January 2003 to March 2009), 21 months during (April 2009 to December 2010) and 36 months after (January 2011 to December 2013) the incentive was available. Intervention The Health in Pregnancy Grant was a financial incentive of £190 ($235; €211) payable to pregnant women in the UK from the 25th week of pregnancy, contingent on them receiving routine antenatal care. Primary and secondary outcome measures The primary outcome was mean gestational age at booking. Secondary outcomes were proportion of women booking by 10, 18 and 25 weeks’ gestation; and proportion of babies that were small for gestational age. Results By 21 months after introduction of the grant (ie, immediately prior to withdrawal), compared with what was predicted given prior trends, there was an reduction in mean gestational age at booking of 4.8 days (95% CI 2.3 to 8.2). The comparable figure for 24 months after withdrawal was an increase of 14.0 days (95% CI 2.8 to 16.8). No changes in incidence of small for gestational age babies were seen. Conclusions The introduction of a universal financial incentive for timely attendance at antenatal care was associated with a reduction in mean gestational age at first attendance, but not the proportion of babies that were small for gestational age. Future research should explore the effects of incentives offered at different times in pregnancy and of differing values; and how stakeholders view such incentives. PMID:29391362
Associations between introduction and withdrawal of a financial incentive and timing of attendance for antenatal care and incidence of small for gestational age: natural experimental evaluation using interrupted time series methods.
Adams, Jean; van der Waal, Zelda; Rushton, Steven; Rankin, Judith
To determine whether introduction or withdrawal of a maternal financial incentive was associated with changes in timing of first attendance for antenatal care ('booking'), or incidence of small for gestational age. A natural experimental evaluation using interrupted time series analysis. A hospital-based maternity unit in the north of England. 34 589 women (and their live-born babies) who delivered at the study hospital and completed the 25th week of pregnancy in the 75 months before (January 2003 to March 2009), 21 months during (April 2009 to December 2010) and 36 months after (January 2011 to December 2013) the incentive was available. The Health in Pregnancy Grant was a financial incentive of £190 ($235; €211) payable to pregnant women in the UK from the 25th week of pregnancy, contingent on them receiving routine antenatal care. The primary outcome was mean gestational age at booking. Secondary outcomes were proportion of women booking by 10, 18 and 25 weeks' gestation; and proportion of babies that were small for gestational age. By 21 months after introduction of the grant (ie, immediately prior to withdrawal), compared with what was predicted given prior trends, there was an reduction in mean gestational age at booking of 4.8 days (95% CI 2.3 to 8.2). The comparable figure for 24 months after withdrawal was an increase of 14.0 days (95% CI 2.8 to 16.8). No changes in incidence of small for gestational age babies were seen. The introduction of a universal financial incentive for timely attendance at antenatal care was associated with a reduction in mean gestational age at first attendance, but not the proportion of babies that were small for gestational age. Future research should explore the effects of incentives offered at different times in pregnancy and of differing values; and how stakeholders view such incentives. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No
Interrupting the Interruption: Neoliberalism and the Challenges of an Antiracist School
Meshulam, Assaf; Apple, Michael W.
The article examines a US public elementary bilingual, multicultural school that attempts to interrupt the reproduction of existing relations of dominance and subordination across a variety of differences. The school's experiences illuminate the complex reality of schools as a site of struggle and compromise between at times contradictory…
Interrupting long periods of sitting: good STUFF
Rutten Geert M
Full Text Available Abstract There is increasing evidence that sedentary behaviour is in itself a health risk, regardless of the daily amount of moderate to vigorous physical activity. Therefore, sedentary behaviour should be targeted as important health behaviour. It is known that even relatively small changes of health behaviour often require serious efforts from an individual and from people in their environment to become part of their lifestyle. Therefore, interventions to promote healthy behaviours should ideally be simple, easy to perform and easily available. Since sitting is likely to be highly habitual, confrontation with an intervention should almost automatically elicit a reaction of getting up, and thus break up and reduce sitting time. One important prerequisite for successful dissemination of such an intervention could be the use of a recognisable term relating to sedentary behaviour, which should have the characteristics of an effective brand name. To become wide spread, this term may need to meet three criteria: the “Law of the few�, the “Stickiness factor�, and the “Power of context�. For that purpose we introduce STUFF: Stand Up For Fitness. STUFF can be defined as “interrupting long sitting periods by short breaks�, for instance, interrupting sitting every 30 min by standing for at least five minutes. Even though we still need evidence to test the health-enhancing effects of interrupted sitting, we hope that the introduction of STUFF will facilitate the testing of the social, psychological and health effects of interventions to reduce sitting time.
The Impact of a Case of Ebola Virus Disease on Emergency Department Visits in Metropolitan Dallas-Fort Worth, TX, July, 2013-July, 2015: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis.
Molinari, Noelle-Angelique M; LeBlanc, Tanya Telfair; Stephens, William
The first Ebola virus disease (EVD) case in the United States (US) was confirmed September 30, 2014 in a man 45 years old. This event created considerable media attention and there was fear of an EVD outbreak in the US. This study examined whether emergency department (ED) visits changed in metropolitan Dallas-Fort Worth--, Texas (DFW) after this EVD case was confirmed. Using Texas Health Services Region 2/3 syndromic surveillance data and focusing on DFW, interrupted time series analyses were conducted using segmented regression models with autoregressive errors for overall ED visits and rates of several chief complaints, including fever with gastrointestinal distress (FGI). Date of fatal case confirmation was the "event." Results indicated the event was highly significant for ED visits overall (Pcapacity as well as for public health messaging in the wake of a public health emergency.
Opioid interruptions, pain, and withdrawal symptoms in nursing home residents.
Redding, Sarah E; Liu, Sophia; Hung, William W; Boockvar, Kenneth S
Interruptions in opioid use have the potential to cause pain relapse and withdrawal symptoms. The objectives of this study were to observe patterns of opioid interruption during acute illness in nursing home residents and examine associations between interruptions and pain and withdrawal symptoms. Patients from 3 nursing homes in a metropolitan area who were prescribed opioids were assessed for symptoms of pain and withdrawal by researchers blinded to opioid dosage received, using the Brief Pain Inventory Scale and the Clinical Opioid Withdrawal Scale, respectively, during prespecified time periods. The prespecified time periods were 2 weeks after onset of acute illness (eg, urinary tract infection), and 2 weeks after hospital admission and nursing home readmission, if they occurred. Opioid dosing was recorded and a significant interruption was defined as a complete discontinuation or a reduction in dose of >50% for ≥1 day. The covariates age, sex, race, comorbid conditions, initial opioid dose, and initial pain level were recorded. Symptoms pre- and post-opioid interruptions were compared and contrasted with those in a group without opioid interruptions. Sixty-six patients receiving opioids were followed for a mean of 10.9 months and experienced a total of 104 acute illnesses. During 64 (62%) illnesses, patients experienced any reduction in opioid dosing, with a mean (SD) dose reduction of 63.9% (29.9%). During 39 (38%) illnesses, patients experienced a significant opioid interruption. In a multivariable model, residence at 1 of the 3 nursing homes was associated with a lower risk of interruption (odds ratio = 0.073; 95% CI, 0.009 to 0.597; P pain score (difference -0.50 [2.66]; 95% CI, -3.16 to 2.16) and withdrawal score (difference -0.91 [3.12]; 95% CI, -4.03 to 2.21) after the interruption as compared with before interruption. However, when compared with patients without interruptions, patients with interruptions experienced larger increases in pain scores
Customer interruption cost and results
Eua-Arporn, B.; Bisarnbutra, S. [Chulalongkorn Univ., Bangkok (Thailand)
Results of a comprehensive study on short-term direct impacts and consumer interruption costs, incurred as a result of power supply interruption, were discussed. The emphasis was on questionnaire development, general responses and the average customer damage function of some selected sectors. The customer damage function was established for each category of customers (agriculture, industry, mining, wholesale, retail merchandising, residential, etc) as well as for different locations. Results showed that the average customer damage function depended mostly on customer category. Size and location were not significant factors. 5 refs., 7 tabs.
Repetitive Series Interrupter II.
nated by other authorized documents. The citation of trade names and names of manufacturers is this report is not to be construed as official... intergrating inductor Magnet circuit load resistance Pulse-forming network load resistance Fault network load resistance Time delay between TUT fire and
Measuring device for control rod driving time
Tanaka, Kazuhiko; Hanabusa, Masatoshi.
The present invention concerns a measuring device for control driving time having a function capable of measuring a selected control rod driving time and measuring an entire control rod driving time simultaneously. A calculation means and a store means for the selected rod control rod driving time, and a calculation means and a store means for the entire control rod driving time are disposed individually. Each of them measures the driving time and stores the data independent of each other based on a selected control rod insert ion signal and an entire control rod insertion signal. Even if insertion of selected and entire control rods overlaps, each of the control rod driving times can be measured reliably to provide an advantageous effect capable of more accurately conducting safety evaluation for the nuclear reactor based on the result of the measurement. (N.H.)
Similar decreases in local tumor control are calculated for treatment protraction and for interruptions in the radiotherapy of carcinoma of the larynx in four centers
Robertson, Chris; Robertson, A. Gerald; Hendry, Jolyon H.; Roberts, Stephen A.; Slevin, Nicholas J.; Duncan, William B.; MacDougall, R. Hugh; Kerr, Gillian R.; O'Sullivan, B.; Keane, Thomas J.
Purpose: Data on patients with cancer of the larynx are analyzed using statistical models to estimate the effect of gaps in the treatment time on the local control of the tumor. Methods and Materials: Patients from four centers, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, and Toronto, with carcinoma of the larynx and treated by radiotherapy were followed up and the disease-free period recorded. In all centers the end point was control of the primary tumor after irradiation alone. The local control rates at ≥2 years, P c , were analyzed by log linear models, and Cox proportional hazard models were used to model the disease-free period. Results: T stage, nodal involvement, and site of the tumor were important determinants of the disease-free interval, as was the radiation schedule used. Elongation of the treatment time by 1 day, or a gap of 1 day, was associated with a decrease in P c of 0.68% per day for P c = 0.80, with a 95% confidence interval of (0.28, 1.08)%. An increase of 5 days was associated with a 3.5% reduction in P c from 0.80 to 0.77. At P c = 0.60 an increase of 5 days was associated with an 7.9% decrease in P c . The time factor in the Linear Quadratic model, γ/α, was estimated as 0.89 Gy/day, 95% confidence interval (0.35, 1.43) Gy/day. Conclusions: Any gaps (public holidays are the majority) in the treatment schedule have the same deleterious effect on the disease free period as an increase in the prescribed treatment time. For a schedule, where dose and fraction number are specified, any gap in treatment is potentially damaging
Coping with interruptions in clinical nursing - a qualitative study
Laustsen, Sussie; Brahe, Liselotte
phenomenological approach. METHODS: Observations were performed combined with semi-structured qualitative interviews. RESULTS: Managing interruptions depend on level of competence, working environment, dialogue and matching of expectations, collegial roles and implicit rules. Working procedures impact on how......AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To gain knowledge on how nurses' cope with interruptions in clinical practice. BACKGROUND: Interruptions may delay work routines and result in wasted time, disorganised planning and ineffective working procedures, affecting nurses' focus and overview in different ways. Research......: Culture work and matching of expectations are important to reflect on and discuss personal- and group behaviour caused by interruptions. We need to focus on the role of each nurse in the professional team, types of personality and unspoken rules. Professional competencies for example prioritising, keeping...
Teaching Students to Request the Continuation of Routine Activities by Using Time Delay and Decreasing Physical Assistance in the Context of Chain Interruption.
Gee, Kathleen; And Others
Three students (ages 5-10) with profound intellectual, sensory, and physical disabilities were taught to activate a communication device to request the continuation of activities in which they were involved. The intervention consisted of a consistent response interval and increasing time delay paired with decreasing physical assistance in…
Melanie Thompson
Full Text Available GV-TH-01, a Phase 1 open-label trial of a DNA prime—Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA boost vaccine (GOVX-B11, was undertaken in HIV infected participants on antiretroviral treatment (ART to evaluate safety and vaccine-elicited T cell responses, and explore the ability of elicited CD8+ T cells to control viral rebound during analytical treatment interruption (TI. Nine men who began antiretroviral therapy (ART within 18 months of seroconversion and had sustained plasma HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL for at least 6 months were enrolled. Median age was 38 years, median pre-ART HIV-1 RNA was 140,000 copies/ml and mean baseline CD4 count was 755/μl. Two DNA, followed by 2 MVA, inoculations were given 8 weeks apart. Eight subjects completed all vaccinations and TI. Clinical and laboratory adverse events were generally mild, with no serious or grade 4 events. Only reactogenicity events were considered related to study drug. No treatment emergent viral resistance was seen. The vaccinations did not reduce viral reservoirs and virus re-emerged in all participants during TI, with a median time to re-emergence of 4 weeks. Eight of 9 participants had CD8+ T cells that could be stimulated by vaccine-matched Gag peptides prior to vaccination. Vaccinations boosted these responses as well as eliciting previously undetected CD8+ responses. Elicited T cells did not display signs of exhaustion. During TI, temporal patterns of viral re-emergence and Gag-specific CD8+ T cell expansion suggested that vaccine-specific CD8+ T cells had been stimulated by re-emergent virus in only 2 of 8 participants. In these 2, transient decreases in viremia were associated with Gag selection in known CD8+ T cell epitopes. We hypothesize that escape mutations, already archived in the viral reservoir, plus a poor ability of CD8+ T cells to traffic to and control virus at sites of re-emergence, limited the therapeutic efficacy of the DNA/MVA vaccine.clinicaltrials.gov NCT01378156.
Current interruption by density depression
Wagner, J.S.; Tajima, T.; Akasofu, S.I.
Using a one-dimensional electrostatic particle code, we examine processes associated with current interruption in a collisionless plasma when a density depression is present along the current channel. Current interruption due to double layers was suggested by Alfven and Carlqvist (1967) as a cause of solar flares. At a local density depression, plasma instabilities caused by an electron current flow are accentuated, leading to current disruption. Our simulation study encompasses a wide range of the parameters in such a way that under appropriate conditions, both the Alfven and Carlqvist (1967) regime and the Smith and Priest (1972) regime take place. In the latter regime the density depression decays into a stationary structure (''ion-acoustic layer'') which spawns a series of ion-acoustic ''solitons'' and ion phase space holes travelling upstream. A large inductance of the current circuit tends to enhance the plasma instabilities
Time-optimal control with finite bandwidth
Hirose, M.; Cappellaro, P.
Time-optimal control theory provides recipes to achieve quantum operations with high fidelity and speed, as required in quantum technologies such as quantum sensing and computation. While technical advances have achieved the ultrastrong driving regime in many physical systems, these capabilities have yet to be fully exploited for the precise control of quantum systems, as other limitations, such as the generation of higher harmonics or the finite response time of the control apparatus, prevent the implementation of theoretical time-optimal control. Here we present a method to achieve time-optimal control of qubit systems that can take advantage of fast driving beyond the rotating wave approximation. We exploit results from time-optimal control theory to design driving protocols that can be implemented with realistic, finite-bandwidth control fields, and we find a relationship between bandwidth limitations and achievable control fidelity.
Procedural Error and Task Interruption
interruption. A cognitive model we discuss below explains this effect in terms of increases in performance speed having the effect of compressing memory for...performance, and pilot data suggest that the task can distinguish between cognitive processes that are impaired by sleep deprivation and those that are...David Z. Hambrick Technical contact: Erik M. Altmann Michigan State University Department of Psychology 316 Physics Rd, Room 298A East Lansing
Early counterpulse technique applied to vacuum interrupters
Interruption of dc currents using counterpulse techniques is investigated with vacuum interrupters and a novel approach in which the counterpulse is applied before contact separation. Important increases have been achieved in this way in the maximum interruptible current and large reductions in contact erosion. The factors establishing these new limits are presented and ways are discussed to make further improvements to the maximum interruptible current
Impact of Florida's prescription drug monitoring program and pill mill law on high-risk patients: A comparative interrupted time series analysis.
Chang, Hsien-Yen; Murimi, Irene; Faul, Mark; Rutkow, Lainie; Alexander, G Caleb
We quantified the effects of Florida's prescription drug monitoring program and pill mill law on high-risk patients. We used QuintilesIMS LRx Lifelink data to identify patients receiving prescription opioids in Florida (intervention state, N: 1.13 million) and Georgia (control state, N: 0.54 million). The preintervention, intervention, and postintervention periods were July 2010 to June 2011, July 2011 to September 2011, and October 2011 to September 2012. We identified 3 types of high-risk patients: (1) concomitant users: patients with concomitant use of benzodiazepines and opioids; (2) chronic users: long-term, high-dose, opioid users; and (3) opioid shoppers: patients receiving opioids from multiple sources. We compared changes in opioid prescriptions between Florida and Georgia before and after policy implementation among high-risk/low-risk patients. Our monthly measures included (1) average morphine milligram equivalent per transaction, (2) total opioid volume across all prescriptions, (3) average days supplied per transaction, and (4) total number of opioid prescriptions dispensed. Among opioid-receiving individuals in Florida, 6.62% were concomitant users, 1.96% were chronic users, and 0.46% were opioid shoppers. Following policy implementation, Florida's high-risk patients experienced relative reductions in morphine milligram equivalent (opioid shoppers: -1.08 mg/month, 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.62 to -0.54), total opioid volume (chronic users: -4.58 kg/month, CI -5.41 to -3.76), and number of dispensed opioid prescriptions (concomitant users: -640 prescriptions/month, CI -950 to -340). Low-risk patients generally did not experience statistically significantly relative reductions. Compared with Georgia, Florida's prescription drug monitoring program and pill mill law were associated with large relative reductions in prescription opioid utilization among high-risk patients. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interruption of dc currents using counterpulse techniques is investigated with vacuum interrupters and a novel approach in which the counterpulse is applied before contact separation. Important increases have been achieved in this way in the maximum interruptible current as well as large reductions in contact erosion. The factors establishing these new limits are presented and ways are discussed to make further improvements
Long-term effect of fee-for-service-based reimbursement cuts on processes and outcomes of care for stroke: interrupted time-series study from Taiwan.
Tung, Yu-Chi; Chang, Guann-Ming; Cheng, Shou-Hsia
As healthcare spending continues to increase, reimbursement cuts have become 1 type of healthcare reform to contain costs. Little is known about the long-term impact of cuts in reimbursement, especially under a global budget cap with fee-for-service (FFS) reimbursement, on processes and outcomes of care. The FFS-based reimbursement cuts have been implemented since July 2002 in Taiwan. We examined the long-term association of FFS-based reimbursement cuts with trends in processes and outcomes of care for stroke. We analyzed all 411,487 patients with stroke admitted to general acute care hospitals in Taiwan during the period 1997 to 2010 through Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database. We used a quasi-experimental design with quarterly measures of healthcare utilization and outcomes and used segmented autoregressive integrated moving average models for the analysis. After accounting for secular trends and other confounders, the implementation of the FFS-based reimbursement cuts was associated with trend changes in computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging scanning (0.31% per quarter; P=0.013), antiplatelet/anticoagulant use (-0.20% per quarter; Pprocesses and outcomes of care over time. However, the reimbursement cuts from the FFS-based global budget cap are associated with trend changes in processes and outcomes of care for stroke. The FFS-based reimbursement cuts may have long-term positive and negative associations with stroke care. © 2014 American Heart Association, Inc.
Trends in the utilization of dental outpatient services affected by the expansion of health care benefits in South Korea to include scaling: a 6-year interrupted time-series study.
Park, Hee-Jung; Lee, Jun Hyup; Park, Sujin; Kim, Tae-Il
This study utilized a strong quasi-experimental design to test the hypothesis that the implementation of a policy to expand dental care services resulted in an increase in the usage of dental outpatient services. A total of 45,650,000 subjects with diagnoses of gingivitis or advanced periodontitis who received dental scaling were selected and examined, utilizing National Health Insurance claims data from July 2010 through November 2015. We performed a segmented regression analysis of the interrupted time-series to analyze the time-series trend in dental costs before and after the policy implementation, and assessed immediate changes in dental costs. After the policy change was implemented, a statistically significant 18% increase occurred in the observed total dental cost per patient, after adjustment for age, sex, and residence area. In addition, the dental costs of outpatient gingivitis treatment increased immediately by almost 47%, compared with a 15% increase in treatment costs for advanced periodontitis outpatients. This policy effect appears to be sustainable. The introduction of the new policy positively impacted the immediate and long-term outpatient utilization of dental scaling treatment in South Korea. While the policy was intended to entice patients to prevent periodontal disease, thus benefiting the insurance system, our results showed that the policy also increased treatment accessibility for potential periodontal disease patients and may improve long-term periodontal health in the South Korean population.
Trends in the utilization of dental outpatient services affected by the expansion of health care benefits in South Korea to include scaling: a 6-year interrupted time-series study
Purpose This study utilized a strong quasi-experimental design to test the hypothesis that the implementation of a policy to expand dental care services resulted in an increase in the usage of dental outpatient services. Methods A total of 45,650,000 subjects with diagnoses of gingivitis or advanced periodontitis who received dental scaling were selected and examined, utilizing National Health Insurance claims data from July 2010 through November 2015. We performed a segmented regression analysis of the interrupted time-series to analyze the time-series trend in dental costs before and after the policy implementation, and assessed immediate changes in dental costs. Results After the policy change was implemented, a statistically significant 18% increase occurred in the observed total dental cost per patient, after adjustment for age, sex, and residence area. In addition, the dental costs of outpatient gingivitis treatment increased immediately by almost 47%, compared with a 15% increase in treatment costs for advanced periodontitis outpatients. This policy effect appears to be sustainable. Conclusions The introduction of the new policy positively impacted the immediate and long-term outpatient utilization of dental scaling treatment in South Korea. While the policy was intended to entice patients to prevent periodontal disease, thus benefiting the insurance system, our results showed that the policy also increased treatment accessibility for potential periodontal disease patients and may improve long-term periodontal health in the South Korean population. PMID:29535886
Discrete-time nonlinear sliding mode controller
Keywords: Discrete-time delay system, Sliding mode control, nonlinear sliding ... of engineering systems such as chemical process control, delay in the actuator ...... instrumentation from Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology (MNNIT),.
Distributed digital real-time control system for TCV tokamak
Le, H.B. [École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Centre de Recherches en Physique des Plasmas (CRPP), Association EURATOM-Confédération Suisse, CH-1015 Lausanne (Switzerland); Felici, F. [Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven (Netherlands); Paley, J.I.; Duval, B.P.; Moret, J.-M.; Coda, S.; Sauter, O.; Fasel, D.; Marmillod, P. [École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Centre de Recherches en Physique des Plasmas (CRPP), Association EURATOM-Confédération Suisse, CH-1015 Lausanne (Switzerland)
Coder), into a Linux shared library (“.so� file) and distributed to target nodes in the discharge preparation phase. During the TCV discharge, an application on each node is executed that dynamically loads the shared library at runtime. In order to obtain reliable and reproducible real time execution of the algorithm, all interrupts to the CPU on each node are suspended just before firing the shot and re-enabled afterwards. Since installation, the new digital control system has been used for a multitude of plasma control applications, ranging from basic experiments of coil current and density control to advanced experiments of MHD (magnetohydrodynamics) and plasma profile control, as well as real-time plasma transport simulations. Recently, a real-time version of a plasma equilibrium reconstruction code was developed and implemented, providing the future possibility to control the plasma shape and profiles directly during the discharge evolution. This paper presents the architecture of the new control system, its integration into the TCV plant and a sample of control applications used for TCV plasma discharges.
Time management training and perceived control of time at work.
Häfner, Alexander; Stock, Armin
The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of time management training, which was based on psychological theory and research, on perceived control of time, perceived stress, and performance at work. The authors randomly assigned 71 employees to a training group (n = 35) or a waiting-list control group (n = 36). As hypothesized, time management training led to an increase in perceived control of time and a decrease in perceived stress. Time management training had no impact on different performance indicators. In particular, the authors explored the use and the perceived usefulness of the techniques taught. Participants judged the taught techniques as useful, but there were large differences concerning the actual use of the various techniques.
Time-resolved x-ray diffraction measurements of high-density InAs quantum dots on Sb/GaAs layers and the suppression of coalescence by Sb-irradiated growth interruption
Kakuda, Naoki; Yamaguchi, Koichi; Kaizu, Toshiyuki; Takahasi, Masamitu; Fujikawa, Seiji
Self-assembly of high-density InAs quantum dots (QDs) on Sb-irradiated GaAs buffer layers was observed in-situ by a time-resolved X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique using a combination of XRD and molecular beam epitaxy. Evolution of dot height and lattice constant was analyzed during InAs QD growth and subsequent growth interruption (GI), and as a result, dislocated giant dots due to coalescence and coherent dots were separately evaluated. An Sb-irradiated GI (Sb-GI) method to be applied after InAs growth was attempted for the suppression of coalescence. Using this method, the XRD intensity of giant dots decreased, and the photoluminescence intensity of InAs QDs was enhanced. High-density InAs QDs without giant dots were produced by using the combination of the QD growth on the Sb-irradiated GaAs buffer layers and the Sb-GI. (author)
Timing and motor control in drumming
Dahl, Sofia; Grossbach, Michael; Altenmüller, Eckart
the stick movement becomes increasingly difficult, sometimes resulting in irregularities in timing and/or striking force. Timing irregularities can also be a revealing sign of motor control problems, such as focal dystonia (Jabusch, Vauth & Altenmüller, 2004). The "breakdown" in motor control can therefore...
Minimal Time Problem with Impulsive Controls
Kunisch, Karl, E-mail: karl.kunisch@uni-graz.at [University of Graz, Institute for Mathematics and Scientific Computing (Austria); Rao, Zhiping, E-mail: zhiping.rao@ricam.oeaw.ac.at [Austrian Academy of Sciences, Radon Institute of Computational and Applied Mathematics (Austria)
Time optimal control problems for systems with impulsive controls are investigated. Sufficient conditions for the existence of time optimal controls are given. A dynamical programming principle is derived and Lipschitz continuity of an appropriately defined value functional is established. The value functional satisfies a Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation in the viscosity sense. A numerical example for a rider-swing system is presented and it is shown that the reachable set is enlargered by allowing for impulsive controls, when compared to nonimpulsive controls.
Generation of Induced Progenitor-like Cells from Mature Epithelial Cells Using Interrupted Reprogramming
Li Guo
Full Text Available Summary: A suitable source of progenitor cells is required to attenuate disease or affect cure. We present an “interrupted reprogrammingâ€� strategy to generate “induced progenitor-like (iPL cellsâ€� using carefully timed expression of induced pluripotent stem cell reprogramming factors (Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc; OSKM from non-proliferative Club cells. Interrupted reprogramming allowed controlled expansion yet preservation of lineage commitment. Under clonogenic conditions, iPL cells expanded and functioned as a bronchiolar progenitor-like population to generate mature Club cells, mucin-producing goblet cells, and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR-expressing ciliated epithelium. In vivo, iPL cells can repopulate CFTR-deficient epithelium. This interrupted reprogramming process could be metronomically applied to achieve controlled progenitor-like proliferation. By carefully controlling the duration of expression of OSKM, iPL cells do not become pluripotent, and they maintain their memory of origin and retain their ability to efficiently return to their original phenotype. A generic technique to produce highly specified populations may have significant implications for regenerative medicine. : In this article Waddell, Nagy, and colleagues present an “interrupted reprogrammingâ€� strategy to produce highly specified functional “induced progenitor-like cellsâ€� from mature quiescent cells. They propose that careful control of the duration of transient expression of iPSC reprogramming factors (OSKM allows controlled expansion yet preservation of parental lineage without traversing the pluripotent state. Keywords: generation of induced progenitor-like cells
Pulsed interrupter and method of operation
Drake, Joel Lawton; Kratz, Robert
Some embodiments provide interrupter systems comprising: a first electrode; a second electrode; a piston movably located at a first position and electrically coupled with the first and second electrodes establishing a closed state, the piston comprises an electrical conductor that couples with the first and second electrodes providing a conductive path; an electromagnetic launcher configured to, when activated, induce a magnetic field pulse causing the piston to move away from the electrical coupling with the first and second electrodes establishing an open circuit between the first and second electrodes; and a piston control system comprising a piston arresting system configured to control a deceleration of the piston following the movement of the piston induced by the electromagnetic launcher such that the piston is not in electrical contact with at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode when in the open state.
Simulation-Based Testing of Pager Interruptions During Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.
Sujka, Joseph A; Safcsak, Karen; Bhullar, Indermeet S; Havron, William S
To determine if pager interruptions affect operative time, safety, or complications and management of pager issues during a simulated laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Twelve surgery resident volunteers were tested on a Simbionix Lap Mentor II simulator. Each resident performed 6 randomized simulated laparoscopic cholecystectomies; 3 with pager interruptions (INT) and 3 without pager interruptions (NO-INT). The pager interruptions were sent in the form of standardized patient vignettes and timed to distract the resident during dissection of the critical view of safety and clipping of the cystic duct. The residents were graded on a pass/fail scale for eliciting appropriate patient history and management of the pager issue. Data was extracted from the simulator for the following endpoints: operative time, safety metrics, and incidence of operative complications. The Mann-Whitney U test and contingency table analysis were used to compare the 2 groups (INT vs. NO-INT). Level I trauma center; Simulation laboratory. Twelve general surgery residents. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in any of the operative endpoints as measured by the simulator. However, in the INT group, only 25% of the time did the surgery residents both adequately address the issue and provide effective patient management in response to the pager interruption. Pager interruptions did not affect operative time, safety, or complications during the simulated procedure. However, there were significant failures in the appropriate evaluations and management of pager issues. Consideration for diversion of patient care issues to fellow residents not operating to improve quality and safety of patient care outside the operating room requires further study. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.
Work Time Control and Sleep Disturbances
Salo, Paula; Ala-Mursula, Leena; Rod, Naja Hulvej
OBJECTIVES: Employee control over work times has been associated with favorable psychosocial and health-related outcomes, but the evidence regarding sleep quality remains inconclusive. We examined cross-sectional and prospective associations between work time control and sleep disturbances...... in a large working population, taking into account total hours worked. METHODS: The data were from a full-panel longitudinal cohort study of Finnish public sector employees who responded to questions on work time control and sleep disturbances in years 2000-2001, 2004-2005, 2008-2009, and 2012. The analysis....... RESULTS: Consistently in both cross-sectional and longitudinal models, less control over work time was associated with greater sleep disturbances in the total population and among those working normal 40-hour weeks. Among participants working more than 40 hours a week, work time that was both very high...
Time Optimal Control Laws for Bilinear Systems
Salim Bichiou
Full Text Available The aim of this paper is to determine the feedforward and state feedback suboptimal time control for a subset of bilinear systems, namely, the control sequence and reaching time. This paper proposes a method that uses Block pulse functions as an orthogonal base. The bilinear system is projected along that base. The mathematical integration is transformed into a product of matrices. An algebraic system of equations is obtained. This system together with specified constraints is treated as an optimization problem. The parameters to determine are the final time, the control sequence, and the states trajectories. The obtained results via the newly proposed method are compared to known analytical solutions.
Advanced concepts in accelerator timing control
Frankel, R.; Salwen, C.
The control system for the Booster accelerator presently under construction at BNL includes a timing section with serial high speed coded data distribution, computer based encoders for both real time and field driven clocks and a method of easily tracking the performance and reliability of these timing streams. We have developed a simple method for the generation of timing which operates to produce pulses which may be repeated as desired with minimal latency
The mythology of anticoagulation therapy interruption for dental surgery.
Wahl, Michael J
Continuous anticoagulation therapy is used to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and other embolic complications. When patients receiving anticoagulation therapy undergo dental surgery, a decision must be made about whether to continue anticoagulation therapy and risk bleeding complications or briefly interrupt anticoagulation therapy and increase the risk of developing embolic complications. Results from decades of studies of thousands of dental patients receiving anticoagulation therapy reveal that bleeding complications requiring more than local measures for hemostasis have been rare and never fatal. However, embolic complications (some of which were fatal and others possibly permanently debilitating) sometimes have occurred in patients whose anticoagulation therapy was interrupted for dental procedures. Although there is now virtually universal consensus among national medical and dental groups and other experts that anticoagulation therapy should not be interrupted for most dental surgery, there are still some arguments made supporting anticoagulation therapy interruption. An analysis of these arguments shows them to be based on a collection of myths and half-truths rather than on logical scientific conclusions. The time has come to stop anticoagulation therapy interruption for dental procedures. Copyright © 2018 American Dental Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Integrated HIV-Care Into Primary Health Care Clinics and the Influence on Diabetes and Hypertension Care: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis in Free State, South Africa Over 4 Years.
Rawat, Angeli; Uebel, Kerry; Moore, David; Yassi, Annalee
Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), specifically diabetes and hypertension, are rising in high HIV-burdened countries such as South Africa. How integrated HIV care into primary health care (PHC) influences NCD care is unknown. We aimed to understand whether differences existed in NCD care (pre- versus post-integration) and how changes may relate to HIV patient numbers. Public sector PHC clinics in Free State, South Africa. Using a quasiexperimental design, we analyzed monthly administrative data on 4 indicators for diabetes and hypertension (clinic and population levels) during 4 years as HIV integration was implemented in PHC. Data represented 131 PHC clinics with a catchment population of 1.5 million. We used interrupted time series analysis at ±18 and ±30 months from HIV integration in each clinic to identify changes in trends postintegration compared with those in preintegration. We used linear mixed-effect models to study relationships between HIV and NCD indicators. Patients receiving antiretroviral therapy in the 131 PHC clinics studied increased from 1614 (April 2009) to 57, 958 (April 2013). Trends in new diabetes patients on treatment remained unchanged. However, population-level new hypertensives on treatment decreased at ±30 months from integration by 6/100, 000 (SE = 3, P < 0.02) and was associated with the number of new patients with HIV on treatment at the clinics. Our findings suggest that during the implementation of integrated HIV care into PHC clinics, care for hypertensive patients could be compromised. Further research is needed to understand determinants of NCD care in South Africa and other high HIV-burdened settings to ensure patient-centered PHC.
Deregulation of sale of over-the-counter drugs outside of pharmacies in the Republic of Korea: interrupted-time-series analysis of outpatient visits before and after the policy.
Chun, Sung-Youn; Park, Hye-Ki; Han, Kyu-Tae; Kim, Woorim; Lee, Hyo-Jung; Park, Eun-Cheol
We evaluated the effectiveness of a policy allowing for the sale of over-the-counter drugs outside of pharmacies by examining its effect on number of monthly outpatient visits for acute upper respiratory infections, dyspepsia, and migraine. We used medical claims data extracted from the Korean National Health Insurance Cohort Database from 2009 to 2013. The Korean National Health Insurance Cohort Database comprises a nationally representative sample of claims - about 2% of the entire population - obtained from the medical record data held by the Korean National Health Insurance Corporation (which has data on the entire nation). The analysis included26,284,706 person-months of 1,042,728 individuals. An interrupted-time series analysis was performed. Outcome measures were monthly outpatient visits for acute upper respiratory infections, dyspepsia, and migraine. To investigate the effect of the policy, we compared the number of monthly visits before and after the policy's implementation in 2012. For acute upper respiratory infections, monthly outpatient visits showed a decreasing trend before the policy (ß = -0.0003);after it, a prompt change and increasing trend in monthly outpatient visits were observed, but these were non-significant. For dyspepsia, the trend was increasing before implementation (ß = -0.0101), but this reversed after implementation(ß = -0.007). For migraine, an increasing trend was observed before the policy (ß = 0.0057). After it, we observed a significant prompt change (ß = -0.0314) but no significant trend. Deregulation of selling over-the-counter medication outside of pharmacies reduced monthly outpatient visits for dyspepsia and migraine symptoms, but not acute upper respiratory infections.
Time dependent policy-based access control
Vasilikos, Panagiotis; Nielson, Flemming; Nielson, Hanne Riis
also on other attributes of the environment such as the time. In this paper, we use systems of Timed Automata to model distributed systems and we present a logic in which one can express time-dependent policies for access control. We show how a fragment of our logic can be reduced to a logic......Access control policies are essential to determine who is allowed to access data in a system without compromising the data's security. However, applications inside a distributed environment may require those policies to be dependent on the actual content of the data, the flow of information, while...... that current model checkers for Timed Automata such as UPPAAL can handle and we present a translator that performs this reduction. We then use our translator and UPPAAL to enforce time-dependent policy-based access control on an example application from the aerospace industry....
Time-optimal control of reactor power
Bernard, J.A.
Control laws that permit adjustments in reactor power to be made in minimum time and without overshoot have been formulated and demonstrated. These control laws which are derived from the standard and alternate dynamic period equations, are closed-form expressions of general applicability. These laws were deduced by noting that if a system is subject to one or more operating constraints, then the time-optimal response is to move the system along these constraints. Given that nuclear reactors are subject to limitations on the allowed reactor period, a time-optimal control law would step the period from infinity to the minimum allowed value, hold the period at that value for the duration of the transient, and then step the period back to infinity. The change in reactor would therefore be accomplished in minimum time. The resulting control laws are superior to other forms of time-optimal control because they are general-purpose, closed-form expressions that are both mathematically tractable and readily implanted. Moreover, these laws include provisions for the use of feedback. The results of simulation studies and actual experiments on the 5 MWt MIT Research Reactor in which these time-optimal control laws were used successfully to adjust the reactor power are presented
Robust Control Charts for Time Series Data
Croux, C.; Gelper, S.; Mahieu, K.
This article presents a control chart for time series data, based on the one-step- ahead forecast errors of the Holt-Winters forecasting method. We use robust techniques to prevent that outliers affect the estimation of the control limits of the chart. Moreover, robustness is important to maintain
Period of an Interrupted Pendulum
Miller, Bradley E.
While demonstrating a classic conservation-of-energy problem to my AP Physics students, I became curious about the periodic motion that ensued for certain initial conditions. The original problem consists of releasing a mass at the end of a string from an initial position horizontal to the plane of a table. The string comes in contact with a peg some distance below the point where the string is attached at the top. One is asked to find what minimum fraction of the string's length should the peg be placed to have the mass complete a circle about the peg. However, when the mass is released from much lower heights, the system undergoes periodic motion that can be thought of as an interrupted pendulum.
Real-time controller for hydrostatic transmission
M. Ing. (Electrical and Electronic Engineering) This dissertation describes the development of a modular real-time controller implemented on a personal computer for a hydrostatically driven vehicle. In such a vehicle the conventional mechanical transmission is replaced with a hydrostatic pump and two hydrostatic motors, making use of the secondary control principle. The infinitely variable transmission and wheel pair controller gives the vehicle superior traction and mobility over conventi...
Interruptions in emergency medicine: things are not always what they seem.
Walter, Scott R
We have all felt the cognitive disjuncture of being interrupted during an important task. Most ED physicians will readily proffer the high frequency and/or burden of interruptions during their work, and of the many observational studies of interruptions in healthcare EDs do indeed have high interruption rates[2]. In experimental psychology, where many of these ideas originated, there is plenty of evidence that interruptions negatively affect performance. Interruptions have been associated with reduced performance on complex tasks[3,4], increased sequence errors[5], increased task completion time and augmented annoyance and anxiety[6]. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Executing application function calls in response to an interrupt
Almasi, Gheorghe; Archer, Charles J.; Giampapa, Mark E.; Gooding, Thomas M.; Heidelberger, Philip; Parker, Jeffrey J.
Executing application function calls in response to an interrupt including creating a thread; receiving an interrupt having an interrupt type; determining whether a value of a semaphore represents that interrupts are disabled; if the value of the semaphore represents that interrupts are not disabled: calling, by the thread, one or more preconfigured functions in dependence upon the interrupt type of the interrupt; yielding the thread; and if the value of the semaphore represents that interrupts are disabled: setting the value of the semaphore to represent to a kernel that interrupts are hard-disabled; and hard-disabling interrupts at the kernel.
30 CFR 18.48 - Circuit-interrupting devices.
... energized. (f) Belt conveyors shall be equipped with control switches to automatically stop the driving motor in the event the belt is stopped, or abnormally slowed down. Note: Short transfer-type conveyors... Design Requirements § 18.48 Circuit-interrupting devices. (a) Each machine shall be equipped with a...
HVDC interrupter experiments for large Magnetic Energy Transfer and Storage (METS) systems
Swannack, C.E.; Haarman, R.A.; Lindsay, J.D.G.; Weldon, D.M.
Proposed fusion-test reactors will require energy storage systems of hundreds of megajoules with transfer times of the order of one millisecond. The size of the energy storage submodule (and hence, the overall system cost and complexity) is directly determined by the voltage and current limits of the switch used for the energy transfer. Experiments are being conducted on high voltage dc circuit breakers as a major part of the energy storage, pulsed power program. DC circuit interruption characteristics of a commercially available ac power vacuum interrupter are discussed. Preliminary data of interruption characteristics are reported for an interrupter developed specifically to match a present METS circuit requirement
A Wrist-Worn Thermohaptic Device for Graceful Interruption
Bolton, Frank; Jalaliniya, Shahram; Pederson, Thomas
Thermal haptics is a potential system output modality for wearable devices that promises to function at the periphery of human attention. When adequately combined with existing attention-governing mechanisms of the human mind, it could be used for interrupting the human agent at a time when......-worn thermohaptic actuator for self-mitigating interruption. We then develop a prototype and perform an insightful pilot study. We frame our empirical thermohaptic experimental work in terms of Peripheral Interaction concepts and show how this new approach to Human-Computer Interaction relates to the Context...
Timing control by redundant inhibitory neuronal circuits
Tristan, I., E-mail: itristan@ucsd.edu; Rulkov, N. F.; Huerta, R.; Rabinovich, M. [BioCircuits Institute, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0402 (United States)
Rhythms and timing control of sequential activity in the brain is fundamental to cognition and behavior. Although experimental and theoretical studies support the understanding that neuronal circuits are intrinsically capable of generating different time intervals, the dynamical origin of the phenomenon of functionally dependent timing control is still unclear. Here, we consider a new mechanism that is related to the multi-neuronal cooperative dynamics in inhibitory brain motifs consisting of a few clusters. It is shown that redundancy and diversity of neurons within each cluster enhances the sensitivity of the timing control with the level of neuronal excitation of the whole network. The generality of the mechanism is shown to work on two different neuronal models: a conductance-based model and a map-based model.
Tristan, I.; Rulkov, N. F.; Huerta, R.; Rabinovich, M.
Rhythms and timing control of sequential activity in the brain is fundamental to cognition and behavior. Although experimental and theoretical studies support the understanding that neuronal circuits are intrinsically capable of generating different time intervals, the dynamical origin of the phenomenon of functionally dependent timing control is still unclear. Here, we consider a new mechanism that is related to the multi-neuronal cooperative dynamics in inhibitory brain motifs consisting of a few clusters. It is shown that redundancy and diversity of neurons within each cluster enhances the sensitivity of the timing control with the level of neuronal excitation of the whole network. The generality of the mechanism is shown to work on two different neuronal models: a conductance-based model and a map-based model
Timing system control software in the SLC
Thompson, K.; Phinney, N.
A new timing system that allows precision (approx.1 to 2 ns) control of the trigger times of klystrons, beam position monitors, and other devices on a pulse-to-pulse basis at up to 360 Hz is in operation in the first third of the SLAC linear accelerator. The control software is divided between a central host VAX and local Intel 8086-based microprocessor clusters. Facilities exist to set up and adjust the timing of devices or groups of devices independently for beam pulses having different destinations and purposes, which are run in an interlaced fashion during normal machine operation. Upgrading of the system is currently underway, using a new version of the Programmable Delay Unit CAMAC module to allow pipelining of timing information for three machine pulses. An overview of the current state of the system is presented in this paper, with an emphasis on software control
A work observation study of nuclear medicine technologists: interruptions, resilience and implications for patient safety.
Larcos, George; Prgomet, Mirela; Georgiou, Andrew; Westbrook, Johanna
Errors by nuclear medicine technologists during the preparation of radiopharmaceuticals or at other times can cause patient harm and may reflect the impact of interruptions, busy work environments and deficient systems or processes. We aimed to: (a) characterise the rate and nature of interruptions technologists experience and (b) identify strategies that support safety. We performed 100 hours of observation of 11 technologists at a major public hospital and measured the proportions of time spent in eight categories of work tasks, location of task, interruption rate and type and multitasking (tasks conducted in parallel). We catalogued specific safety-oriented strategies used by technologists. Technologists completed 5227 tasks and experienced 569 interruptions (mean, 4.5 times per hour; 95% CI 4.1 to 4.9). The highest interruption rate occurred when technologists were in transit between rooms (10.3 per hour (95% CI 8.3 to 12.5)). Interruptions during radiopharmaceutical preparation occurred a mean of 4.4 times per hour (95% CI 3.3 to 5.6). Most (n=426) tasks were interrupted once only and all tasks were resumed after interruption. Multitasking occurred 16.6% of the time. At least some interruptions were initiated by other technologists to convey important information and/or to render assistance. Technologists employed a variety of verbal and non-verbal strategies in all work areas (notably in the hot-lab) to minimise the impact of interruptions and optimise the safe conduct of procedures. Although most were due to individual choices, some strategies reflected overt or subliminal departmental policy. Some interruptions appear beneficial. Technologists' self-initiated strategies to support safe work practices appear to be an important element in supporting a resilient work environment in nuclear medicine. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.
Piped water supply interruptions and acute diarrhea among under-five children in Addis Ababa slums, Ethiopia: A matched case-control study.
Adane, Metadel; Mengistie, Bezatu; Medhin, Girmay; Kloos, Helmut; Mulat, Worku
The problem of intermittent piped water supplies that exists in low- and middle-income countries is particularly severe in the slums of sub-Saharan Africa. However, little is known about whether there is deterioration of the microbiological quality of the intermittent piped water supply at a household level and whether it is a factor in reducing or increasing the occurrence of acute diarrhea among under-five children in slums of Addis Ababa. This study aimed to determine the association of intermittent piped water supplies and point-of-use (POU) contamination of household stored water by Escherichia coli (E. coli) with acute diarrhea among under-five children in slums of Addis Ababa. A community-based matched case-control study was conducted from November to December, 2014. Cases were defined as under-five children with acute diarrhea during the two weeks before the survey. Controls were matched by age and neighborhood with cases by individual matching. Data were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire and E. coli analysis of water from piped water supplies and household stored water. A five-tube method of Most Probable Number (MPN)/100 ml standard procedure was used for E. coli analysis. Multivariable conditional logistic regression with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used for data analysis by controlling potential confounding effects of selected socio-demographic characteristics. During the two weeks before the survey, 87.9% of case households and 51.0% of control households had an intermittent piped water supply for an average of 4.3 days and 3.9 days, respectively. POU contamination of household stored water by E. coli was found in 83.3% of the case households, and 52.1% of the control households. In a fully adjusted model, a periodically intermittent piped water supply (adjusted matched odds ratio (adjusted mOR) = 4.8; 95% CI: 1.3-17.8), POU water contamination in household stored water by E. coli (adjusted mOR = 3.3; 95% CI: 1.1-10.1), water
Time Optimal Run-time Evaluation of Distributed Timing Constraints in Process Control Software
Drejer, N.; Kristensen, C.H.
This paper considers run-time evaluation of an important class of constraints; Timing constraints. These appear extensively in process control systems. Timing constraints are considered in distributed systems, i.e. systems consisting of multiple autonomous nodes......
Real-time measurement and control at Jet. Experiment Control
Felton, R.; Zabeo, L.; Sartori, F.; Piccolo, F.; Farthing, J.; Budd, T.; Dorling, S.; McCullen, P.; Harling, J.; Dalley, S.; Goodyear, A.; Stephen, A.; Card, P.; Bright, M.; Lucock, R.; Jones, E.; Griph, S.; Hogben, C.; Beldishevski, M.; Buckley, M.; Davis, J.; Young, I.; Hemming, O.; Wheatley, M.; Heesterman, P.; Lloyd, G.; Walters, M.; Bridge, R.; Leggate, H.; Howell, D.; Zastrow, K.D.; Giroud, C.; Coffey, I.; Hawkes, N.; Stamp, M.; Barnsley, R.; Edlington, T.; Guenther, K.; Gowers, C.; Popovichef, S.; Huber, A.; Ingesson, C.; Joffrin, E.; Mazon, D.; Moreau, D.; Murari, A.; Riva, M.; Barana, O.; Bolzonella, T.; Valisa, M.; Innocente, P.; Zerbini, M.; Bosak, K.; Blum, J.; Vitale, E.; Crisanti, F.; La Luna, E. de; Sanchez, J.
Over the past few ears, the preparation of ITER-relevant plasma scenarios has been the main focus experimental activity on tokamaks. The development of integrated, simultaneous, real-time controls of plasma shape, current, pressure, temperature, radiation, neutron profiles, and also impurities, ELMs (edge localized modes) and MHD are now seen to be essential for further development of quasi-steady state conditions with feedback, or the stabilisation of transient phenomena with event-driven actions. For this thrust, the EFDA JET Real Time Project has developed a set of real-time plasma measurements, experiment control, and communication facilities. The Plasma Diagnostics used for real-time experiments are Far Infra Red interferometry, polarimetry, visible, UV and X-ray spectroscopy, LIDAR, bolometry, neutron and magnetics. Further analysis systems produce integrated results such as temperature profiles on geometry derived from MHD equilibrium solutions. The Actuators include toroidal, poloidal and divertor coils, gas and pellet fuelling, neutral beam injection, radiofrequency (ICRH) waves and microwaves (LH). The Heating/Fuelling Operators can either define a power or gas request waveform or select the real-time instantaneous power/gas request from the Real Time Experiment Central Control (RTCC) system. The Real Time Experiment Control system provides both a high-level, control-programming environment and interlocks with the actuators. A MATLAB facility is being developed for the development of more complex controllers. The plasma measurement, controller and plant control systems communicate in ATM network. The EFDA Real Time project is essential groundwork for future reactors such as ITER. It involves many staff from several institutions. The facility is now frequently used in experiments. (authors)
Processing implicit control: evidence from reading times
Michael eMcCourt
Full Text Available Sentences such as The ship was sunk to collect the insurance exhibit an unusual form of anaphora, implicit control, where neither anaphor nor antecedent is audible. The nonfinite reason clause has an understood subject, PRO, that is anaphoric; here it may be understood as naming the agent of the event of the host clause. Yet since the host is a short passive, this agent is realized by no audible dependent. The putative antecedent to PRO is therefore implicit, which it normally cannot be. What sorts of representations subserve the comprehension of this dependency? Here we present four self-paced reading time studies directed at this question. Previous work showed no processing cost for implicit versus explicit control, and took this to support the view that PRO is linked syntactically to a silent argument in the passive. We challenge this conclusion by reporting that we also find no processing cost for remote implicit control, as in: The ship was sunk. The reason was to collect the insurance. Here the dependency crosses two independent sentences, and so cannot, we argue, be mediated by syntax. Our Experiments 1-4 examined the processing of both implicit (short passive and explicit (active or long passive control in both local and remote configurations. Experiments 3 and 4 added either three days ago or just in order to the local conditions, to control for the distance between the passive and infinitival verbs, and for the predictability of the reason clause, respectively. We replicate the finding that implicit control does not impose an additional processing cost. But critically we show that remote control does not impose a processing cost either. Reading times at the reason clause were never slower when control was remote. In fact they were always faster. Thus efficient processing of local implicit control cannot show that implicit control is mediated by syntax; nor, in turn, that there is a silent but grammatically active argument in passives.
Virological failure of staggered and simultaneous treatment interruption in HIV patients who began Efavirenz-based regimens after allergic reactions to nevirapine
Siripassorn Krittaecho
Full Text Available Abstract Objective The objective of this work was to study the virological outcomes associated with two different types of treatment interruption strategies in patients with allergic reactions to nevirapine (NVP. We compared the virological outcomes of (1 HIV-1-infected patients who discontinued an initial NVP-based regimen because of cutaneous allergic reactions to NVP; different types of interruption strategies were used, and second-line regimen was based on efavirenz (EFV; and (2 HIV-1-infected patients who began an EFV-based regimen as a first-line therapy (controls. Methods This retrospective cohort included patients who began an EFV-based regimen, between January 2002 and December 2008, as either an initial regimen or as a subsequent regimen after resolving a cutaneous allergic reaction against an initial NVP-based regimen. The study ended in March 2010. The primary outcome was virological failure, which was defined as either (a two consecutive plasma HIV-1 RNA levels >400 copies/mL or (b a plasma HIV-1 RNA level >1,000 copies/mL plus any genotypic resistance mutation. Results A total of 559 patients were stratified into three groups: (a Simultaneous Interruption, in which the subjects simultaneously discontinued all the drugs in an NVP-based regimen following an allergic reaction (n=161; (b Staggered Interruption, in which the subjects discontinued NVP treatment while continuing nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI backbone therapy for a median of 7 days (n=82; and (c Control, in which the subjects were naïve to antiretroviral therapy (n=316. The overall median follow-up time was 43 months. Incidence of virological failure in Simultaneous Interruption was 12.9 cases per 1,000 person-years, which trended toward being higher than the incidences in Staggered Interruption (5.4 and Control (6.6. However, differences were not statistically significant. Conclusions Among the patients who had an acute allergic reaction to first
Change in non-alcoholic beverage sales following a 10-pence levy on sugar-sweetened beverages within a national chain of restaurants in the UK: interrupted time series analysis of a natural experiment.
Cornelsen, Laura; Mytton, Oliver T; Adams, Jean; Gasparrini, Antonio; Iskander, Dalia; Knai, Cecile; Petticrew, Mark; Scott, Courtney; Smith, Richard; Thompson, Claire; White, Martin; Cummins, Steven
This study evaluates changes in sales of non-alcoholic beverages in Jamie's Italian, a national chain of commercial restaurants in the UK, following the introduction of a £0.10 per-beverage levy on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and supporting activity including beverage menu redesign, new products and establishment of a children's health fund from levy proceeds. We used an interrupted time series design to quantify changes in sales of non-alcoholic beverages 12 weeks and 6 months after implementation of the levy, using itemised electronic point of sale data. Main outcomes were number of SSBs and other non-alcoholic beverages sold per customer. Linear regression and multilevel random effects models, adjusting for seasonality and clustering, were used to investigate changes in SSB sales across all restaurants (n=37) and by tertiles of baseline restaurant SSB sales per customer. Compared with the prelevy period, the number of SSBs sold per customer declined by 11.0% (-17.3% to -4.3%) at 12 weeks and 9.3% (-15.2% to -3.2%) at 6 months. For non-levied beverages, sales per customer of children's fruit juice declined by 34.7% (-55.3% to -4.3%) at 12 weeks and 9.9% (-16.8% to -2.4%) at 6 months. At 6 months, sales per customer of fruit juice increased by 21.8% (14.0% to 30.2%) but sales of diet cola (-7.3%; -11.7% to -2.8%) and bottled waters (-6.5%; -11.0% to -1.7%) declined. Changes in sales were only observed in restaurants in the medium and high tertiles of baseline SSB sales per customer. Introduction of a £0.10 levy on SSBs alongside complementary activities is associated with declines in SSB sales per customer in the short and medium term, particularly in restaurants with higher baseline sales of SSBs. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.
Short-term and sustained effects of a health system strengthening intervention to improve mortality trends for paediatric severe malnutrition in rural South African hospitals: An interrupted time series design
M Muzigaba
Full Text Available Background. Case fatality rates for childhood severe acute malnutrition (SAM remain high in some resource-limited facilities in South Africa (SA, despite the widespread availability of the World Health Organization treatment guidelines. There is a need to develop reproducible interventions that reinforce the implementation of these guidelines and assess their effect and sustainability. Objectives. To assess the short-term and sustained effects of a health system strengthening intervention on mortality attributable to SAM in two hospitals located in the Eastern Cape Province of SA. Methods. This was a theory-driven evaluation conducted in two rural hospitals in SA over a 69-month period (2009 - 2014. In both facilities, a health system strengthening intervention was implemented within the first 32 months, and thereafter discontinued. Sixty-nine monthly data series were collected on: (i monthly total SAM case fatality rate (CFR; (ii monthly SAM CFR within 24 hours of admission; and (iii monthly SAM CFR among HIV-positive cases, to determine the intervention’s effect within the first 32 months and sustainability over the remaining 37 months. The data were analysed using Linden’s method for analysing interrupted time series data. Results. The study revealed that the intervention was associated with a statistically significant decrease of up to 0.4% in monthly total SAM CFR, a non-statistically significant decrease of up to 0.09% in monthly SAM CFR within 24 hours of admission and a non-statistically significant decrease of up to 0.11% in monthly SAM CFR among HIV-positive cases. The decrease in mortality trends for both outcomes was only slightly reversed upon the discontinuation of the intervention. No autocorrelation was detected in the regression models generated during data analyses. Conclusion. The study findings suggest that although the intervention was designed to be self-sustaining, this may not have been the case. A qualitative enquiry
Interrupted or continuous-intradermal suturing? Statistical analysis of postoperative scars
Elif Sarı
Full Text Available Background and Design: Postoperative scar development is an important problem for patients treated in plastic surgery clinics. Most patients think that continuous intradermal suturing is superior to interrupted suturing because they assume that it creates less scarring. We evaluated scars that form following intradermal and interrupted suturing. This article presents our controlled study that objectively compared the scars on patients' faces using a wound evaluation scale. Materials and Methods: Thirty-five patients, who had undergone operations on the bilateral cheeks, were included in this study. Thirty patients were female; five patients were male. Their mean age was 40.05 years. The average scar evaluation time after surgery was 9.05 months. Elliptical excisions were made on the lesions under local anesthesia. The incisions on the right cheeks were sutured with 6/0 monofilament nonabsorbable sutures using the continuous intradermal suturing technique. The left cheek incisions were sutured with same sutures using the interrupted suturing method. Results: The patients were evaluated 7–11 months after operation (mean: 9.05 months using the Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale. A Related Samples T-test was used for statistical evaluation of the differences between the suturing techniques. No significant differences were noted in scar formation between the two suturing methods (p>0.05. Conclusion: We found no differences in scar formation between the two frequently used suturing techniques studied here. We believe that the suturing technique is a less important determinant of scar formation than are other factors.
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF RTOS AND PRIMITIVE INTERRUPT IN EMBEDDED SYSTEM
Dwi Purnomo
Full Text Available Multitasking is one of the most challenging issues in the automation industry which is highly depended on the embedded system. There are two methods to perform multitasking in embedded system: RTOS and primitive interrupt. The main purpose of this research is to compare the performance of R¬TOS with primitive method while concurrently undertaking multiple tasks. The system, which is able to perform various tasks, has been built to evaluate the performance of both methods. There are four tasks introduced in the system: servo task, sensor task, LED task, and LCD task. The performance of each method is indicated by the success rate of the sensor task detection. Sensor task detection will be compared with the true value which is calculated and measured manually during observation time. Observation time was varied after several iterations and the data of the iteration are recorded for both RTOS and primitive interrupt methods. The results of the conducted experiments have shown that, RTOS is more accurate than interrupt method. However, the data variance of the primitive interrupt method is narrower than RTOS. Therefore, to choose a better method, an optimization is needed to be done and each product has its own standard.
Deformation of contact surfaces in a vacuum interrupter after high-current interruptions
Wang, Haoran; Wang, Zhenxing, E-mail: zxwang@xjtu.edu.cn; Zhou, Zhipeng; Jiang, Yanjun; Wang, Jianhua; Geng, Yingsan; Liu, Zhiyuan [State Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation and Power Equipment, Xi' an Jiaotong University, Xi' an 710049 (China)
In a high-current interruption, the contact surface in a vacuum interrupter might be severely damaged by constricted vacuum arcs causing a molten area on it. As a result, a protrusion will be initiated by a transient recovery voltage after current zero, enhancing the local electric field and making breakdowns occur easier. The objective of this paper is to simulate the deformation process on the molten area under a high electric field by adopting the finite element method. A time-dependent Electrohydrodynamic model was established, and the liquid-gas interface was tracked by the level-set method. From the results, the liquid metal can be deformed to a Taylor cone if the applied electric field is above a critical value. This value is correlated to the initial geometry of the liquid metal, which increases as the size of the liquid metal decreases. Moreover, the buildup time of a Taylor cone obeys the power law t = k × E{sup −3}, where E is the initial electric field and k is a coefficient related to the material property, indicating a temporal self-similar characteristic. In addition, the influence of temperature has little impact on the deformation but has great impact on electron emission. Finally, the possible reason to initiate a delayed breakdown is associated with the deformation. The breakdown does not occur immediately when the voltage is just applied upon the gap but is postponed to several milliseconds later when the tip is formed on the liquid metal.
Optical Cutting Interruption Sensor for Fiber Lasers
Benedikt Adelmann
Full Text Available We report on an optical sensor system attached to a 4 kW fiber laser cutting machine to detect cutting interruptions. The sensor records the thermal radiation from the process zone with a modified ring mirror and optical filter arrangement, which is placed between the cutting head and the collimator. The process radiation is sensed by a Si and InGaAs diode combination with the detected signals being digitalized with 20 kHz. To demonstrate the function of the sensor, signals arising during fusion cutting of 1 mm stainless steel and mild steel with and without cutting interruptions are evaluated and typical signatures derived. In the recorded signals the piercing process, the laser switch on and switch off point and waiting period are clearly resolved. To identify the cutting interruption, the signals of both Si and InGaAs diodes are high pass filtered and the signal fluctuation ranges being subsequently calculated. Introducing a correction factor, we identify that only in case of a cutting interruption the fluctuation range of the Si diode exceeds the InGaAs diode. This characteristic signature was successfully used to detect 80 cutting interruptions of 83 incomplete cuts (alpha error 3.6% and system recorded no cutting interruption from 110 faultless cuts (beta error of 0. This particularly high detection rate in combination with the easy integration of the sensor, highlight its potential for cutting interruption detection in industrial applications.
PEP-II injection timing and controls
Bharadwaj, V.; Browne, M.; Crane, M.; Gromme, T.; Himel, T.; Ross, M.; Stanek, M.; Ronan, M.
Hardware has been built and software written and incorporated in the existing SLC accelerator control system to control injection of beam pulses from the accelerator into the PEP-II storage rings currently under construction. Hardware includes a CAMAC module to delay the machine timing fiducial in order that a beam pulse extracted from a damping ring will be injected into a selected group of four 476 MHz buckets in a PEP-II ring. Further timing control is accomplished by shifting the phase of the bunches stored in the damping rings before extraction while leaving the phase of the PEP-II stored beam unchanged. The software which drives timing devices on a pulse-to-pulse basis relies on a dedicated communication link on which one scheduling microprocessor broadcasts a 128-bit message to all distributed control microprocessors at 360 Hz. PEP-II injection will be driven by the scheduling microprocessor according to lists specifying bucket numbers in arbitrary order, and according to scheduling constraints maximizing the useful beam delivered to the SLC collider currently in operation. These lists will be generated by a microprocessor monitoring the current stored per bucket in each of the PEP-II rings
Driven to distraction: The nature and apparent purpose of interruptions in critical care and implications for HIT.
Mamykina, Lena; Carter, Eileen J; Sheehan, Barbara; Stanley Hum, R; Twohig, Bridget C; Kaufman, David R
To examine the apparent purpose of interruptions in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and opportunities to reduce their burden with informatics solutions. In this prospective observational study, researchers shadowed clinicians in the unit for one hour at a time, recording all interruptions participating clinicians experienced or initiated, their starting time, duration, and a short description that could help to infer their apparent purpose. All captured interruptions were classified inductively on their source and apparent purpose and on the optimal representational media for fulfilling their apparent purpose. The researchers observed thirty-four one-hour sessions with clinicians in the unit, including 21 nurses and 13 residents and house physicians. The physicians were interrupted on average 11.9 times per hour and interrupted others 8.8 times per hour. Nurses were interrupted 8.6 times per hour and interrupted others 5.1 times per hour. The apparent purpose of interruptions included Information Seeking and Sharing (n=259, 46.3%), Directives and Requests (n=70, 12%), Shared Decision-Making (n=49, 8.8%), Direct Patient Care (n=36, 6.4%), Social (n=71, 12.7%), Device Alarms (n=28, 5%), and Non-Clinical (n=10, 1.8%); 6.6% were not classified due to insufficient description. Of all captured interruptions, 29.5% were classified as being better served with informational displays or computer-mediated communication. Deeper understanding of the purpose of interruptions in critical care can help to distinguish between interruptions that require face-to-face conversation and those that can be eliminated with informatics solutions. The proposed taxonomy of interruptions and representational analysis can be used to further advance the science of interruptions in clinical care. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Real time computer controlled weld skate
Wall, W. A., Jr.
A real time, adaptive control, automatic welding system was developed. This system utilizes the general case geometrical relationships between a weldment and a weld skate to precisely maintain constant weld speed and torch angle along a contoured workplace. The system is compatible with the gas tungsten arc weld process or can be adapted to other weld processes. Heli-arc cutting and machine tool routing operations are possible applications.
Optimal, real-time control--colliders
With reasonable definitions, optimal control is possible for both classical and quantal systems with new approaches called PISC(Parallel) and NISC(Neural) from analogy with RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing). If control equals interaction, observation and comparison to some figure of merit with interaction via external fields, then optimization comes from varying these fields to give design or operating goals. Structural stability can then give us tolerance and design constraints. But simulations use simplified models, are not in real-time and assume fixed or stationary conditions, so optimal control goes far beyond convergence rates of algorithms. It is inseparable from design and this has many implications for colliders. 12 refs., 3 figs
The Effect of Integration of Self-Management Web Platforms on Health Status in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Management in Primary Care (e-Vita Study): Interrupted Time Series Design.
Talboom-Kamp, Esther Pwa; Verdijk, Noortje A; Kasteleyn, Marise J; Harmans, Lara M; Talboom, Irvin Jsh; Looijmans-van den Akker, Ingrid; van Geloven, Nan; Numans, Mattijs E; Chavannes, Niels H
Worldwide nearly 3 million people die from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) every year. Integrated disease management (IDM) improves quality of life for COPD patients and can reduce hospitalization. Self-management of COPD through eHealth is an effective method to improve IDM and clinical outcomes. The objective of this implementation study was to investigate the effect of 3 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease eHealth programs applied in primary care on health status. The e-Vita COPD study compares different levels of integration of Web-based self-management platforms in IDM in 3 primary care settings. Patient health status is examined using the Clinical COPD Questionnaire (CCQ). The parallel cohort design includes 3 levels of integration in IDM (groups 1, 2, 3) and randomization of 2 levels of personal assistance for patients (group A, high assistance, group B, low assistance). Interrupted time series (ITS) design was used to collect CCQ data at multiple time points before and after intervention, and multilevel linear regression modeling was used to analyze CCQ data. Of the 702 invited patients, 215 (30.6%) registered to a platform. Of these, 82 participated in group 1 (high integration IDM), 36 in group 1A (high assistance), and 46 in group 1B (low assistance); 96 participated in group 2 (medium integration IDM), 44 in group 2A (high assistance) and 52 in group 2B (low assistance); also, 37 participated in group 3 (no integration IDM). In the total group, no significant difference was found in change in CCQ trend (P=.334) before (-0.47% per month) and after the intervention (-0.084% per month). Also, no significant difference was found in CCQ changes before versus after the intervention between the groups with high versus low personal assistance. In all subgroups, there was no significant change in the CCQ trend before and after the intervention (group 1A, P=.237; 1B, P=.991; 2A, P=.120; 2B, P=.166; 3, P=.945). The e-Vita eHealth-supported COPD
A Multiple-Reception Access Protocol with Interruptions with Mixed Priorities in CDMA Networks
Lu Xiaowen; Zhu Jinkang
A novel access protocol called Multiple-Reception Access Protocol (MRAP) and its modification MRAP/WI are proposed. In this protocol, all colliding users with a common code can be identified by the base station due to the offset of arrival time Thus they can retransmit access requests under the base station's control. Furthermore new arrivals with higher priority level can interrupt the lower retransmission in order to reduce its access delay although it increases the lower priority's delay. Simulation results of MRAP and MRAP/WI are given in order to highlight the superior performance of the proposed approach.
Time under control: time perspective and desire for control in substance use.
Fieulaine, Nicolas; Martinez, Frederic
To investigate the role of time perspective and desire for control in self-reported substance use and to test for a moderating effect of desire for control in the relation between time perspective and substance use. A random sample of 240 persons, aged 15 years and over, selected in various public spaces in an urban region in central France. Time perspective was measured using subscales of the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI, Zimbardo & Boyd, 1999), Desire for control was measured using a translated version of the Desire for Control Scale (DCS, Burger & Cooper, 1979), and substance use was self-reported. After controlling for age and gender, significant links were found between time perspective and substance use. Desire for control did not appear to be directly related to substance use. The interaction effect between TP and desire for control appeared to be related to substance use. There was evidence that the relation between TP and substance use is buffered by low desire for control. This study converges with previous studies demonstrating the relation between TP and substance use, but provides evidence of the moderating role played by desire for control. Desire for control thus appears as worthy of interest in the analysis of self-regulatory process, and further research on the links between TP and various aspects of control is required. In order to be more effective, the design of future studies and interventions based on time-related issues should consider how desire for control plays a part in establishing vulnerability profiles. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The Effects of Interruption Task Complexity and Interruptions on Student Multitasking
Tan, Jiun Yi
Students commonly multitask while studying. The ubiquitous use of laptops and computers has facilitated this phenomenon and even changed the nature of multitasking in studying environments. Interruptions have an undeniable presence in these everyday studying environments and there are growing concerns about their potential to disrupt both performance and the learning process. Since interruptions are unavoidable, it is useful to identify the features that make some interruptions more disruptiv...
Experiments with vacuum interrupters used for large dc-current interruption
Vacuum interrupters have been tested in circuits similar to those used in theta-pinch and Tokamak fusion devices. The effects on performance of auxiliary circuit components and axial magnetic fields have been determined, and limits to lifetime caused by mechanical and electrical wear have been measured. Results show that the upper reliable limit of interruption is independent of the auxiliary components but quite dependent on interrupter size and on the axial field
Flowering time control in European winter wheat
Simon Martin Langer
Full Text Available Flowering time is an important trait in wheat breeding as it affects adaptation and yield potential. The aim of this study was to investigate the genetic architecture of flowering time in European winter bread wheat cultivars. To this end a population of 410 winter wheat varieties was evaluated in multi-location field trials and genotyped by a genotyping-by-sequencing approach and candidate gene markers. Our analyses revealed that the photoperiod regulator Ppd-D1 is the major factor affecting flowering time in this germplasm set, explaining 58% of the genotypic variance. Copy number variation at the Ppd-B1 locus was present but explains only 3.2% and thus a comparably small proportion of genotypic variance. By contrast, the plant height loci Rht-B1 and Rht-D1 had no effect on flowering time. The genome-wide scan identified six QTL which each explain only a small proportion of genotypic variance and in addition we identified a number of epistatic QTL, also with small effects. Taken together, our results show that flowering time in European winter bread wheat cultivars is mainly controlled by Ppd-D1 while the fine tuning to local climatic conditions is achieved through Ppd-B1 copy number variation and a larger number of QTL with small effects.
Real-time control of fusion reactors
Goncalves, B.; Sousa, J.; Varandas, C.A.F.
The next generation fusion experiments, e.g. ITER, will be highly complex and raise new challenges in the field of control and data acquisition systems. The more advanced operation scenarios have to be capable of sustaining long pulse steady-state plasma and to suppress plasma instabilities almost completely. Such scenarios will heavily rely on Multiple-Input-Multiple-Output (MIMO) fast control systems. To ensure safety for the operation these systems have to be robust and resilient to faults while ensuring high availability. Mindful of the importance of such features for future fusion experiments ATCA based systems have been successfully used in fusion experiment as MIMO fast controller. This is the most promising architecture to substantially enhance the performance and capability of existing standard systems delivering well high throughput as well as high availability. The real-time control needs of a fusion experiment, the rational for the presently pursued solutions, the existing problems and the broad scientific and technical questions that need to be addressed on the path to a fusion power plant will be discussed.
Anticipating Interruptions. Security and risk in a liberalized electricity infrastructure
Silvast, A.
During the past ten years, a number of social scientists have emphasized the importance of material infrastructures like electricity supply as a research topic for the social sciences. The developing of such new perspectives concerning infrastructures also includes uncertainties and risks. This research analyzes the management of uncertainties in the Finnish electricity infrastructure by posing the following research question: how are electricity interruptions, or blackouts, anticipated in Finland and how are these interruptions managed as risks? The main research methodology of the work is multi-sited field work. The empirical materials include interviews with experts and lay people (33 interviews); participant observation in two electricity control rooms; an electricity consumer survey (115 respondents); and also a number of infrastructure and security policy documents and observations from electricity security seminars. The materials were primarily gathered between 2004 and 2008. Social science research often links risks with major current social changes or socio-cultural risk perceptions. In recent international social science discussions, however, a new research topic has emerged - those styles of reasoning and techniques of governance that are deployed to manage risk as a practical matter. My study explores these themes empirically by focusing on the specific habitual practices of risk management in the Finnish electricity infrastructure. The work develops various also semi-ethnographic inquiries into infrastructure risk techniques like monitor screening of real-time risks in electricity control rooms; the management of risks in a liberalized electricity market; the emergence of Finnish reasoning about blackouts from a specific historical background; and the ways in which electricity consumers respond to blackouts in their homes. In addition, the work reflects upon the position of a risk researcher in those situations when the research subjects do not define
Real-time data acquisition and control system for the 349-pixel TACTIC atmospheric Cherenkov imaging telescope
Yadav, K.K.; Koul, R.; Kanda, A.; Kaul, S.R.; Tickoo, A.K. E-mail: aktickoo@apsara.barc.ernet.in; Rannot, R.C.; Chandra, P.; Bhatt, N.; Chouhan, N.; Venugopal, K.; Kothari, M.; Goyal, H.C.; Dhar, V.K.; Kaul, S.K
An interrupt-based multinode data acquisition and control system has been developed for the imaging element of the TACTIC {gamma}-ray telescope. The system which has been designed around a 3-node network of PCs running the QNX real-time operating system, provides single-point control with elaborate GUI facilities for operating the multi-pixel camera of the telescope. In addition to acquiring data from the 349-pixel photomultiplier tube based imaging camera in real time, the system also provides continuous monitoring and control of several vital parameters of the telescope for ensuring the quality of the data. The paper describes the salient features of the hardware and software of the data acquisition and control system of the telescope.
Effectiveness of Cepharanthin in decreasing interruptions during radiation therapy for oral cancer
Uchiyama, Yuka; Murakami, Shumei; Kamimoto, Naoya; Nakatani, Atsutoshi; Furukawa, Souhei
The objectives of this study was to examine the effectiveness of Cepharanthin (Kakensyoyaku, Tokyo, Japan) at decreasing side effects during radiation therapy for oral cancer and thereby allowing the completion of radiation therapy without interruption. Two hundred fifteen patients diagnosed with oral cancers were assigned to either Cepharanthin or control groups and underwent external beam irradiation. The completion of the course of radiation therapy and the occurrence of side effects such as mucositis, dysgeusia, and xerostomia during the radiation therapy were evaluated and compared. The completion rate was 87.4% for the Cepharanthin group versus 67.0% for the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). Mucositis did not appear in 58 of 127 cases (45.7%) in the Cepharanthin group or in 21 of 88 cases (23.9%) in the control group. Mucositis developed in 24.6% of the Cepharanthin group and 53.7% of the control group within 2 weeks of irradiation. There were significant relationships between the use of Cepharanthin and the development and timing of mucositis (both P<0.01). Cepharanthin improved the completion of radiation therapy without interruption and reduced or delayed the development of mucositis during radiation therapy for oral cancer. (author)
Interrupting behaviour: Minimizing decision costs via temporal commitment and low-level interrupts.
Lloyd, Kevin; Dayan, Peter
Ideal decision-makers should constantly assess all sources of information about opportunities and threats, and be able to redetermine their choices promptly in the face of change. However, perpetual monitoring and reassessment impose inordinate sensing and computational costs, making them impractical for animals and machines alike. The obvious alternative of committing for extended periods of time to limited sensory strategies associated with particular courses of action can be dangerous and wasteful. Here, we explore the intermediate possibility of making provisional temporal commitments whilst admitting interruption based on limited broader observation. We simulate foraging under threat of predation to elucidate the benefits of such a scheme. We relate our results to diseases of distractibility and roving attention, and consider mechanistic substrates such as noradrenergic neuromodulation.
Kevin Lloyd
Full Text Available Ideal decision-makers should constantly assess all sources of information about opportunities and threats, and be able to redetermine their choices promptly in the face of change. However, perpetual monitoring and reassessment impose inordinate sensing and computational costs, making them impractical for animals and machines alike. The obvious alternative of committing for extended periods of time to limited sensory strategies associated with particular courses of action can be dangerous and wasteful. Here, we explore the intermediate possibility of making provisional temporal commitments whilst admitting interruption based on limited broader observation. We simulate foraging under threat of predation to elucidate the benefits of such a scheme. We relate our results to diseases of distractibility and roving attention, and consider mechanistic substrates such as noradrenergic neuromodulation.
Interrupting behaviour: Minimizing decision costs via temporal commitment and low-level interrupts
Dayan, Peter
Ideal decision-makers should constantly assess all sources of information about opportunities and threats, and be able to redetermine their choices promptly in the face of change. However, perpetual monitoring and reassessment impose inordinate sensing and computational costs, making them impractical for animals and machines alike. The obvious alternative of committing for extended periods of time to limited sensory strategies associated with particular courses of action can be dangerous and wasteful. Here, we explore the intermediate possibility of making provisional temporal commitments whilst admitting interruption based on limited broader observation. We simulate foraging under threat of predation to elucidate the benefits of such a scheme. We relate our results to diseases of distractibility and roving attention, and consider mechanistic substrates such as noradrenergic neuromodulation. PMID:29338004
Short and long term variability of the interrupter technique under field and standardised conditions in 3-6 year old children
Beelen, RMJ; Smit, HA; van Strien, RT; Koopman, LP; Brussee, JE; Brunekreef, B; Gerritsen, J; Merkus, PJFM
Background: The short and long term variability of the interrupter technique was assessed to determine whether interrupter resistance is a stable individual characteristic over time. The effect of field and standardised measurement conditions on the within-subject variability of the interrupter
From distributed to multicore architecture in the RFX-mod real time control system
Manduchi, G.; Luchetta, A.; Soppelsa, A.; Taliercio, C.
Highlights: • The paper describes the experience in running the real-time control system of RFX-mod. • It presents a new architecture based on multicore technology. • It analyze the feasibility of Linux MRG for real-time control. • It presents an application of the MARTe framework. - Abstract: The real-time control system of RFX has been operating since 2004 providing effective control of the plasma position and of the MagnetoHydroDynamic (MHD) modes. The demand for new and more computing-intensive control algorithms and the need for shorter latency pushed the system to its limits and, thus, a complete re-design was carried out in 2012. The new system adopts radically different solutions in hardware, operating system and software management. The VME PowerPC CPUs communicating over Ethernet have been now replaced by a single multicore server. VxWorks, previously used in the VME CPUs has now been replaced by Linux, which can be currently considered a real-time system provided an accurate tuning of the Linux scheduler and interrupt configuration. The previous framework for control and communication has been replaced by MARTe, a modern framework for real-time control gaining interest in the fusion community. The usage of MARTe allowed a rapid development of the control system and, in particular, its intrinsic simulation ability gave us the possibility of carrying out most debugging in simulation, without affecting machine operation. As a result the whole system has been finally commissioned in RFX in only two weeks
Manduchi, G., E-mail: gabriele.manduchi@igi.cnr.it; Luchetta, A.; Soppelsa, A.; Taliercio, C.
Highlights: • The paper describes the experience in running the real-time control system of RFX-mod. • It presents a new architecture based on multicore technology. • It analyze the feasibility of Linux MRG for real-time control. • It presents an application of the MARTe framework. - Abstract: The real-time control system of RFX has been operating since 2004 providing effective control of the plasma position and of the MagnetoHydroDynamic (MHD) modes. The demand for new and more computing-intensive control algorithms and the need for shorter latency pushed the system to its limits and, thus, a complete re-design was carried out in 2012. The new system adopts radically different solutions in hardware, operating system and software management. The VME PowerPC CPUs communicating over Ethernet have been now replaced by a single multicore server. VxWorks, previously used in the VME CPUs has now been replaced by Linux, which can be currently considered a real-time system provided an accurate tuning of the Linux scheduler and interrupt configuration. The previous framework for control and communication has been replaced by MARTe, a modern framework for real-time control gaining interest in the fusion community. The usage of MARTe allowed a rapid development of the control system and, in particular, its intrinsic simulation ability gave us the possibility of carrying out most debugging in simulation, without affecting machine operation. As a result the whole system has been finally commissioned in RFX in only two weeks.
Effect of Radiotherapy Interruptions on Survival in Medicare Enrollees With Local and Regional Head-and-Neck Cancer
Fesinmeyer, Megan Dann; Mehta, Vivek; Blough, David; Tock, Lauri; Ramsey, Scott D.
Purpose: To investigate whether interruptions in radiotherapy are associated with decreased survival in a population-based sample of head-and-neck cancer patients. Methods and Materials: Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare linked database we identified Medicare beneficiaries aged 66 years and older diagnosed with local-regional head-and-neck cancer during the period 1997-2003. We examined claims records of 3864 patients completing radiotherapy for the presence of one or more 5-30-day interruption(s) in therapy. We then performed Cox regression analyses to estimate the association between therapy interruptions and survival. Results: Patients with laryngeal tumors who experienced an interruption in radiotherapy had a 68% (95% confidence interval, 41-200%) increased risk of death, compared with patients with no interruptions. Patients with nasal cavity, nasopharynx, oral, salivary gland, and sinus tumors had similar associations between interruptions and increased risk of death, but these did not reach statistical significance because of small sample sizes. Conclusions: Treatment interruptions seem to influence survival time among patients with laryngeal tumors completing a full course of radiotherapy. At all head-and-neck sites, the association between interruptions and survival is sensitive to confounding by stage and other treatments. Further research is needed to develop methods to identify patients most susceptible to interruption-induced mortality.
The Effects of Career Interruptions on Young Men and Women.
Shorten, Brett; Lewis, Donald E.
Data from a sample of 5,837 Australians showed that (1) women had longer career interruptions; (2) regardless of number of interruptions, men had higher wages; (3) longer interruptions had a negative effect on reentry wages; and (4) 1985-88 growth in wages for males was enhanced by increased numbers and length of interruptions, with the opposite…
HIV Reactivation from Latency after Treatment Interruption Occurs on Average Every 5-8 Days--Implications for HIV Remission.
Mykola Pinkevych
Full Text Available HIV infection can be effectively controlled by anti-retroviral therapy (ART in most patients. However therapy must be continued for life, because interruption of ART leads to rapid recrudescence of infection from long-lived latently infected cells. A number of approaches are currently being developed to 'purge' the reservoir of latently infected cells in order to either eliminate infection completely, or significantly delay the time to viral recrudescence after therapy interruption. A fundamental question in HIV research is how frequently the virus reactivates from latency, and thus how much the reservoir might need to be reduced to produce a prolonged antiretroviral-free HIV remission. Here we provide the first direct estimates of the frequency of viral recrudescence after ART interruption, combining data from four independent cohorts of patients undergoing treatment interruption, comprising 100 patients in total. We estimate that viral replication is initiated on average once every ≈6 days (range 5.1- 7.6 days. This rate is around 24 times lower than previous thought, and is very similar across the cohorts. In addition, we analyse data on the ratios of different 'reactivation founder' viruses in a separate cohort of patients undergoing ART-interruption, and estimate the frequency of successful reactivation to be once every 3.6 days. This suggests that a reduction in the reservoir size of around 50-70-fold would be required to increase the average time-to-recrudescence to about one year, and thus achieve at least a short period of anti-retroviral free HIV remission. Our analyses suggests that time-to-recrudescence studies will need to be large in order to detect modest changes in the reservoir, and that macaque models of SIV latency may have much higher frequencies of viral recrudescence after ART interruption than seen in human HIV infection. Understanding the mean frequency of recrudescence from latency is an important first step in
Accommodating interruptions: A grounded theory of young people with asthma.
Hughes, Mary; Savage, Eileen; Andrews, Tom
The aim of this study was to develop an explanatory theory on the lives of young people with asthma, issues affecting them and the impact of asthma on their day-to-day lives. Accommodating Interruptions is a theory that explains young people's concerns about living with asthma. Although national and international asthma management guidelines exist, it is accepted that the symptom control of asthma among the young people population is poor. This study was undertaken using Classic Grounded Theory. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and clinic consultations with young people aged 11-16 years who had asthma for over 1 year. Data were also collected from participant diaries. Constant comparative analysis, theoretical coding and memo writing were used to develop the substantive theory. The theory explains how young people resolve their main concern of being restricted by Accommodating Interruptions in their lives. They do this by assimilating behaviours in balance finding, moderating influence, fitting in and assuming control minimising the effects of asthma on their everyday lives. The theory of Accommodating Interruptions explains young people's asthma management behaviours in a new way. It allows us to understand how and why young people behave the way they do because they want to participate and be included in everyday activities, events and relationships. The theory adds to the body of knowledge on how young people with asthma live their day-to-day lives and it challenges some existing viewpoints in the literature regarding their behaviours. The findings have implications for developing services to support young people in a more meaningful way as they accommodate the interruptions associated with asthma in their lives. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Cold standby repairable system with working vacations and vacation interruption
Baoliang Liu; Lirong Cui; Yanqing Wen
This paper studies a cold standby repairable system with working vacations and vacation interruption. The repairman’s multiple vacations policy, the working vacations policy and the vacation interruption are considered simultaneously. The lifetime of components fol ows a phase-type (PH) distribution. The repair time in the regular repair period and the working vacation period fol ow other two PH distributions at different rates. For this sys-tem, the vector-valued Markov process governing the system is constructed. We obtain several important performance measures for the system in transient and stationary regimes applying matrix-analytic methods. Final y, a numerical example is given to il ustrate the results obtained.
Real time control engineering systems and automation
Ng, Tian Seng
This book covers the two broad areas of the electronics and electrical aspects of control applications, highlighting the many different types of control systems of relevance to real-life control system design. The control techniques presented are state-of-the-art. In the electronics section, readers will find essential information on microprocessor, microcontroller, mechatronics and electronics control. The low-level assembly programming language performs basic input/output control techniques as well as controlling the stepper motor and PWM dc motor. In the electrical section, the book addresses the complete elevator PLC system design, neural network plant control, load flow analysis, and process control, as well as machine vision topics. Illustrative diagrams, circuits and programming examples and algorithms help to explain the details of the system function design. Readers will find a wealth of computer control and industrial automation practices and applications for modern industries, as well as the educat...
On Discrete Time Control of Continuous Time Systems
Poulsen, Niels Kjølstad
This report is meant as a supplement or an extension to the material used in connection to or after the courses Stochastic Adaptive Control (02421) and Static and Dynamic Optimization (02711) given at the department Department of Informatics and Mathematical Modelling, The Technical University...
Interactive or interruptive? Instant messaging at work
Ou, C.X.J.; Davison, R.M.
The use of instant messaging (IM) technology at work is controversial, due to the interruptions it may cause and the difficulties associated with quantifying its benefits for individuals, teams and organizations. In this study, we investigate the use and impact of IM tools in the workplace. Based on
Symbolic approximate time-optimal control
Mazo, Manuel; Tabuada, Paulo
There is an increasing demand for controller design techniques capable of addressing the complex requirements of today's embedded applications. This demand has sparked the interest in symbolic control where lower complexity models of control systems are used to cater for complex specifications given
Stress Outcomes of Four Types of Perceived Interruptions.
Fletcher, Keaton A; Potter, Sean M; Telford, Britany N
Objective We sought to define and measure four types of perceived interruptions and to examine their relationships with stress outcomes. Background Interruptions have been defined and measured in a variety of inconsistent ways. No study has simultaneously examined the subjective experience of all types of interruptions. Method First, we provide a synthesized definition and model of interruptions that aligns interruptions along two qualities: origin and degree of multitasking. Second, we create and validate a self-report measure of these four types of perceived interruptions within two samples (working undergraduate students and working engineers). Last, we correlate this measure with self-reported psychological and physical stress outcomes. Results Our results support the four-factor model of interruptions. Results further support the link between each of the four types of interruptions (intrusions, breaks, distractions, and a specific type of ruminations, discrepancies) and stress outcomes. Specifically, results suggest that distractions explain a unique portion of variance in stress outcomes above and beyond the shared variance explained by intrusions, breaks, and discrepancies. Conclusion The synthesized four-factor model of interruptions is an adequate representation of the overall construct of interruptions. Further, perceived interruptions can be measured and are significantly related to stress outcomes. Application Measuring interruptions by observation can be intrusive and resource intensive. Additionally, some types of interruptions may be internal and therefore unobservable. Our survey measure offers a practical alternative method for practitioners and researchers interested in the outcomes of interruptions, especially stress outcomes.
A microcomputer real-time monitor for the control of a particle accelerator
Ouali, M.
The physical management of a particle accelerator requests the supervision and the control of a great number of parameters and various devices. A hierarchically structured multicomputer control system was implemented on the Synchrocyclotron of the 'Institut de Physique Nucleaire' at Orsay (France). A set of 3 microcomputers MICRAL (manufactured in France around an Intel 8080 microprocessor chip) is connected through a CAMAC link to an IBM 1130 central computer used for the general control. At the lowest level, measurements and supervisions are made by the means of special hardwired systems built in the Laboratory (the CSTIs). On the other hand, some measurements are done by using a conventional industrial data acquisition system. All these systems are managed by the 3 MICRALs, as also some independent devices (function generator, radioprotection beacons, beam profile encoders). A real-time monitor resident in the MICRAL computers is responsible for task activations, resource allocation and data exchange management, especially with the main control computer. It uses for the 6 interrupt levels of the MICRAL and it builds and manages in the memory a set of descriptive block and of data stacks [fr
Effect of growth interruption on the crystalline quality and electrical properties of Ga-doped ZnO thin film deposited on quartz substrate by magnetron sputtering
Lee, Geun-Hyoung
Ga-doped ZnO(GZO) thin films were deposited on the quartz substrate by magnetron sputtering system with growth interruption technique. As the number of interruptions and interruption time increased, the carrier concentration and Hall mobility in GZO films significantly increased. As a result, the resistivity of GZO films decreased. The optical transmittance of GZO films also increased with the number of interruption and interruption time. The transmittance showed over 90% in visual region. Atomic force microscopy measurement showed that the film surface became smoother with an increase of the number of interruption. In addition, the crystalline quality and electrical properties of GZO films were more improved when the growth interruption was employed with a temperature gradient. - Highlights: • Ga-doped ZnO thin films were deposited with growth interruption technique. • The crystallinity of the films was improved with the number of interruptions. • The crystallinity of the films was improved as the interruption time increased. • The growth interruption with a temperature gradient more improved the film quality
[Deliberate interruptions and changes of dose of inhaled corticosteroids by asthma patients: "a community pharmacy study"].
Laforest, L; Van Ganse, É; Devouassoux, G; Chatté, G; Tamberou, C; Belhassen, M; Chamba, G
Adherence to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) remains a major issue for asthma management, even among patients receiving a regular prescription from their doctor. The frequency of deliberate interruption of ICS, and of spontaneous changes of dose, were studied in a population of asthma patients recruited in community pharmacies. Asthma patients (aged 18-50) recruited in community pharmacies reported in self-administered questionnaires their spontaneous interruptions and changes of doses of ICS during the past 3 months. The characteristics of patients who interrupted their therapy or who modified the dose were compared with other patients. The studied population included 252 patients (mean age 35 year-old, females: 59%), of whom 62% had inadequately controlled asthma. Among these patients, 25% had interrupted ICS therapy during the past 3 months, while 21% spontaneously changed the dose. The most reported reason for interrupting ICS was the cessation of symptoms (50%). In multivariate analysis, interrupting ICS was mainly associated with inadequate asthma control (OR=3.1, 95% CI 1.5-6.4), while the strongest association with changing ICS doses was the patients' perception of asthma as a concern in their lives (OR=3.2, 95% CI 1.2-8.4). These results underline a poor understanding of the purpose of ICS therapy by patients. They also highlight the need of therapeutic education to improve the management of the disease. Copyright © 2014 SPLF. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.
Control bandwidth improvements in GRAVITY fringe tracker by switching to a synchronous real time computer architecture
Abuter, Roberto; Dembet, Roderick; Lacour, Sylvestre; di Lieto, Nicola; Woillez, Julien; Eisenhauer, Frank; Fedou, Pierre; Phan Duc, Than
The new VLTI (Very Large Telescope Interferometer) 1 instrument GRAVITY5, 22, 23 is equipped with a fringe tracker16 able to stabilize the K-band fringes on six baselines at the same time. It has been designed to achieve a performance for average seeing conditions of a residual OPD (Optical Path Difference) lower than 300 nm with objects brighter than K = 10. The control loop implementing the tracking is composed of a four stage real time computer system compromising: a sensor where the detector pixels are read in and the OPD and GD (Group Delay) are calculated; a controller receiving the computed sensor quantities and producing commands for the piezo actuators; a concentrator which combines both the OPD commands with the real time tip/tilt corrections offloading them to the piezo actuator; and finally a Kalman15 parameter estimator. This last stage is used to monitor current measurements over a window of few seconds and estimate new values for the main Kalman15 control loop parameters. The hardware and software implementation of this design runs asynchronously and communicates the four computers for data transfer via the Reflective Memory Network3. With the purpose of improving the performance of the GRAVITY5, 23 fringe tracking16, 22 control loop, a deviation from the standard asynchronous communication mechanism has been proposed and implemented. This new scheme operates the four independent real time computers involved in the tracking loop synchronously using the Reflective Memory Interrupts2 as the coordination signal. This synchronous mechanism had the effect of reducing the total pure delay of the loop from 3.5 [ms] to 2.0 [ms] which then translates on a better stabilization of the fringes as the bandwidth of the system is substantially improved. This paper will explain in detail the real time architecture of the fringe tracker in both is synchronous and synchronous implementation. The achieved improvements on reducing the delay via this mechanism will be
Robust control of time-delay chaotic systems
Hua Changchun; Guan Xinping
Robust control problem of nonlinear time-delay chaotic systems is investigated. For such uncertain systems, we propose adaptive feedback controller and novel nonlinear feedback controller. They are both independent of the time delay and can render the corresponding closed-loop systems globally uniformly ultimately bounded stable. The simulations on controlling logistic system are made and the results show the controllers are feasible
Cerebrospinal fluid signs of neuronal damage after antiretroviral treatment interruption in HIV-1 infection
Deeks Steven G
Full Text Available Abstract Background The neurofilament is a major structural component of myelinated axons. Increased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF concentrations of the light chain of the neurofilament protein (NFL can serve as a sensitive indicator of central nervous system (CNS injury. To assess whether interrupting antiretroviral treatment of HIV infection might have a deleterious effect on the CNS, we measured NFL levels in HIV-infected subjects interrupting therapy. We identified subjects who had CSF HIV RNA concentrations below 50 copies/mL at the time combination antiretroviral therapy was interrupted, and for whom CSF samples were available before and after the interruption. Results A total of 8 subjects were studied. The median (range CSF NFL level at baseline was Conclusion These findings suggest that resurgence of active HIV replication may result in measurable, albeit subclinical, CNS injury. Further studies are needed to define the frequency and pathobiological importance of the increase in CSF NFL.
Motor control by precisely timed spike patterns
Srivastava, Kyle H; Holmes, Caroline M; Vellema, Michiel
whether the information in spike timing actually plays a role in brain function. By examining the activity of individual motor units (the muscle fibers innervated by a single motor neuron) and manipulating patterns of activation of these neurons, we provide both correlative and causal evidence......A fundamental problem in neuroscience is understanding how sequences of action potentials ("spikes") encode information about sensory signals and motor outputs. Although traditional theories assume that this information is conveyed by the total number of spikes fired within a specified time...... interval (spike rate), recent studies have shown that additional information is carried by the millisecond-scale timing patterns of action potentials (spike timing). However, it is unknown whether or how subtle differences in spike timing drive differences in perception or behavior, leaving it unclear...
Genetic control of flowering time in legumes
James L Weller
Full Text Available The timing of flowering, and in particular the degree to which it is responsive to the environment, is a key factor in the adaptation of a given species to various eco-geographic locations and agricultural practices. Flowering time variation has been documented in many crop legumes, and selection for specific variants has permitted significant expansion and improvement in cultivation, from prehistoric times to the present day. Recent advances in legume genomics have accelerated the process of gene identification and functional analysis, and opened up new prospects for a molecular understanding of flowering time adaptation in this important crop group. Within the legumes, two species have been prominent in flowering time studies; the vernalization-responsive long-day species pea (Pisum sativum and the warm-season short-day plant soybean (Glycine max. Analysis of flowering in these species is now being complemented by reverse genetics capabilities in the model legumes Medicago truncatula and Lotus japonicus, and the emergence of genome-scale resources in a range of other legumes. This review will outline the insights gained from detailed forward genetic analysis of flowering time in pea and soybean, highlighting the importance of light perception, the circadian clock and the FT family of flowering integrators. It discusses the current state of knowledge on genetic mechanisms for photoperiod and vernalization response, and concludes with a broader discussion of flowering time adaptation across legumes generally.
Time Series Analysis Forecasting and Control
Box, George E P; Reinsel, Gregory C
A modernized new edition of one of the most trusted books on time series analysis. Since publication of the first edition in 1970, Time Series Analysis has served as one of the most influential and prominent works on the subject. This new edition maintains its balanced presentation of the tools for modeling and analyzing time series and also introduces the latest developments that have occurred n the field over the past decade through applications from areas such as business, finance, and engineering. The Fourth Edition provides a clearly written exploration of the key methods for building, cl
Assessment of treatment interruption among pulmonary tuberculosis patients: A cross-sectional study
Satya Bhgath Gorityala
Full Text Available Background: Multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (TB is a rising peril of the TB control in India caused mostly by incomplete treatment. Aim: The aim was to assess the treatment interruption among pulmonary TB (PTB patients. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out for a period of 9 months among PTB patients. Patients admitted with active pulmonary Koch′s and history of anti-TB treatment (ATT for 1-month or more from any source and who returns to treatment after not taking ATT consecutively for 2 months or more were included in the study. The data were collected from the patients or their caretakers to obtain the source of treatment given previously before default, number of treatment interruptions, phase and reasons for treatment interruption treatment. Results: A total of 107 defaulters were identified during the study period. In the present study, 62.6% of the patients interrupted treatment only once, 55.34% of the patient′s early continuation (3-4 months treatment, and 47.66% of the patient′s only one reason for the treatment interruptions during the course of the treatment. The most common reason for the treatment interruptions were felt well with TB treatment (29.53% followed by side effects (16.06%, lack of money (8.29%, and other reasons. Conclusion: The study revealed that most of the defaulters were in the age group between 35 and 60 years, male gender, illiterates, daily wage labor, and married. The treatment interruptions were minimized by putting the efforts to improve direct supervision; pretreatment counseling and retrieve treatment interrupters were recommended.
Administrative Lead Time at Navy Inventory Control Points
Granetto, Paul
.... We also evaluated the internal controls established for administrative lead time and the adequacy of management's implementation of the DoD Internal Management Control Program for monitoring administrative lead time...
Sex Discrimination and Women's Labor Market Interruptions
David Neumark
The human capital explanation of sex differences in wages is that women intend to work in the labor market more intermittently than men, and therefore invest less. This lower investment leads to lower wages and wage growth. The alternative "feedback" hypothesis consistent with the same facts is that women experience labor market discrimination and respond with career interruptions and specialization in household production. This paper explores the relationship between self-reported discrimina...
Treatment interruptions: Statistics, causes and management in service radiotherapy; Interrupciones de tratamiento: estadistica, causa y manejo en un servicio de radioterapia
Microdose flare protocol with interrupted follicle stimulating hormone and added androgen for poor responders--an observational pilot study.
Mitri, Frederic; Behan, Lucy Ann; Murphy, Courtney A; Hershko-Klement, Anat; Casper, Robert F; Bentov, Yaakov
To investigate whether temporarily withholding FSH and adding androgen could improve follicular response during a microdose flare protocol in women with slow follicular growth or asynchronous follicular development. Observational pilot study. University-affiliated private fertility center. Twenty-six women aged 34-47 years with poor response to stimulation or a previous cancelled IVF cycle and with slow or asynchronous follicular growth during a microdose flare cycle. For 13 women, after initiation of ovarian stimulation using the microdose flare protocol, gonadotropin administration was interrupted and transdermal testosterone gel was added for several days (4.4 ± 1.2 d) starting after cycle day 7 (mean cycle day 10 ± 2.6). FSH, E2, follicular growth, and total number of mature oocytes retrieved were determined for all of the patients. Cycle cancellation rate as well as pregnancy rate following embryo transfer were also documented when applicable. FSH levels declined (25.2 ± 6.5 to 6.8 ± 3.2 IU/L), E2 levels increased (896 ± 687 to 2,163 ± 1,667 pmol/L), and follicular growth improved significantly during gonadotropin interruption and were tracked for 2 days during this time frame. The average number of oocytes retrieved was 5.3 ± 2.6, and the ratio of mature to total oocytes was 4:5. Four of the 13 women in the interruption group conceived following frozen embryo transfer, whereas none in the control group did. The androgen-interrupted FSH protocol may improve follicular response to gonadotropins in cycles that might otherwise be cancelled. Copyright © 2016 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Failure modes and natural control time for distributed vibrating systems
Reid, R.M.
The eigenstructure of the Gram matrix of frequency exponentials is used to study linear vibrating systems of hyperbolic type with distributed control. Using control norm as a practical measure of controllability and the vibrating string as a prototype, it is demonstrated that hyperbolic systems have a natural control time, even when only finitely many modes are excited. For shorter control times there are identifiable control failure modes which can be steered to zero only with very high cost in control norm. Both natural control time and the associated failure modes are constructed for linear fluids, strings, and beams, making note of the essential algorithms and Mathematica code, and displaying results graphically
Implicit and explicit timing in oculomotor control.
Ilhame Ameqrane
Full Text Available The passage of time can be estimated either explicitly, e.g. before leaving home in the morning, or implicitly, e.g. when catching a flying ball. In the present study, the latency of saccadic eye movements was used to evaluate differences between implicit and explicit timing. Humans were required to make a saccade between a central and a peripheral position on a computer screen. The delay between the extinction of a central target and the appearance of an eccentric target was the independent variable that could take one out of four different values (400, 900, 1400 or 1900 ms. In target trials, the delay period lasted for one of the four durations randomly. At the end of the delay, a saccade was initiated by the appearance of an eccentric target. Cue&target trials were similar to target trials but the duration of the delay was visually cued. In probe trials, the duration of the upcoming delay was cued, but there was no eccentric target and subjects had to internally generate a saccade at the estimated end of the delay. In target and cue&target trials, the mean and variance of latency distributions decreased as delay duration increased. In cue&target trials latencies were shorter. In probe trials, the variance increased with increasing delay duration and scalar variability was observed. The major differences in saccadic latency distributions were observed between visually-guided (target and cue&target trials and internally-generated saccades (probe trials. In target and cue&target trials the timing of the response was implicit. In probe trials, the timing of the response was internally-generated and explicitly based on the duration of the visual cue. Scalar timing was observed only during probe trials. This study supports the hypothesis that there is no ubiquitous timing system in the brain but independent timing processes active depending on task demands.
Physicians interrupted by mobile devices in hospitals: understanding the interaction between devices, roles, and duties.
Solvoll, Terje; Scholl, Jeremiah; Hartvigsen, Gunnar
A common denominator of modern hospitals is a variety of communication problems. In particular, interruptions from mobile communication devices are a cause of great concern for many physicians. To characterize how interruptions from mobile devices disturb physicians in their daily work. The gathered knowledge will be subsequently used as input for the design and development of a context-sensitive communication system for mobile communications suitable for hospitals. This study adheres to an ethnographic and interpretive field research approach. The data gathering consisted of participant observations, non-structured and mostly ad hoc interviews, and open-ended discussions with a selected group of physicians. Eleven physicians were observed for a total of 135 hours during May and June 2009. The study demonstrates to what degree physicians are interrupted by mobile devices in their daily work and in which situations they are interrupted, such as surgery, examinations, and during patients/relatives high-importance level conversations. The participants in the study expected, and also indicated, that wireless phones probably led to more interruptions immediately after their introduction in a clinic, when compared to a pager, but this changed after a short while. The unpleasant feeling experienced by the caller when interrupting someone by calling them differs compared to sending a page message, which leaves it up to the receiver when to return the call. Mobile devices, which frequently interrupt physicians in hospitals, are a problem for both physicians and patients. The results from this study contribute to knowledge being used as input for designing and developing a prototype for a context-sensitive communication system for mobile communication suitable for hospitals. We combined these findings with results from earlier studies and also involved actual users to develop the prototype, CallMeSmart. This system intends to reduce such interruptions and at the same time
Repeat interruptions in spinocerebellar ataxia type 10 expansions are strongly associated with epileptic seizures
McFarland, Karen N.; Liu, Jilin; Landrian, Ivette; Zeng, Desmond; Raskin, Salmo; Moscovich, Mariana; Gatto, Emilia M.; Ochoa, Adriana; Teive, Hélio A. G.; Rasmussen, Astrid; Ashizawa, Tetsuo
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 10 (SCA10), an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder, is the result of a non-coding, pentanucleotide repeat expansion within intron 9 of the Ataxin 10 gene. SCA10 patients present with pure cerebellar ataxia; yet, some families also have a high incidence of epilepsy. SCA10 expansions containing penta- and heptanucleotide interruption motifs, termed “ATCCT interruptions,� experience large contractions during germline transmission, particularly in paternal lineages. At the same time, these alleles confer an earlier age at onset which contradicts traditional rules of genetic anticipation in repeat expansions. Previously, ATCCT interruptions have been associated with a higher prevalence of epileptic seizures in one Mexican-American SCA10 family. In a large cohort of SCA10 families, we analyzed whether ATCCT interruptions confers a greater risk for developing seizures in these families. Notably, we find that the presence of repeat interruptions within the SCA10 expansion confers a 6.3-fold increase in the risk of an SCA10 patient developing epilepsy (6.2-fold when considering patients of Mexican ancestry only) and a 13.7-fold increase in having a positive family history of epilepsy (10.5-fold when considering patients of Mexican ancestry only). We conclude that the presence of repeat interruptions in SCA10 repeat expansion indicates a significant risk for the epilepsy phenotype and should be considered during genetic counseling. PMID:24318420
Controlling gain one photon at a time
Schwartz, Gregory W; Rieke, Fred
Adaptation is a salient property of sensory processing. All adaptational or gain control mechanisms face the challenge of obtaining a reliable estimate of the property of the input to be adapted to and obtaining this estimate sufficiently rapidly to be useful. Here, we explore how the primate retina balances the need to change gain rapidly and reliably when photons arrive rarely at individual rod photoreceptors. We find that the weakest backgrounds that decrease the gain of the retinal output signals are similar to those that increase human behavioral threshold, and identify a novel site of gain control in the retinal circuitry. Thus, surprisingly, the gain of retinal signals begins to decrease essentially as soon as background lights are detectable; under these conditions, gain control does not rely on a highly averaged estimate of the photon count, but instead signals from individual photon absorptions trigger changes in gain. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.00467.001 PMID:23682314
Time-delayed autosynchronous swarm control.
Biggs, James D; Bennet, Derek J; Dadzie, S Kokou
In this paper a general Morse potential model of self-propelling particles is considered in the presence of a time-delayed term and a spring potential. It is shown that the emergent swarm behavior is dependent on the delay term and weights of the time-delayed function, which can be set to induce a stationary swarm, a rotating swarm with uniform translation, and a rotating swarm with a stationary center of mass. An analysis of the mean field equations shows that without a spring potential the motion of the center of mass is determined explicitly by a multivalued function. For a nonzero spring potential the swarm converges to a vortex formation about a stationary center of mass, except at discrete bifurcation points where the center of mass will periodically trace an ellipse. The analytical results defining the behavior of the center of mass are shown to correspond with the numerical swarm simulations.
Time and Control in Teachers’ Work
Lund, Henrik Lambrecht
to changes in the temporal order of work among teachers in Denmark. A 2014 change in Danish legislation forced teachers to conduct all their work at their school. This caused the largest labor marked conflict seen in Denmark for many years, and the largest ever seen in the public sector. Before this change...... relationship between different types of tasks, division of labor, rhythms of time for socializing, communication practices, coordination, synchronization, etc....
Controlling flow time delays in flexible manufacturing cells
Slomp, J.; Caprihan, R.; Bokhorst, J. A. C.
Flow time delays in Flexible Manufacturing Cells (FMCs) are caused by transport and clamping/reclamping activities. This paper shows how dynamic scheduling parameters may control the flow times of jobs and the available task windows for flow time delays.
Time domain passivity controller for 4-channel time-delay bilateral teleoperation.
Rebelo, Joao; Schiele, Andre
This paper presents an extension of the time-domain passivity control approach to a four-channel bilateral controller under the effects of time delays. Time-domain passivity control has been used successfully to stabilize teleoperation systems with position-force and position-position controllers; however, the performance with such control architectures is sub-optimal both with and without time delays. This work extends the network representation of the time-domain passivity controller to the four-channel architecture, which provides perfect transparency to the user without time delay. The proposed architecture is based on modelling the controllers as dependent voltage sources and using only series passivity controllers. The obtained results are shown on a one degree-of-freedom setup and illustrate the stabilization behaviour of the proposed controller when time delay is present in the communication channel.
A real-time digital control, data acquisition and analysis system for the DIII-D multipulse Thomson scattering diagnostic
Greenfield, C.M.; Campbell, G.L.; Carlstrom, T.N.; DeBoo, J.C.; Hsieh, C.-L.; Snider, R.T.; Trost, P.K.
A VME-based real-time computer systems for laser control, data acquisition and analysis for the DIII-D multipulse Thomson scattering diagnostic is described. The laser control task requires precise timing of up to 8 Nd:YAG lasers, each with an average firing rate of 20 Hz. A cpu module in real-time multiprocessing computer system will operate the lasers with evenly staggered laser pulses or in a ''burst mode'', where all available (fully charged) lasers can be fired at 50--100 μsec intervals upon receipt of an external event trigger signal. One of more cpu modules, along with a LeCroy FERA (Fast Encoding and Readout ADC) system, will perform real-time data acquisition and analysis. Partial electron temperature and density profiles will be available for plasma feedback control within 1 msec following each laser pulse. The VME-based computer system consists of 2 or more target processor modules (25 MHz Motorola 68030) running the VMEexec real-time operating system connected to a Unix based host system (also a 68030). All real-time software is fully interrupt driven to maximize system efficiency. Operator interaction and (non real-time) data analysis takes place on a MicroVAX 3400 connected via DECnet. 17 refs., 1 fig
Real-time digital control, data acquisition, and analysis system for the DIII-D multipulse Thomson scattering diagnostic
Greenfield, C.M.; Campbell, G.L.; Carlstrom, T.N.; DeBoo, J.C.; Hsieh, C.; Snider, R.T.; Trost, P.K.
A VME-based real-time computer system for laser control, data acquisition, and analysis for the DIII-D multipulse Thomson scattering diagnostic is described. The laser control task requires precise timing of up to eight Nd:YAG lasers, each with an average firing rate of 20 Hz. A cpu module in a real-time multiprocessing computer system will operate the lasers with evenly staggered laser pulses or in a ''burst mode,'' where all available (fully charged) lasers can be fired at 50--100 μs intervals upon receipt of an external event trigger signal. One or more cpu modules, along with a LeCroy FERA (fast encoding and readout ADC) system, will perform real-time data acquisition and analysis. Partial electron temperature and density profiles will be available for plasma feedback control within 1 ms following each laser pulse. The VME-based computer system consists of two or more target processor modules (25 MHz Motorola 68030) running the VMEexec real-time operating system connected to a Unix-based host system (also a 68030). All real-time software is fully interrupt driven to maximize system efficiency. Operator interaction and (non-real-time) data analysis takes place on a MicroVAX 3400 connected via DECnet
Time Stamp Synchronization of PEFP Distributed Control Systems
Song, Young Gi; An, Eun Mi; Kwon, Hyeok Jung; Cho, Yong Sub
Proton Engineering Frontier Project (PEFP) proton linac consists of several types of control systems, such as soft Input Output Controllers (IOC) and embedded IOC based on Experimental Physics Industrial Control System (EPICS) for each subsection of PEFP facility. One of the important factors is that IOC's time clock is synchronized. The synchronized time and time stamp can be achieved with Network Time Protocol (NTP) and EPICS time stamp record without timing hardware. The requirement of the time accuracy of IOCs is less than 1 second. The main objective of this study is to configure a master clock and produce Process Variable (PV) time stamps using local CPU time synchronized from the master clock. The distributed control systems are attached on PEFP control network
Discrete-time inverse optimal control for nonlinear systems
Sanchez, Edgar N
Discrete-Time Inverse Optimal Control for Nonlinear Systems proposes a novel inverse optimal control scheme for stabilization and trajectory tracking of discrete-time nonlinear systems. This avoids the need to solve the associated Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equation and minimizes a cost functional, resulting in a more efficient controller. Design More Efficient Controllers for Stabilization and Trajectory Tracking of Discrete-Time Nonlinear Systems The book presents two approaches for controller synthesis: the first based on passivity theory and the second on a control Lyapunov function (CLF). Th
The Timing and Fast Control Demonstrator
Chen, Jiheng; Gustafsson, Leif
In this thesis, the feasibility of an FPGA to host a system for generating and distributing clocks as well as distributing synchronous and asynchronous commands is tested. This system will be an imitation of the SHiP (Search for Hidden Particle) DAQ (Data Acquisition) system led by CERN. The practical implementation is to mainly apply Altera Cyclone V GT development board attached with SFP+ daughter card to achieve accurate timing and high speed performance. Experiments include three loopback test implementations. Loopback test is the simplest technique to assess a channel’s integration. The first one is the Ethernet loopback test. An Ethernet card daughter board is inserted to the HSMC port of the Cyclone V GT development board. After that, a SFP card is applied alternatively on the same port to do the similar loopback test but at a much higher speed via optical fibers. And finally, a more advanced XAUI to SFP+ card daughter board will be used to replace the previous SFP card in order to get a further spee...
Workflow interruptions, social stressors from supervisor(s) and attention failure in surgery personnel.
Pereira, Diana; Müller, Patrick; Elfering, Achim
Workflow interruptions and social stressors among surgery personnel may cause attention failure at work that may increase rumination about work issues during leisure time. The test of these assumptions should contribute to the understanding of exhaustion in surgery personnel and patient safety. Workflow interruptions and supervisor-related social stressors were tested to predict attention failure that predicts work-related rumination during leisure time. One hundred ninety-four theatre nurses, anaesthetists and surgeons from a Swiss University hospital participated in a cross-sectional survey. The participation rate was 58%. Structural equation modelling confirmed both indirect paths from workflow interruptions and social stressors via attention failure on rumination (both pworkflow interruptions and social stressors on rumination-could not be empirically supported. Workflow interruptions and social stressors at work are likely to trigger attention failure in surgery personnel. Work redesign and team intervention could help surgery personnel to maintain a high level of quality and patient safety and detach from work related issues to recover during leisure time.
Development of a prototype solid state fault current limiting and interrupting device for low voltage distribution networks.
Ahmed, M.; Putrus, G. A.; Ran, L.; Penlington, R.
This paper describes the development of a solid-state Fault Current Limiting and Interrupting Device (FCLID) suitable for low voltage distribution networks. The main components of the FCLID are a bidirectional semiconductor switch that can disrupt the short-circuit current, and a voltage clamping element that helps in controlling the current and absorbing the inductive energy stored in the network during current interruption. Using a hysteresis type control algorithm, the short-circuit curren...
Effects of computing time delay on real-time control systems
Shin, Kang G.; Cui, Xianzhong
The reliability of a real-time digital control system depends not only on the reliability of the hardware and software used, but also on the speed in executing control algorithms. The latter is due to the negative effects of computing time delay on control system performance. For a given sampling interval, the effects of computing time delay are classified into the delay problem and the loss problem. Analysis of these two problems is presented as a means of evaluating real-time control systems. As an example, both the self-tuning predicted (STP) control and Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) control are applied to the problem of tracking robot trajectories, and their respective effects of computing time delay on control performance are comparatively evaluated. For this example, the STP (PID) controller is shown to outperform the PID (STP) controller in coping with the delay (loss) problem.
Discrete-Time LPV Current Control of an Induction Motor
Bendtsen, Jan Dimon; Trangbæk, Klaus
In this paper we apply a new method for gain-scheduled output feedback control of nonlinear systems to current control of an induction motor. The method relies on recently developed controller synthesis results for linear parameter-varying (LPV) systems, where the controller synthesis is formulated...... as a set of linear matrix inequalities with full-block multipliers. A standard nonlinear model of the motor is constructed and written on LPV form. We then show that, although originally developed in continuous time, the controller synthesis results can be applied to a discrete-time model as well without...... further complications. The synthesis method is applied to the model, yielding an LPV discrete-time controller. Finally, the efficiency of the control scheme is validated via simulations as well as on the actual induction motor, both in open-loop current control and when an outer speed control loop...
A distributed timing system for synchronizing control and data correlation
Stettler, M.; Thuot, M.; Dalesio, L.R.; Cole, R.; Fite, C.; Slentz, G.; Warren, D.
Synchronization is necessary in experimental physics machines to provide positive control over related events. The Ground Test Accelerator (GTA) timing system provides this function through a distributed control system, known as the Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System (EPICS). The EPICS timing system was designed to take advantage of a distributed architecture, and provides time stamping for synchronous data correlation as well as event control. The system has been successfully demonstrated on over a dozen controller nodes for operation and data analysis. The design of the hardware, software, and operational results are discussed. (author). 2 refs., 4 figs
A distributed timing system for sychronizing control and data correlation
Stettler, M.; Thout, M.; Dalesio, L.R.; Cole, R.; Fite, C.; Slentz, G.; Warren, D.
Synchronization is necessary in experimental physics machines to provide positive control over related events. The Ground Test Accelerator (GTA) timing system provides this function through a distributed control system, known as the Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System (EPICS). The EPICS timing system was designed to take advantage of a distributed architecture, and provides time stamping for synchronous data correlation as well as event control. The system has been successfully demonstrated on over a dozen controller nodes for operation and data analysis. The design of the hardware, software, and operational results are discussed
In this paper we apply a new method for gain-scheduled output feedback control of nonlinear systems to current control of an induction motor. The method relies on recently developed controller synthesis results for linear parameter-varying (LPV) systems, where the controller synthesis is formulated...... without further complications. The synthesis method is applied to the model, yielding an LPV discrete-time controller. Finally, the efficiency of the control scheme is validated via simulations as well as experimentally on the actual induction motor, both in open-loop current control and when an outer...... speed control loop is closed around the current loop...
In this paper we apply a new method for gain-scheduled output feedback control of nonlinear systems to current control of an induction motor. The method relies on recently developed controller synthesis results for linear parameter-varying (LPV) systems, where the controller synthesis is formulated...... further complications. The synthesis method is applied to the model, yielding an LPV discrete-time controller. Finally, the efficiency of the control scheme is validated via simulations as well as on the actual induction motor, both in open-loop current control and when an outer speed control loop...... is closed around the current loop....
The interrupted power law and the size of shadow banking.
Fiaschi, Davide; Kondor, Imre; Marsili, Matteo; Volpati, Valerio
Using public data (Forbes Global 2000) we show that the asset sizes for the largest global firms follow a Pareto distribution in an intermediate range, that is "interrupted" by a sharp cut-off in its upper tail, where it is totally dominated by financial firms. This flattening of the distribution contrasts with a large body of empirical literature which finds a Pareto distribution for firm sizes both across countries and over time. Pareto distributions are generally traced back to a mechanism of proportional random growth, based on a regime of constant returns to scale. This makes our findings of an "interrupted" Pareto distribution all the more puzzling, because we provide evidence that financial firms in our sample should operate in such a regime. We claim that the missing mass from the upper tail of the asset size distribution is a consequence of shadow banking activity and that it provides an (upper) estimate of the size of the shadow banking system. This estimate-which we propose as a shadow banking index-compares well with estimates of the Financial Stability Board until 2009, but it shows a sharper rise in shadow banking activity after 2010. Finally, we propose a proportional random growth model that reproduces the observed distribution, thereby providing a quantitative estimate of the intensity of shadow banking activity.
Mediated interruptions of anaesthesia providers using predictions of workload from anaesthesia information management system data.
Epstein, R H; Dexter, F
Perioperative interruptions generated electronically from anaesthesia information management systems (AIMS) can provide useful feedback, but may adversely affect task performance if distractions occur at inopportune moments. Ideally such interruptions would occur only at times when their impact would be minimal. In this study of AIMS data, we evaluated the times of comments, drugs, fluids and periodic assessments (e.g. electrocardiogram diagnosis and train-of-four) to develop recommendations for the timing of interruptions during the intraoperative period. The 39,707 cases studied were divided into intervals between: 1) enter operating room; 2) induction; 3) intubation; 4) surgical incision; and 5) end surgery. Five-minute intervals of no documentation were determined for each case. The offsets from the start of each interval when >50% of ongoing cases had completed initial documentation were calculated (MIN50). The primary endpoint for each interval was the percentage of all cases still ongoing at MIN50. Results were that the intervals from entering the operating room to induction and from induction to intubation were unsuitable for interruptions confirming prior observational studies of anaesthesia workload. At least 13 minutes after surgical incision was the most suitable time for interruptions with 92% of cases still ongoing. Timing was minimally affected by the type of anaesthesia, surgical facility, surgical service, prone positioning or scheduled case duration. The implication of our results is that for mediated interruptions, waiting at least 13 minutes after the start of surgery is appropriate. Although we used AIMS data, operating room information system data is also suitable.
Foundation for a Time Interval Access Control Model
Afinidad, Francis B; Levin, Timothy E; Irvine, Cynthia E; Nguyen, Thuy D
A new model for representing temporal access control policies is introduced. In this model, temporal authorizations are represented by time attributes associated with both subjects and objects, and a time interval access graph...
Real-time control of Tokamak plasmas: from control of physics to physics-based control
Felici, F. A. A.
Stable, high-performance operation of a tokamak requires several plasma control problems to be handled simultaneously. Moreover, the complex physics which governs the tokamak plasma evolution must be studied and understood to make correct choices in controller design. In this thesis, the two subjects have been merged, using control solutions as experimental tool for physics studies, and using physics knowledge for developing new advanced control solutions. The TCV tokamak at CRPP-EPFL is ideally placed to explore issues at the interface between plasma physics and plasma control, by combining a digital realtime control system with a flexible and powerful set of actuators, in particular the electron cyclotron heating and current drive system (ECRH/ECCD). This experimental platform has been used to develop and test new control strategies for three plasma physics instabilities: sawtooth, edge localized mode (ELM) and neoclassical tearing mode (NTM). The period of the sawtooth crash, a periodic MHD instability in the core of a tokamak plasma, can be varied by localized deposition of ECRH/ECCD near the q = 1 surface (q: safety factor). A sawtooth pacing controller was developed which is able to control the time of appearance of the next sawtooth crash. Each individual sawtooth period can be controlled in real-time. A similar scheme is applied to H-mode plasmas with type-I ELMs, where it is shown that pacing regularizes the ELM period. The regular, reproducible and therefore predictable sawtooth crashes have been used to study the relationship between sawteeth and NTMs. Postcrash MHD activity can provide the ‘seed’ island for an NTM, which then grows under its neoclassical bootstrap drive. The seeding of 3/2 NTMs by long sawtooth crashes can be avoided by preemptive, crash-synchronized EC power injection pulses at the q = 3/2 rational surface location. NTM stabilization experiments in which the ECRH deposition location is moved in real-time with steerable mirrors have
Predictors of perioperative major bleeding in patients who interrupt warfarin for an elective surgery or procedure: Analysis of the BRIDGE trial.
Clark, Nathan P; Douketis, James D; Hasselblad, Vic; Schulman, Sam; Kindzelski, Andrei L; Ortel, Thomas L
The use of low-molecular weight heparin bridge therapy during warfarin interruption for elective surgery/procedures increases bleeding. Other predictors of bleeding in this setting are not well described. BRIDGE was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of bridge therapy with dalteparin 100 IU/kg twice daily in patients with atrial fibrillation requiring warfarin interruption. Bleeding outcomes were documented from the time of warfarin interruption until up to 37 days postprocedure. Multiple logistic regression and time-dependent hazard models were used to identify major bleeding predictors. We analyzed 1,813 patients of whom 895 received bridging and 918 received placebo. Median patient age was 72.6 years, and 73.3% were male. Forty-one major bleeding events occurred at a median time of 7.0 days (interquartile range, 4.0-18.0 days) postprocedure. Bridge therapy was a baseline predictor of major bleeding (odds ratio [OR]=2.4, 95% CI: 1.2-4.8), as were a history of renal disease (OR=2.9, 95% CI: 1.4-6.0), and high-bleeding risk procedures (vs low-bleeding risk procedures) (OR=2.9, 95% CI: 1.4-5.9). Perioperative aspirin use (OR=3.6, 95% CI: 1.1-11.9) and postprocedure international normalized ratio >3.0 (OR=2.1, 95% CI: 1.5-3.1) were time-dependent predictors of major bleeding. Major bleeding was most common in the first 10 days compared with 11-37 days postprocedure (OR=3.5, 95% CI: 1.8-6.9). In addition to bridge therapy, perioperative aspirin use, postprocedure international normalized ratio >3.0, a history of renal failure, and having a high-bleeding risk procedure increase the risk of major bleeding around the time of an elective surgery/procedure requiring warfarin interruption. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Analysis of Data Interruption in an LTE Highway Scenario with Dual Connectivity
Gimenez, Lucas Chavarria; Michaelsen, Per-Henrik; Pedersen, Klaus I.
This study evaluates whether last versions of Long Term Evolution with dual connectivity are able to support the latency and reliability requirements for the upcoming vehicular use-cases and time-critical applications. Data interruption times during handovers and cell management operations are ev...
Low-complexity controllers for time-delay systems
Özbay, Hitay; Bonnet, Catherine; Mounier, Hugues
This volume in the newly established series Advances in Delays and Dynamics (ADD@S) provides a collection of recent results on the design and analysis of Low Complexity Controllers for Time Delay Systems. A widely used indirect method to obtain low order controllers for time delay systems is to design a controller for the reduced order model of the plant. In the dual indirect approach, an infinite dimensional controller is designed first for the original plant model; then, the controller is approximated by keeping track of the degradation in performance and stability robustness measures. The present volume includes new techniques used at different stages of the indirect approach. It also includes new direct design methods for fixed structure and low order controllers. On the other hand, what is meant by low complexity controller is not necessarily low order controller. For example, Smith predictor or similar type of controllers include a copy of the plant internally in the controller, so they are technically ...
Integrals of Motion for Discrete-Time Optimal Control Problems
Torres, Delfim F. M.
We obtain a discrete time analog of E. Noether's theorem in Optimal Control, asserting that integrals of motion associated to the discrete time Pontryagin Maximum Principle can be computed from the quasi-invariance properties of the discrete time Lagrangian and discrete time control system. As corollaries, results for first-order and higher-order discrete problems of the calculus of variations are obtained.
Digital evaluation of the influence of interruption of the fixation process on radiographic contrast and base-plus-fog density in three commercial brands of radiographic films
Paula Verona Ragusa da Silva
Full Text Available INTRODUCTION : With the interest in anticipating access to the result of intraoral radiography, the radiographic processing is frequently neglected, compromising image quality. OBJECTIVE : The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of interrupting the fixation process on the radiographic contrast and base-plus-fog density (BPFD in three brands of periapical films. MATERIAL AND METHOD : Ninety radiographs were taken of an aluminum stepwedge and a lead plate for each brand, and they were divided according to the time of initial immersion in the fixative in: control group (without interrupting the fixing, 5, 10, 20, 30 and 40 seconds. During processing, films had the fixing stage stopped and were exposed to a negatoscope for 1 minute, then the fixation time of 10 minutes was completed. The radiographs were digitized and exported to Image Tool 3.0.software. RESULT : Kodak(r film showed no statistically significant differences between groups, while Agfa(r film presented difference in BPFD compared with Group 5 seconds, and Dentix(r film showed statistical difference in all groups in comparison with the control group. CONCLUSION : Under the conditions studied, Kodak(r film is not influenced by disruption of fixation as regards BPFD and image contrast, enabling early access to the results of radiographs, whereas Agfa(r film requires at least 10 seconds of initial fixation, and Dentix(r film obtains better results when the process of fixation is not interrupted.
Bridging FPGA and GPU technologies for AO real-time control
Perret, Denis; Lainé, Maxime; Bernard, Julien; Gratadour, Damien; Sevin, Arnaud
Our team has developed a common environment for high performance simulations and real-time control of AO systems based on the use of Graphics Processors Units in the context of the COMPASS project. Such a solution, based on the ability of the real time core in the simulation to provide adequate computing performance, limits the cost of developing AO RTC systems and makes them more scalable. A code developed and validated in the context of the simulation may be injected directly into the system and tested on sky. Furthermore, the use of relatively low cost components also offers significant advantages for the system hardware platform. However, the use of GPUs in an AO loop comes with drawbacks: the traditional way of offloading computation from CPU to GPUs - involving multiple copies and unacceptable overhead in kernel launching - is not well suited in a real time context. This last application requires the implementation of a solution enabling direct memory access (DMA) to the GPU memory from a third party device, bypassing the operating system. This allows this device to communicate directly with the real-time core of the simulation feeding it with the WFS camera pixel stream. We show that DMA between a custom FPGA-based frame-grabber and a computation unit (GPU, FPGA, or Coprocessor such as Xeon-phi) across PCIe allows us to get latencies compatible with what will be needed on ELTs. As a fine-grained synchronization mechanism is not yet made available by GPU vendors, we propose the use of memory polling to avoid interrupts handling and involvement of a CPU. Network and Vision protocols are handled by the FPGA-based Network Interface Card (NIC). We present the results we obtained on a complete AO loop using camera and deformable mirror simulators.
Calculation method for control rod dropping time in reactor
Nogami, Takeki; Kato, Yoshifumi; Ishino, Jun-ichi; Doi, Isamu.
If a control rod starts dropping, the dropping speed is rapidly increased, then settled substantially constant, rapidly decreased when it reaches a dash pot. A second detection signal generated by removing an AC component from a first detection signal is differentiated twice. The time when the maximum value among the twice differentiated values is generated is determined as a time when the control rods starts dropping. The time when minimum value among the twice differentiated values is generated is determined as a time when the control rod reaches the dash pot of the reactor. The measuring time within a range from the time when the control rod starts dropping to the time when the control rod reaches the dash pot of the reactor is determined. As a result, processing for the calculation of the dropping start time and dash pot reaching time of the control rod can be automatized. Further, it is suffice to conduct differentiation twice till the reaching time, which can facilitate the processing thereby enabling to determine a reliable time range. (N.H.)
Real time control of plasmas and ECRH systems on TCV
Paley, J.I.; Felici, F.; Berrino, J.; Coda, S.; Cruz, N.; Duval, B.P.; Goodman, T.P.; Martin, Y.; Moret, J.-M.; Piras, F.; Rodrigues, A.P.; Santos, B.; Varandas, C.A.F.
Developments in the real time control hardware on TCV paired with the flexibility of plasma shaping and ECRH actuators are opening many opportunities to perform real time experiments and develop algorithms and methods for fusion applications. The ability to control MHD instabilities is particularly
On the application of Discrete Time Optimal Control Concepts to ...
On the application of Discrete Time Optimal Control Concepts to Economic Problems. ... Journal of the Nigerian Association of Mathematical Physics ... Abstract. An extension of the use of the maximum principle to solve Discrete-time Optimal Control Problems (DTOCP), in which the state equations are in the form of general ...
Task Interruption: Resumption Lag and the Role of Cues
Altmann, Erik M; Trafton, J. G
...), indicating a substantial disruptive effect. To probe the nature of the disruption, they examined the role of external cues associated with the interrupted task and found that cues available immediately before an interruption facilitate performance immediately afterwards, thus reducing the resumption lag. This "cue-availability" effect suggests that people deploy preparatory perceptual and memory processes, apparently spontaneously, to mitigate the disruptive effects of task interruption.
When daily planning improves employee performance: The importance of planning type, engagement, and interruptions.
Parke, Michael R; Weinhardt, Justin M; Brodsky, Andrew; Tangirala, Subrahmaniam; DeVoe, Sanford E
Does planning for a particular workday help employees perform better than on other days they fail to plan? We investigate this question by identifying 2 distinct types of daily work planning to explain why and when planning improves employees' daily performance. The first type is time management planning (TMP)-creating task lists, prioritizing tasks, and determining how and when to perform them. We propose that TMP enhances employees' performance by increasing their work engagement, but that these positive effects are weakened when employees face many interruptions in their day. The second type is contingent planning (CP) in which employees anticipate possible interruptions in their work and plan for them. We propose that CP helps employees stay engaged and perform well despite frequent interruptions. We investigate these hypotheses using a 2-week experience-sampling study. Our findings indicate that TMP's positive effects are conditioned upon the amount of interruptions, but CP has positive effects that are not influenced by the level of interruptions. Through this study, we help inform workers of the different planning methods they can use to increase their daily motivation and performance in dynamic work environments. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).
Direct output feedback control of discrete-time systems
Lin, C.C.; Chung, L.L.; Lu, K.H.
An optimal direct output feedback control algorithm is developed for discrete-time systems with the consideration of time delay in control force action. Optimal constant output feedback gains are obtained through variational process such that certain prescribed quadratic performance index is minimized. Discrete-time control forces are then calculated from the multiplication of output measurements by these pre-calculated feedback gains. According to the proposed algorithm, structural system is assured to remain stable even in the presence of time delay. The number of sensors and controllers may be very small as compared with the dimension of states. Numerical results show that direct velocity feedback control is more sensitive to time delay than state feedback but, is still quite effective in reducing the dynamic responses under earthquake excitation. (author)
Discrete-time optimal control and games on large intervals
Zaslavski, Alexander J
Devoted to the structure of approximate solutions of discrete-time optimal control problems and approximate solutions of dynamic discrete-time two-player zero-sum games, this book presents results on properties of approximate solutions in an interval that is independent lengthwise, for all sufficiently large intervals. Results concerning the so-called turnpike property of optimal control problems and zero-sum games in the regions close to the endpoints of the time intervals are the main focus of this book. The description of the structure of approximate solutions on sufficiently large intervals and its stability will interest graduate students and mathematicians in optimal control and game theory, engineering, and economics. This book begins with a brief overview and moves on to analyze the structure of approximate solutions of autonomous nonconcave discrete-time optimal control Lagrange problems.Next the structures of approximate solutions of autonomous discrete-time optimal control problems that are discret...
A simple time-delayed method to control chaotic systems
Chen Maoyin; Zhou Donghua; Shang Yun
Based on the adaptive iterative learning strategy, a simple time-delayed controller is proposed to stabilize unstable periodic orbits (UPOs) embedded in chaotic attractors. This controller includes two parts: one is a linear feedback part; the other is an adaptive iterative learning estimation part. Theoretical analysis and numerical simulation show the effectiveness of this controller
Landing-Time-Controlled Management Of Air Traffic
Erzberger, Heinz; Tobias, Leonard
Conceptual system controls aircraft with old and new guidance equipment. Report begins with overview of concept, then reviews controller-interactive simulations. Describes fuel-conservative-trajectory algorithm, based on equations of motion for controlling landing time. Finally, presents results of piloted simulations.
Predicting timing performance of advanced mechatronics control systems
Voeten, J.P.M.; Hendriks, T.; Theelen, B.D.; Schuddemat, J.; Tabingh Suermondt, W.; Gemei, J.; Kotterink, C.; Huet, van J.; Eichler, G.; Kuepper, A.; Schau, V.; Fouchal, H.; Unger, H.
Embedded control is a key product technology differentiator for many high-tech industries, including ASML. The strong increase in complexity of embedded control systems, combined with the occurrence of late changes in control requirements, results in many timing performance problems showing up only
Controlling shareholders and market timing in share issuance
Urzua Infante, F.; Larrain, B.
We examine market timing in the equity issuance of firms controlled by large shareholders using a hand-collected data set of controlling shareholders' ownership stakes in Chile between 1990 and 2009. When a firm issues shares, the controlling shareholder can either maintain or change his ownership
Real-time control systems: feedback, scheduling and robustness
Simon, Daniel; Seuret, Alexandre; Sename, Olivier
The efficient control of real-time distributed systems, where continuous components are governed through digital devices and communication networks, needs a careful examination of the constraints arising from the different involved domains inside co-design approaches. Thanks to the robustness of feedback control, both new control methodologies and slackened real-time scheduling schemes are proposed beyond the frontiers between these traditionally separated fields. A methodology to design robust aperiodic controllers is provided, where the sampling interval is considered as a control variable of the system. Promising experimental results are provided to show the feasibility and robustness of the approach.
Diagnosis of aortic interruption by CT angiography
Shirani, Shapour; Soleymanzadeh, Maryam
Interrupted aortic arch (IAA) is a rare congenital malformation of the aortic arch, which might be accompanied with other coexisting cardiovascular anomalies. Many cases with IAA are diagnosed at their neonatal and newborn period but in rare cases the diagnosis is not established until adulthood. The patients may have no clinical symptoms but the signs of heart failure will gradually appear and may cause death. The development of imaging methods such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has dramatically changed the diagnostics. Here we report a 20-year-old young man with IAA associated with sinus venosus atrial septal defect (SVD) and partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection (PAPVC) referred to our hospital
Engineering applications of discrete-time optimal control
Vidal, Rene Victor Valqui; Ravn, Hans V.
Many problems of design and operation of engineering systems can be formulated as optimal control problems where time has been discretisized. This is also true even if 'time' is not involved in the formulation of the problem, but rather another one-dimensional parameter. This paper gives a review...... of some well-known and new results in discrete time optimal control methods applicable to practical problem solving within engineering. Emphasis is placed on dynamic programming, the classical maximum principle and generalized versions of the maximum principle for optimal control of discrete time systems...
Discrete-Time Nonlinear Control of VSC-HVDC System
TianTian Qian
Full Text Available Because VSC-HVDC is a kind of strong nonlinear, coupling, and multi-input multioutput (MIMO system, its control problem is always attracting much attention from scholars. And a lot of papers have done research on its control strategy in the continuous-time domain. But the control system is implemented through the computer discrete sampling in practical engineering. It is necessary to study the mathematical model and control algorithm in the discrete-time domain. The discrete mathematical model based on output feedback linearization and discrete sliding mode control algorithm is proposed in this paper. And to ensure the effectiveness of the control system in the quasi sliding mode state, the fast output sampling method is used in the output feedback. The results from simulation experiment in MATLAB/SIMULINK prove that the proposed discrete control algorithm can make the VSC-HVDC system have good static, dynamic, and robust characteristics in discrete-time domain.
Decentralized control of discrete-time linear time invariant systems with input saturation
Deliu, Ciprian; Deliu, C.; Malek, Babak; Roy, Sandip; Saberi, Ali; Stoorvogel, Antonie Arij
We study decentralized stabilization of discrete time linear time invariant (LTI) systems subject to actuator saturation, using LTI controllers. The requirement of stabilization under both saturation constraints and decentralization impose obvious necessary conditions on the open-loop plant, namely
Influence of Gap Distance on Vacuum Arc Characteristics of Cup Type AMF Electrode in Vacuum Interrupters
Cheng Shaoyong; Xiu Shixin; Wang Jimei; Shen Zhengchao
The greenhouse effect of SF 6 is a great concern today. The development of high voltage vacuum circuit breakers becomes more important. The vacuum circuit breaker has minimum pollution to the environment. The vacuum interrupter is the key part of a vacuum circuit breaker. The interrupting characteristics in vacuum and arc-controlling technique are the main problems to be solved for a longer gap distance in developing high voltage vacuum interrupters. To understand the vacuum arc characteristics and provide effective technique to control vacuum arc in a long gap distance, the arc mode transition of a cup-type axial magnetic field electrode is observed by a high-speed charge coupled device (CCD) video camera under different gap distances while the arc voltage and arc current are recorded. The controlling ability of the axial magnetic field on vacuum arc obviously decreases when the gap distance is longer than 40 mm. The noise components and mean value of the arc voltage significantly increase. The effective method for controlling the vacuum arc characteristics is provided by long gap distances based on the test results. The test results can be used as a reference to develop high voltage and large capacity vacuum interrupters
Rapid resumption of interrupted visual search. New insights on the interaction between vision and memory.
Lleras, Alejandro; Rensink, Ronald A; Enns, James T
A modified visual search task demonstrates that humans are very good at resuming a search after it has been momentarily interrupted. This is shown by exceptionally rapid response time to a display that reappears after a brief interruption, even when an entirely different visual display is seen during the interruption and two different visual searches are performed simultaneously. This rapid resumption depends on the stability of the visual scene and is not due to display or response anticipations. These results are consistent with the existence of an iterative hypothesis-testing mechanism that compares information stored in short-term memory (the perceptual hypothesis) with information about the display (the sensory pattern). In this view, rapid resumption occurs because a hypothesis based on a previous glance of the scene can be tested very rapidly in a subsequent glance, given that the initial hypothesis-generation step has already been performed.
Neural Feedback Scheduling of Real-Time Control Tasks
Xia, Feng; Tian, Yu-Chu; Sun, Youxian; Dong, Jinxiang
Many embedded real-time control systems suffer from resource constraints and dynamic workload variations. Although optimal feedback scheduling schemes are in principle capable of maximizing the overall control performance of multitasking control systems, most of them induce excessively large computational overheads associated with the mathematical optimization routines involved and hence are not directly applicable to practical systems. To optimize the overall control performance while minimi...
Analysis of Time Delay Simulation in Networked Control System
Nyan Phyo Aung; Zaw Min Naing; Hla Myo Tun
The paper presents a PD controller for the Networked Control Systems (NCS) with delay. The major challenges in this networked control system (NCS) are the delay of the data transmission throughout the communication network. The comparative performance analysis is carried out for different delays network medium. In this paper, simulation is carried out on Ac servo motor control system using CAN Bus as communication network medium. The True Time toolbox of MATLAB is used for simulation to analy...
Engine control system having speed-based timing
Willi, Martin L [Dunlap, IL; Fiveland, Scott B [Metamora, IL; Montgomery, David T [Edelstein, IL; Gong, Weidong [Dunlap, IL
A control system for an engine having a cylinder is disclosed having an engine valve movable to regulate a fluid flow of the cylinder and an actuator associated with the engine valve. The control system also has a controller in communication with the actuator. The controller is configured to receive a signal indicative of engine speed and compare the engine speed signal with a desired engine speed. The controller is also configured to selectively regulate the actuator to adjust a timing of the engine valve to control an amount of air/fuel mixture delivered to the cylinder based on the comparison.
Real time neutral beam power control on MAST
Homfray, David A., E-mail: david.homfray@ccfe.ac.uk [EURATOM/CCFE Fusion Association, Culham Science Centre, Abingdon (United Kingdom); Benn, A.; Ciric, D.; Day, I.; Dunkley, V.; Keeling, D.; Khilar, S.; King, D.; King, R. [EURATOM/CCFE Fusion Association, Culham Science Centre, Abingdon (United Kingdom); Kurutz, U. [Department of Experimental Plasma Physics, University of Augsburg, Augsburg (Germany); Payne, D.; Simmonds, M.; Stevenson, P.; Tame, C. [EURATOM/CCFE Fusion Association, Culham Science Centre, Abingdon (United Kingdom)
Real time power control of neutral beam provides an excellent tool for many different plasma physics studies. Power control at a better resolution than the level of a single injector is usually achieved by modulating individual power supplies. However, the short beam slowing down time on MAST is such that the plasma would be sensitive to modulating the neutral beam using this 100% on-off pulse-width modulation method. A novel alternative method of power control has been demonstrated, where the arc current, and hence beam current, has been controlled in real time allowing variations in neutral beam power. This has been demonstrated in a MAST plasma with almost no loss of transmission as a consequence of the optical properties of the high perveance MAST neutral beam system. This paper will detail the methodology, experiment and results and discuss the full implementation of this method that will allow MAST to control the beam power in real time.
Active controllers and the time duration to learn a task
Repperger, D. W.; Goodyear, C.
An active controller was used to help train naive subjects involved in a compensatory tracking task. The controller is called active in this context because it moves the subject's hand in a direction to improve tracking. It is of interest here to question whether the active controller helps the subject to learn a task more rapidly than the passive controller. Six subjects, inexperienced to compensatory tracking, were run to asymptote root mean square error tracking levels with an active controller or a passive controller. The time required to learn the task was defined several different ways. The results of the different measures of learning were examined across pools of subjects and across controllers using statistical tests. The comparison between the active controller and the passive controller as to their ability to accelerate the learning process as well as reduce levels of asymptotic tracking error is reported here.
Time-optimal control of infinite order distributed parabolic systems involving time lags
G.M. Bahaa
Full Text Available A time-optimal control problem for linear infinite order distributed parabolic systems involving constant time lags appear both in the state equation and in the boundary condition is presented. Some particular properties of the optimal control are discussed.
Concepts of real time and semi-real time material control
Lovett, J.E.
After a brief consideration of the traditional material balance accounting on an MBA basis, this paper explores the basic concepts of real time and semi-real time material control, together with some of the major problems to be solved. Three types of short-term material control are discussed: storage, batch processing, and continuous processing. (DLC)
Prototyping Real-Time Control in the SPS
Andersson, J; Jensen, L; Jones, R; Lamont, M; Wenninger, J; Wijnands, Thijs; CERN. Geneva. AB Department
Real-time control of beam related parameters will be required in the LHC. In order to gain experience of the issues involved in implementing distributed real-time control over large distances, a prototype local orbit feedback system is being developed in the SPS. This will use 6 pickups, each equipped with the full LHC acquisition electronics chain and linked to a real-time communication and feedback system. This reports summarises the .rst tests performed with this system in October 2002, where the data from four pickups was successfully acquired and displayed at 10 Hz in the control room.
Time-varying linear control for tiltrotor aircraft
Full Text Available Tiltrotor aircraft have three flight modes: helicopter mode, airplane mode, and transition mode. A tiltrotor has characteristics of highly nonlinear, time-varying flight dynamics and inertial/control couplings in its transition mode. It can transit from the helicopter mode to the airplane mode by tilting its nacelles, and an effective controller is crucial to accomplish tilting transition missions. Longitudinal dynamic characteristics of the tiltrotor are described by a nonlinear Lagrange-form model, which takes into account inertial/control couplings and aerodynamic interferences. Reference commands for airspeed velocity and attitude in the transition mode are calculated dynamically by visiting a command library which is founded in advance by analyzing the flight envelope of the tiltrotor. A Time-Varying Linear (TVL model is obtained using a Taylor-expansion based online linearization technique from the nonlinear model. Subsequently, based on an optimal control concept, an online optimization based control method with input constraints considered is proposed. To validate the proposed control method, three typical tilting transition missions are simulated using the nonlinear model of XV-15 tiltrotor aircraft. Simulation results show that the controller can be used to control the tiltrotor throughout its operating envelop which includes a transition flight, and can also deal with vertical gust disturbances. Keywords: Constrained optimal control, Inertia/control couplings, Tiltrotor aircraft, Time-varying control, Transition mode
Eventual Suicide in Interrupted and Uninterrupted Attempters: A Challenge to the Cry-for-Help Hypothesis.
Steer, Robert A.; And Others
Followed patients (N=499) hospitalized for suicide attempts (attempters) between 1970 and 1975 until 1982. Found under six percent eventually committed suicide. Found the interrupted attempters were approximately three times more likely to commit suicide than were the uninterrupted attempters. (Author/ABL)
Microcomputer-controlled world time display for public area viewing
Yep, S.; Rashidian, M.
The design, development, and implementation of a microcomputer-controlled world clock is discussed. The system, designated international Time Display System (ITDS), integrates a Geochron Calendar Map and a microcomputer-based digital display to automatically compensate for daylight savings time, leap year, and time zone differences. An in-depth technical description of the design and development of the electronic hardware, firmware, and software systems is provided. Reference material on the time zones, fabrication techniques, and electronic subsystems are also provided.
Greater physiological and behavioral effects of interrupted stress pattern compared to daily restraint stress in rats.
Wei Zhang
Full Text Available Repeated stress can trigger a range of psychiatric disorders, including anxiety. The propensity to develop abnormal behaviors after repeated stress is related to the severity, frequency and number of stressors. However, the pattern of stress exposure may contribute to the impact of stress. In addition, the anxiogenic nature of repeated stress exposure can be moderated by the degree of coping that occurs, and can be reflected in homotypic habituation to the repeated stress. However, expectations are not clear when a pattern of stress presentation is utilized that diminishes habituation. The purpose of these experiments is to test whether interrupted stress exposure decreases homotypic habituation and leads to greater effects on anxiety-like behavior in adult male rats. We found that repeated interrupted restraint stress resulted in less overall homotypic habituation compared to repeated daily restraint stress. This was demonstrated by greater production of fecal boli and greater corticosterone response to restraint. Furthermore, interrupted restraint stress resulted in a lower body weight and greater adrenal gland weight than daily restraint stress, and greater anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze. Control experiments demonstrated that these effects of the interrupted pattern could not be explained by differences in the total number of stress exposures, differences in the total number of days that the stress periods encompased, nor could it be explained as a result of only the stress exposures after an interruption from stress. These experiments demonstrate that the pattern of stress exposure is a significant determinant of the effects of repeated stress, and that interrupted stress exposure that decreases habituation can have larger effects than a greater number of daily stress exposures. Differences in the pattern of stress exposure are therefore an important factor to consider when predicting the severity of the effects of repeated
Real-time software for the COMPASS tokamak plasma control
Valcarcel, D.F.; Duarte, A.S.; Neto, A.; Carvalho, I.S.; Carvalho, B.B.; Fernandes, H.; Sousa, J.; Sartori, F.; Janky, F.; Cahyna, P.; Hron, M.; Panek, R.
The COMPASS tokamak has started its operation recently in Prague and to meet the necessary operation parameters its real-time system, for data processing and control, must be designed for both flexibility and performance, allowing the easy integration of code from several developers and to guarantee the desired time cycle. For this purpose an Advanced Telecommunications Computing Architecture based real-time system has been deployed with a solution built on a multi-core x86 processor. It makes use of two software components: the BaseLib2 and the MARTe (Multithreaded Application Real-Time executor) real-time frameworks. The BaseLib2 framework is a generic real-time library with optimized objects for the implementation of real-time algorithms. This allowed to build a library of modules that process the acquired data and execute control algorithms. MARTe executes these modules in kernel space Real-Time Application Interface allowing to attain the required cycle time and a jitter of less than 1.5 μs. MARTe configuration and data storage are accomplished through a Java hardware client that connects to the FireSignal control and data acquisition software. This article details the implementation of the real-time system for the COMPASS tokamak, in particular the organization of the control code, the design and implementation of the communications with the actuators and how MARTe integrates with the FireSignal software.
Valcarcel, D.F., E-mail: danielv@ipfn.ist.utl.p [Associacao EURATOM/IST, Instituto de Plasmas e Fusao Nuclear - Laboratorio Associado, Instituto Superior Tecnico, P-1049-001 Lisboa (Portugal); Duarte, A.S.; Neto, A.; Carvalho, I.S.; Carvalho, B.B.; Fernandes, H.; Sousa, J. [Associacao EURATOM/IST, Instituto de Plasmas e Fusao Nuclear - Laboratorio Associado, Instituto Superior Tecnico, P-1049-001 Lisboa (Portugal); Sartori, F. [Euratom-UKAEA, Culham Science Centre, Abingdon, OX14 3DB Oxon (United Kingdom); Janky, F.; Cahyna, P.; Hron, M.; Panek, R. [Institute of Plasma Physics AS CR, v.v.i., Association EURATOM/IPP.CR, Za Slovankou 3, 182 00 Prague (Czech Republic)
The COMPASS tokamak has started its operation recently in Prague and to meet the necessary operation parameters its real-time system, for data processing and control, must be designed for both flexibility and performance, allowing the easy integration of code from several developers and to guarantee the desired time cycle. For this purpose an Advanced Telecommunications Computing Architecture based real-time system has been deployed with a solution built on a multi-core x86 processor. It makes use of two software components: the BaseLib2 and the MARTe (Multithreaded Application Real-Time executor) real-time frameworks. The BaseLib2 framework is a generic real-time library with optimized objects for the implementation of real-time algorithms. This allowed to build a library of modules that process the acquired data and execute control algorithms. MARTe executes these modules in kernel space Real-Time Application Interface allowing to attain the required cycle time and a jitter of less than 1.5 {mu}s. MARTe configuration and data storage are accomplished through a Java hardware client that connects to the FireSignal control and data acquisition software. This article details the implementation of the real-time system for the COMPASS tokamak, in particular the organization of the control code, the design and implementation of the communications with the actuators and how MARTe integrates with the FireSignal software.
A General Theory of Markovian Time Inconsistent Stochastic Control Problems
Björk, Tomas; Murgochi, Agatha
We develop a theory for stochastic control problems which, in various ways, are time inconsistent in the sense that they do not admit a Bellman optimality principle. We attach these problems by viewing them within a game theoretic framework, and we look for Nash subgame perfect equilibrium points...... examples of time inconsistency in the literature are easily seen to be special cases of the present theory. We also prove that for every time inconsistent problem, there exists an associated time consistent problem such that the optimal control and the optimal value function for the consistent problem...
Valcarcel, D.F.; Duarte, A.S.; Neto, A.; Carvalho, I.S.; Carvalho, B.B.; Fernandes, H.; Sousa, J. [Instituto de Plasmas e Fusao Nuclear, Instituto Superior Tecnico, Lisboa (Portugal); Sartori, F. [Euratom-UKAEA, Culham Science Centre, Abingdon, OX14 3DB Oxon (United Kingdom); Janky, F.; Cahyna, P.; Hron, M.; Panek, R. [Institute of Plasma Physics AS CR, v.v.i., Association EURATOM / IPP.CR, Prague (Costa Rica)
This poster presents the flexible and high-performance real time system that guarantees the desired time cycles for plasma control on the COMPASS tokamak: 500 {mu}s for toroidal field, current, equilibrium and shaping; 50 {mu}s for fast control of the equilibrium and vertical instability. This system was developed on top of a high-performance processor and a software framework (MARTe) tailored for real-time. The preliminary measurements indicate that the time constraints will be met on the final solution. The system allows the making of modifications in the future to improve software components. (A.C.)
Real-time communication for distributed plasma control systems
Luchetta, A. [Consorzio RFX, Associazione Euratom-ENEA sulla Fusione, Corso Stati Uniti 4, Padova 35127 (Italy)], E-mail: adriano.luchetta@igi.cnr.it; Barbalace, A.; Manduchi, G.; Soppelsa, A.; Taliercio, C. [Consorzio RFX, Associazione Euratom-ENEA sulla Fusione, Corso Stati Uniti 4, Padova 35127 (Italy)
Real-time control applications will benefit in the near future from the enhanced performance provided by multi-core processor architectures. Nevertheless real-time communication will continue to be critical in distributed plasma control systems where the plant under control typically is distributed over a wide area. At RFX-mod real-time communication is crucial for hard real-time plasma control, due to the distributed architecture of the system, which consists of several VMEbus stations. The system runs under VxWorks and uses Gigabit Ethernet for sub-millisecond real-time communication. To optimize communication in the system, a set of detailed measurements has been carried out on the target platforms (Motorola MVME5100 and MVME5500) using either the VxWorks User Datagram Protocol (UDP) stack or raw communication based on the data link layer. Measurements have been carried out also under Linux, using its UDP stack or, in alternative, RTnet, an open source hard real-time network protocol stack. RTnet runs under Xenomai or RTAI, two popular real-time extensions based on the Linux kernel. The paper reports on the measurements carried out and compares the results, showing that the performance obtained by using open source code is suitable for sub-millisecond real-time communication in plasma control.
Real-time Control Mediation in Agile Distributed Software Development
Persson, John Stouby; Aaen, Ivan; Mathiassen, Lars
Agile distributed environments pose particular challenges related to control of quality and collaboration in software development. Moreover, while face-to-face interaction is fundamental in agile development, distributed environments must rely extensively on mediated interactions. On this backdrop...... control was mediated over distance by technology through real-time exchanges. Contrary to previous research, the analysis suggests that both formal and informal elements of real-time mediated control were used; that evolving goals and adjustment of expectations were two of the main issues in real......-time mediated control exchanges; and, that the actors, despite distances in space and culture, developed a clan-like pattern mediated by technology to help control quality and collaboration in software development....
Real-Time Application Performance Steering and Adaptive Control
Reed, Daniel
.... The objective of the Real-time Application Performance Steering and Adaptive Control project is to replace ad hoc, post-mortem performance optimization with an extensible, portable, and distributed...
FPGA Implementation of Real-Time Ethernet for Motion Control
Chen Youdong
Full Text Available This paper provides an applicable implementation of real-time Ethernet named CASNET, which modifies the Ethernet medium access control (MAC to achieve the real-time requirement for motion control. CASNET is the communication protocol used for motion control system. Verilog hardware description language (VHDL has been used in the MAC logic design. The designed MAC serves as one of the intellectual properties (IPs and is applicable to various industrial controllers. The interface of the physical layer is RJ45. The other layers have been implemented by using C programs. The real-time Ethernet has been implemented by using field programmable gate array (FPGA technology and the proposed solution has been tested through the cycle time, synchronization accuracy, and Wireshark testing.
Real-time control for long ohmic alternate current discharges
Carvalho, Ivo S.; Duarte, Paulo; Fernandes, Horácio; Valcárcel, Daniel F.; Carvalho, Pedro J.; Silva, Carlos; Duarte, André S.; Neto, André; Sousa, Jorge; Batista, António J.N.; Hekkert, Tiago; Carvalho, Bernardo B.; Gomes, Rui B.
Highlights: • 40 Alternate plasma current (AC) semi-cycles without loss of ionization, more than 1 s of operation. • AC discharges automatic control: feedback loops, time-windows control strategy, goal oriented time-windows and exception handling. • Energy deposition and Carbon radiation evolution during the AC discharges. - Abstract: The ISTTOK tokamak has a long tradition on alternate plasma current (AC) discharges, but the old control system was limiting and lacked full system integration. In order to improve the AC discharges performance the ISTTOK fast control system was updated. This control system developed on site based on the Advanced Telecommunications Computing Architecture (ATCA) standard now integrates the information gathered by all the tokamak real-time diagnostics to produce an accurate observation of the plasma parameters. The real-time actuators were also integrated, allowing a Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) control environment with several synchronization strategies available. The control system software was developed in C++ on top of a Linux system with the Multi-threaded Application Real-Time executor (MARTe) Framework to synchronize the real-time code execution under a 100μs control cycle. In addition, to simplify the discharge programming, a visual Human–Machine Interface (HMI) was also developed using the BaseLib2 libraries included in the MARTe Framework. This paper presents the ISTTOK control system and the optimizations that extended the AC current discharges duration to more than 1 s, corresponding to 40 semi-cycles without apparent degradation of the plasma parameters. This upgrade allows ISTTOK to be used as a low-cost material testing facility with long time exposures to nuclear fusion relevant plasmas, comparable (in duration) with medium size tokamaks
Carvalho, Ivo S., E-mail: ivoc@ipfn.ist.utl.pt; Duarte, Paulo; Fernandes, Horácio; Valcárcel, Daniel F.; Carvalho, Pedro J.; Silva, Carlos; Duarte, André S.; Neto, André; Sousa, Jorge; Batista, António J.N.; Hekkert, Tiago; Carvalho, Bernardo B.; Gomes, Rui B.
Highlights: • 40 Alternate plasma current (AC) semi-cycles without loss of ionization, more than 1 s of operation. • AC discharges automatic control: feedback loops, time-windows control strategy, goal oriented time-windows and exception handling. • Energy deposition and Carbon radiation evolution during the AC discharges. - Abstract: The ISTTOK tokamak has a long tradition on alternate plasma current (AC) discharges, but the old control system was limiting and lacked full system integration. In order to improve the AC discharges performance the ISTTOK fast control system was updated. This control system developed on site based on the Advanced Telecommunications Computing Architecture (ATCA) standard now integrates the information gathered by all the tokamak real-time diagnostics to produce an accurate observation of the plasma parameters. The real-time actuators were also integrated, allowing a Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) control environment with several synchronization strategies available. The control system software was developed in C++ on top of a Linux system with the Multi-threaded Application Real-Time executor (MARTe) Framework to synchronize the real-time code execution under a 100μs control cycle. In addition, to simplify the discharge programming, a visual Human–Machine Interface (HMI) was also developed using the BaseLib2 libraries included in the MARTe Framework. This paper presents the ISTTOK control system and the optimizations that extended the AC current discharges duration to more than 1 s, corresponding to 40 semi-cycles without apparent degradation of the plasma parameters. This upgrade allows ISTTOK to be used as a low-cost material testing facility with long time exposures to nuclear fusion relevant plasmas, comparable (in duration) with medium size tokamaks.
Finite-Time Reentry Attitude Control Using Time-Varying Sliding Mode and Disturbance Observer
Xuzhong Wu
Full Text Available This paper presents the finite-time attitude control problem for reentry vehicle with redundant actuators in consideration of planet uncertainties and external disturbances. Firstly, feedback linearization technique is used to cancel the nonlinearities of equations of motion to construct a basic mode for attitude controller. Secondly, two kinds of time-varying sliding mode control methods with disturbance observer are integrated with the basic mode in order to enhance the control performance and system robustness. One method is designed based on boundary layer technique and the other is a novel second-order sliding model control method. The finite-time stability analyses of both resultant closed-loop systems are carried out. Furthermore, after attitude controller produces the torque commands, an optimization control allocation approach is introduced to allocate them into aerodynamic surface deflections and on-off reaction control system thrusts. Finally, the numerical simulation results demonstrate that both of the time-varying sliding mode control methods are robust to uncertainties and disturbances without chattering phenomenon. Moreover, the proposed second-order sliding mode control method possesses better control accuracy.
The evolution of real-time control systems at JET
Goodyear, A.; Dorling, S.; Felton, R
Real-time feedback control of the JET experiment is based upon a collection of diagnostics providing signals which are processed by various controllers that manipulate actuator parameters for plasma current, shape and heating. The real-time data network (RTDN) connects the diagnostic, controller and actuator systems to form a flexible feedback and protection system for plasma monitoring and control. The controllers are mainly VME systems based on the Motorola 680X0 (68K) processor with some computationally intensive systems utilising Texas Instruments TMS320C40 (C40) digital signal processors (DSP), though lately there has been a move towards PowerPC 750 based processors. The majority of 68K VME systems use VxWorks, a hard real time operating system. There is an ongoing requirement to improve the efficiency of the real-time control systems at JET. This is driven by a desire to either add more input signals, reduce the feedback cycle time or increase algorithm complexity. New technology has a major role to play in the upgrade of the real-time control systems but the novel redeployment of existing equipment can also be used to enhance performance. This paper examines the configuration of existing systems, both hardware and software, and how new technology can be gradually integrated without jeopardising the current functionality. The adoption of Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) as the connection medium for the RTDN is key to the evolutional development of the control systems. The ATM network is extremely flexible to configure and benefits from low message latency and deterministic delivery time, essential properties for a real-time network. (author)
Results of antiretroviral treatment interruption and intensification in advanced multi-drug resistant HIV infection from the OPTIMA trial.
Mark Holodniy
Full Text Available Guidance is needed on best medical management for advanced HIV disease with multidrug resistance (MDR and limited retreatment options. We assessed two novel antiretroviral (ARV treatment approaches in this setting.We conducted a 2×2 factorial randomized open label controlled trial in patients with a CD4 count≤300 cells/µl who had ARV treatment (ART failure requiring retreatment, to two options (a re-treatment with either standard (≤4 ARVs or intensive (≥5 ARVs ART and b either treatment starting immediately or after a 12-week monitored ART interruption. Primary outcome was time to developing a first AIDS-defining event (ADE or death from any cause. Analysis was by intention to treat. From 2001 to 2006, 368 patients were randomized. At baseline, mean age was 48 years, 2% were women, median CD4 count was 106/µl, mean viral load was 4.74 log(10 copies/ml, and 59% had a prior AIDS diagnosis. Median follow-up was 4.0 years in 1249 person-years of observation. There were no statistically significant differences in the primary composite outcome of ADE or death between re-treatment options of standard versus intensive ART (hazard ratio 1.17; CI 0.86-1.59, or between immediate retreatment initiation versus interruption before re-treatment (hazard ratio 0.93; CI 0.68-1.30, or in the rate of non-HIV associated serious adverse events between re-treatment options.We did not observe clinical benefit or harm assessed by the primary outcome in this largest and longest trial exploring both ART interruption and intensification in advanced MDR HIV infection with poor retreatment options.Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00050089.
Interrupter and hybrid-switch testing for fusion devices
Parsons, W.M.; Warren, R.W.; Honig, E.M.; Lindsay, J.D.G.; Bellamo, P.; Cassel, R.L.
This paper discusses recent and ongoing switch testing for fusion devices. The first part describes testing for the TFTR ohmic-heating circuit. In this set of tests, which simulated the stresses produced during a plasma initiation pulse, circuit breakers were required to interrupt a current of 24 kA with an associated recovery voltage of 25 kV. Two interrupter systems were tested for over 1000 operations each, and both appear to satisfy TFTR requirements. The second part discusses hybrid-switch development for superconducting coil protection. These switching systems must be capable of carrying large currents on a continuous basis as well as performing interruption duties. The third part presents preliminary results on an early-counterpulse technique applied to vacuum interrupters. Implementation of this technique has resulted in large increases in interruptible current as well as a marked reduction in contact erosion
Effects of interruption of irradiation on Harwell Red Perspex (PMMA)
Khayet Tebourbi, Mohamed anouar abdelaziz
Harwell Red Perspex PMMA (Polymethylmethacrylate) is a dosimeter very much used in the industrial treatments by Radiations ionizing. The purpose of this work is to test the response of this dosimeter for radiation processes having undergone one or more interruptions. This experimental study based on the development of a factorial experimental design on two levels showed that the response of this dosimeter increases for the interrupted treatments. The value of the estimated amount of response increase is all the more significant as the temperature during the interruption is high. Also it made possible to determine a mathematical model binding the value of the amount posted to the factors of influence: Temperature, target amount, a number of interruptions and duration of each interruption.
Real-time control environment for the RFX experiment
Barana, O.; Cavinato, M.; Luchetta, A.; Manduchi, G.; Taliercio, C.
A comprehensive set of control schemes can be presently implemented on RFX due to the enhanced load assembly and renewed power supply system. The schemes include: plasma equilibrium control and resistive wall mode stabilization, aiming at controlling actively the discharge when the passive action of the shell vanishes; the rotation of the localised helical deformation to minimize the enhanced plasma-wall interaction; the MHD mode control and the 'intelligent shell', aiming at achieving a better comprehension of the underlying physics. To the purpose, an integrated, distributed, digital system has been developed consisting of a set of computing nodes. Each node can act either as pre-processing or control station, the former acquiring raw data and computing intermediate control parameters, the latter executing control algorithms and driving the power amplifiers. An overview of the system architecture is presented in the paper with reference to the software real-time environment providing both basic functions, such as data read-out and real-time communication, and useful tools to program control algorithms, to perform simulations and to commission the system. To simulate the control schemes, the real-time environment is extended to include a so called 'simulation mode', in which the real-time nodes exchange their input/output signals with one station running a suitable model of the experiment, for instance the two dimensional FEM code MAXFEA in the case of the equilibrium control. In this way the control system can be tested offline and the time needed for the commissioning of algorithms reduced
The hybrid UNIX controller for real-time data acquisition
Huesman, R.H.; Klein, G.J.; Fleming, T.K.
The authors describe a hybrid data acquisition architecture integrating a conventional UNIX workstation with CAMAC-based real-time hardware. The system combines the high-level programming simplicity and user interface of a UNIX workstation with the low-level timing control available from conventional real-time hardware. They detail this architecture as it has been implemented for control of the Donner 600-Crystal Positron Tomograph (PET600). Low-level data acquisition is carried out in this system using eight LeCroy 3588 histogrammers, which together after derandomization, acquire events at rates up to 4 MHz, and two dedicated Motorola 6809 microprocessors, which arbitrate fine timing control during acquisition. A SUN Microsystems UNIX workstation is used for high-level control, allowing an easily extensible user interface in an X-Windows environment, as well as real-time communications to the low-level acquisition units. Communication between the high- and low-level units is carried out via a Jorway 73A SCSI-CAMAC crate controller and a serial interface. For this application, the hybrid configuration segments low from high-level control for ease of maintenance and provided a low-cost upgrade from dated high-level control hardware
An adaptive robust controller for time delay maglev transportation systems
Milani, Reza Hamidi; Zarabadipour, Hassan; Shahnazi, Reza
For engineering systems, uncertainties and time delays are two important issues that must be considered in control design. Uncertainties are often encountered in various dynamical systems due to modeling errors, measurement noises, linearization and approximations. Time delays have always been among the most difficult problems encountered in process control. In practical applications of feedback control, time delay arises frequently and can severely degrade closed-loop system performance and in some cases, drives the system to instability. Therefore, stability analysis and controller synthesis for uncertain nonlinear time-delay systems are important both in theory and in practice and many analytical techniques have been developed using delay-dependent Lyapunov function. In the past decade the magnetic and levitation (maglev) transportation system as a new system with high functionality has been the focus of numerous studies. However, maglev transportation systems are highly nonlinear and thus designing controller for those are challenging. The main topic of this paper is to design an adaptive robust controller for maglev transportation systems with time-delay, parametric uncertainties and external disturbances. In this paper, an adaptive robust control (ARC) is designed for this purpose. It should be noted that the adaptive gain is derived from Lyapunov-Krasovskii synthesis method, therefore asymptotic stability is guaranteed.
Time-optimal feedback control for linear systems
Mirica, S.
The paper deals with the results of qualitative investigations of the time-optimal feedback control for linear systems with constant coefficients. In the first section, after some definitions and notations, two examples are given and it is shown that even the time-optimal control problem for linear systems with constant coefficients which looked like ''completely solved'' requires a further qualitative investigation of the stability to ''permanent perturbations'' of optimal feedback control. In the second section some basic results of the linear time-optimal control problem are reviewed. The third section deals with the definition of Boltyanskii's ''regular synthesis'' and its connection to Filippov's theory of right-hand side discontinuous differential equations. In the fourth section a theorem is proved concerning the stability to perturbations of time-optimal feedback control for linear systems with scalar control. In the last two sections it is proved that, if the matrix which defines the system has only real eigenvalues or is three-dimensional, the time-optimal feedback control defines a regular synthesis and therefore is stable to perturbations. (author)
Infrared wireless data transfer for real-time motion control
Gajdusek, M.; Overboom, T.T.; Damen, A.A.H.; Bosch, van den P.P.J.
In this paper several wireless solution are compared for their suitability for real-time control of a fast motion system. From the comparison, Very Fast Infrared (VFIR) communication link has been found to be an attractive solution for presented wirelessly controlled manipulator. Because standard
Testing power system controllers by real-time simulation
Venne, Philippe; Guillaud, Xavier; Sirois, Frédéric
In this paper, we present a number of state-of-the art methods for testing power system controllers based on the use of a real-time power system simulator. After introducing Hypersim, we list and discuss the different means of connection between the controller under tests and the power system...
Auxiliary controller for time-to-digital converter module readout
Ermolin, Yu.V.
The KD-225 auxiliary controller for time-to-digital converter module readout in the SUMMA crate is described. After readout and preliminary processing the data are written in the P-140 buffer memory module. The controller is used in the FODS-2 experimental setup data acquisition system. 12 refs.; 1 fig
Real time control of the SSC string magnets
Calvo, O.; Flora, R.; MacPherson, M.
The system described in this paper, called SECAR, was designed to control the excitation of a test string of magnets for the proposed Superconducting Super Collider (SSC) and will be used to upgrade the present Tevatron Excitation, Control and Regulation (TECAR) hardware and software. It resides in a VME orate and is controlled by a 68020/68881 based CPU running the application software under a real time operating system named VRTX
Guaranteed cost control of time-delay chaotic systems
Park, Ju H.; Kwon, O.M.
This article studies a guaranteed cost control problem for a class of time-delay chaotic systems. Attention is focused on the design of memory state feedback controllers such that the resulting closed-loop system is asymptotically stable and an adequate level of performance is also guaranteed. Using the Lyapunov method and LMI (linear matrix inequality) framework, two criteria for the existence of the controller are derived in terms of LMIs. A numerical example is given to illustrate the proposed method
Increased short-term risk of thrombo-embolism or death after interruption of warfarin treatment in patients with atrial fibrillation
Raunsø, Jakob; Selmer, Christian; Olesen, Jonas Bjerring
AimsIt is presently unknown whether patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are at increased risk of thrombo-embolic adverse events after interruption of warfarin treatment. The purpose of this study was to assess the risk and timing of thrombo-embolism after warfarin treatment interruption.Method...
Assessment of variations in control of asthma over time.
Combescure, C; Chanez, P; Saint-Pierre, P; Daurès, J P; Proudhon, H; Godard, P
Control and severity of asthma are two different but complementary concepts. The severity of asthma could influence the control over time. The aim of this study was to demonstrate this relationship. A total 365 patients with persistent asthma (severity) were enrolled and followed-up prospectively. Data were analysed using a continuous time homogeneous Markov model of the natural history of asthma. Control of asthma was defined according to three health states which were qualified: optimal, suboptimal and unacceptable control (states 1, 2 and 3). Transition forces (denoted lambda(ij) from state i to state j) and transition probabilities between control states were assessed and the results stratified by asthma severity were compared. Models were validated by comparing expected and observed numbers of patients in the different states. Transition probabilities stabilised between 100-250 days and more rapidly in patients with mild-to-moderate asthma. Patients with mild-to-moderate asthma in suboptimal or unacceptable control had a high probability of transition directly to optimal control. Patients with severe asthma had a tendency to remain in unacceptable control. A Markov model is a useful tool to model the control of asthma over time. Severity modified clearly the health states. It could be used to compare the performance of different approaches to asthma management.
Time-delay effects and simplified control fields in quantum Lyapunov control
Yi, X X; Wu, S L; Wu, Chunfeng; Feng, X L; Oh, C H
Lyapunov-based quantum control has the advantage that it is free from the measurement-induced decoherence and it includes the instantaneous information of the system in the control. The Lyapunov control is often confronted with time delay in the control fields and difficulty in practical implementations of the control. In this paper, we study the effect of time delay on the Lyapunov control and explore the possibility of replacing the control field with a pulse train or a bang-bang signal. The efficiency of the Lyapunov control is also presented through examining the convergence time of the system. These results suggest that the Lyapunov control is robust against time delay, easy to realize and effective for high-dimensional quantum systems.
A continuous-time control model on production planning network ...
A continuous-time control model on production planning network. DEA Omorogbe, MIU Okunsebor. Abstract. In this paper, we give a slightly detailed review of Graves and Hollywood model on constant inventory tactical planning model for a job shop. The limitations of this model are pointed out and a continuous time ...
Real-Time Plasma Control Tools for Advanced Tokamak Operation
Varandas, C. A. F.; Sousa, J.; Rodrigues, A. P.; Carvalho, B. B.; Fernandes, H.; Batista, A. J.; Cruz, N.; Combo, A.; Pereira, R. C.
Real-time control will play an important role in the operation and scientific exploitation of the new generation fusion devices. This paper summarizes the real-time systems and diagnostics developed by the Portuguese Fusion Euratom Association based on digital signal processors and field programmable gate arrays
Controlling traffic jams by time modulating the safety distance
Gaididei, Yu B.; Gorria, C.; Berkemer, R.
The possibility of controlling traffic dynamics by applying high-frequency time modulation of traffic flow parameters is studied. It is shown that the region of the car density where the uniform (free) flow is unstable changes in the presence of time modulation compared with the unmodulated case....
Paley, J.I.; Berrino, J.; Coda, S.; Cruz, N.; Duval, B.P.; Felici, F.; Goodman, T.P.; Martin, Y.; Moret, J.-M.; Piras, F.; Rodriques, A.P.; Santos, B.; Varandas, C.A.F.
Developments in the real time control hardware on Tokamak Configuration Variable (TCV) coupled with the flexibility of plasma shaping and electron cyclotron (EC) heating and current drive actuators are opening many opportunities to perform real time experiments and develop algorithms and methods for
Time-lapse controlled-source electromagnetics using interferometry
Hunziker, J.W.; Slob, E.C.; Wapenaar, C.P.A.
In time-lapse controlled-source electromagnetics, it is crucial that the source and the receivers are positioned at exactly the same location at all times of measurement. We use interferometry by multidimensional deconvolution (MDD) to overcome problems in repeatability of the source location.
Simulation of Simple Controlled Processes with Dead-Time.
Watson, Keith R.; And Others
The determination of closed-loop response of processes containing dead-time is typically not covered in undergraduate process control, possibly because the solution by Laplace transforms requires the use of Pade approximation for dead-time, which makes the procedure lengthy and tedious. A computer-aided method is described which simplifies the…
Advanced Map For Real-Time Process Control
Shiobara, Yasuhisa; Matsudaira, Takayuki; Sashida, Yoshio; Chikuma, Makoto
MAP, a communications protocol for factory automation proposed by General Motors [1], has been accepted by users throughout the world and is rapidly becoming a user standard. In fact, it is now a LAN standard for factory automation. MAP is intended to interconnect different devices, such as computers and programmable devices, made by different manufacturers, enabling them to exchange information. It is based on the OSI intercomputer com-munications protocol standard under development by the ISO. With progress and standardization, MAP is being investigated for application to process control fields other than factory automation [2]. The transmission response time of the network system and centralized management of data exchanged with various devices for distributed control are import-ant in the case of a real-time process control with programmable controllers, computers, and instruments connected to a LAN system. MAP/EPA and MINI MAP aim at reduced overhead in protocol processing and enhanced transmission response. If applied to real-time process control, a protocol based on point-to-point and request-response transactions limits throughput and transmission response. This paper describes an advanced MAP LAN system applied to real-time process control by adding a new data transmission control that performs multicasting communication voluntarily and periodically in the priority order of data to be exchanged.
Predicting Time Series Outputs and Time-to-Failure for an Aircraft Controller Using Bayesian Modeling
He, Yuning
Safety of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) is paramount, but the large number of dynamically changing controller parameters makes it hard to determine if the system is currently stable, and the time before loss of control if not. We propose a hierarchical statistical model using Treed Gaussian Processes to predict (i) whether a flight will be stable (success) or become unstable (failure), (ii) the time-to-failure if unstable, and (iii) time series outputs for flight variables. We first classify the current flight input into success or failure types, and then use separate models for each class to predict the time-to-failure and time series outputs. As different inputs may cause failures at different times, we have to model variable length output curves. We use a basis representation for curves and learn the mappings from input to basis coefficients. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our prediction methods on a NASA neuro-adaptive flight control system.
Time scaling internal state predictive control of a solar plant
Silva, R.N. [DEE-FCT/UNL, Caparica (Portugal); Rato, L.M. [INESC-ID/University, Evora (Portugal); Lemos, J.M. [INESC-ID/IST, Lisboa (Portugal)
The control of a distributed collector solar field is addressed in this work, exploiting the plant's transport characteristic. The plant is modeled by a hyperbolic type partial differential equation (PDE) where the transport speed is the manipulated flow, i.e. the controller output. The model has an external distributed source, which is the solar radiation captured along the collector, approximated to depend only of time. From the solution of the PDE, a linear discrete state space model is obtained by using time-scaling and the redefinition of the control input. This method allows overcoming the dependency of the time constants with the operating point. A model-based predictive adaptive controller is derived with the internal temperature distribution estimated with a state observer. Experimental results at the solar power plant are presented, illustrating the advantages of the approach under consideration. (author)
Paley, J.I.; Berrino, J.; Coda, S.; Duval, B.P.; Felici, F.; Goodman, T.P.; Martin, Y.; Moret, J.M.; Piras, F.; Cruz, N.; Rodriques, A.P.; Santos, B.; Varandas, C.A.F.
Developments in the real time control hardware on Tokamak a Configuration Variable (TCV) coupled with the flexibility of plasma shaping and electron cyclotron (EC) heating and current drive actuators are opening many opportunities to perform real time experiments and develop algorithms and methods for fusion applications. The ability to control magnetohydrodynamic instabilities is particularly important for achieving high performance fusion plasmas and EC is envisaged as a key actuator in maintaining high performance. We have successfully demonstrated control of the sawtooth instability using the EC launcher injection angle to modify the current profile around the q =1 surface. This paper presents an overview of recent real time control experiments on TCV, developments in the hardware and algorithms together with plans for the future.
Application of Skype API to Control Working Time
Julian Vasilev
Full Text Available The purpose of this article is to present an innovative approach to monitor and control working time. A special software program is developed by Delphi implementing Skype API functions. This article shows three different approaches to control working time using the Skype_API program. It automatically detects when an employee goes to his working place and when he leaves work. Moreover it can check periodically weather an employee is at work. The proposed ideas are written for the first time. They may be applied easily in many enterprises with very low costs.
Model-Checking Real-Time Control Programs
Iversen, T. K.; Kristoffersen, K. J.; Larsen, Kim Guldstrand
In this paper, we present a method for automatic verification of real-time control programs running on LEGO(R) RCX(TM) bricks using the verification tool UPPALL. The control programs, consisting of a number of tasks running concurrently, are automatically translated into the mixed automata model...... of UPPAAL. The fixed scheduling algorithm used by the LEGO(R) RCX(TM) processor is modeled in UPPALL, and supply of similar (sufficient) timed automata models for the environment allows analysis of the overall real-time system using the tools of UPPALL. To illustrate our technique for sorting LEGO(R) bricks...
Response times of operators in a control room
Platz, O.; Rasmussen, J.; Skanborg, P.Z.
A statistical analysis was made of operator response times recorded in the control room of a research reactor during the years 1972-1974. A homogeneity test revealed that the data consist of a mixture of populations. A small but statistically significant difference is found between day and night response times. Lognormal distributions are found to provide the best fit of the day and the night response times. (author)
Adaptive control of discrete-time chaotic systems: a fuzzy control approach
Feng Gang; Chen Guanrong
This paper discusses adaptive control of a class of discrete-time chaotic systems from a fuzzy control approach. Using the T-S model of discrete-time chaotic systems, an adaptive control algorithm is developed based on some conventional adaptive control techniques. The resulting adaptively controlled chaotic system is shown to be globally stable, and its robustness is discussed. A simulation example of the chaotic Henon map control is finally presented, to illustrate an application and the performance of the proposed control algorithm
Engine control system having pressure-based timing
A control system for an engine having a first cylinder and a second cylinder is disclosed having a first engine valve movable to regulate a fluid flow of the first cylinder and a first actuator associated with the first engine valve. The control system also has a second engine valve movable to regulate a fluid flow of the second cylinder and a sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a pressure within the first cylinder. The control system also has a controller that is in communication with the first actuator and the sensor. The controller is configured to compare the pressure within the first cylinder with a desired pressure and selectively regulate the first actuator to adjust a timing of the first engine valve independently of the timing of the second engine valve based on the comparison.
Optimal control for parabolic-hyperbolic system with time delay
Kowalewski, A.
In this paper we consider an optimal control problem for a system described by a linear partial differential equation of the parabolic-hyperbolic type with time delay in the state. The right-hand side of this equation and the initial conditions are not continuous functions usually, but they are measurable functions belonging to L 2 or Lsup(infinity) spaces. Therefore, the solution of this equation is given by a certain Sobolev space. The time delay in the state is constant, but it can be also a function of time. The control time T is fixed in our problem. Making use of the Milutin-Dubovicki theorem, necessary and sufficient conditions of optimality with the quadratic performance functional and constrained control are derived for the Dirichlet problem. The flow chart of the algorithm which can be used in the numerical solving of certain optimization problems for distributed systems is also presented. (author)
Real time equilibrium reconstruction for tokamak discharge control
Ferron, J.R.; Walker, M.L.; Lao, L.L.; St John, H.E.; Humphreys, D.A.; Leuer, J.A.
A practical method for performing a tokamak equilibrium reconstruction in real time for arbitrary time varying discharge shapes and current profiles is described. An approximate solution to the Grad-Shafranov equilibrium relation is found which best fits the diagnostic measurements. Thus, a solution for the spatial distribution of poloidal flux and toroidal current density is available in real time that is consistent with plasma force balance, allowing accurate evaluation of parameters such as discharge shape and safety factor profile. The equilibrium solutions are produced at a rate sufficient for discharge control. This equilibrium reconstruction algorithm has been implemented on the digital plasma control system for the DIII-D tokamak. The first application of real time equilibrium reconstruction to discharge shape control is described. (author)
Engine control system having fuel-based timing
A control system for an engine having a cylinder is disclosed having an engine valve movable to regulate a fluid flow of the cylinder and an actuator associated with the engine valve. The control system also has a sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of an amount of an air/fuel mixture remaining within the cylinder after completion of a first combustion event and a controller in communication with the actuator and the sensor. The controller may be configured to compare the amount with a desired amount, and to selectively regulate the actuator to adjust a timing of the engine valve associated with a subsequent combustion event based on the comparison.
Direct-Current Forced Interruption and Breaking Performance of Spiral-Type Contacts in Aero Applications
Wenlei Huo
Full Text Available This paper analyses the transient characteristics and breaking performance of direct-current (DC forced-interruption vacuum interrupters in 270 V power-supply systems. Three stages are identified in forced interruption: the DC-arcing stage, current-commutation stage, and voltage-recovery stage. During the current-commutation stage, the reverse peak-current coefficient k, which is a key design factor, is used to calculate the rate of current at zero-crossing (di/dt. MATLAB/Simulink simulation models are established to obtain the transient characteristics influenced by the forced-commutation branch parameters and the coefficient k. To study the breaking performance of spiral-type contacts, experiments are conducted for different contact materials and arcing times for currents less than 3.5 kA. During the DC-arcing stage, a locally intensive burning arc is observed in the CuW80 contact; however, it is not observed in the CuCr50 contact. On examining the re-ignition interruption results of the CuW80 contact, the intensive burning arc is found to be positioned within a possible re-ignition region. When the arcing time is longer than 1 ms, the intensive burning arc occurs and affects the breaking performance of the spiral-type contacts. If the DC-arcing stage is prolonged, the total arcing energy increases, which leads to a lower breaking capacity.
Developing infrared array controller with software real time operating system
Sako, Shigeyuki; Miyata, Takashi; Nakamura, Tomohiko; Motohara, Kentaro; Uchimoto, Yuka Katsuno; Onaka, Takashi; Kataza, Hirokazu
Real-time capabilities are required for a controller of a large format array to reduce a dead-time attributed by readout and data transfer. The real-time processing has been achieved by dedicated processors including DSP, CPLD, and FPGA devices. However, the dedicated processors have problems with memory resources, inflexibility, and high cost. Meanwhile, a recent PC has sufficient resources of CPUs and memories to control the infrared array and to process a large amount of frame data in real-time. In this study, we have developed an infrared array controller with a software real-time operating system (RTOS) instead of the dedicated processors. A Linux PC equipped with a RTAI extension and a dual-core CPU is used as a main computer, and one of the CPU cores is allocated to the real-time processing. A digital I/O board with DMA functions is used for an I/O interface. The signal-processing cores are integrated in the OS kernel as a real-time driver module, which is composed of two virtual devices of the clock processor and the frame processor tasks. The array controller with the RTOS realizes complicated operations easily, flexibly, and at a low cost.
Identification of Time-Varying Pilot Control Behavior in Multi-Axis Control Tasks
Zaal, Peter M. T.; Sweet, Barbara T.
Recent developments in fly-by-wire control architectures for rotorcraft have introduced new interest in the identification of time-varying pilot control behavior in multi-axis control tasks. In this paper a maximum likelihood estimation method is used to estimate the parameters of a pilot model with time-dependent sigmoid functions to characterize time-varying human control behavior. An experiment was performed by 9 general aviation pilots who had to perform a simultaneous roll and pitch control task with time-varying aircraft dynamics. In 8 different conditions, the axis containing the time-varying dynamics and the growth factor of the dynamics were varied, allowing for an analysis of the performance of the estimation method when estimating time-dependent parameter functions. In addition, a detailed analysis of pilots adaptation to the time-varying aircraft dynamics in both the roll and pitch axes could be performed. Pilot control behavior in both axes was significantly affected by the time-varying aircraft dynamics in roll and pitch, and by the growth factor. The main effect was found in the axis that contained the time-varying dynamics. However, pilot control behavior also changed over time in the axis not containing the time-varying aircraft dynamics. This indicates that some cross coupling exists in the perception and control processes between the roll and pitch axes.
Controller synthesis for dynamic hierarchical real-time plants using timed automata
Bin Waez, Md Tawhid; Wasowski, Andrzej; Dingel, Juergen
We use timed I/O automata based timed games to synthesize task-level reconfiguration services for cost-effective fault tolerance in a case study. The case study shows that state-space explosion is a severe problem for timed games. By applying suitable abstractions, we dramatically improve...... the scalability. However, timed I/O automata do not facilitate algorithmic abstraction generation techniques. The case study motivates the development of timed process automata to improve modeling and analysis for controller synthesis of time-critical plants which can be hierarchical and dynamic. The model offers...
Time-division-multiplex control scheme for voltage multiplier rectifiers
Bin-Han Liu
Full Text Available A voltage multiplier rectifier with a novel time-division-multiplexing (TDM control scheme for high step-up converters is proposed in this study. In the proposed TDM control scheme, two full-wave voltage doubler rectifiers can be combined to realise a voltage quadrupler rectifier. The proposed voltage quadrupler rectifier can reduce transformer turn ratio and transformer size for high step-up converters and also reduce voltage stress for the output capacitors and rectifier diodes. An N-times voltage rectifier can be straightforwardly produced by extending the concepts from the proposed TDM control scheme. A phase-shift full-bridge (PSFB converter is adopted in the primary side of the proposed voltage quadrupler rectifier to construct a PSFB quadrupler converter. Experimental results for the PSFB quadrupler converter demonstrate the performance of the proposed TDM control scheme for voltage quadrupler rectifiers. An 8-times voltage rectifier is simulated to determine the validity of extending the proposed TDM control scheme to realise an N-times voltage rectifier. Experimental and simulation results show that the proposed TDM control scheme has great potential to be used in high step-up converters.
Measurement and control of cement set times in waste solidification
Stone, J.A.; d'Entremont, P.D.
Fixation of radioactive waste in concrete was investigated on laboratory scale. Some cement formulations containing simulated or actual sludges from the Savannah River Plant had set times that would be too short for reliable handling in plant equipment. Set times could be controlled by use of excess water, but the concrete forms produced had inferior strength. A commercial organic retarder was found to be effective for increasing set times of cement-sludge formulations. However, the dosage of retarder required to control set times of high-alumina cement formulations was 1.0 to 1.5 wt percent of dry solids, which is 5 to 10 times the normal dosage for Portland cements. Data were obtained to predict the optimum content of retarder and water
Upgrade of the COMPASS tokamak real-time control system
Janky, F., E-mail: filip.janky.work@gmail.com [Institute of Plasma Physics, AS CR, v.v.i., Association EURATOM/IPP.CR, Za Slovankou 3, 18200 Prague (Czech Republic); Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, V Holesovickach 2, 18000 Prague (Czech Republic); Havlicek, J. [Institute of Plasma Physics, AS CR, v.v.i., Association EURATOM/IPP.CR, Za Slovankou 3, 18200 Prague (Czech Republic); Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, V Holesovickach 2, 18000 Prague (Czech Republic); Batista, A.J.N. [Associação EURATOM/IST, Instituto de Plasmas e Fusão Nuclear, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa (Portugal); Kudlacek, O.; Seidl, J. [Institute of Plasma Physics, AS CR, v.v.i., Association EURATOM/IPP.CR, Za Slovankou 3, 18200 Prague (Czech Republic); Neto, A.C. [Associação EURATOM/IST, Instituto de Plasmas e Fusão Nuclear, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa (Portugal); Pipek, J.; Hron, M. [Institute of Plasma Physics, AS CR, v.v.i., Association EURATOM/IPP.CR, Za Slovankou 3, 18200 Prague (Czech Republic); Mikulin, O. [Institute of Plasma Physics, AS CR, v.v.i., Association EURATOM/IPP.CR, Za Slovankou 3, 18200 Prague (Czech Republic); Czech Technical University, Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering, V Holesovickach 2, 18000 Prague (Czech Republic); and others
Highlights: • An upgrade of the COMPASS real-time system has been made to generally improve the plasma performance. • Stability of discharges in SNT configuration has been increased. • Plasma flat-top phase length has been extended. • Central solenoid protection has been developed. • Plasma position estimation has been improved. - Abstract: The COMPASS plasma control system is based on the MARTe real-time framework. Thanks to MARTe modularity and flexibility new algorithms have been developed for plasma diagnostic (plasma position calculation), control (shaping field control), and protection systems (central solenoid protection). Moreover, the MARTe framework itself was modified to broaden the communication capabilities via Aurora. This paper presents the recent upgrades and improvements made to the COMPASS real-time plasma control system, focusing on the issues related to precision of the real-time calculations, and discussing the improvements in terms of discharge parameters and stability. In particular, the new real-time system has given the possibility to analyze and to minimize the transport delays of each control loop.
A time-varying extremum-seeking control approach for discrete-time systems with application to model predictive control
Guay, M.; Beerens, R.; Nijmeijer, H.
This paper considers the solution of a real-time optimization problem using adaptive extremum seeking control for a class of unknown discrete-time nonlinear systems. It is assumed that the equations describing the dynamics of the nonlinear system and the cost function to be minimized are unknown and
Real-time control of internal transport barriers in JET
Mazon, D.; Litaudon, X.; Moreau, D. [Association Euratom-CEA, CEA Cadarache, St. Paul lez Durance (France)] [and others
We present the results of recent experiments related to real-time control of internal transport barriers (ITBs) in JET. Using a simple criterion to characterize the ITB existence, location and strength, we have successfully controlled for the first time the radial electron temperature profile within the ITB. The dimensionless variable used in the real-time algorithm - ratio of the ion gyro-radius to the local gradient scale length of the electron temperature - is a measure of the normalized electron temperature gradient and characterizes satisfactorily the main ITB features with a relatively low computational cost. We show several examples of control of this variable in various experimental conditions of toroidal field and plasma current, using different heating systems as control actuators. We also present a double-loop feedback scheme where both the global neutron rate from D-D reactions and the ITB strength are controlled simultaneously. In this case the ITB is sustained in a fully non-inductive current drive regime during several seconds. With the proposed control method, disruptions are avoided by holding the plasma performance at a prescribed target and this opens the route towards stationary operation of tokamak plasmas with ITBs. Initial results suggest that the additional control of the current profile is an important issue for achieving steady-state operation, in particular in the triggering and the sustainment of the ITB. (author)
Time-dependent switched discrete-time linear systems control and filtering
Zhang, Lixian; Shi, Peng; Lu, Qiugang
This book focuses on the basic control and filtering synthesis problems for discrete-time switched linear systems under time-dependent switching signals. Chapter 1, as an introduction of the book, gives the backgrounds and motivations of switched systems, the definitions of the typical time-dependent switching signals, the differences and links to other types of systems with hybrid characteristics and a literature review mainly on the control and filtering for the underlying systems. By summarizing the multiple Lyapunov-like functions (MLFs) approach in which different requirements on comparisons of Lyapunov function values at switching instants, a series of methodologies are developed for the issues on stability and stabilization, and l2-gain performance or tube-based robustness for l∞ disturbance, respectively, in Chapters 2 and 3. Chapters 4 and 5 are devoted to the control and filtering problems for the time-dependent switched linear systems with either polytopic uncertainties or measurable time-varying...
[The utility of the interrupter technique in pediatric asthma].
Iimura, Akiko; Yoshihara, Shigemi; Arisaka, Osamu
Interrupter respiratory resistance (Rint) is a new lung function test for measuring airway resistance. We investigated the utility of the Rint lung function test in pediatric patients with asthma. Thirty seven asthmatic patients with mild or moderate asthma attack (asthma group) and 9 healthy children (control group) were enrolled in the study, and the utility of the Ring test was compared with that of the PEF lung function test. Rint and PEF were measured after the inhalation of saline or beta(2) stimulant, and the values for the asthma and control groups were compared. The rint and PEF values did not change after the inhalation of saline, but both values improved after the inhalation of beta(2) stimulant in the asthma group. In the control group, the PEF and Rint values measured after saline or beta(2) stimulant were not significantly different. Rint measurements may be more useful than PEF tests for evaluating therapeutic responses to mild asthma attacks in children. These findings suggest that Rint is a useful respiratory function test for evaluating children with asthma.
Measuring the relationship between interruptions, multitasking and prescribing errors in an emergency department: a study protocol.
Raban, Magdalena Z; Walter, Scott R; Douglas, Heather E; Strumpman, Dana; Mackenzie, John; Westbrook, Johanna I
Interruptions and multitasking are frequent in clinical settings, and have been shown in the cognitive psychology literature to affect performance, increasing the risk of error. However, comparatively less is known about their impact on errors in clinical work. This study will assess the relationship between prescribing errors, interruptions and multitasking in an emergency department (ED) using direct observations and chart review. The study will be conducted in an ED of a 440-bed teaching hospital in Sydney, Australia. Doctors will be shadowed at proximity by observers for 2 h time intervals while they are working on day shift (between 0800 and 1800). Time stamped data on tasks, interruptions and multitasking will be recorded on a handheld computer using the validated Work Observation Method by Activity Timing (WOMBAT) tool. The prompts leading to interruptions and multitasking will also be recorded. When doctors prescribe medication, type of chart and chart sections written on, along with the patient's medical record number (MRN) will be recorded. A clinical pharmacist will access patient records and assess the medication orders for prescribing errors. The prescribing error rate will be calculated per prescribing task and is defined as the number of errors divided by the number of medication orders written during the prescribing task. The association between prescribing error rates, and rates of prompts, interruptions and multitasking will be assessed using statistical modelling. Ethics approval has been obtained from the hospital research ethics committee. Eligible doctors will be provided with written information sheets and written consent will be obtained if they agree to participate. Doctor details and MRNs will be kept separate from the data on prescribing errors, and will not appear in the final data set for analysis. Study results will be disseminated in publications and feedback to the ED. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission
Finite-Time and Fixed-Time Cluster Synchronization With or Without Pinning Control.
Liu, Xiwei; Chen, Tianping
In this paper, the finite-time and fixed-time cluster synchronization problem for complex networks with or without pinning control are discussed. Finite-time (or fixed-time) synchronization has been a hot topic in recent years, which means that the network can achieve synchronization in finite-time, and the settling time depends on the initial values for finite-time synchronization (or the settling time is bounded by a constant for any initial values for fixed-time synchronization). To realize the finite-time and fixed-time cluster synchronization, some simple distributed protocols with or without pinning control are designed and the effectiveness is rigorously proved. Several sufficient criteria are also obtained to clarify the effects of coupling terms for finite-time and fixed-time cluster synchronization. Especially, when the cluster number is one, the cluster synchronization becomes the complete synchronization problem; when the network has only one node, the coupling term between nodes will disappear, and the synchronization problem becomes the simplest master-slave case, which also includes the stability problem for nonlinear systems like neural networks. All these cases are also discussed. Finally, numerical simulations are presented to demonstrate the correctness of obtained theoretical results.
Control of photon storage time using phase locking.
Ham, Byoung S
A photon echo storage-time extension protocol is presented by using a phase locking method in a three-level backward propagation scheme, where phase locking serves as a conditional stopper of the rephasing process in conventional two-pulse photon echoes. The backward propagation scheme solves the critical problems of extremely low retrieval efficiency and pi rephasing pulse-caused spontaneous emission noise in photon echo based quantum memories. The physics of the storage time extension lies in the imminent population transfer from the excited state to an auxiliary spin state by a phase locking control pulse. We numerically demonstrate that the storage time is lengthened by spin dephasing time.
Time-delayed feedback control of diffusion in random walkers
Ando, Hiroyasu; Takehara, Kohta; Kobayashi, Miki U.
Time delay in general leads to instability in some systems, while specific feedback with delay can control fluctuated motion in nonlinear deterministic systems to a stable state. In this paper, we consider a stochastic process, i.e., a random walk, and observe its diffusion phenomenon with time-delayed feedback. As a result, the diffusion coefficient decreases with increasing delay time. We analytically illustrate this suppression of diffusion by using stochastic delay differential equations and justify the feasibility of this suppression by applying time-delayed feedback to a molecular dynamics model.
Advanced discrete-time control designs and applications
Abidi, Khalid
This book covers a wide spectrum of systems such as linear and nonlinear multivariable systems as well as control problems such as disturbance, uncertainty and time-delays. The purpose of this book is to provide researchers and practitioners a manual for the design and application of advanced discrete-time controllers. The book presents six different control approaches depending on the type of system and control problem. The first and second approaches are based on Sliding Mode control (SMC) theory and are intended for linear systems with exogenous disturbances. The third and fourth approaches are based on adaptive control theory and are aimed at linear/nonlinear systems with periodically varying parametric uncertainty or systems with input delay. The fifth approach is based on Iterative learning control (ILC) theory and is aimed at uncertain linear/nonlinear systems with repeatable tasks and the final approach is based on fuzzy logic control (FLC) and is intended for highly uncertain systems with heuristi...
Interruptions and multitasking in surgery: a multicentre observational study of the daily work patterns of doctors and nurses.
Bellandi, Tommaso; Cerri, Alessandro; Carreras, Giulia; Walter, Scott; Mengozzi, Cipriana; Albolino, Sara; Mastrominico, Eleonora; Renzetti, Fernando; Tartaglia, Riccardo; Westbrook, Johanna
The aim of this study was to obtain baseline data on doctors' and nurses' work activities and rates of interruptions and multitasking to improve work organisation and processes. Data were collected in six surgical units with the WOMBAT (Work Observation Method by Activity Timing) tool. Results show that doctors and nurses received approximately 13 interruptions per hour, or one interruption every 4.5Â min. Compared to doctors, nurses were more prone to interruptions in most activities, while doctors performed multitasking (33.47% of their time, 95% CI 31.84-35.17%) more than nurses (15.23%, 95% CI 14.24-16.25%). Overall, the time dedicated to patient care is relatively limited for both professions (37.21%, 95% CI 34.95-39.60% for doctors, 27.22%, 95% CI 25.18-29.60% for nurses) compared to the time spent for registration of data and professional communication, that accounts for two-thirds of doctors' time and nearly half of nurses' time. Further investigation is needed on strategies to manage job demands and professional communications. Practitioner Summary: This study offers further findings on the characteristics and frequency of multitasking and interruptions in surgery, with a comparison of how they affect doctors and nurses. Further investigation is needed to improve the management of job demands and communications according to the results.
Simultaneous Provision of Flexible Ramping Product and Demand Relief by Interruptible Loads Considering Economic Incentives
Jiahua Hu
Full Text Available To cope with the net load variability in real time, sufficient ramp capability from controllable resources is required. To address the issue of insufficient ramp capacity in real time operations, flexible ramping products (FRPs have been adopted by some Independent System Operators (ISOs in the USA as a new market design. The inherent variability and uncertainty caused by renewable energy sources (RESs call for new FRP providers apart from conventional generating units. The so-called interruptible load (IL has proved to be useful in maintaining the supply-demand balance by providing demand relief and can be a viable FRP provider in practice. Given this background, this work presents a stochastic real-time unit commitment model considering ramp requirement and simultaneous provision of IL for FRP and demand relief. Load serving entities (LSEs are included in the proposed model and act as mediators between the ISO and multiple ILs. In particular, incentive compatible contracts are designed to encourage customers to reveal their true outage costs. Case studies indicate both the system and LSEs can benefit by employing the proposed method and ILs can gain the highest profits by signing up a favorable contract.
A discrete-time adaptive control scheme for robot manipulators
Tarokh, M.
A discrete-time model reference adaptive control scheme is developed for trajectory tracking of robot manipulators. The scheme utilizes feedback, feedforward, and auxiliary signals, obtained from joint angle measurement through simple expressions. Hyperstability theory is utilized to derive the adaptation laws for the controller gain matrices. It is shown that trajectory tracking is achieved despite gross robot parameter variation and uncertainties. The method offers considerable design flexibility and enables the designer to improve the performance of the control system by adjusting free design parameters. The discrete-time adaptation algorithm is extremely simple and is therefore suitable for real-time implementation. Simulations and experimental results are given to demonstrate the performance of the scheme.
Evaluation of Real-time operating systems for FGC controls
Chalas, Konstantinos
Power Converter Control for various experiments at CERN, is con- ducted using a machine called Function Generator Controller. The cur- rent generation of FGCs being deployed is FGC3. A certain number of FGCs require very fast and precise control, and for these systems, there is uncertainty of whether the existing hardware will be able to provide the level of determinism required. I have worked in the CCS section as a summer student on a project to study the potential of ARM-based CPUs to provide a real time behaviour fit for a future high-performance FGC4. In this paper, i will present the results of my research into real-time vari- ants of Linux and other real-time operating systems on two different ARM CPUs.
Inherent limitations of fixed time servo-controlled radiometric calorimetry
Wetzel, J.R.; Duff, M.F.; Lemming, J.F.
There has been some interest in low precision, short run time calorimetry measurements. This type of calorimetry measurement has been proposed for use when high precision measurements are not required, for example, to screen scrap containers to determine if there is enough material to be measured more accurately of for confirmatory measurements that only require low precision results. The equipment needed to make these measurements is a servo-controlled calorimeter with a sample preequilibration bath. The preequilibration bath temperature is set to the internal temperature of the calorimeter running at a fixed servo-controlled wattage level. The sample power value is determined at a fixed time form the sample loading into the calorimeter. There are some limitations and areas of uncertainties in the use of data obtained by this method. Data collected under controlled conditions demonstrate the limitations. Sample packaging, preequilibration time, and item wattage were chosen as the variables most likely to be encountered in a plant environment
Timing and control monitor system upgrade design document. Version 4
Brandt, J.J.
This is a design document for the Timing and Control Monitor System Upgrade Project. This project is intended to provide a replacement system for the existing user Encoder Monitor Systems and Varian 72 Control Room computer systems. All of these systems reside at the Nevada Test Site. The function of the T and C Monitor System is to gather real-time statistics and data on user defined key variables from control, communication, data acquistion systems, and from the monitoring system itself. The control, communication, and data acquisition systems each operate separately from the monitor system. The T and C Monitor System gathers this data in order to verify the readiness of an event to begin countdown. This includes setup, verification, calibration, and peripheral services, report any failures that may occur during the countdown, verify detonation and containment, and assist reentry activities after the event
Computation of reactor control rod drop time under accident conditions
Dou Yikang; Yao Weida; Yang Renan; Jiang Nanyan
The computational method of reactor control rod drop time under accident conditions lies mainly in establishing forced vibration equations for the components under action of outside forces on control rod driven line and motion equation for the control rod moving in vertical direction. The above two kinds of equations are connected by considering the impact effects between control rod and its outside components. Finite difference method is adopted to make discretization of the vibration equations and Wilson-θ method is applied to deal with the time history problem. The non-linearity caused by impact is iteratively treated with modified Newton method. Some experimental results are used to validate the validity and reliability of the computational method. Theoretical and experimental testing problems show that the computer program based on the computational method is applicable and reliable. The program can act as an effective tool of design by analysis and safety analysis for the relevant components
The response-time distribution in a real-time database with optimistic concurrency control and constant execution times
Sassen, S.A.E.; Wal, van der J.
For a real-time shared-memory database with optimistic concurrency control, an approximation for the transaction response-time distribution is obtained. The model assumes that transactions arrive at the database according to a Poisson process, that every transaction uses an equal number of
The response-time distribution in a real-time database with optimistic concurrency control and exponential execution times
For a real-time shared-memory database with optimistic concurrency control, an approximation for the transaction response-time distribution is obtained. The model assumes that transactions arrive at the database according to a Poisson process, that every transaction takes an exponential execution
A theory of Markovian time-inconsistent stochastic control in discrete time
Bjork, Tomas; Murgoci, Agatha
We develop a theory for a general class of discrete-time stochastic control problems that, in various ways, are time-inconsistent in the sense that they do not admit a Bellman optimality principle. We attack these problems by viewing them within a game theoretic framework, and we look for subgame...
The response time distribution in a real-time database with optimistic concurrency control
For a real-time shared-memory database with optimistic concurrency control, an approximation for the transaction response time distribution is obtained. The model assumes that transactions arrive at the database according to a Poisson process, that every transaction uses an equal number of
Deliu, C.; Deliu, Ciprian; Malek, Babak; Roy, Sandip; Saberi, Ali; Stoorvogel, Antonie Arij
We study decentralized stabilization of discrete-time linear time invariant (LTI) systems subject to actuator saturation, using LTI controllers. The requirement of stabilization under both saturation constraints and decentralization impose obvious necessary conditions on the open-loop plant, namely
Neurocognition and quality of life after reinitiating antiretroviral therapy in children randomized to planned treatment interruption
Ananworanich, Jintanat; Melvin, Diane; Amador, Jose T. R.; Childs, Tristan; Medin, Gabriela; Boscolo, Valentina; Compagnucci, Alexandra; Kanjanavanit, Suparat; Montero, Samuel; Gibb, Diana M.; Aboulker, J. -P.; Babiker, A.; Belfrage, E.; Bernardi, S.; Bologna, R.; Burger, D.; Butler, K.; Castelli-Gattinara, G.; Castro, H.; Clayden, P.; Compagnucci, A.; Cressey, T.; Darbyshire, J. H.; Debré, M.; de Groot, R.; della Negra, M.; Di Biagio, A.; de Rossi, A.; Duicelescu, D.; Faye, A.; Giaquinto, C.; Giacomet, V.; Gibb, D. M.; Grosch-Wörner, I.; Hainault, M.; Klein, N.; Lallemant, M.; Levy, J.; Lyall, H.; Marczynska, M.; Marques, L.; Mardarescu, M.; Mellado Peña, M. J.; Nadal, D.; Nastouli, E.; Naver, L.; Niehues, T.; Peckham, C.; Pillay, D.; Popieska, J.; Ramos Amador, J. T.; Rojo Conejo, P.; Rosado, L.; Rosso, R.; Rudin, C.; Scherpbier, H. J.; Sharland, M.; Stevanovic, M.; Thorne, C.; Tovo, P. A.; Tudor-Williams, G.; Turkova, A.; Valerius, N.; Volokha, A.; Walker, A. S.; Welch, S.; Wintergerst, U.; Aboulker, J. P.; Burger, D. M.; Green, H.; Harper, L.; Mofenson, L.; Moye, J.; Saïdi, Y.; Cressey, T. R.; Jacqz-Aigrain, E.; Khoo, S.; Regazzi, M.; Tréluyer, J. M.; Ngo-Giang-Huong, N.; Muñoz Fernandez, M. A.; Hill, C.; Lepage, P.; Pozniak, A.; Vella, S.; Chêne, G.; Vesikari, T.; Hadjou, G.; Léonardo, S.; Riault, Y.; Bleier, J.; Buck, L.; Duong, T.; Farrelly, L.; Forcat, S.; Harrison, L.; Horton, J.; Johnson, D.; Montero, S.; Taylor, C.; Chalermpantmetagul, S.; Peongjakta, R.; Khamjakkaew, W.; Than-in-at, K.; Chailert, S.; Jourdain, G.; Le Coeur, S.; Floret, D.; Costanzo, P.; Le Thi, T. T.; Monpoux, F.; Mellul, S.; Caranta, I.; Boudjoudi, N.; Firtion, G.; Denon, M.; Charlemaine, E.; Picard, F.; Hellier, E.; Heuninck, C.; Damond, F.; Alexandre, G.; Tricoire, J.; Antras, M.; Lachendowier, C.; Nicot, F.; Krivine, A.; Rivaux, D.; Notheis, G.; Strotmann, G.; Schlieben, S.; Rampon, O.; Boscolo, V.; Zanchetta, M.; Ginocchio, F.; Viscoli, C.; Martino, A.; Pontrelli, G.; Baldassar, S.; Concato, C.; Mazza, A.; Rossetti, G.; Dobosz, S.; Oldakowska, A.; Popielska, J.; Kaflik, M.; Stanczak, J.; Stanczack, G.; Dyda, T.; Kruk, M.; González Tomé, M. I.; Delgado GarcÃa, R.; Fernandez Gonzalez, M. T.; Medin, G.; Mellado Peña, M. José; MartÃn Fontelos, P.; Garcia Mellado, M. I.; Medina, A. F.; Ascencion, B.; Garcia Bermejo, I.; Navarro Gomez, D. M. L.; Saavedra, J.; Prieto, C.; Jimenez, J. L.; Muñoz-Fernandez, M. A.; Garcia Torre, A.; de José Gómez, M. I.; GarcÃa Rodriguez, M. C.; Moreno Pérez, D.; Núñez Cuadros, E.; Asensi-Botet, F.; Otero Reigada, C.; Pérez Tamarit, M. D.; Vilalta, R.; Molina Moreno, J. M.; Rainer, Truninger; Schupbach, J.; Rutishauser, M.; Bunupuradah, T.; Butterworth, O.; Phasomsap, C.; Prasitsuebsai, W.; Chuanjaroen, T.; Jupimai, T.; Ubolyam, S.; Phanuphak, P.; Puthanakit, T.; Pancharoen, C.; Mai, Chaing; Kanjanavanit, S.; Namwong, T.; Punsakoon, W.; Payakachat, S.; Chutima, D.; Raksasang, M.; Foster, C.; Hamadache, D.; Campbell, S.; Newbould, C.; Monrose, C.; Abdulla, A.; Walley, A.; Melvin, D.; Patel, D.; Kaye, S.; Seery, P.; Rankin, A.; Wildfire, A.; Novelli, V.; Shingadia, D.; Moshal, K.; Flynn, J.; Clapson, M.; Allen, A.; Spencer, L.; Rackstraw, C.; Ward, B.; Parkes, K.; Depala, M.; Jacobsen, M.; Poulsom, H.; Barkley, L.; Miah, J.; Lurie, P.; Keane, C.; McMaster, P.; Phipps, M.; Orendi, J.; Farmer, C.; Liebeschuetz, S.; Sodeinde, O.; Wong, S.; Bostock, V.; Heath, Y.; Scott, S.; Gandhi, K.; Lewis, P.; Daglish, J.; Miles, K.; Summerhill, L.; Subramaniam, B.; Weiner, L.; Famiglietti, M.; Rana, S.; Yu, P.; Roa, J.; Puga, A.; Haerry, A.
Objective: Understanding the effects of antiretroviral treatment (ART) interruption on neurocognition and quality of life (QoL) are important for managing unplanned interruptions and planned interruptions in HIV cure research. Design: Children previously randomized to continuous (continuous ART, n =
Soft Real-Time PID Control on a VME Computer
Karayan, Vahag; Sander, Stanley; Cageao, Richard
microPID (uPID) is a computer program for real-time proportional + integral + derivative (PID) control of a translation stage in a Fourier-transform ultraviolet spectrometer. microPID implements a PID control loop over a position profile at sampling rate of 8 kHz (sampling period 125microseconds). The software runs in a strippeddown Linux operating system on a VersaModule Eurocard (VME) computer operating in real-time priority queue using an embedded controller, a 16-bit digital-to-analog converter (D/A) board, and a laser-positioning board (LPB). microPID consists of three main parts: (1) VME device-driver routines, (2) software that administers a custom protocol for serial communication with a control computer, and (3) a loop section that obtains the current position from an LPB-driver routine, calculates the ideal position from the profile, and calculates a new voltage command by use of an embedded PID routine all within each sampling period. The voltage command is sent to the D/A board to control the stage. microPID uses special kernel headers to obtain microsecond timing resolution. Inasmuch as microPID implements a single-threaded process and all other processes are disabled, the Linux operating system acts as a soft real-time system.
Discrete-time control system design with applications
Rabbath, C A
This book presents practical techniques of discrete-time control system design. In general, the design techniques lead to low-order dynamic compensators that ensure satisfactory closed-loop performance for a wide range of sampling rates. The theory is given in the form of theorems, lemmas, and propositions. The design of the control systems is presented as step-by-step procedures and algorithms. The proposed feedback control schemes are applied to well-known dynamic system models. This book also discusses: Closed-loop performance of generic models of mobile robot and airborne pursuer dynamic systems under discrete-time feedback control with limited computing capabilities Concepts of discrete-time models and sampled-data models of continuous-time systems, for both single- and dual-rate operation Local versus global digital redesign Optimal, closed-loop digital redesign methods Plant input mapping design Generalized holds and samplers for use in feedback control loops, Numerical simulation of fixed-point arithm...
Guaranteed Cost Finite-Time Control of Discrete-Time Positive Impulsive Switched Systems
Leipo Liu
Full Text Available This paper considers the guaranteed cost finite-time boundedness of discrete-time positive impulsive switched systems. Firstly, the definition of guaranteed cost finite-time boundedness is introduced. By using the multiple linear copositive Lyapunov function (MLCLF and average dwell time (ADT approach, a state feedback controller is designed and sufficient conditions are obtained to guarantee that the corresponding closed-loop system is guaranteed cost finite-time boundedness (GCFTB. Such conditions can be solved by linear programming. Finally, a numerical example is provided to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
RFX: New tools for real-time MHD control
Gnesotto, F.; Luchetta, A.; Marchiori, G.
RFX has been recently modified to improve its capability of controlling different MHD phenomena by means of fast, feedback controlled amplifiers and distributed radial field inductors. The paper, after summarizing the principal results obtained in the past by means of active control of magnetic fields in RFX, describes the recent modifications to the machine and the improvements to the power supplies and to the magnetic diagnostics. The old thick shell has been replaced by a much thinner shell, whose electromagnetic time constants are much shorter than pulse duration, and a system of 192 radial field coils has been added, covering the whole torus surface. Then the paper describes the models used to design the new real-time control system of RFX and gives some preliminary results obtained, with the same techniques, on the EXTRAP-T2R device. The basic choices about the technologies adopted for the new RFX control system are discussed with reference to the general problem of real-time control of MHD instabilities in magnetic fusion devices. Finally, the paper defines the main objectives of the RFX scientific programme aimed at exploiting these new tools. (author)
Brain activity patterns induced by interrupting the cognitive processes with online advertising.
Rejer, Izabela; Jankowski, Jarosław
As a result of the increasing role of online advertising and strong competition among advertisers, intrusive techniques are commonly used to attract web users' attention. Moreover, since marketing content is usually delivered to the target audience when they are performing typical online tasks, like searching for information or reading online content, its delivery interrupts the web user's current cognitive process. The question posed by many researchers in the field of online advertising is: how should we measure the influence of interruption of cognitive processes on human behavior and emotional state? Much research has been conducted in this field; however, most of this research has focused on monitoring activity in the simulated environment, or processing declarative responses given by users in prepared questionnaires. In this paper, a more direct real-time approach is taken, and the effect of the interruption on a web user is analyzed directly by studying the activity of his brain. This paper presents the results of an experiment that was conducted to find the brain activity patterns associated with interruptions of the cognitive process by showing internet advertisements during a text-reading task. Three specific aspects were addressed in the experiment: individual patterns, the consistency of these patterns across trials, and the intra-subject correlation of the individual patterns. Two main effects were observed for most subjects: a drop in activity in the frontal and prefrontal cortical areas across all frequency bands, and significant changes in the frontal/prefrontal asymmetry index.
The costs of power interruptions in Germany. An assessment in the light of the Energiewende
Growitsch, Christian; Malischek, Raimund; Nick, Sebastian; Wetzel, Heike
The German Energiewende's potential effects on the reliability of electricity supply as well as the corresponding economic consequences have recently entered both the political and scientific debate. However, empirical evidence of power outage costs in Germany is rather scarce. Following a macroeconomic approach, we analyse the economic costs imposed by potential power interruptions in Germany. Investigating a rich data set on industry and households we estimate both Values of Lost Load (VoLLs) and associated costs of power interruptions for different German regions and sectors and every hour of the year. This disaggregated approach allows for conclusions for optimal load shedding in case of technical necessity and the economic efficiency of measures to improve security of supply. We find that interruption costs vary significantly over time, between sectors and regions. Peaking on midday of a Monday in December at 750 Mio Euro per hour, the average of total national outage costs amount to approximately 430 Mio Euro per hour. The industrial sectors facing the highest outage costs are the machinery and transport equipment sectors. Their aggregated hourly outage costs average out at approximately 20 Mio Euro. Our results emphasize the prominent regional aspect of the German Energiewende as the regions with the highest estimated cost of interruptions in South and West Germany coincide with the areas which face nuclear power plant shut downs in the near future.
Time dependent optimal switching controls in online selling models
Bradonjic, Milan [Los Alamos National Laboratory; Cohen, Albert [MICHIGAN STATE UNIV
We present a method to incorporate dishonesty in online selling via a stochastic optimal control problem. In our framework, the seller wishes to maximize her average wealth level W at a fixed time T of her choosing. The corresponding Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellmann (HJB) equation is analyzed for a basic case. For more general models, the admissible control set is restricted to a jump process that switches between extreme values. We propose a new approach, where the optimal control problem is reduced to a multivariable optimization problem.
Soft Time-Suboptimal Controlling Structure for Mechanical Systems
Kulczycki, Piotr; Wisniewski, Rafal; Kowalski, Piotr
The paper presents conception of a soft control structure based on the time-optimal approach. Its parameters are selected in accordance with the rules of the statistical decision theory and additionally it allows to eliminate rapid changes in control values. The object is a basic mechanical system......, with uncertain (also non-stationary) mass treated as a stochastic process. The methodology proposed here is of a universal nature and may easily be applied with respect to other uncertainty elements of timeoptimal controlled mechanical systems....
Academic Training: Real Time Process Control - Lecture series
Françoise Benz
ACADEMIC TRAINING LECTURE REGULAR PROGRAMME 7, 8 and 9 June From 11:00 hrs to 12:00 hrs - Main Auditorium bldg. 500 Real Time Process Control T. Riesco / CERN-TS What exactly is meant by Real-time? There are several definitions of real-time, most of them contradictory. Unfortunately the topic is controversial, and there does not seem to be 100% agreement over the terminology. Real-time applications are becoming increasingly important in our daily lives and can be found in diverse environments such as the automatic braking system on an automobile, a lottery ticket system, or robotic environmental samplers on a space station. These lectures will introduce concepts and theory like basic concepts timing constraints, task scheduling, periodic server mechanisms, hard and soft real-time.ENSEIGNEMENT ACADEMIQUE ACADEMIC TRAINING Françoise Benz 73127 academic.training@cern.ch
Real-time fault diagnosis and fault-tolerant control
Gao, Zhiwei; Ding, Steven X.; Cecati, Carlo
This "Special Section on Real-Time Fault Diagnosis and Fault-Tolerant Control" of the IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics is motivated to provide a forum for academic and industrial communities to report recent theoretic/application results in real-time monitoring, diagnosis, and fault-tolerant design, and exchange the ideas about the emerging research direction in this field. Twenty-three papers were eventually selected through a strict peer-reviewed procedure, which represent the mo...
Tool set for distributed real-time machine control
Carrott, Andrew J.; Wright, Christopher D.; West, Andrew A.; Harrison, Robert; Weston, Richard H.
Demands for increased control capabilities require next generation manufacturing machines to comprise intelligent building elements, physically located at the point where the control functionality is required. Networks of modular intelligent controllers are increasingly designed into manufacturing machines and usable standards are slowly emerging. To implement a control system using off-the-shelf intelligent devices from multi-vendor sources requires a number of well defined activities, including (a) the specification and selection of interoperable control system components, (b) device independent application programming and (c) device configuration, management, monitoring and control. This paper briefly discusses the support for the above machine lifecycle activities through the development of an integrated computing environment populated with an extendable software toolset. The toolset supports machine builder activities such as initial control logic specification, logic analysis, machine modeling, mechanical verification, application programming, automatic code generation, simulation/test, version control, distributed run-time support and documentation. The environment itself consists of system management tools and a distributed object-oriented database which provides storage for the outputs from machine lifecycle activities and specific target control solutions.
Multiple Estimation Architecture in Discrete-Time Adaptive Mixing Control
Simone Baldi
Full Text Available Adaptive mixing control (AMC is a recently developed control scheme for uncertain plants, where the control action coming from a bank of precomputed controller is mixed based on the parameter estimates generated by an on-line parameter estimator. Even if the stability of the control scheme, also in the presence of modeling errors and disturbances, has been shown analytically, its transient performance might be sensitive to the initial conditions of the parameter estimator. In particular, for some initial conditions, transient oscillations may not be acceptable in practical applications. In order to account for such a possible phenomenon and to improve the learning capability of the adaptive scheme, in this paper a new mixing architecture is developed, involving the use of parallel parameter estimators, or multi-estimators, each one working on a small subset of the uncertainty set. A supervisory logic, using performance signals based on the past and present estimation error, selects the parameter estimate to determine the mixing of the controllers. The stability and robustness properties of the resulting approach, referred to as multi-estimator adaptive mixing control (Multi-AMC, are analytically established. Besides, extensive simulations demonstrate that the scheme improves the transient performance of the original AMC with a single estimator. The control scheme and the analysis are carried out in a discrete-time framework, for easier implementation of the method in digital control.
Resilience of Urban Smart Grids Involving Multiple Control Loops
Madsen, Jacob Theilgaard; Pillai, Jayakrishnan Radhakrishna; Schwefel, Hans-Peter
Intelligent control of energy distribution grids is implemented via a hierarchy of control loops with different input values and different control targets, which also work on different time-scales. This control is enabled by a bi-directional communication flow, which can be interrupted due to ICT...
Preserving the Context of Interrupted Business Process Activities
Bassil, S.; Rinderle, S.B.; Keller, R.; Reichert, M.U.; Kropf, P.G.
The capability to safely interrupt business process activities is an important requirement for advanced process-aware information systems. Indeed, exceptions stemming from the application environment often appear while one or more application-related process activities are running. Safely
Bassil, S.; Rinderle, S.B.; Keller, R.; Kropf, P.G.; Reichert, M.U.; Chen, C.S.; Filipe, J.; Seruca, I.; Cordeiro, J.
HIV models for treatment interruption: Adaptation and comparison
Hillmann, Andreas; Crane, Martin; Ruskin, Heather J.
In recent years, Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) has become commonplace for treating HIV infections, although a cure remains elusive, given reservoirs of replicating latently-infected cells, which are resistant to normal treatment regimes. Treatment interruptions, whether ad hoc or structured, are known to cause a rapid increase in viral production to detectable levels, but numerous clinical trials remain inconclusive on the dangers inherent in this resurgence. In consequence, interest in examining interruption strategies has recently been rekindled. This overview considers modelling approaches, which have been used to explore the issue of treatment interruption. We highlight their purpose and the formalisms employed and examine ways in which clinical data have been used. Implementation of selected models is demonstrated, illustrative examples provided and model performance compared for these cases. Possible extensions to bottom-up modelling techniques for treatment interruptions are briefly discussed.
Instant Messaging Usage and Interruptions in the Workplace
Hui�Jung Chang
Full Text Available The goal of the present study is to explore IM interruption by relating it to media choices and purposes of IM use in the workplace. Two major media choice concepts were: media richness and social influence; while four purposes of IM use were: organization work, knowledge work, socializing, and boundary spanning activities. Data (N = 283 were collected via a combination of convenience and snowball sampling of “computer�using workers� in Taiwan, based on the Standard Occupational Classification system published by the Taiwan government. Results indicated that media choice works better than purpose of IM use to explain IM interruption. Among them, social influence was the best predictor to IM interruption in the workplace. In addition, instant feedback and personalization provided by IM, and IM usage for the purposes of knowledge work and socializing, also relate to IM interruption in the workplace.
On Stochastic Finite-Time Control of Discrete-Time Fuzzy Systems with Packet Dropout
Yingqi Zhang
Full Text Available This paper is concerned with the stochastic finite-time stability and stochastic finite-time boundedness problems for one family of fuzzy discrete-time systems over networks with packet dropout, parametric uncertainties, and time-varying norm-bounded disturbance. Firstly, we present the dynamic model description studied, in which the discrete-time fuzzy T-S systems with packet loss can be described by one class of fuzzy Markovian jump systems. Then, the concepts of stochastic finite-time stability and stochastic finite-time boundedness and problem formulation are given. Based on Lyapunov function approach, sufficient conditions on stochastic finite-time stability and stochastic finite-time boundedness are established for the resulting closed-loop fuzzy discrete-time system with Markovian jumps, and state-feedback controllers are designed to ensure stochastic finite-time stability and stochastic finite-time boundedness of the class of fuzzy systems. The stochastic finite-time stability and stochastic finite-time boundedness criteria can be tackled in the form of linear matrix inequalities with a fixed parameter. As an auxiliary result, we also give sufficient conditions on the stochastic stability of the class of fuzzy T-S systems with packet loss. Finally, two illustrative examples are presented to show the validity of the developed methodology.
A time-delayed method for controlling chaotic maps
Combining the repetitive learning strategy and the optimality principle, this Letter proposes a time-delayed method to control chaotic maps. This method can effectively stabilize unstable periodic orbits within chaotic attractors in the sense of least mean square. Numerical simulations of some chaotic maps verify the effectiveness of this method
REAL-TIME CONTROL OF COMBINED SEWER NETWORKS
Real-time control (RTC) is a custom-designed management program for a specific urban sewerage system during a wet-weather event. The function of RTC is to assure efficient operation of the sewerage system and maximum utilization of existing storage capacity, either to fully conta...
Design of a real-time hybrid controller
Lim, K.W.; Preisig, H.A.; Rauch, H.E.
This paper describes the framework of an automated supervisory control system realisation. It is developed to support rapid prototyping of real time hybrid con trol systems, described using a simple and flexible set of text descriptors. The design is versatile in allow ing the user to define
Platz, O.; Rasmussen, Jens; Skanborg, Preben Zacho
A statistical analysis was made of operator response times recorded in the control room of a research reactor during the years 1972-1974. A homogeneity test revealed that the data consist of a mixture of populations. A small but statistically significant difference is found between day and night...
Quadratic theory and feedback controllers for linear time delay systems
Lee, E.B.
Recent research on the design of controllers for systems having time delays is discussed. Results for the ''open loop'' and ''closed loop'' designs will be presented. In both cases results for minimizing a quadratic cost functional are given. The usefulness of these results is not known, but similar results for the non-delay case are being routinely applied. (author)
BENEFITS OF SEWERAGE SYSTEM REAL-TIME CONTROL
Real-time control (RTC) is a custom-designed computer-assisted management system for a specific urban sewerage network that is activated during a wet-weather flow event. Though uses of RTC systems had started in the mid 60s, recent developments in computers, telecommunication, in...
Approximator: Predicting Interruptibility in Software Development with Commodity Computers
Tell, Paolo; Jalaliniya, Shahram; Andersen, Kristian S. M.
Assessing the presence and availability of a remote colleague is key in coordination in global software development but is not easily done using existing computer-mediated channels. Previous research has shown that automated estimation of interruptibility is feasible and can achieve a precision....... These early but promising results represent a starting point for designing tools with support for interruptibility capable of improving distributed awareness and cooperation to be used in global software development....
Real Time Optimal Control of Supercapacitor Operation for Frequency Response
Luo, Yusheng; Panwar, Mayank; Mohanpurkar, Manish; Hovsapian, Rob
Supercapacitors are gaining wider applications in power systems due to fast dynamic response. Utilizing supercapacitors by means of power electronics interfaces for power compensation is a proven effective technique. For applications such as requency restoration if the cost of supercapacitors maintenance as well as the energy loss on the power electronics interfaces are addressed. It is infeasible to use traditional optimization control methods to mitigate the impacts of frequent cycling. This paper proposes a Front End Controller (FEC) using Generalized Predictive Control featuring real time receding optimization. The optimization constraints are based on cost and thermal management to enhance to the utilization efficiency of supercapacitors. A rigorous mathematical derivation is conducted and test results acquired from Digital Real Time Simulator are provided to demonstrate effectiveness.
Meditation-induced states predict attentional control over time.
Colzato, Lorenza S; Sellaro, Roberta; Samara, Iliana; Baas, Matthijs; Hommel, Bernhard
Meditation is becoming an increasingly popular topic for scientific research and various effects of extensive meditation practice (ranging from weeks to several years) on cognitive processes have been demonstrated. Here we show that extensive practice may not be necessary to achieve those effects. Healthy adult non-meditators underwent a brief single session of either focused attention meditation (FAM), which is assumed to increase top-down control, or open monitoring meditation (OMM), which is assumed to weaken top-down control, before performing an Attentional Blink (AB) task - which assesses the efficiency of allocating attention over time. The size of the AB was considerably smaller after OMM than after FAM, which suggests that engaging in meditation immediately creates a cognitive-control state that has a specific impact on how people allocate their attention over time. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Perceived Time, Temporal Order and Control in Boundaryless Work
Lund, Henrik Lambrecht; Hvid, Helge Søndergaard; Kamp, Annette
, habits, breaks, norms and meetings that occur through the inter-personal relationships. Therefore work life research can make use of time sociology concepts to understand and study how control is gained and lost in contemporary work. The results of our study show that individualized time conflicts leave......Contemporary working conditions are very different from just 30 years back. Many changes are characterized as new opportunities for personal development and autonomy for the individual employee. However work life researchers report of increased psychosocial strain and dissemination of work related...... psychological illnesses. This paradoxical tendency questions our basic knowledge about well being at work. For decades employee control has been seen as universal solution to work related psychosocial hazards, but this is now questioned. We find that control is still as important but needs to be studied in new...
Fuzzy controller for real time supervision of nuclear power reactor
Bala Subramanian, R.
Generally nuclear energy provides about 60% of the whole electricity production. A modulation of the nuclear power plants must be able to respond to the demand on the network. The pressurized water nuclear reactor has to yield correctly a load set point. Fundamentally, two parameters are concerned in leading this task to a successful conclusion: the power axial-offset and the control rods position. The focus of this study is the automation of the control of the power axial-offset by adding soluble boron and by minimizing the volume flows through the water pump. It is also important to take into consideration the liquid waste volume. Water or boron is injected into the reactor primary circuit. At the present time this task is still performed manually by an operator, for all previous attempts to automate it failed. That device, sketchily described in the paper, gave rise to the development of a real-time fuzzy controller for the power axial-offset and the control rods insertion in a pressurized water reactor (PWR). The fuzzy controller, which is the main subject of the paper, expresses more naturally the human expertise, thus avoiding the previous issue of empirical tunings. It was implemented in simulation using Matlab-Simulink on a Sun workstation. Two realistic tests discussed show that the fuzzy controller runs as efficiently as an expert operator does
On Tuning PI Controllers for Integrating Plus Time Delay Systems
David Di Ruscio
Full Text Available Some analytical results concerning PI controller tuning based on integrator plus time delay models are worked out and presented. A method for obtaining PI controller parameters, Kp=alpha/(k*tau, and, Ti=beta*tau, which ensures a given prescribed maximum time delay error, dtau_max, to time delay, tau, ratio parameter delta=dau_max/tau, is presented. The corner stone in this method, is a method product parameter, c=alpha*beta. Analytical relations between the PI controller parameters, Ti, and, Kp, and the time delay error parameter, delta, is presented, and we propose the setting, beta=c/a*(delta+1, and, alpha=a/(delta+1, which gives, Ti=c/a*(delta+1*tau, and Kp=a/((delta+1*k*tau, where the parameter, a, is constant in the method product parameter, c=alpha*beta. It also turns out that the integral time, Ti, is linear in, delta, and the proportional gain, Kp, inversely proportional to, delta+1. For the original Ziegler Nichols (ZN method this parameter is approximately, c=2.38, and the presented method may e.g., be used to obtain new modified ZN parameters with increased robustness margins, also documented in the paper.
Radiation therapy for T1,2 glottic carcinoma: impact of overall treatment time on local control
Nishimura, Yasumasa; Nagata, Yasushi; Okajima, Kaoru; Mitsumori, Michihide; Hiraoka, Masahiro; Masunaga, Shin-ichirou; Ono, Koji; Shoji, Kazuhiko; Kojima, Hisayosi
Purpose: Local control probabilities of T1,2 glottic laryngeal cancer were evaluated in relation to dose and fractionation of radiation therapy (RT). Materials and methods: Between 1975 and 1993, 96 T1N0M0 glottic cancers and 32 T2N0M0 glottic cancers were treated with definitive RT. Total RT dose was 60-66 Gy/2 Gy for most of the T1 and T2 tumors, although 10 T2 tumors were treated with hyperfractionation (72-74.4 Gy/1.2 Gy bid). Of the 128 patients, 90 T1 glottic tumors and 30 T2 glottic tumors were followed for >2 years after treatment. Multivariate analyses using the Cox proportional hazards model and a logistic regression analysis were performed to evaluate the significance of prognostic variables on local control. Results: The 5-year local control probability for T1 tumors was 85%, whereas that for T2 tumors was 71%. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that only overall treatment time (OTT) was a significant variable for local control. Total RT dose, normalized total doses at a fraction size of 2 Gy, and fraction size were not significant. Local control probability of T1 tumors with an OTT of 42-49 days was significantly higher than that of tumors with an OTT of >49 days (P < 0.02). Only a 1-week interruption of RT, due to holidays, significantly reduced the 5-year local control probability of T1 glottic tumors from 89 to 74% (P < 0.05). Conclusions: These results indicate that OTT is a significant prognostic factor for local control of T1 glottic tumors
Surveillance of hazardous substances releases due to system interruptions, 2002.
Orr, Maureen F; Ruckart, Perri Zeitz
The Hazardous Substances Emergency Events Surveillance (HSEES) system collected information on 9014 acute hazardous substance releases in 15 participating states in 2002. There were 3749 fixed-facility manufacturing events, of which 2100 involved "interruptions" to normal processing and 1649 "comparisons" that did not involve interruption. Equipment failure (69%) or intentional acts (20%) were the main root factor. Many events occurred in October and November in three states (Texas, Louisiana, and New Jersey), in three manufacturing industries (industrial and miscellaneous chemicals; petroleum refining; and plastics, synthetics, and resins). In interruption events, the substance categories most often released were mixtures, other inorganic substances, and volatile organic compounds and those most often causing injury were acids, chlorine, bases, and ammonia. Comparison events resulted in more acutely injured persons (408 versus 59) and more evacuees (11,318 versus 335) than interruption events and therefore may receive more public health attention. Because of the large number of interruption events, targeted prevention activities, including management of change procedures, lessons-learned implementation, process hazards analysis, and appropriate protection for workers could be economically advantageous and improve environmental quality. Efforts should focus on the identified areas of greater occurrence. The relationship of weather and equipment failure with interruption events needs further investigation.
Tests of vacuum interrupters for the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor
Warren, R.; Parsons, M.; Honig, E.; Lindsay, J.
The Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR) project at Princeton University requires the insertion of a resistor in an excited ohmic-heating coil circuit to produce a plasma initiation pulse (PIP). It is expected that the maximum duty for the switching system will be an interruption of 24 kA with an associated recovery voltage of 25 kV. Vacuum interrupters were selected as the most economical means to satisfy these requirements. However, it was felt that some testing of available systems should be performed to determine their reliability under these conditions. Two interrupter systems were tested for over 1000 interruptions each at 24 kA and 25 kV. One system employed special Westinghouse type WL-33552 interrupters in a circuit designed by LASL. This circuit used a commercially available actuator and a minimum size counterpulse bank and saturable reactor. The other used Toshiba type VGB2-D20 interrupters actuated by a Toshiba mechanism in a Toshiba circuit using a larger counterpulse bank and saturable reactor
REAL TIME ANALYSIS OF WIRELESS CONTROLLER AREA NETWORK
Gerardine Immaculate Mary
Full Text Available It is widely known that Control Area Networks (CAN are used in real-time, distributed and parallel processing which cover manufacture plants, humanoid robots, networking fields, etc., In applications where wireless conditions are encountered it is convenient to continue the exchange of CAN frames within the Wireless CAN (WCAN. The WCAN considered in this research is based on wireless token ring protocol (WTRP; a MAC protocol for wireless networks to reduce the number of retransmissions due to collision and the wired counterpart CAN attribute on message based communication. WCAN uses token frame method to provide channel access to the nodes in the system. This method allow all the nodes to share common broadcast channel by taken turns in transmitting upon receiving the token frame which is circulating within the network for specified amount of time. This method provides high throughput in bounded latency environment, consistent and predictable delays and good packet delivery ratio. The most important factor to consider when evaluating a control network is the end-to-end time delay between sensors, controllers, and actuators. The correct operation of a control system depends on the timeliness of the data coming over the network, and thus, a control network should be able to guarantee message delivery within a bounded transmission time. The proposed WCAN is modeled and simulated using QualNet, and its average end to end delay and packet delivery ratio (PDR are calculated. The parameters boundaries of WCAN are evaluated to guarantee a maximum throughput and a minimum latency time, in the case of wireless communications, precisely WCAN.
Finite-Time Synchronizing Control for Chaotic Neural Networks
Chao Zhang
Full Text Available This paper addresses the finite-time synchronizing problem for a class of chaotic neural networks. In a real communication network, parameters of the master system may be time-varying and the system may be perturbed by external disturbances. A simple high-gain observer is designed to track all the nonlinearities, unknown system functions, and disturbances. Then, a dynamic active compensatory controller is proposed and by using the singular perturbation theory, the control method can guarantee the finite-time stability of the error system between the master system and the slave system. Finally, two illustrative examples are provided to show the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed scheme.
Resonant power converter comprising adaptive dead-time control
The invention relates in a first aspect to a resonant power converter comprising: a first power supply rail for receipt of a positive DC supply voltage and a second power supply rail for receipt of a negative DC supply voltage. The resonant power converter comprises a resonant network with an input...... terminal for receipt of a resonant input voltage from a driver circuit. The driver circuit is configured for alternatingly pulling the resonant input voltage towards the positive and negative DC supply voltages via first and second semiconductor switches, respectively, separated by intervening dead......-time periods in accordance with one or more driver control signals. A dead-time controller is configured to adaptively adjusting the dead-time periods based on the resonant input voltage....
The accuracy evaluation according to dose delivery interruption and restart for volumetric modulated arc therapy
Lee, Dong Hyung; Bae, Sun Myung; Kwak, Jung Won; Kang, Tae Young; Bck, Geum Mun [Dept. of Radiation Oncology, Asan Medical Center, Seoul(Korea, Republic of)
The accurate movement of gantry rotation, collimator and correct application of dose rate are very important to approach the successful performance of Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT), because it is tightly interlocked with a complex treatment plan. The interruption and restart of dose delivery, however, are able to occur on treatment by various factors of a treatment machine and treatment plan. If unexpected problems of a treat machine or a patient interrupt the VMAT, the movement of treatment machine for delivering the remaining dose will be restarted at the start point. In this investigation, We would like to know the effect of interruptions and restart regarding dose delivery at VMAT. Treatment plans of 10 patients who had been treated at our center were used to measure and compare the dose distribution of each VMAT after converting to a form of digital image and communications in Medicine (DICOM) with treatment planning system (Eclipse V 10.0, Varian, USA). We selected the 6 MV photon energy of Trilogy (Varian, USA) and used OmniPro I'mRT system (V 1.7b, IBA dosimetry, Germany) to analyze the data that were acquired through this measurement with two types of interruptions four times for each case. The door interlock and the beam-off were used to stop and then to restart the dose delivery of VMAT. The gamma index in OmniPro I'mRT system and T-test in Microsoft Excel 2007 were used to evaluate the result of this investigation. The deviations of average gamma index in cases with door interlock, beam-off and without interruption on VMAT are 0.141, 0.128 and 0.1. The standard deviations of acquired gamma values are 0.099, 0.091, 0.071 and The maximum gamma value in each case is 0.413, 0.379, 0.286, respectively. This analysis has a 95-percent confidence level and the P-value of T-test is under 0.05. Gamma pass rate (3%, 3 mm) is acceptable in all of measurements. As a result, We could make sure that the interruption of this investgation are not
Smartphone addiction, daily interruptions and self-reported productivity
Éilish Duke
Full Text Available The advent of the smartphone has dramatically altered how we communicate, navigate, work and entertain ourselves. While the advantages of this new technology are clear, constant use may also bring negative consequences, such as a loss of productivity due to interruptions in work life. A link between smartphone overuse and loss of productivity has often been hypothesized, but empirical evidence on this question is scarce. The present study addressed this question by collecting self-report data from N=262 participants, assessing private and work-related smartphone use, smartphone addiction and self-rated productivity. Our results indicate a moderate relationship between smartphone addiction and a self-reported decrease in productivity due to spending time on the smartphone during work, as well as with the number of work hours lost to smartphone use. Smartphone addiction was also related to a greater amount of leisure time spent on the smartphone and was strongly related to a negative impact of smartphone use on daily non-work related activities. These data support the idea that tendencies towards smartphone addiction and overt checking of the smartphone could result in less productivity both in the workplace and at home. Results are discussed in relation to productivity and technostress.
Smartphone addiction, daily interruptions and self-reported productivity.
Duke, Éilish; Montag, Christian
The advent of the smartphone has dramatically altered how we communicate, navigate, work and entertain ourselves. While the advantages of this new technology are clear, constant use may also bring negative consequences, such as a loss of productivity due to interruptions in work life. A link between smartphone overuse and loss of productivity has often been hypothesized, but empirical evidence on this question is scarce. The present study addressed this question by collecting self-report data from N Â =Â 262 participants, assessing private and work-related smartphone use, smartphone addiction and self-rated productivity. Our results indicate a moderate relationship between smartphone addiction and a self-reported decrease in productivity due to spending time on the smartphone during work, as well as with the number of work hours lost to smartphone use. Smartphone addiction was also related to a greater amount of leisure time spent on the smartphone and was strongly related to a negative impact of smartphone use on daily non-work related activities. These data support the idea that tendencies towards smartphone addiction and overt checking of the smartphone could result in less productivity both in the workplace and at home. Results are discussed in relation to productivity and technostress.
The role of interruptions in polyQ in the pathology of SCA1.
Rajesh P Menon
Full Text Available At least nine dominant neurodegenerative diseases are caused by expansion of CAG repeats in coding regions of specific genes that result in abnormal elongation of polyglutamine (polyQ tracts in the corresponding gene products. When above a threshold that is specific for each disease the expanded polyQ repeats promote protein aggregation, misfolding and neuronal cell death. The length of the polyQ tract inversely correlates with the age at disease onset. It has been observed that interruption of the CAG tract by silent (CAA or missense (CAT mutations may strongly modulate the effect of the expansion and delay the onset age. We have carried out an extensive study in which we have complemented DNA sequence determination with cellular and biophysical models. By sequencing cloned normal and expanded SCA1 alleles taken from our cohort of ataxia patients we have determined sequence variations not detected by allele sizing and observed for the first time that repeat instability can occur even in the presence of CAG interruptions. We show that histidine interrupted pathogenic alleles occur with relatively high frequency (11% and that the age at onset inversely correlates linearly with the longer uninterrupted CAG stretch. This could be reproduced in a cellular model to support the hypothesis of a linear behaviour of polyQ. We clarified by in vitro studies the mechanism by which polyQ interruption slows down aggregation. Our study contributes to the understanding of the role of polyQ interruption in the SCA1 phenotype with regards to age at disease onset, prognosis and transmission.
Timing, Trigger and Control Systems for LHC Detectors
\\\\ \\\\At the LHC, precise bunch-crossing clock and machine orbit signals must be broadcast over distances of several km from the Prevessin Control Room to the four experiment areas and other destinations. At the LHC experiments themselves, quite extensive distribution systems are also required for the transmission of timing, trigger and control (TTC) signals to large numbers of front-end electronics controllers from a single location in the vicinity of the central trigger processor. The systems must control the detector synchronization and deliver the necessary fast signals and messages that are phased with the LHC clock, orbit or bunch structure. These include the bunch-crossing clock, level-1 trigger decisions, bunch and event numbers, as well as test signals and broadcast commands. A common solution to this TTC system requirement is expected to result in important economies of scale and permit a rationalization of the development, operational and support efforts required. LHC Common Project RD12 is developi...
Prototype Real-time ATCA-based LLRF Control System
Makowski, Dariusz; Jezynski, Tomasz; Piotrowski, Adam; Jablonski, Grzegorz; Jalmuzna, Wojciech; Czuba, Krzysztof; Predki, Paweł; Simrock, Stefan
The linear accelerators employed to drive Free Electron Lasers (FELs), such as the X-ray Free Electron Laser (XFEL) currently being built in Hamburg, require sophisticated control systems. The Low Level Radio Frequency (LLRF) control system should stabilize the phase and amplitude of the electromagnetic field in accelerating modules with tolerances below 0.02 % for amplitude and 0.01 degree for phase to produce ultra-stable electron beam that meets the conditions required for Self-Amplified Spontaneous Emission (SASE). The LLRF control system of 32-cavity accelerating module of the XFEL accelerator requires acquisition of more than 100 analogue signals sampled with frequency around 100 MHz. Data processing in real-time loop should complete within a few hundreds of nanoseconds. Moreover, the LLRF control system should be reliable, upgradable and serviceable. The Advanced Telecommunications Computing Architecture (ATCA) standard, developed for telecommunication applications, can fulfil all of the above mentione...
Stochastic ℋ∞ Finite-Time Control of Discrete-Time Systems with Packet Loss
Full Text Available This paper investigates the stochastic finite-time stabilization and ℋ∞ control problem for one family of linear discrete-time systems over networks with packet loss, parametric uncertainties, and time-varying norm-bounded disturbance. Firstly, the dynamic model description studied is given, which, if the packet dropout is assumed to be a discrete-time homogenous Markov process, the class of discrete-time linear systems with packet loss can be regarded as Markovian jump systems. Based on Lyapunov function approach, sufficient conditions are established for the resulting closed-loop discrete-time system with Markovian jumps to be stochastic ℋ∞ finite-time boundedness and then state feedback controllers are designed to guarantee stochastic ℋ∞ finite-time stabilization of the class of stochastic systems. The stochastic ℋ∞ finite-time boundedness criteria can be tackled in the form of linear matrix inequalities with a fixed parameter. As an auxiliary result, we also give sufficient conditions on the robust stochastic stabilization of the class of linear systems with packet loss. Finally, simulation examples are presented to illustrate the validity of the developed scheme.
Interruption of People in Human-Computer Interaction: A General Unifying Definition of Human Interruption and Taxonomy
McFarlane, Daniel
.... This report asserts that a single unifying definition of user-interruption and the accompanying practical taxonomy would be useful theoretical tools for driving effective investigation of this crucial...
Sensitivity of control times in function of core parameters and oscillations control in thermal nuclear systems
Amorim, E.S. do; D'Oliveira, A.B.; Galvao, O.B.; Oyama, K.
Sensitivity of control times to variation of a thermal reactor core parameters is defined by suitable changes in the power coefficient, core size and fuel enrichment. A control strategy is developed based on control theory concepts and on considerations of the physics of the problem. Digital diffusion theory simulation is described which tends to verify the control concepts considered, face dumped oscillations introduced in one thermal nuclear power system. The effectivity of the control actions, in terms of eliminating oscillations, provided guidelines for the working-group engaged in the analysis of the control rods and its optimal performance. (Author) [pt
Industrial Raman gas sensing for real-time system control
Buric, M.; Mullen, J.; Chorpening, B.; Woodruff, S.
Opportunities exist to improve on-line process control in energy applications with a fast, non-destructive measurement of gas composition. Here, we demonstrate a Raman sensing system which is capable of reporting the concentrations of numerous species simultaneously with sub-percent accuracy and sampling times below one-second for process control applications in energy or chemical production. The sensor is based upon a hollow-core capillary waveguide with a 300 micron bore with reflective thin-film metal and dielectric linings. The effect of using such a waveguide in a Raman process is to integrate Raman photons along the length of the sample-filled waveguide, thus permitting the acquisition of very large Raman signals for low-density gases in a short time. The resultant integrated Raman signals can then be used for quick and accurate analysis of a gaseous mixture. The sensor is currently being tested for energy applications such as coal gasification, turbine control, well-head monitoring for exploration or production, and non-conventional gas utilization. In conjunction with an ongoing commercialization effort, the researchers have recently completed two prototype instruments suitable for hazardous area operation and testing. Here, we report pre-commercialization testing of those field prototypes for control applications in gasification or similar processes. Results will be discussed with respect to accuracy, calibration requirements, gas sampling techniques, and possible control strategies of industrial significance.
The effect of interrupted anti-retroviral treatment on the reconstitution ...
Objectives: To ascertain the effect of interrupted ART on reconstitution of CD4+ and CD8+ T sub-sets in TB patients. Methods: Participants with HIV (CD4>350 cells/μL) and TB were recruited under a larger phase 3 open label randomised controlled clinical trial. The CD45RO and CD62L markers were measured on CD4+ ...
Finite Time Fault Tolerant Control for Robot Manipulators Using Time Delay Estimation and Continuous Nonsingular Fast Terminal Sliding Mode Control.
Van, Mien; Ge, Shuzhi Sam; Ren, Hongliang
In this paper, a novel finite time fault tolerant control (FTC) is proposed for uncertain robot manipulators with actuator faults. First, a finite time passive FTC (PFTC) based on a robust nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode control (NFTSMC) is investigated. Be analyzed for addressing the disadvantages of the PFTC, an AFTC are then investigated by combining NFTSMC with a simple fault diagnosis scheme. In this scheme, an online fault estimation algorithm based on time delay estimation (TDE) is proposed to approximate actuator faults. The estimated fault information is used to detect, isolate, and accommodate the effect of the faults in the system. Then, a robust AFTC law is established by combining the obtained fault information and a robust NFTSMC. Finally, a high-order sliding mode (HOSM) control based on super-twisting algorithm is employed to eliminate the chattering. In comparison to the PFTC and other state-of-the-art approaches, the proposed AFTC scheme possess several advantages such as high precision, strong robustness, no singularity, less chattering, and fast finite-time convergence due to the combined NFTSMC and HOSM control, and requires no prior knowledge of the fault due to TDE-based fault estimation. Finally, simulation results are obtained to verify the effectiveness of the proposed strategy.
Soft real-time EPICS extensions for fast control: A case study applied to a TCV equilibrium algorithm
Castro, R.; Romero, J.A.; Vega, J.; Nieto, J.; Ruiz, M.; Sanz, D.; Barrera, E.; De Arcas, G.
Highlights: • Implementation of a soft real-time control system based on EPICS technology. • High data throughput system control implementation. • GPU technology applied to fast control. • EPICS fast control based solution. • Fast control and data acquisition in Linux. - Abstract: For new control systems development, ITER distributes CODAC Core System that is a software package based on Linux RedHat, and includes EPICS (Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System) as software control system solution. EPICS technology is being widely used for implementing control systems in research experiments and it is a very well tested technology, but presents important lacks to meet fast control requirements. To manage and process massive amounts of acquired data, EPICS requires additional functions such as: data block oriented transmissions, links with speed-optimized data buffers and synchronization mechanisms not based on system interruptions. This EPICS limitation turned out clearly during the development of the Fast Plant System Controller Prototype for ITER based on PXIe platform. In this work, we present a solution that, on the one hand, is completely compatible and based on EPCIS technology, and on the other hand, extends EPICS technology for implementing high performance fast control systems with soft-real time characteristics. This development includes components such as: data acquisition, processing, monitoring, data archiving, and data streaming (via network and shared memory). Additionally, it is important to remark that this system is compatible with multiple Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) and is able to integrate MatLab code through MatLab engine connections. It preserves EPICS modularity, enabling system modification or extension with a simple change of configuration, and finally it enables parallelization based on data distribution to different processing components. With the objective of illustrating the presented solution in an actual
Data processing system for real-time control
Oasa, K.; Mochizuki, O.; Toyokawa, R.; Yahiro, K.
Real-time control, for large Tokamak JT-60, requires various data processings between diagnostic devices to control system. These processings require to high speed performance so that it aims at giving information necessary for feedback control during discharges. Then, the architecture of this system has hierachical structure of processors. These processors are connected each other by the CAMAC modules and the optical communication network, which is the 5 M bytes/second CAMAC serial highway. This system has two kinds of intelligences for this purpose. One is ACM-PU pairs in some torus hall crates which has a microcomputerized auxiliary controller and a preprocessing unit. Other is real-time processor which has a minicomputer and preprocessing unit. Most of the real-time processing, for example Abel inversion are characteristic to the diagnostic devices. Such a processing is carried out by an ACM-PU pair in the crate dedicated to the diagnostic device. Some processings, however, are also necessary which compute secondary parameters as functions of primary parameters. A typical example is Zeff, which is a function of Te, Ne and bremsstrahluny intensity. The real-time processor is equipped for such secondary processings and transfer the results. Preprocessing unit -PU- attached to ACM and real-time processor contains a signal processor, which executes in parallel such function as move, add and multiply during one micro-instruction cycle of 200 nsec. According to the progress of the experiment, more high speed processing are required, so the authors developed the PU-X module that contains multi signal processors. After a shot, inter-shot-processor which consists of general-purpose computers, gathers data into the database, then analyze them, and improve these processes to more effective
Complex-Vector Time-Delay Control of Power Converters
Blaabjerg, Frede; Loh, P. C.; Tang, Y.
Precise controlling of current produced by power converters is an important topic that has attracted interests over the last few decades. With the recent proliferation of grid-tied converters where the control of power flow is indirectly governed by the accuracy of current tracking, motivation...... since only a small amount of memory space for storing time-delayed values and simple arithmetic computations are needed for its physical realization. In addition to that, other advantages of the scheme include its abilities to compensate for negative-sequence, load and grid harmonic components using...
Interruption of Onchocerca volvulus transmission in Northern Venezuela.
Convit, Jacinto; Schuler, Harland; Borges, Rafael; Olivero, Vimerca; DomÃnguez-Vázquez, Alfredo; Frontado, Hortencia; Grillet, MarÃa E
Onchocerciasis is caused by Onchocerca volvulus and transmitted by Simulium species (black flies). In the Americas, the infection has been previously described in 13 discrete regional foci distributed among six countries (Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico and Venezuela) where more than 370,000 people are currently considered at risk. Since 2001, disease control in Venezuela has relied on the mass drug administration to the at-risk communities. This report provides empirical evidence of interruption of Onchocerca volvulus transmission by Simulium metallicum in 510 endemic communities from two Northern foci of Venezuela, after 10-12 years of 6-monthly Mectizan (ivermectin) treatment to all the eligible residents. In-depth entomologic and epidemiologic surveys were serially conducted from 2001-2012 in selected (sentinel and extra-sentinel) communities from the North-central (NC) and North-east (NE) onchocerciasis foci of Venezuela in order to monitor the impact of ivermectin treatment. From 2007-2009, entomological indicators in both foci confirmed that 0 out of 112,637 S. metallicum females examined by PCR contained L3 infection in insect heads. The upper bound of the 95% confidence intervals of the infective rate of the vector reached values below 1% by 2009 (NC) and 2012 (NE). Additionally, after 14 (NC) and 22 (NE) rounds of treatment, the seasonal transmission potential (±UL CIs) of S. metallicum was under the critical threshold of 20 L3 per person per season. Serological analysis in school children Venezuela.
Least squares reverse time migration of controlled order multiples
Liu, Y.
Imaging using the reverse time migration of multiples generates inherent crosstalk artifacts due to the interference among different order multiples. Traditionally, least-square fitting has been used to address this issue by seeking the best objective function to measure the amplitude differences between the predicted and observed data. We have developed an alternative objective function by decomposing multiples into different orders to minimize the difference between Born modeling predicted multiples and specific-order multiples from observational data in order to attenuate the crosstalk. This method is denoted as the least-squares reverse time migration of controlled order multiples (LSRTM-CM). Our numerical examples demonstrated that the LSRTM-CM can significantly improve image quality compared with reverse time migration of multiples and least-square reverse time migration of multiples. Acknowledgments This research was funded by the National Nature Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 41430321 and 41374138).
Real Time Implementation of Incremental Fuzzy Logic Controller for Gas Pipeline Corrosion Control
Gopalakrishnan Jayapalan
Full Text Available A robust virtual instrumentation based fuzzy incremental corrosion controller is presented to protect metallic gas pipelines. Controller output depends on error and change in error of the controlled variable. For corrosion control purpose pipe to soil potential is considered as process variable. The proposed fuzzy incremental controller is designed using a very simple control rule base and the most natural and unbiased membership functions. The proposed scheme is tested for a wide range of pipe to soil potential control. Performance comparison between the conventional proportional integral type and proposed fuzzy incremental controller is made in terms of several performance criteria such as peak overshoot, settling time, and rise time. Result shows that the proposed controller outperforms its conventional counterpart in each case. Designed controller can be taken in automode without waiting for initial polarization to stabilize. Initial startup curve of proportional integral controller and fuzzy incremental controller is reported. This controller can be used to protect any metallic structures such as pipelines, tanks, concrete structures, ship, and offshore structures.
Fuzzy Coordinated PI Controller: Application to the Real-Time Pressure Control Process
N. Kanagaraj
Full Text Available This paper presents the real-time implementation of a fuzzy coordinated classical PI control scheme for controlling the pressure in a pilot pressure tank system. The fuzzy system has been designed to track the variation parameters in a feedback loop and tune the classical controller to achieve a better control action for load disturbances and set point changes. The error and process inputs are chosen as the inputs of fuzzy system to tune the conventional PI controller according to the process condition. This online conventional controller tuning technique will reduce the human involvement in controller tuning and increase the operating range of the conventional controller. The proposed control algorithm is experimentally implemented for the real-time pressure control of a pilot air tank system and validated using a high-speed 32-bit ARM7 embedded microcontroller board (ATMEL AT91M55800A. To demonstrate the performance of the fuzzy coordinated PI control scheme, results are compared with a classical PI and PI-type fuzzy control method. It is observed that the proposed controller structure is able to quickly track the parameter variation and perform better in load disturbances and also for set point changes.
Time-delayed feedback control of coherence resonance chimeras
Zakharova, Anna; Semenova, Nadezhda; Anishchenko, Vadim; Schöll, Eckehard
Using the model of a FitzHugh-Nagumo system in the excitable regime, we investigate the influence of time-delayed feedback on noise-induced chimera states in a network with nonlocal coupling, i.e., coherence resonance chimeras. It is shown that time-delayed feedback allows for the control of the range of parameter values where these chimera states occur. Moreover, for the feedback delay close to the intrinsic period of the system, we find a novel regime which we call period-two coherence resonance chimera.
Janky, Filip; HavlÃÄ�ek, Josef; Batista, A.J.N.; KudláÄ�ek, OndÅ™ej; Seidl, Jakub; Neto, A.C.; Pipek, Jan; Hron, Martin; MikulÃn, OndÅ™ej; Duarte, A.S.; Carvalho, B.B.; Stöckel, Jan; Pánek, RadomÃr
Ro�. 89, �. 3 (2014), s. 186-194 ISSN 0920-3796 R&D Projects: GA ČR GAP205/11/2470; GA MŠk 7G10072; GA MŠk(CZ) LM2011021 Institutional support: RVO:61389021 Keywords : Real-time * Feedback control * Real-time framework * MARTe * COMPASS tokamak Subject RIV: BL - Plasma and Gas Discharge Physics Impact factor: 1.152, year: 2014 http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0920379613007564
A Feedback Optimal Control Algorithm with Optimal Measurement Time Points
Felix Jost
Full Text Available Nonlinear model predictive control has been established as a powerful methodology to provide feedback for dynamic processes over the last decades. In practice it is usually combined with parameter and state estimation techniques, which allows to cope with uncertainty on many levels. To reduce the uncertainty it has also been suggested to include optimal experimental design into the sequential process of estimation and control calculation. Most of the focus so far was on dual control approaches, i.e., on using the controls to simultaneously excite the system dynamics (learning as well as minimizing a given objective (performing. We propose a new algorithm, which sequentially solves robust optimal control, optimal experimental design, state and parameter estimation problems. Thus, we decouple the control and the experimental design problems. This has the advantages that we can analyze the impact of measurement timing (sampling independently, and is practically relevant for applications with either an ethical limitation on system excitation (e.g., chemotherapy treatment or the need for fast feedback. The algorithm shows promising results with a 36% reduction of parameter uncertainties for the Lotka-Volterra fishing benchmark example.
New magnetic real time shape control for MAST
Pangione, L., E-mail: luigi.pangione@ccfe.ac.uk [EURATOM/CCFE Fusion Association – Culham Science Centre, Abingdon, Oxon OX14 3DB (United Kingdom); McArdle, G.; Storrs, J. [EURATOM/CCFE Fusion Association – Culham Science Centre, Abingdon, Oxon OX14 3DB (United Kingdom)
Highlights: ► New magnetic shape control system has been implemented. ► It has been intensively tested in a simulation environment. ► A tool chain to produce LTI model and simulate its behaviour has been implemented. ► Experimental results are shown. -- Abstract: The Mega Ampere Spherical Tokamak (MAST) real time plasma position controller is based on an optical linear camera placed on the mid plane of the vessel. This solution has the advantage of being a direct observation of the D{sub α} emissions coming from the interaction between the boundary of the plasma and neutral gas, but, on the other hand, it restricts the control to the outer radius of the plasma only. A complete chain of tools has been set up to implement, test and simulate a new real time magnetic plasma shape controller based on the rtEFIT code. The complete working path consists of three elements: a linear static relationship between control parameters and current demands, a linear state space model needed to represent the plasma dynamic response in closed loop simulations, and the possibility to run simulations inside the Plasma Control System (PCS). The linear relationship has been calculated using the FIESTA code, which is developed using Matlab at CCFE. The linear state space model was generated using the CREATE-L code developed by the CREATE Consortium. It has already been successfully used to model JET, FTU and TCV tokamaks. Using this working path many simulations have been carried out allowing fine tuning of the control gains before the real experiment. The simulation testing includes the plasma shape control law as implemented in PCS itself, so intensive debugging has been possible prior to operation. Successful control using rtEFIT was established in the second dedicated experiment during the MAST 2011–12 campaign. This work is a stepping stone towards divertor control which is ultimately intended for application to the super-X divertor in the MAST Upgrade experiment.
Partial control of chaotic transients using escape times
Sabuco, Juan; Zambrano, Samuel; Sanjuan, Miguel A F
The partial control technique allows one to keep the trajectories of a dynamical system inside a region where there is a chaotic saddle and from which nearly all the trajectories diverge. Its main advantage is that this goal is achieved even if the corrections applied to the trajectories are smaller than the action of environmental noise on the dynamics, a counterintuitive result that is obtained by using certain safe sets. Using the Henon map as a paradigm, we show here the deep relationship between the safe sets and the sets of points with different escape times, the escape time sets. Furthermore, we show that it is possible to find certain extended safe sets that can be used instead of the safe sets in the partial control technique. Numerical simulations confirm our findings and show that in some situations, the use of extended safe sets can be more advantageous.
Real time control of the sawtooth period using EC launchers
Paley, J I; Felici, F; Coda, S; Goodman, T P; Piras, F
Tokamak plasmas operating at high performance are limited by several MHD instabilities. The sawtooth instability limits the core plasma pressure and can drive the neoclassical tearing mode unstable, but also prevents accumulation of impurities in the core. Electron cyclotron heating and current drive systems can be used to modify the local current profile and therefore tailor the sawtooth period. This paper reports on demonstrations of continuous real time feedback control of the sawtooth period by varying the EC injection angle.
Upgrade of the RFX-mod real time control system
Manduchi, G., E-mail: gabriele.manduchi@igi.cnr.it [Consorzio RFX, Euratom-ENEA Association, Corso Stati Uniti 4, Padova 35127 (Italy); Barbalace, A.; Luchetta, A.; Soppelsa, A.; Taliercio, C.; Zampiva, E. [Consorzio RFX, Euratom-ENEA Association, Corso Stati Uniti 4, Padova 35127 (Italy)
Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The paper describes the experience in running the real-time control system of RFX-mod. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer It proposes a new architecture based multicore technology. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer It analyzes two different solutions for data acquisition. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer It discusses the effect of non simultaneous sampling in acquisition. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer It provides some preliminary performance measurements. - Abstract: The real-time control system of RFX-mod, in operation since 2005, has been successful and has allowed several important achievements in the RFX physics research program. As a consequence of this fact, new control algorithms are under investigation, which are more demanding in terms of both enhanced computing power and reduced system latency, currently around 1.5 ms. For this reason, a major upgrade of the system is being considered, and a new architecture has been proposed, taking advantage of the rapid evolution of computer technology in the last years. The central component of the new architecture is a Linux-based multicore server, where individual cores replace the VME computers. The server is connected to the I/O via PCI-e based bus extenders, and every PCI-e connection is managed by a separate core. The system is supervised by MARTe, a software framework for real-time applications written in C++ and developed at JET and currently used for the JET vertical stabilization and in other fusion devices.
Manduchi, G.; Barbalace, A.; Luchetta, A.; Soppelsa, A.; Taliercio, C.; Zampiva, E.
Highlights: â–º The paper describes the experience in running the real-time control system of RFX-mod. â–º It proposes a new architecture based multicore technology. â–º It analyzes two different solutions for data acquisition. â–º It discusses the effect of non simultaneous sampling in acquisition. â–º It provides some preliminary performance measurements. - Abstract: The real-time control system of RFX-mod, in operation since 2005, has been successful and has allowed several important achievements in the RFX physics research program. As a consequence of this fact, new control algorithms are under investigation, which are more demanding in terms of both enhanced computing power and reduced system latency, currently around 1.5 ms. For this reason, a major upgrade of the system is being considered, and a new architecture has been proposed, taking advantage of the rapid evolution of computer technology in the last years. The central component of the new architecture is a Linux-based multicore server, where individual cores replace the VME computers. The server is connected to the I/O via PCI-e based bus extenders, and every PCI-e connection is managed by a separate core. The system is supervised by MARTe, a software framework for real-time applications written in C++ and developed at JET and currently used for the JET vertical stabilization and in other fusion devices.
Real Time Energy Management Control Strategies for Hybrid Powertrains
Zaher, Mohamed Hegazi Mohamed
In order to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions of mobile vehicles, various hybrid power-train concepts have been developed over the years. This thesis focuses on embedded control of hybrid powertrain concepts for mobile vehicle applications. Optimal robust control approach is used to develop a real time energy management strategy for continuous operations. The main idea is to store the normally wasted mechanical regenerative energy in energy storage devices for later usage. The regenerative energy recovery opportunity exists in any condition where the speed of motion is in opposite direction to the applied force or torque. This is the case when the vehicle is braking, decelerating, or the motion is driven by gravitational force, or load driven. There are three main concepts for regernerative energy storing devices in hybrid vehicles: electric, hydraulic, and flywheel. The real time control challenge is to balance the system power demand from the engine and the hybrid storage device, without depleting the energy storage device or stalling the engine in any work cycle, while making optimal use of the energy saving opportunities in a given operational, often repetitive cycle. In the worst case scenario, only engine is used and hybrid system completely disabled. A rule based control is developed and tuned for different work cycles and linked to a gain scheduling algorithm. A gain scheduling algorithm identifies the cycle being performed by the machine and its position via GPS, and maps them to the gains.
Real-Time Energy Management Control for Hybrid Electric Powertrains
Mohamed Zaher
Full Text Available This paper focuses on embedded control of a hybrid powertrain concepts for mobile vehicle applications. Optimal robust control approach is used to develop a real-time energy management strategy. The main idea is to store the normally wasted mechanical regenerative energy in energy storage devices for later usage. The regenerative energy recovery opportunity exists in any condition where the speed of motion is in the opposite direction to the applied force or torque. This is the case when the vehicle is braking, decelerating, the motion is driven by gravitational force, or load driven. There are three main concepts for energy storing devices in hybrid vehicles: electric, hydraulic, and mechanical (flywheel. The real-time control challenge is to balance the system power demands from the engine and the hybrid storage device, without depleting the energy storage device or stalling the engine in any work cycle. In the worst-case scenario, only the engine is used and the hybrid system is completely disabled. A rule-based control algorithm is developed and is tuned for different work cycles and could be linked to a gain scheduling algorithm. A gain scheduling algorithm identifies the cycle being performed by the work machine and its position via GPS and maps both of them to the gains.
Progress in real-time feedback control systems in RFX
Barana, O.; Luchetta, A. E-mail: adriano.luchetta@igi.cnr.it; Manduchi, G.; Taliercio, C
Major modifications of the RFX load assembly and power supplies are in progress to allow extensive active control schemes, such as equilibrium and plasma position control and innovative control of the MHD modes. The digital control system is implemented in VME64 using a distributed architecture. The use of a 'stable' operating system that is likely to survive some generations of processors can help coping with evolution of technology. PowerPC and Pentium processors were thus considered as candidates and tested and the first one has been selected due to the better performance in floating point computation. Wind River VxWorks has been chosen as real-time operating system. 100 Mbit switched Ethernet has been evaluated for real-time communication by using the user datagram protocol (UDP). Measurements have been executed on a prototype system to assess data transfer latency, jitter and reliability and the results confirm that the solution is suitable for the application. The paper describes in detail the reasons for the choice in the hardware components. Results from several tests comparing the performance of different solutions are also provided.
Trajectory-tracking control of underwater inspection robot for nuclear reactor internals using Time Delay Control
Park, Joon-Young; Cho, Byung-Hak; Lee, Jae-Kyung
This paper addresses the trajectory control problem of an underwater inspection robot for nuclear reactor internals. From the viewpoint of control engineering, the trajectory control of the underwater robot is a difficult task due to its nonlinear dynamics, which includes various hydraulic forces such as buoyancy and hydrodynamic damping, the difference between the centres of gravity and buoyancy, and disturbances from a tether cable. To solve such problems, we applied Time Delay Control to the underwater robot. This control law has a very simple structure not requiring nonlinear plant dynamics, and was proven to be highly robust against nonlinearities, uncertainties and disturbances. We confirmed its effectiveness through experiments.
Real-Time Structural Overload Control via Control Allocation Optimization Project
National Aeronautics and Space Administration — This control methodology utilizes real-time vehicle structural load and shape measurements to actively respond to and protect against vehicle damage due to...
Arithmetical unit, interrupt hardware and input-output channel for the computer Bel
Fyroe, Karl-Johan
This thesis contains a description of a small general purpose computer using characters, variable word-length and two-address instructions and which is working in decimal (NBCD). We have realized three interruption lines with a fixed priority. The channel is selective and has generally access to the entire memory. Using slow IO-devices, time sharing is possible between the channel and the processor in the central memory buffer area. (author) [fr
Methodology for the study of the dolomite porosity in essay of interrupted sulfation
�vila, Ivonete; Crnkovic, Paula M.; Milioli, Fernando E.
The aim of this work is to propose a methodology to evaluate the evolution of the pore blockage of limestone during the sulfation reaction. The experiments were performed for a national limestone (dolomite) with average particle size of 545 μm in interrupted sulfation tests were conducted at seven different times and at three different temperatures of the process. The empirical data were obtained from porosimetry tests to establish BET surface area, volume and average size of pore and di...
Using real-time stereopsis for mobile robot control
Bonasso, R. P.; Nishihara, H. K.
This paper describes on-going work in using range and motion data generated at video-frame rates as the basis for long-range perception in a mobile robot. A current approach in the artificial intelligence community to achieve timecritical perception for situated reasoning is to use low-level perception for motor reflex-like activity and higher-level but more computationally intense perception for path planning reconnaissance and retrieval activities. Typically inclinometers and a compass or an infra-red beacon system provide stability and orientation maintenance and ultrasonic or infra-red sensors serve as proximity detectors for obstacle avoidance. For distant ranging and area occupancy determination active imaging systems such as laser scanners can be prohibitivtly expensive and heretofore passive systems typically performed more slowly than the cycle time of the control system causing the robot to halt periodically along its way. However a recent stereo system developed by Nishihara known as PRISM (Practical Real-time Imaging Stereo Matcher) matches stereo pairs using a sign-correlation technique that gives range and motion at video frame rates. We are integrating this technique with constant-time control software for distant ranging and object detection at a speed that is comparable with the cycle-times of the low-level sensors. Possibilities for a variety of uses in a leader-follower mobile robot situation are discussed.
Complexity Variability Assessment of Nonlinear Time-Varying Cardiovascular Control
Valenza, Gaetano; Citi, Luca; Garcia, Ronald G.; Taylor, Jessica Noggle; Toschi, Nicola; Barbieri, Riccardo
The application of complex systems theory to physiology and medicine has provided meaningful information about the nonlinear aspects underlying the dynamics of a wide range of biological processes and their disease-related aberrations. However, no studies have investigated whether meaningful information can be extracted by quantifying second-order moments of time-varying cardiovascular complexity. To this extent, we introduce a novel mathematical framework termed complexity variability, in which the variance of instantaneous Lyapunov spectra estimated over time serves as a reference quantifier. We apply the proposed methodology to four exemplary studies involving disorders which stem from cardiology, neurology and psychiatry: Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), Major Depression Disorder (MDD), Parkinson’s Disease (PD), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) patients with insomnia under a yoga training regime. We show that complexity assessments derived from simple time-averaging are not able to discern pathology-related changes in autonomic control, and we demonstrate that between-group differences in measures of complexity variability are consistent across pathologies. Pathological states such as CHF, MDD, and PD are associated with an increased complexity variability when compared to healthy controls, whereas wellbeing derived from yoga in PTSD is associated with lower time-variance of complexity.
Flexible structure control experiments using a real-time workstation for computer-aided control engineering
Stieber, Michael E.
A Real-Time Workstation for Computer-Aided Control Engineering has been developed jointly by the Communications Research Centre (CRC) and Ruhr-Universitaet Bochum (RUB), West Germany. The system is presently used for the development and experimental verification of control techniques for large space systems with significant structural flexibility. The Real-Time Workstation essentially is an implementation of RUB's extensive Computer-Aided Control Engineering package KEDDC on an INTEL micro-computer running under the RMS real-time operating system. The portable system supports system identification, analysis, control design and simulation, as well as the immediate implementation and test of control systems. The Real-Time Workstation is currently being used by CRC to study control/structure interaction on a ground-based structure called DAISY, whose design was inspired by a reflector antenna. DAISY emulates the dynamics of a large flexible spacecraft with the following characteristics: rigid body modes, many clustered vibration modes with low frequencies and extremely low damping. The Real-Time Workstation was found to be a very powerful tool for experimental studies, supporting control design and simulation, and conducting and evaluating tests withn one integrated environment.
Integrated project scheduling and staff assignment with controllable processing times.
Fernandez-Viagas, Victor; Framinan, Jose M
This paper addresses a decision problem related to simultaneously scheduling the tasks in a project and assigning the staff to these tasks, taking into account that a task can be performed only by employees with certain skills, and that the length of each task depends on the number of employees assigned. This type of problems usually appears in service companies, where both tasks scheduling and staff assignment are closely related. An integer programming model for the problem is proposed, together with some extensions to cope with different situations. Additionally, the advantages of the controllable processing times approach are compared with the fixed processing times. Due to the complexity of the integrated model, a simple GRASP algorithm is implemented in order to obtain good, approximate solutions in short computation times.
Integrated Project Scheduling and Staff Assignment with Controllable Processing Times
Victor Fernandez-Viagas
Full Text Available This paper addresses a decision problem related to simultaneously scheduling the tasks in a project and assigning the staff to these tasks, taking into account that a task can be performed only by employees with certain skills, and that the length of each task depends on the number of employees assigned. This type of problems usually appears in service companies, where both tasks scheduling and staff assignment are closely related. An integer programming model for the problem is proposed, together with some extensions to cope with different situations. Additionally, the advantages of the controllable processing times approach are compared with the fixed processing times. Due to the complexity of the integrated model, a simple GRASP algorithm is implemented in order to obtain good, approximate solutions in short computation times.
Timing reference generators and chopper controllers for neutron sources
Nelson, R.; Merl, R.; Rose, C.
Due to AC-power-grid frequency fluctuations, the designers for accelerator-based spallation-neutron facilities have worked to optimize the competing and contrasting demands of accelerator and neutron chopper performance. Powerful new simulation techniques have enabled the modeling of the timing systems that integrate chopper controllers and chopper hardware. For the first time, we are able to quantitatively access the tradeoffs between these two constraints and design or upgrade a facility to optimize total system performance. Thus, at LANSCE, we now operate multiple chopper systems and the accelerator as simple slaves to a single master-timing-reference generator. For the SNS we recommend a similar system that is somewhat less tightly coupled to the power grid. (author)
The effect of interruptions and breaks on insight and impasses: Do you need a break right now?
Beeftink, F.; van Eerde, W.; Rutte, C.G.
Some time away from a problem, or incubation time, is found to be beneficial to creative problem solving. But are interruptions as equally helpful as breaks? An experiment was conducted to gain more insight into the differences between imposed and self-initiated breaks, and their effects on
Work time control, sleep & accident risk: A prospective cohort study.
Tucker, Philip; Albrecht, Sophie; Kecklund, Göran; Beckers, Debby G J; Leineweber, Constanze
We examined whether the beneficial impact of work time control (WTC) on sleep leads to lower accident risk, using data from a nationally representative survey conducted in Sweden. Logistic regressions examined WTC in 2010 and 2012 as predictors of accidents occurring in the subsequent 2 years (N = 4840 and 4337, respectively). Sleep disturbance and frequency of short sleeps in 2012 were examined as potential mediators of the associations between WTC in 2010 and subsequent accidents as reported in 2014 (N = 3636). All analyses adjusted for age, sex, education, occupational category, weekly work hours, shift work status, job control and perceived accident risk at work. In both waves, overall WTC was inversely associated with accidents (p = 0.048 and p = 0.038, respectively). Analyses of the sub-dimensions of WTC indicated that Control over Daily Hours (influence over start and finish times, and over length of shift) did not predict accidents in either wave, while Control over Time-off (CoT; influence over taking breaks, running private errands during work and taking paid leave) predicted fewer accidents in both waves (p = 0.013 and p = 0.010). Sleep disturbance in 2012 mediated associations between WTC/CoT in 2010 and accidents in 2014, although effects' sizes were small (effectWTC = -0.006, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.018 to -0.001; effectCoT = -0.009, 95%CI = -0.022 to -0.001; unstandardized coefficients), with the indirect effects of sleep disturbance accounting for less than 5% of the total direct and indirect effects. Frequency of short sleeps was not a significant mediator. WTC reduces the risk of subsequently being involved in an accident, although sleep may not be a strong component of the mechanism underlying this association.
Effects of interruptible natural gas service: Winter 1989--1990
During the extreme winter conditions experienced in December 1989, petroleum products showed dramatic price increases. Supply of certain products such as propane reached critical levels. Numerous factors contributed to the heating fuel situation, including well freeze-ups and refinery problems, as well as difficulties associated with delivery of the product. An area of concern identified in the ensuing debates was the impact of customer requirements for petroleum products resulting from curtailment of natural gas purchases under interruptible contracts. The lower rates associated with interruptible contracts make them an attractive choice for electric utilities. However, they require that the customer be prepared to obtain adequate fuel supplies in the event of curtailments. Electric utilities prepare for these contingencies with stocks of alternative fuels. Particularly in cold climates, interruptible has contracts are part of doing business. The extent and duration of the interruptions faced by customers relate principally to weather factors. Previous EIA studies investigated on a national level the causes of the dramatic price increases seen in petroleum product markets in the 1989--1990 heating season. This study is in response to a request from Senator Timothy Wirth, Chairman, Subcommittee on Energy Regulation and Conservation, to study in detail the impact of interruptible natural gas contracts as one of the factors cited as contributing to the price increases. A copy of the letter requesting the study is contained in Appendix A
Response to planned treatment interruptions in HIV infection varies across childhood
NN, NN; Valerius, Niels Henrik
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical, immunological and virological consequences of CD4-guided antiretroviral therapy (ART) planned treatment interruptions (PTIs) compared with continuous therapy in children with chronic HIV infection in the Paediatric European Network for Treatment of AIDS 11 trial......) or PTI (56). In PTI, ART was restarted if confirmed CD4% was less than 20% or more than 48 weeks had been spent off ART. The primary outcome was Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stage C event, death or CD4% less than 15% (and CD4 cell count less than 200 cells/microl for children aged 7......-term follow-up in Paediatric European Network for Treatment of AIDS 11 trial are ongoing. Further research into the role of treatment interruption in children is required, particularly, as guidelines now recommend early ART for all infected infants....
Quality Control Procedure Based on Partitioning of NMR Time Series
Michał Staniszewski
Full Text Available The quality of the magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS depends on the stability of magnetic resonance (MR system performance and optimal hardware functioning, which ensure adequate levels of signal-to-noise ratios (SNR as well as good spectral resolution and minimal artifacts in the spectral data. MRS quality control (QC protocols and methodologies are based on phantom measurements that are repeated regularly. In this work, a signal partitioning algorithm based on a dynamic programming (DP method for QC assessment of the spectral data is described. The proposed algorithm allows detection of the change points—the abrupt variations in the time series data. The proposed QC method was tested using the simulated and real phantom data. Simulated data were randomly generated time series distorted by white noise. The real data were taken from the phantom quality control studies of the MRS scanner collected for four and a half years and analyzed by LCModel software. Along with the proposed algorithm, performance of various literature methods was evaluated for the predefined number of change points based on the error values calculated by subtracting the mean values calculated for the periods between the change-points from the original data points. The time series were checked using external software, a set of external methods and the proposed tool, and the obtained results were comparable. The application of dynamic programming in the analysis of the phantom MRS data is a novel approach to QC. The obtained results confirm that the presented change-point-detection tool can be used either for independent analysis of MRS time series (or any other or as a part of quality control.
Control of beam size and polarization time in PEP
Paterson, J.M.; Rees, J.R.; Wiedemann, H.
In this report we describe a method of controlling beam size in which the focusing functions are not altered with beam energy but the curvature function is drastically altered in a few locations which comprise only a very small fraction of the circumference. As will be described in the following paper we are proposing to control the quantum excitation and radiation damping of the particles by means of special excitation magnets or /open quotes/wigglers/close quotes/. Since the mean square energy deviation and radial beam emittance are proportional approximately to E/sup 2//l angle/G/sup 3//r angle//l angle/G/sup 2//r angle//sup /minus/1 while the damping times are proportional to (E/sup 3//l angle/G/sup 2//r angle/)/sup /minus/1/, it is possible to achieve constant beam size in a constant focusing configuration while the damping times vary roughly as E/sup /minus/2/. In addition, it is possible to reduce the beam polarization time with these devices. A scheme for beam-size and damping control based on the same principle was described by M. Bassetti about a year ago, in which all of the storage-ring bending magnets were involved as wigglers, and a substantial increase in magnet cost resulted. The consequences for polarization times were not explored. The design formulae are derived and two specific applications to the PEP design in which the wigglers are installed in three of the six 5-m straight sections are described with attention given to practical magnet design, synchrotron radiation handling and other matters. 5 refs., 4 figs., 1 tab
Real-time statistical quality control and ARM
Blough, D.K.
An important component of the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Program is real-time quality control of data obtained from meteorological instruments. It is the goal of the ARM program to enhance the predictive capabilities of global circulation models by incorporating in them more detailed information on the radiative characteristics of the earth's atmosphere. To this end, a number of Cloud and Radiation Testbeds (CART's) will be built at various locations worldwide. Each CART will consist of an array of instruments designed to collect radiative data. The large amount of data obtained from these instruments necessitates real-time processing in order to flag outliers and possible instrument malfunction. The Bayesian dynamic linear model (DLM) proves to be an effective way of monitoring the time series data which each instrument generates. It provides a flexible yet powerful approach to detecting in real-time sudden shifts in a non-stationary multivariate time series. An application of these techniques to data arising from a remote sensing instrument to be used in the CART is provided. Using real data from a wind profiler, the ability of the DLM to detect outliers is studied. 5 refs
Memory controllers for real-time embedded systems predictable and composable real-time systems
Akesson, Benny
 Verification of real-time requirements in systems-on-chip becomes more complex as more applications are integrated. Predictable and composable systems can manage the increasing complexity using formal verification and simulation. This book explains the concepts of predictability and composability and shows how to apply them to the design and analysis of a memory controller, which is a key component in any real-time system. This book is generally intended for readers interested in Systems-on-Chips with real-time applications.  It is especially well-suited for readers looking to use SDRAM memories in systems with hard or firm real-time requirements. There is a strong focus on real-time concepts, such as predictability and composability, as well as a brief discussion about memory controller architectures for high-performance computing. Readers will learn step-by-step how to go from an unpredictable SDRAM memory, offering highly variable bandwidth and latency, to a predictable and composable shared memory...
Effects of sport expertise on representational momentum during timing control.
Nakamoto, Hiroki; Mori, Shiro; Ikudome, Sachi; Unenaka, Satoshi; Imanaka, Kuniyasu
Sports involving fast visual perception require players to compensate for delays in neural processing of visual information. Memory for the final position of a moving object is distorted forward along its path of motion (i.e., "representational momentum," RM). This cognitive extrapolation of visual perception might compensate for the neural delay in interacting appropriately with a moving object. The present study examined whether experienced batters cognitively extrapolate the location of a fast-moving object and whether this extrapolation is associated with coincident timing control. Nine expert and nine novice baseball players performed a prediction motion task in which a target moved from one end of a straight 400-cm track at a constant velocity. In half of the trials, vision was suddenly occluded when the target reached the 200-cm point (occlusion condition). Participants had to press a button concurrently with the target arrival at the end of the track and verbally report their subjective assessment of the first target-occluded position. Experts showed larger RM magnitude (cognitive extrapolation) than did novices in the occlusion condition. RM magnitude and timing errors were strongly correlated in the fast velocity condition in both experts and novices, whereas in the slow velocity condition, a significant correlation appeared only in experts. This suggests that experts can cognitively extrapolate the location of a moving object according to their anticipation and, as a result, potentially circumvent neural processing delays. This process might be used to control response timing when interacting with moving objects.
Time Course of Brain Network Reconfiguration Supporting Inhibitory Control.
Popov, Tzvetan; Westner, Britta U; Silton, Rebecca L; Sass, Sarah M; Spielberg, Jeffrey M; Rockstroh, Brigitte; Heller, Wendy; Miller, Gregory A
Hemodynamic research has recently clarified key nodes and links in brain networks implementing inhibitory control. Although fMRI methods are optimized for identifying the structure of brain networks, the relatively slow temporal course of fMRI limits the ability to characterize network operation. The latter is crucial for developing a mechanistic understanding of how brain networks shift dynamically to support inhibitory control. To address this critical gap, we applied spectrally resolved Granger causality (GC) and random forest machine learning tools to human EEG data in two large samples of adults (test sample n = 96, replication sample n = 237, total N = 333, both sexes) who performed a color-word Stroop task. Time-frequency analysis confirmed that recruitment of inhibitory control accompanied by slower behavioral responses was related to changes in theta and alpha/beta power. GC analyses revealed directionally asymmetric exchanges within frontal and between frontal and parietal brain areas: top-down influence of superior frontal gyrus (SFG) over both dorsal ACC (dACC) and inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), dACC control over middle frontal gyrus (MFG), and frontal-parietal exchanges (IFG, precuneus, MFG). Predictive analytics confirmed a combination of behavioral and brain-derived variables as the best set of predictors of inhibitory control demands, with SFG theta bearing higher classification importance than dACC theta and posterior beta tracking the onset of behavioral response. The present results provide mechanistic insight into the biological implementation of a psychological phenomenon: inhibitory control is implemented by dynamic routing processes during which the target response is upregulated via theta-mediated effective connectivity within key PFC nodes and via beta-mediated motor preparation. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Hemodynamic neuroimaging research has recently clarified regional structures in brain networks supporting inhibitory control. However, due to
A simplified controller and detailed dynamics of constant off-time peak current control
Van den Bossche, Alex; Dimitrova, Ekaterina; Valchev, Vencislav; Feradov, Firgan
A fast and reliable current control is often the base of power electronic converters. The traditional constant frequency peak control is unstable above 50 % duty ratio. In contrast, the constant off-time peak current control (COTCC) is unconditionally stable and fast, so it is worth analyzing it. Another feature of the COTCC is that one can combine a current control together with a current protection. The time dynamics show a zero-transient response, even when the inductor changes in a wide range. It can also be modeled as a special transfer function for all frequencies. The article shows also that it can be implemented in a simple analog circuit using a wide temperature range IC, such as the LM2903, which is compatible with PV conversion and automotive temperature range. Experiments are done using a 3 kW step-up converter. A drawback is still that the principle does not easily fit in usual digital controllers up to now.
Application of customer-interruption costs for optimum distribution planning
Mok, Y.L.; Chung, T.S.
We present a new methodology for obtaining optimum values of the integrated cost of utility investment with customer interruption in distribution planning for electric power systems by determining the reliability cost and worth of the distribution system. Reliability cost refers to investment cost of the utility in achieving a defined level of reliability. Reliability worth is the benefit gained by the utility customer from an increase of reliability. A computer program has been developed to determine comparative reliability indices for a typical distribution network. With the average interruption cost, outage duration, average disconnected load, cost data for distribution equipment, etc. being known, the relation between reliability cost, reliability worth and reliability at the specified load point are obtained. The optimum reliability of the distribution system is then determined from the minimum cost to the utility with customer interruption. The applicability of this approach is demonstrated by several practical networks. (Author)
REAL TIME QUALITY CONTROL OF THE HEATSET OFFSET PRINTING PROCESS
Răzvan-George RĂCHERU
Full Text Available Offset lithography is one of the most common ways of creating printed materials. Compared to other printing methods, offset printing is best suited for economically producing large volumes of high quality prints in a manner that requires little maintenance. Because of the high speed and the high volume of the printing press, we have to rely on automation for press control and not just to the printer’s eye. When printing an image that has more than one color, it is necessary to print each color separately and ensure each color overlaps the others precisely. If this is not done, the finished image will look fuzzy, blurred or "out of register". To help line the colors up correctly, a system of registration is necessary. Therefore, the use of an automated real time quality control system will result in a more consistent color for the customer and less waste for the printer.
Modern linear control design a time-domain approach
Caravani, Paolo
This book offers a compact introduction to modern linear control design. The simplified overview presented of linear time-domain methodology paves the road for the study of more advanced non-linear techniques. Only rudimentary knowledge of linear systems theory is assumed - no use of Laplace transforms or frequency design tools is required. Emphasis is placed on assumptions and logical implications, rather than abstract completeness; on interpretation and physical meaning, rather than theoretical formalism; on results and solutions, rather than derivation or solvability. The topics covered include transient performance and stabilization via state or output feedback; disturbance attenuation and robust control; regional eigenvalue assignment and constraints on input or output variables; asymptotic regulation and disturbance rejection. Lyapunov theory and Linear Matrix Inequalities (LMI) are discussed as key design methods. All methods are demonstrated with MATLAB to promote practical use and comprehension. ...
Valcárcel, D.F.; Duarte, A.S.; Neto, A.; Carvalho, I.S.; Carvalho, B.B.; Fernandes, H.; Sousa, J.; Sartori, F.; Janky, Filip; Cahyna, Pavel; Hron, Martin; Pánek, RadomÃr
Ro�. 85, 3-4 (2010), s. 470-473 ISSN 0920-3796. [IAEA Technical Meeting on Control, Data Acquisition and Remote Participation for Fusion Research/7th./. Aix – en – Provence, 15.06.2009-19.06.2009] Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z20430508 Keywords : Real-time * ATCA * Data acquisition * Plasma control software Subject RIV: BL - Plasma and Gas Discharge Physics Impact factor: 1.143, year: 2010 http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6V3C-4YXMP1Y-3&_user=6542793&_coverDate=07%2F31%2F2010&_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_orig=search&_origin=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_acct=C000070123&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=6542793&md5=9005df0735c0dbb3a93a9c154b0d09c1&searchtype=a
Radio controlled detonators and sequential real time blast applications
Bernard, T.; Laboz, J.M. [Delta Caps International, Nice (France)
Among the numerous technical evolutions in the blasting environment the authors are going to describe below the concept of electronic detonator sequenced by radio waves, and also its numerous applications. Three major technologies are used in the initiation environment: fused-initiated detonators; electric detonators; and non-electric detonators. The last two technologies were made available under multiple variants. Two major innovations are going to substantially change the way traditional detonators operate: pyrotechnic delays are replaced by electronic delays (greater accuracy); and triggering orders, passing through a cable, is now replaced by radio-waves transmission (possibility to do real time delay pattern). Such a new product provided all the features offered by current detonators, but also allows mastering specific cases that were difficult to control with the current technology, such as: vibration control; underground blast; and building demolition.
Cheyne-Stokes respiration: hypoxia plus a deep breath that interrupts hypoxic drive, initiating cyclic breathing.
Guntheroth, Warren G
In the 19th Century, Cheyne and Stokes independently reported cycles of respiration in patients with heart failure, beginning with apnea, followed by a few breaths. However Cheyne-Stokes respiration (C-SR) can also occur in healthy individuals with sleep, and was demonstrated in 1908 with voluntary hyperventilation, followed by apnea that Haldane blamed on hypoxia, subsequently called post-hyperventilation apnea. Additional theories explaining C-SR did not appear until 1954, based on control theory, specifically a feed-back regulator controlling CO(2). This certainly describes control of normal respiration, but to produce an unstable state such as C-SR requires either a very long transit time (3½ min) or an increase of the controller gain (13 times), physiologically improbable. There is general agreement that apnea initiates C-SR but that has not been well explained except for post-hyperventilation apnea, and that explanation is not compatible with a study by Nielsen and Smith in 1951. They plotted the effects of diminished oxygen on ventilation (V) in relation to CO(2) (Fig. 1). They found that the slope of V/CO(2) (gain) increased with hypoxia, but it flattened at a moderate CO(2) level and had nointercept with zero (apnea). It is also incompatible with our published findings in 1975 that showed that apnea did not occur until an extreme level of hypoxia occurred (the PO(2) fell below 10 mmHg), followed shortly by gasping. Much milder hypoxia underlies most cases of C-SR, when hypoxic drive replaces the normal CO(2)-based respiratory drive, in a failsafe role. I hypothesize that the cause of apnea is a brief interruption of hypoxic drive caused by a pulse of oxygen from a stronger than average breath, such as a sigh. The rapidity of onset of apnea in response to a pulse of oxygen, reflects the large pressure gradient for oxygen from air to lung with each breath, in contrast to CO(2). With apnea, there is a gradual fall in oxygen, resulting in a resumption of
Combination of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and interrupted dosing sorafenib improves patient survival in early–intermediate stage hepatocellular carcinoma
Lee, Teng-Yu; Lin, Chen-Chun; Chen, Chiung-Yu; Wang, Tsang-En; Lo, Gin-Ho; Chang, Chi-Sen; Chao, Yee
Abstract Background/Objective: The survival benefit of treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with sorafenib remains uncertain. We compared the survival of patients treated with TACE and sorafenib with that of patients treated with TACE alone. Methods: This was a post hoc analysis of the Study in Asia of the Combination of TACE with Sorafenib in Patients with HCC (START) trial. All patients who received TACE and interrupted dosing of sorafenib for early or intermediate-stage HCC in Taiwan from 2009 to 2010 were recruited into the TACE and sorafenib group. They were randomly matched 1:1 by age, sex, Child–Pugh score, tumor size, tumor number, and tumor stage with patients from Taichung Veterans General Hospital in Taiwan who received TACE alone and who fulfilled the selection criteria of the START trial during the same time period (control group). Patient survival [cumulative incidence and hazard ratio (HR)] of the 2 groups were analyzed and compared. Results: The baseline characteristics of the 36 patients in each group were similar. Tumor response rates were significantly better in the TACE and sorafenib group (P control (TACE alone) group over the 2 years [78%, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 64–91 vs 49, 95% CI 32–66; P = .012]. In the multivariate regression analysis, TACE and sorafenib was found to be independently associated with a decreased risk of mortality (HR 0.33, 95% CI 0.12–0.89; P = .015). Multivariate stratified analyses verified this association in each patient subgroup (all HR interrupted sorafenib dosing schedule, the combination of TACE with sorafenib was associated with improved overall survival in early–intermediate stage HCC when compared with treatment with TACE alone. PMID
A PEMFC hybrid electric vehicle real time control system
Sun, Hongqiao
In recent years, environmental friendly technologies and alternative energy solutions have drawn a lot of public attentions due to global energy crisis and pollution issues. Fuel cell (FC), a technology invented almost at the same time as the internal combustion (IC) engine, is now the focus of the automotive industry again. The fuel cell vehicle (FCV) has zero emission and its efficiency is significantly higher than the conventional IC engine power vehicles. Among a variety of FCV technologies, proton exchange membrane (PEM) FC vehicle appears to be far more attractive and mature. The prototype PEMFC vehicle has been developed and demonstrated to the public by nearly all the major automotive manufacturers in recent years. However, to the interest of the public research, publications and documentations on the PEMFC vehicle technology are rarely available due to its proprietary nature, which essentially makes it a secured technology. This dissertation demonstrates a real world application of a PEMFC hybrid electric vehicle. Through presenting the vehicle design concept, developing the real time control system and generating generic operation principles, this dissertation targets at establishing the public knowledge base on this new technology. A complete PEMFC hybrid electric vehicle design, including vehicle components layout, process flow diagram, real time control system architecture, subsystem structures and control algorithms, is presented in order to help understand the whole vehicle system. The design concept is validated through the vehicle demonstration. Generic operating principles are established along with the validation process, which helps populate this emerging technology. Thereafter, further improvements and future research directions are discussed.
Critical Causes and Consequences of Construction Project Interruption: Client, Contractor, Consultant and External Factors Standpoints
Nurbasirah Mohamed Alias
Full Text Available It should be pointed out that the dilemma of interruption and stoppage in the construction industry is a large-scale trend. Construction interruption and stoppage is considered one of the most recurring problems in the construction industry. Construction Interruption and stoppage is always measured as costly to all parties concerned in the projects and very often it will result in clash, claims, total desertion and much difficult for the feasibility and it slows the growth of construction sector. The objective of the research work that underpins this paper was to investigate the Factors and Consequences of construction projects on local contractors. A construction project is commonly acknowledged as successful when the aim of the project is achieved in terms of predetermined objectives that are mainly completed the project on time, within budget and specified quality in accordance with the specifications and to stakeholders’ satisfaction. One of the most important problems that may arise in the construction project is delays and the magnitude of these delays varies considerably from project to project. According to delay categories that were contractor related, client related, consultant related, labour related and external related, the study revealed the six major effects of delay that were time overrun, cost overrun, dispute, arbitration, total abandonment, and litigation.
Basic interrupted versus continuous suturing techniques in bronchial anastomosis following sleeve lobectomy in dogs.
Bayram, Ahmet Sami; Erol, Mehmet Muharrem; Salci, Hakan; Ozyiğit, Ozgür; Görgül, Sacit; Gebitekin, Cengiz
Sleeve resection with or without lung resection is a valid conservative operation for patients with benign or malignant tumors; it enables the preservation of lung parenchyma. The aim of this prospective randomized study was to compare complications, operating time, and bronchial healing between the techniques of interrupted and continuous suturing for bronchial anastomosis in dogs. Twenty adult mongrel dogs each weighing 18-22 kg (average: 20 kg) were divided into two groups according to the anastomosis technique performed: group A, interrupted suturing and group B, continuous suturing. Each group comprised of 10 dogs. Following right thoracotomy, sleeve resection of the right cranial lobe was performed in all dogs. Basic interrupted sutures using 4/0 Vicryl (Ethicon, USA) were used in group A, and continuous sutures were used in group B. The median anastomosis time was 15.2 min (range: 13-21 min) in group A and 9.6 min (range: 8-13 min) in group B. In all dogs, the anastomosis line was resected via right pneumonectomy for histopathological investigation 1 month after sleeve resection. Histopathological examination revealed that the healing of the anastomosis was not affected by the suturing technique applied. One dog from each group died on the fourth postoperative day; Fisher's exact test, p=0.763. Our research revealed that the healing of the anastomosis was not affected by the suturing technique performed.
Efficient Evaluation of Wireless Real-Time Control Networks
Peter Horvath
Full Text Available In this paper, we present a system simulation framework for the design and performance evaluation of complex wireless cyber-physical systems. We describe the simulator architecture and the specific developments that are required to simulate cyber-physical systems relying on multi-channel, multihop mesh networks. We introduce realistic and efficient physical layer models and a system simulation methodology, which provides statistically significant performance evaluation results with low computational complexity. The capabilities of the proposed framework are illustrated in the example of WirelessHART, a centralized, real-time, multi-hop mesh network designed for industrial control and monitor applications.
Real time modeling, simulation and control of dynamical systems
Mughal, Asif Mahmood
This book introduces modeling and simulation of linear time invariant systems and demonstrates how these translate to systems engineering, mechatronics engineering, and biomedical engineering. It is organized into nine chapters that follow the lectures used for a one-semester course on this topic, making it appropriate for students as well as researchers. The author discusses state space modeling derived from two modeling techniques and the analysis of the system and usage of modeling in control systems design. It also contains a unique chapter on multidisciplinary energy systems with a special focus on bioengineering systems and expands upon how the bond graph augments research in biomedical and bio-mechatronics systems.
Managing time-substitutable electricity usage using dynamic controls
Ghosh, Soumyadip; Hosking, Jonathan R.; Natarajan, Ramesh; Subramaniam, Shivaram; Zhang, Xiaoxuan
A predictive-control approach allows an electricity provider to monitor and proactively manage peak and off-peak residential intra-day electricity usage in an emerging smart energy grid using time-dependent dynamic pricing incentives. The daily load is modeled as time-shifted, but cost-differentiated and substitutable, copies of the continuously-consumed electricity resource, and a consumer-choice prediction model is constructed to forecast the corresponding intra-day shares of total daily load according to this model. This is embedded within an optimization framework for managing the daily electricity usage. A series of transformations are employed, including the reformulation-linearization technique (RLT) to obtain a Mixed-Integer Programming (MIP) model representation of the resulting nonlinear optimization problem. In addition, various regulatory and pricing constraints are incorporated in conjunction with the specified profit and capacity utilization objectives.
Real Time Implementation of a DC Motor Speed Control by Fuzzy Logic Controller and PI Controller Using FPGA
G. Sakthivel
Full Text Available Fuzzy logic control has met with growing interest in many motor control applications due to its non-linearity, handling features and independence of plant modelling. The hardware implementation of fuzzy logic controller (FLC on FPGA is very important because of the increasing number of fuzzy applications requiring highly parallel and high speed fuzzy processing. Implementation of a fuzzy logic controller and conventional PI controller on an FPGA using VHDL for DC motor speed control is presented in this paper. The proposed scheme is to improve tracking performance of D.C. motor as compared to the conventional (PI control strategy .This paper describes the hardware implementation of two inputs (error and change in error, one output fuzzy logic controller based on PI controller and conventional PI controller using VHDL. Real time implementation FLC and conventional PI controller is made on Spartan-3A DSP FPGA (XC3SD1800A FPGA for the speed control of DC motor. It is observed that fuzzy logic based controllers give better responses than the conventional PI controller for the speed control of dc motor.
Nondestructive assay technology and automated ''real-time'' materials control
Keepin, G.R.
Significant advances in nondestructive assay techniques and instrumentation now enable rapid, accurate and direct in-plant measurement of nuclear material on a continuous or ''real-time'' basis as it progresses through a nuclear facility. A variety of passive and active assay instruments are required for the broad range of materials measurement problems encountered by safeguards inspectors and facility operators in various types of nuclear plants. Representative NDA techniques and instruments are presented and reviewed with special attention to their assay capabilities and areas of applicability in the nuclear fuel cycle. An advanced system of materials control - called ''DYMAC'', for Dynamic Materials Control - is presently under development by the U.S. Energy Research and Development Administration; the DYMAC program integrates new nondestructive assay instrumentation and modern data-processing methods, with the overall objective of demonstrating a workable, cost-effective system of stringent safeguards and materials control in various generic types of facilities found in the nuclear fuel cycle. Throughout the program, emphasis will be placed on devloping practical solutions to generic measurement problems so that resulting techniques and instrumentation will have widespread utility. Projected levels of safeguards assurance, together with other vital - and cost-sensitive - plant operational factors such as process and quality control, criticality safety and waste management are examined in an evaluation of the impact of future advanced materials control systems on overall plant operations, efficiency and productivity. The task of implementing effective and stringent safeguards includes the transfer of new safeguards technology to the nuclear industry. Clearly the training of inspectors (both IAEA and national), plant people, etc., in the effective use of new NDA equipment is of paramount importance; thus in the United States, the Energy Research and Development
The Time Diagram Control Approach for the Dynamic Representation of Time-Oriented Data
Rolf Dornberger
Full Text Available The dynamic representation of time-oriented data on small screen devices is of increasing importance. Most solution approaches use issue-specific requirements based on established desktop technologies. Applied to mobile devices with small multi-touch displays such approaches often lead to a limited usability. Particularly, the time-dependent data can only be fragmentarily visualized due to limited screen sizes. Instead of reducing the complexity by visualizing the data, the interpretation of the data is getting more complex. This paper proposes a Time Diagram Control (TDC approach, a new way of representing time-based diagrams on small screen devices. The TDC uses a principle of cybernetics to integrate the user in the visualization process and thus reduce complexity. TDC focuses on simplicity of design by only providing 2D temporal line diagrams with a dynamic zooming function that works via standard multi-touch controls. Involving the user into a continuous loop of refining the visualization, TDC allows to compare data of different temporal granularities without losing the overall context of the presented data. The TDC approach ensures constant information reliability on small screen devices.
Controlling chaos in a nonlinear pendulum using an extended time-delayed feedback control method
Souza de Paula, Aline; Savi, Marcelo Amorim
Chaos control is employed for the stabilization of unstable periodic orbits (UPOs) embedded in chaotic attractors. The extended time-delayed feedback control uses a continuous feedback loop incorporating information from previous states of the system in order to stabilize unstable orbits. This article deals with the chaos control of a nonlinear pendulum employing the extended time-delayed feedback control method. The control law leads to delay-differential equations (DDEs) that contain derivatives that depend on the solution of previous time instants. A fourth-order Runge-Kutta method with linear interpolation on the delayed variables is employed for numerical simulations of the DDEs and its initial function is estimated by a Taylor series expansion. During the learning stage, the UPOs are identified by the close-return method and control parameters are chosen for each desired UPO by defining situations where the largest Lyapunov exponent becomes negative. Analyses of a nonlinear pendulum are carried out by considering signals that are generated by numerical integration of the mathematical model using experimentally identified parameters. Results show the capability of the control procedure to stabilize UPOs of the dynamical system, highlighting some difficulties to achieve the stabilization of the desired orbit.
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Maximum Security to Skip Preakness, Owners’ Derby Appeal Denied
Posted on: May 7, 2019, 06:55h.
Last updated on: May 7, 2019, 07:35h.
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission on Monday rejected an appeal by the owners of Maximum Security to overturn the stewards’ decision disqualifying their horse as the winner of Saturday’s Kentucky Derby.
Maximum Security owner Gary West criticized the stewards for their decision to take down his horse as the Kentucky Derby winner. He also said his horse would not run in the Preakness Stakes. (Image: NBC)
After a chaotic 22 minutes following Saturday’s Derby, when stewards reviewed race video and interviewed jockeys to determine that Maximum Security interfered with at least three horses on the final turn, Monday provided 12 hours headlines and more drama.
It started when Gary West, who with his wife owns Maximum Security, went on NBC’s Today to criticize Churchill Downs and racing officials. He questioned if his horse’s actions were really that blatant since the stewards did not file the inquiry themselves. In addition, he called the Louisville track “greedy” for allowing too many horses to run in the sport’s most prestigious event.
The Kentucky Derby allows up to 20 horses, where other races cap entries at 14.
The couple’s attorneys filed an appeal with the commission on Monday afternoon.
Given the enormous importance of this race and the unprecedented outcome on Saturday, we ask that the Wests complaint, protest, objection, and appeal be heard forthwith by the full Kentucky Horse Racing Commission,” it stated.
The commission, however, promptly rejected the protest, noting that stewards’ decisions are not subject to appeal.
If the Wests intend to take their case further, it means they will need to file a lawsuit.
Preakness Field Uncertain
West likely knew his chances for an appeal were slim when he spoke on Today and said Maximum Security would not compete in the next leg of the Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes on May 18.
“There’s no Triple Crown on the line for us, and there’s no reason to run a horse back in two weeks when you don’t have to,” West said.
While Maximum Security is out, Country House, the 65-1 horse who became the Derby winner after the stewards’ historic decision, is not yet committed to the 1-3/16th-mile race either.
Country House’s trainer Bill Mott remained uncommitted to the second leg of the Triple Crown during an interview on CNN Tuesday morning.
The Preakness would be Country House’s fourth race in two months. After a disappointing fourth-place finish in the March 23 Louisiana Derby, the decision was made to run the colt in the April 13 Arkansas Derby. His third-place finish at Oaklawn secured enough qualifying points to guarantee a spot in the Kentucky Derby.
“We’re talking about a horse who has had quite a few races in a short period of time, if he runs in the Preakness,” Mott said earlier this week. “It may compromise his chances a bit and it’s not a normal situation to run so often, but the Triple Crown is not a normal situation.”
Trainer Bob Baffert announced Monday that Improbable, who finished fifth in the Derby before the stewards’ ruling moved him to fourth, will race in Baltimore. Baffert told the Daily Racing Form that Mike Smith would ride the colt.
Preakness Odds
Even with so many question marks regarding the Preakness field, US Racing has released odds for the Pimlico Grade I stakes race. Improbable currently sits at 15-2.
As of Wednesday morning, Code of Honor, who ended up second in the Derby after the stewards’ ruling, is the 5-2 favorite. Country House is 3-1, while War of Will and Tacitus are 4-1. Game Winner is 5-1.
Among the longer shots are Vekoma at 11-1 and Laughing Fox at 12-1. Laughing Fox, trained by Steve Asmussen, earned an automatic bid into the Preakness after winning the Oaklawn Invitational Saturday at the Arkansas track.
OP-ED: In Making the Kentucky Derby Results Right, Horse Racing Still Gets It Wrong
65-1 Country House Wins Kentucky Derby Thanks to Disqualification
Kentucky Derby Once Again Breaks Betting Records for Churchill Downs
Kentucky Derby 145: Sorting the Contenders from the Pretenders in the Run for the Roses
Entrapped Epiglottis Forces Favorite Omaha Beach Out of Kentucky Derby
Steve Bittenbender — May 5, 2019
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The food medic for life
As someone who juggles many jobs between being a doctor, a personal trainer and an author, I understand how difficult it can be to prioritise food a...
Emergency admissions
A glimpse into the extraordinary world of ambulance driving from the man behind the wheel.'Heart-stopping, eye-opening and jaw-dropping. Sometimes pai...
Tender is the scalpel's edge
Glimpses from the journal of an NHS consultant surgeon. What is it like to be the senior surgeon when a young woman is brought to casualty with a life...
Integrative pediatrics
Pediatric integrative medicine is a rapidly evolving field with great potential to improve the quality of preventive health in children and expand tre...
A dictionary of nursing
The new edition of this bestselling and trusted dictionary has been fully updated and revised to take account of recent developments in nursing practi...
Master the Boards USMLE Step 2 CK
Always study with the most up-to-date prep! Look for Master the Boards USMLE Step 2 CK, fifth edition, ISBN 9781506235943, on sale February 5, 2019.Pu...
Freaks, geeks and Asperger syndrome
Part of the Reading Well scheme. 27 books selected by young people and health professionals to provide 13 to 18 year olds with high-quality support, i...
The 150 healthiest foods on earth
This is a comprehensive user-friendly guide to preventing, reversing, and managing chronic pain form two of the top leading specialists in the field t...
A mind of your own
Depression is one of the UK's leading causes of disability. One in four women in their 40s are prescribed antidepressant drugs BUT depression is a sig...
Mathematics for the life sciences
An accessible undergraduate textbook on the essential math concepts used in the life sciencesThe life sciences deal with a vast array of problems at d...
Viruses are big news. From pandemics such as HIV, to swine flu, and SARS, we are constantly being bombarded with information about new lethal infectio...
They Called It Shell Shock
They called it Shell Shock provides a new perspective on the psychological reactions to the traumatic experiences of combat. In the Great War, soldier...
Rare Vascular Disorders
In this era of evidence-based medicine, clinicians treat common conditions according to guidelines and protocols derived from the results of randomise...
Am I dreaming?
'Wonderful' Philosophy Now __________________________ When a computer goes wrong, we are told to turn it off and on again. In Am I Dreaming?, scienc...
Breakfast with the centenarians
Learn the art of growing old from the supercentenarians living life to the fullest. It's said that life begins at 40 - but that number is constantly ...
Oxford textbook of advanced heart failure and cardiac transplantation
Heart failure is epidemic throughout the world. A growing incidence and prevalence has resulted in a large population of individuals transitioning to ...
Enzymes are the astonishing, tiny molecular machines that make life possible. Each one of these small proteins speeds up a single chemical reaction in...
In this enlightening (Jane Brody, New York Times) book, Harvard Medical School physician Angelo E. Volandes offers a solution to traumatic end-of-li...
MEDICINES ETHICS AND PRACTICE 44E
Indigenous elites and Creole identity in colonial Mexico, 1500-1800
Modern Mexico derives many of its richest symbols of national heritage and identity from the Aztec legacy, even as it remains a predominantly Spanish-...
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Volunteers tie blue ribbons to remember Kaden Young
Cambridge, Ont. residents are starting a blue ribbon campaign for Kaden Young, a three-year-old boy swept away by the Grand River flood.
Residents of Cambridge, Ont. want to tell Young family that they're 'thinking of Kaden'
Peggy Lam · CBC News · Posted: Mar 05, 2018 5:00 AM ET | Last Updated: March 5, 2018
Residents in Cambridge tie blue ribbons to trees along the Grand River in Galt to remember Kaden Young and his family. (Peggy Lam/CBC)
Residents in Cambridge, Ont. who are unable to assist with the search of Kaden Young, a three-year-old boy swept away by the Grand River flood, are tying up blue ribbons in their city to remember him.
"We just wanted to do something," said Alicia Brown, the organizer of the campaign.
Volunteers continue search for Kaden Young 1 week after he was swept away by Grand River
"To let the family know that we're thinking about them ... trying to feel like we're helping in whatever way we can."
Mayor of Grand Valley aids search for missing Kaden Young
Volunteers met up on Sunday morning to tie ribbons up on trees near the Grand River, covering the trails from St. Andrews Street and Grand Avenue South, crossing the Concession Street bridge, to Mill Race Park.
Kaden Young, 3, has been missing since he was pulled from his mothers arms and swept into the Grand River near Orangeville, Ont., early Wednesday Feb. 21 morning. (Submitted by the Young family)
Located approximately 100 kilometres away from Orangeville, Ont. — where Kaden was swept away — Brown, who has a son that's "Kaden's age," said she was heartbroken to hear about what happened.
"Even just being along the river today, hanging the ribbons, just feeling how cold it was and seeing how fast the water is rushing, just knowing he's still out there, it's just horrible," she said.
Fundraising through stickers
Brown said she was liasing with Theresa Barnes for the event, another resident of Cambridge who is fundraising money for the Young family.
Volunteers tie ribbons on trails located near the Concession Street bridge, to Mill Race Park in Cambridge, Ont. (Submitted by Theresa Barnes)
Barnes, a business owner of KTB Rustic Chic Designs, is making blue-ribbon decals and stickers with Kaden's name on them to sell and provide money to the family.
"We don't have a set goal, whatever we raise we are happy with," said Barnes.
"This is something small that we can do to help out the family during this difficult time."
She meets up with other businesses to ask them to sell the stickers on her behalf, marking them at $5 per piece.
So far, five local shops — the Black Badger, KW Imports & Wholesale, KW Vintage Games, The Sharing Squirrel, and Cambridge Appliance have jumped on board, and Barnes has raised $585 since Friday.
"My heart hurts for Kaden and his family. I can't imagine what they are going through," she said.
The blue ribbons will be up until Kaden is found.
Search for Kaden Young, swept away in Grand River, to be scaled back
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Kashish to release 4 LGBTQ short films in eight cities on 21 and 22 January
Actress Konkana Sensharma and director Tanuja Chandra, who have collaborated for the film A Monsoon Date, shared their reactions.
Mumbai - 19 Jan 2020 8:30 IST
Konkona Sensharma in a scene from A Monsoon Date
The Kashish Mumbai International Queer Festival has made a mark over the years as a platform to screen films that tell stories of the LGBTQ community. Now, for the first time, four of its short films will be released in theatres on 21 and 22 January in eight cities — Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Nagpur and Chandigarh.
The four shorts — A Monsoon Date, U For Usha, The Fish Curry and Ladli — will be released at various PVR outlets in these eight cities on the two dates through the medium Vkaao.
Festival founder, director and filmmaker Sridhar Rangayan said of the development: "This is a historic moment in the Indian LGBTQ movement, where Indian LGBTQ short films can be watched on the big screen as a ticketed event in PVR cinemas. We can feel the palpable excitement of filmmakers who are finding a voice to reach across to audiences. We are thankful to Vkaao along with PVR Cinemas and BookMyShow for making this dream come true. We sincerely hope audiences will fill the theatres and give this initiative a big push.”
Konkona Sensharma, who plays the lead in A Monsoon Date, said in an official statement, “I am so excited that our film A Monsoon Date is releasing in theatres. This is the first time I am playing a trans-character, but this is definitely not the last.”
Highlighting the importance of telling stories related to the LGBTQ community, Sensharma added, “I think when we exclude LGBTQ from society, from our films, we tell an incomplete story of the world. That’s why platforms like this are important to share lives and experiences of a collective humanity. I hope the film and Kashish will spread love and spread pride.”
A Monsoon Date is directed by Tanuja Chandra. She, too, shared the excitement, saying, “Who would have thought this is possible for an LGBTQ film! Audiences in eight cities who would not have attended film festivals can now watch four short films and gain deeper understanding about people belonging to the LGBTQ community. Is there a bigger purpose that stories can serve or a bigger reason to make them! Fingers crossed, [may] the halls get full for those two days so that we can make more and more of these films.”
The organizers shared their marketing strategy for the screenings. “Kashish has tied up with various organizations and film clubs to promote the screenings, like the Queer Azaadi March (Mumbai), FilmBooth (New Delhi), Prantakatha (Kolkata), Pride Circle (Bangalore), Cinephiles Film Club and Hyderabad Swabhimana Yatra (Hyderabad), Out & Loud Pune Queer Film Festival (Pune), Sarathi Trust (Nagpur) and Mangalmukhi Transgender Welfare Board (Chandigarh),” said a statement from the makers.
Kashish Mumbai International Queer Film Festival
Sridhar Rangayan
Screenwriter, Associate Producer, Director
Actor, Director, Story Writer
Tanuja Chandra
Story Writer, Director, Screenwriter
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Tim McGraw & Faith Hill: “It’s Your Love”
Classic, Country Music
Tim McGraw & Faith Hill’s Amazing Duet
“It’s Your Love” was recorded and performed by country stars Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. American record producers Byron Gallimore and James Stroud were the ones who produced the song. Moreover, it was released in May 1997 as the first single from McGraw’s fourth album, Everywhere.
Via John Shearer/WireImage/People
Upon its release, “It’s Your Love” has been nominated by the Grammy awards. The song was on the top spot for six weeks. It also sold more than a million units worldwide. It had won multiple country awards and had become the most successful single in their careers.
Song’s Theme
Photo Credits: Tim McGraw/Official Facebook Home Page
It’s your love
It just does something to me
It sends a shock right through me
I can’t get enough
And if you wonder
About the spell I’m under
Oh it’s your love
Everyone’s dream is to hear these words from someone whom they are deeply in love with.
The idea of being in love and being loved back shows the love we all deserve. We must treasure the love that was given to us before regretting someday that the love we let go was the love we needed in our lives.
Furthermore, building a relationship with someone requires love, patience, and sincerity.
Love plays the most important role when it becomes a foundation in building a relationship. Second is patience. The relationship is not always perfect, but what matters is the person stays with you when storms come in your relationship. Last but not least is sincerity, being genuine towards your love. Sincerity means being free from dishonesty. If you want your relationship to last forever, never ever lie to your partner.
Here is the official video of “It’s Your Love” which captured the most attention of the country fans. McGraw and Hil had been married for less than seven months when the song was released. As you notice in this video, Hill showed off her pregnancy with their first child, Gracie.
In 1997, the music video had won ACM awards.
To read more articles about your favorite country stars and country songs, feel free to visit our website or follow us on Facebook.
classic hit, faith hill, It's your love, tim mcgraw
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Remembering 9/11 16 Years After
In the Kenny Dixon Car Crash, Police Report Suggest Speed as a Factor
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Old Tappan Office Space
Old Tappan Retail Space
Old Tappan Industrial Space
257 West 38th Street, New York, NY 10018 - Industrial Space
257 West 38th Street is located at 257 West 38th Street in the Old Tappan neighborhood, NY, New York, 10018. The Class C Industrial building was completed in 1928 and features a total of 78,302 Sqft.
There are 15 industrial spaces for lease in the Manhattan city, totaling 109,123 Sqft of available industrial space.
In Old Tappan, there are 22 class C industrial buildings. In 1928, the same year 257 West 38th Street was built, 628 more commercial properties (office, industrial, retail) over 50,000 square feet were built in New York, featuring 10,724,346 square feet of commercial space. At zip code level, there are 175 commercial properties, of which 2 are industrial buildings over 50,000 square feet.
240 Route 17, Lodi, NJ 07644
10 & 50 Maple Street
10 Maple Street, Norwood, NJ 07648
330 & 340 Washington Avenue
330 Washington Avenue, Carlstadt, NJ 07072
250 Moonachie Avenue
250 Moonachie Avenue, Moonachie, NJ 07074
Kingsland Meadowlands - Building B
NWC Valley Brook Avenue & Disposal Road, Lyndhurst, NJ 07071
1247 Grand Street
1247 Grand Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211
639 McDonald Avenue
639 McDonald Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11218
1150 Metropolitan Avenue
Neighborhood Old Tappan
Building Class C
What is the total square footage of 257 West 38th Street?
257 West 38th Street totals 78,302 square feet.
257 West 38th Street was built in 1928.
Old Tappan Demographics
Median Household Income$124,346
New York City Industrial Space Listings
Bronx Industrial Space Listings
Secaucus Industrial Space Listings
Carlstadt Industrial Space Listings
Newark Industrial Space Listings
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July 20, 2011 20 Jul'11
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Microsoft offers $250k reward for information on cyber criminals behind the Rustock botnet
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Cisco to axe 10,000 jobs
Cisco Systems may cut as many as 10,000 jobs, roughly 14% of its workforce, to combat weak profit growth, according to Bloomberg.
Cyber terrorism set to increase after al-Qaeda calls for more cyber attacks, says government
Cyber terrorism will become an increasing problem as the tools and techniques needed for cyber attacks become more widely available, according to a report on the government's new counter-terrorism strategy.
Cloud computing drives datacentre IT infrastructure spending growth
Driven by the adoption of private as well as public cloud services, spending on datacentre IT infrastructure is set to grow to $40bn in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) by 2015, according to analyst research.
Infosys changes name and splits into four vertical sector divisions
Infosys has split itself vertically to enable it to do more work in specific business sectors, while a change of name reflects its broader remit.
Sifting through the wreckage of the failed £469m FireControl public sector IT project
The failure of the government's £469m FireControl project has been widely condemned as a monumental waste of money, with the government now attempting to achieve interoperability and resilience between fire and rescue control rooms at a cost of £81m...
Police breaches of Data Protection Act highlights problem faced by all businesses, says Cyber-Ark
Police breaches of the Data Protection Act revealed last week by civil liberties watchdog Big Brother Watch highlight a problem faced by all organisations, according to identity management firm Cyber-Ark.
Global critical infrastructure supplier uses Microsoft SDL to reduce cyber attack risk
A supplier of automation and software systems to the global manufacturing and critical national infrastructure industries has partnered with Microsoft to reduce the risk of cyber attacks.
IT professionals get multiple job offers and double-digit pay increases as demand surges
Demand for IT skills has increased as businesses begin to re-invest in IT and professionals with particular IT skills are receiving multiple job offers and double-digit pay increases if they switch employers.
Microsoft packs a lot into July’s four Patch Tuesday security updates
Microsoft is to release only four security updates in this month's Patch Tuesday security update, but these will cover 22 vulnerabilities in Windows and Office.
Steria staff at Identity and Passport Service strike over pay following PCS union ballot
Over 160 Steria employees working for the Home Office's Identity and Passport Service are to strike over poor pay.
SAP creates 100 jobs in Ireland to expand technical and R&D functions
SAP will create 100 jobs in Dublin and Galway as part of an expansion programme in Ireland.
Police officers routinely breach Data Protection Act, says civil liberties watchdog
Police breaches of the Data Protection Act is an endemic problem across the country, with 904 officers and staff having been subject to internal disciplinary procedures, according to research from civil liberties watchdog Big Brother Watch.
Businesses understand social media risks but fail to take precautions, says survey
Businesses are using social media without taking adequate measures to monitor staff activity, which could open them up to security attacks and create compliance risks.
Systems integrators could take stake in police agency, says IT chief Gordon Wasserman
Systems integrators that were paid billions to supply police computer systems could take a stake in the agency managing their contracts when it is privatised next year, police IT chief Gordon Wasserman has told Computer Weekly.
Transport for London appoints Steve Townsend to new combined CIO role
Transport for London has appointed Steve Townsend, director of information management at London Underground, as CIO.
Communications minister Ed Vaizey says US ISP piracy deal could pave way for UK
The top five US internet service providers (ISPs) have agreed with film and music producers to issue warnings to customers suspected of online piracy and to take action against repeat offenders.
Financial services industry eyes social media as law changes IFA fee structures
The financial services industry could prove an ideal home to social media applications as government legislation scheduled for 2012 looks set to transform a sector which has changed little in hundreds of years.
Anonymous attacks Turkish government websites in Antisec campaign protest
Hacker group Anonymous has hacked and defaced Turkish government websites in protest against internet filtering rules to be introduced in Turkey in August.
FireControl project failed because of inadequate EADS contract, MPs told
The failure of the canned £469m FireControl project was due to an inadequate IT contract, MPs were told at a Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
Government opens up data on NHS, schools, criminal justice and transport
The government is opening up public data from the National Health Service, schools, criminal courts and transport as part of its transparency drive.
Industrial action will encourage secure home working, SecurEnvoy survey reveals
More than half of London workers believe the threat of future strikes will encourage employers to enable staff to work from home.
ICO calls on UK businesses to open their doors to audits and reduce data breaches
Private enterprises make up a third of data security breach claims, but despite this, many continue to resist the offer of an audit by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), according to the privacy watchdog's latest annual report.
Business analyst skills shortage continues as IT job market grows
Business analysts are the IT staff most in demand for permanent and contract roles, according to KPMG.
Microsoft Office 365: Could security be the differentiator?
Since the release of Microsoft's Office 365 cloud-based service, the pros and cons of how it stacks up against its competitors in terms of cost and usability have been hotly debated, but it is Office 365's security credentials that really sets it ...
Tech City gets royal endorsement from Kate and Will
In what may seem an unlikely endorsement by some, London's "Tech City" is to receive the royal seal of approval by Kate and Will, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
Hackers publish 17,000 e-mail addresses and passwords from US government and military
A hacker group has stolen and published around 17,000 e-mail addresses and passwords from the US government and military sources.
International cybersecurity alliance gets business backing
Businesses are backing an initiative to provide private sector training, expertise and equipment to help struggling overseas law enforcement agencies fight cybercrime.
CFOs rule the IT budget, survey finds
CIOs are increasingly losing control of major IT spending to their chief financial officers, according to a survey.
PayPal UK’s Twitter account hacked
In another high-profile Twitter attack, hackers have hijacked PayPal UK's Twitter account and posted tweets critical of the online payment processing company.
Morgan Stanley loses personal data of 34,000 customers
The personal details of 34,000 customers of investment bank Morgan Stanley could have fallen into the wrong hands after compact discs went missing during transit.
Citrix CEO hedges cloud bets on customer demand for web collaboration tools
At Citrix's annual Synergy conference in May 2011, the company introduced its "personal cloud" concept to replace traditional desktop computing and cater for IT departments supporting multiple devices, delivering on-demand applications and desktops,...
Capgemini launches software development apprenticeships to secure future workforce
IT services supplier Capgemini will create 24 higher apprenticeships in software development for school leavers.
Vaizey says US could boost UK plans to clamp down on piracy
The UK government is still looking for a way to stop websites from hosting pirated material or streaming live sporting events without permission.
Gloucestershire moves to multi-agency collaboration for children’s services
Gloucestershire County Council's has joined up its children's services in a five-year contract with Liquidlogic.
Vaizey claims to favour light-touch regulation in the communications sector
Communications minister Ed Vaizey has claimed he favours a light-touch approach to regulation in the communications sector.
UK government calls on all sectors to play a role in cybersecurity
Cybersecurity demands the efforts of the whole of society, says UK armed forces minister Nick Harvey.
National Audit Office casts doubt on smart meter roll-out cost
The National Audit Office says it expects the cost of implementing smart meters across the UK to exceed the current budget and questions how a critical change in consumer behaviour will be stimulated.
Tesco Bank customers back online after migration glitch
Tesco Bank has confirmed its online services are now fully operational after some customers were unable to log into their savings accounts.
Government IT strategy ‘lacks detail on delivery', say MPs
The government's IT strategy is hugely ambitious but lacks detail about how it will be delivered, a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report has found.
Police-led ICT company will replace NPIA, says home secretary
Home Secretary Teresa May has announced plans to create a police-led ICT company to replace the National Police Improvement Agency.
Chrome boost as IE and Firefox market share decline
Microsoft's share of the worldwide internet browser market continued to decline as Google's Chrome and Mozilla's Firefox stole market share over the past 12 months.
BCS open letter urges government to adopt Hargreaves report copyright law reform
The British Computer Society and The Coalition for a Digital Economy are among the signatories of an open letter to the Prime Minster, urging the government to change UK copyright law to support the digital economy.
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https://www.concordia.ca/content/shared/en/news/main/stories/2020/11/12/from-sustainability-to-movember-concordias-student-groups-persevere-in-the-face-of-covid-19.html
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From sustainability to Movember, Concordia’s student groups persevere in the face of COVID-19
Events take new forms, but maintain the same goal — to spread awareness and collect funds for the broader community
By Narmeen Imam
Image courtesy of Movember
The COVID-19 pandemic may have halted in-person activities, but Concordia student groups are still hosting various fundraising and educational events online.
Members of CASA Cares recently recruited a new team of 13 commerce and administration students to run programming and raise money for Movember, an annual international men’s health event throughout the month of November.
Mathilde Vanderland is president of JMoSB, the subgroup under CASA Cares that is in charge of the Movember initiative. She says they’ve brainstormed many ideas for games and competitions, and luckily, one of their main annual events was already planned for online.
“Our Mo Matchup Cup is a competition between John Molson subsidiaries, where each group competes in four rounds during the month of November,” Vanderland explains. “The teams create pictures and aim at getting the most funds through their views and shares.”
The team with the most points and donations wins the competition.
Usually, CASA Cares also hosts a social event at the end of the month to collect donations through raffles and auctions. “That’s where we tend to raise the most money, but it will definitely be different this time,” Vanderland admits.
Instead her the team is organizing an online panel event with different guest speakers who will be talking about key topics surrounding mental health and the effects brought by COVID-19.
“We want to shift the focus this year toward spreading awareness and getting the conversation started, which is why the event is free and accessible to anyone, from anywhere,” she adds.
Last year, the JMoSB team collected $18,500, which was the highest amount of donations reached by the group since their start in 2011.
“We’re still aiming at raising as much money as possible through different activities and competitions, but the COVID-19 pandemic has affected people’s financial security this year.”
Even though most events are being conducted remotely, Vanderland says that participating in student groups is a great chance for Concordians to connect, enjoy fun activities, all while supporting important causes.
Sustainability under a pandemic
Similarly, student-led group Sustainable Concordia has also been planning and hosting events remotely.
Founded in 2002, Sustainable Concordia is a resource initiative led by students aimed at bridging the gap between the student body and the Concordia administration on issues of sustainability. Most of their events this term consist of panels and workshops, which are being delivered entirely online.
“It can be challenging to keep individuals engaged, especially because it’s easier to zone out when you’re always on Zoom,” says external and campaigns coordinator Emily Carson-Apstein.
“We’ve been trying to make things as interactive as possible by adding raffle prizes or offering little games, which is what we did during our online annual general meeting in September.”
Sustainable Concordia’s eight-week-long workshop course Organizing Sustainability, which addresses the basics of community organizing for sustainability and environmental justice, is also taking place online, but its structure will remain similar to previous years. Though applications for the fall term are closed, students and community members can apply for the winter.
Last summer, Sustainable Concordia hosted The World Beyond COVID-19, a five-part webinar series in collaboration with The Refugee Centre and CEED, with more than 20 guest speakers from across the world.
“In some ways, there’s been better attendance than in the past years because it’s easier to join online rather than physically attend,” Carson-Apstein notes.
“We can go through university by simply attending classes and getting good grades, which is great. Or we can put in the extra effort in our community, putting what we learn to concrete use, which I think is a really valuable thing to do.”
Find out more about student groups at Concordia.
community associations & clubs students COVID-19
Concordia’s student groups find creative ways to promote engagement during the pandemic
Concordia business students and alumni will collectively run 160 km for Syrian relief
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https://www.concordia.ca/content/shared/en/news/main/stories/2020/11/24/concordias-reussir-en-francais-introduces-initiatives-to-support-french-language-learning.html
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Concordia’s Réussir en français introduces initiatives to support French-language learning
‘We’re leveraging the talent and expertise of our department to make resources accessible anytime, anywhere’
By Taylor Tower
Réussir en français is Concordia’s hub for developing and strengthening French-language skills.
A year after its launch, the initiative of the Département d’études françaises in partnership with the Office québécois de la langue française is introducing projects to reach more of the university community.
“We’re leveraging the talent and expertise of our department through social media to make French-language learning accessible anytime, anywhere,” says Denis Liakin, professor and chair of the department.
Sarah Brisebois-Kirk (BA 19), a conversation group facilitator and études françaises alumna, was hired to curate a Réussir en français Instagram account. Launched in September, it offers bite-size lessons on grammar, vocabulary and more. The account already boasts more than 600 followers.
Brisebois-Kirk is also assisting the department’s Svetla Kaménova in the development of linguistic video capsules featured on the Réussir en français website. These videos cover common grammatical and linguistic as students prepare for tests and complete homework assignments.
Conversation groups
In addition, the department moved their conversation groups online as a pilot after the COVID-19 crisis shutdowns. Open to faculty members as well as students and staff, the weekly groups held in the summer had the highest turnout in the department’s history despite being online only.
Close to 300 members of the university community participating in the virtual conversation groups.
Chloe Lei, a teaching and research librarian in the Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science, was one such participant. She says she particularly liked the small size of the group and the variety of activities.
“We created a concept map on any topic we wanted using an online tool and shared it in class,” Lei says. “Mine detailed my food options during COVID-19 confinement, making use of very practical vocabulary.”
Lei adds that the opportunities to speak in the group were invaluable in helping her practice listening, writing and speaking.
French testing for immigration
As of July 2021, graduates, future graduates and temporary foreign workers who want to immigrate to Quebec through the Programme de l’expérience québécoise must take a standardized test in French, including the Test de connaissance du français pour le Québec (TCFQ).
At the moment, Concordia is the only Montreal university offering the test in person.
“We are proud to offer the TCFQ to the internal and external community,” says Malek Garci, coordinator of the French studies and French literature programs and the department’s TCFQ administrator.
“There’s been a huge response — all of our sessions for 2020 are full,” she notes.
Pascale Sicotte, dean of the Faculty of Arts and Science, says she is excited to see this program continue to flourish.
“I applaud the efforts of the Département d’études françaises in making sure our community has the tools they need to succeed in French today and into their future in Quebec.”
Learn more about Concordia’s Réussir en français hub and stay connected by visiting the Facebook and Instagram pages.
teaching Language training French
Concordia launches Réussir en français, a French-language learning hub
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Nasdaq: CFRX
Navigate ContraFect Corporation
Lysins
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Exebacase
Gram-negative Lysins
Developing drugs for drug-resistant, life threatening infections.
The next generation of anti-infectives.
We intend to develop and commercialize novel, first-in-class biologic therapies, known as direct lytic agents (DLAs), which includes lysins and amurin peptides, as new medical modalities to treat life-threatening infections, including those caused by drug-resistant pathogens. The increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance among bacterial pathogens has been widely recognized as an urgent public health threat by the CDC, the WHO and the Infectious Disease Society of America.
Our lead lysin, exebacase (CF-301) is an investigational product candidate that targets Staph aureus, including MRSA strains, which causes serious infections such as bacteremia, pneumonia and osteomyelitis. In the Phase 2 superiority study of exebacase, the clinical responder rate at Day 14 in MRSA patients treated with exebacase was nearly 43-percentage points higher than in MRSA patients treated with SOC antibiotics alone (74.1% compared to 31.3% (p=0.010)). In addition to the higher rate of clinical response, MRSA-infected patients treated with exebacase showed a 21-percentage point reduction in 30-day all-cause mortality (p=0.056), a four-day lower mean length of hospital stay and meaningful reductions in hospital readmission rates. The FDA has granted Breakthrough Therapy designation to exebacase for the treatment of MRSA bloodstream infections (bacteremia), including right-sided endocarditis, when used in addition to SOC antistaphylococcal antibiotics in adult patients, based on the final data from the Phase 2 superiority trial of exebacase.
We have advanced an engineered lysin therapeutic candidate, CF-370, with potent activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (“P. aeruginosa”) into IND-enabling activities. We believe CF-370 represents the first lysin to bypass the outer membrane of P. aeruginosa and to enable potent activity in human serum. We have also developed a novel, engineered variant of exebacase, CF-296, with potential as a targeted therapy for deep-seated, invasive biofilm-associated Staph aureus infections such as prosthetic joint infections.
Our research efforts remain focused on a broad-based Gram-negative discovery program which aims to identify, optimize and develop DLAs that target deadly Gram-negative pathogens. In addition to our lysin programs, we have discovered a novel class of DLAs, known as amurin peptides, which have displayed potent activity against a wide range of Gram-negative pathogens in preclinical studies, including deadly, drug-resistant P. aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii and Enterobacter cloacae bacteria species.
Exebacase (CF-301)
Exebacase is a novel, investigational lysin with potent activity against Staph aureus, including MRSA strains. Exebacase is being studied in clinical trials as a treatment for patients with Staph aureus bacteremia, including endocarditis.
View CF-301 »
We have discovered and engineered lysins which target and kill Gram-negative pathogens, including multi-drug resistant strains.
View Gram-negative Lysins»
Amurin Peptides
We have discovered a new class of direct lytic agents, antimicrobial peptides that have potent in vitro activity across a wide range of resistant Gram-negative pathogens.
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Drug resistance is a global crisis
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Our research platform enables the discovery of novel direct lytic agentsto with activity against specific bacterial pathogens.
Contrafect Corporation
We are focused on developing first-in-class biologic therapies for life-threatening, drug-resistant infectious diseases.
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Jennifer Drysdale
Entertaiment Tonight
Published: March 10, 2020, 7:12 pm
Tags: TV
'The Bachelor': Chris Harrison's Bombshell News to Peter Revealed: Why He Wanted to 'Pass Out'
Peter Weber didn't see this one coming.
A Bachelor's journey to the final rose is rarely easy, and Peter's was no different. During night two of the pilot's season finale of The Bachelor on Tuesday, fans finally found out the bombshell host Chris Harrison delivered to Peter just as he was about to make his final pick.
Chris joined Peter as he was preparing to propose at the stunning final rose set-up, revealing some shocking news about Hannah Ann's doubts. "To be honest, I'm not positive she's coming," he revealed.
"Does she know that Madison's not here?" Peter asked, obviously distraught.
"Not unless you told her," Chris answered.
"I feel like I'm going to pass out right now," Peter admitted in response to the news, walking away to collect himself.
During a January interview with ET, Chris teased the big news -- and the effect it has on Peter.
"Peter and I, going through this together, had no idea this was happening and how this was going to all come to an end. It's riveting, and it really is breathtaking and it'll break your heart," he said.
"You can't see this coming for a mile," Peter added.
Chris also said that Peter's season finale shocker isn't "comparable" to Hannah Brown's or Colton Underwood's. "It's completely unlike those stories the way it unfolds," he said. "This will stand alone and be epic for a completely different reason. It's not for an athletic event or feat, and it's not for the topsy-turvy twists and turns that was Hannah. His is more of an emotional ride and roller coaster at the end."
The Bachelor continues Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. ET's Lauren Zima will be recapping everything that goes down, directly after the episodes. Watch ET Live on your Roku, Apple TV or Amazon Fire TV or you can stream on Pluto TV and Samsung TV Plus.
Inside 'The Bachelor's Quest for Diversity in the Franchise (Exclusive)
Does 'Bachelor' Peter Weber Really Not Know His Own Ending? Breaking Down the Possibilities
Chris Harrison Says 'Bachelor' Peter Weber Did This 'Misleading' Thing With His Women (Exclusive)
Copyright (c) 2020 CBS Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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Lauran Neergaard
Published: September 9, 2020, 9:21 am Updated: September 9, 2020, 5:16 pm
Tags: Government, Anthony Fauci, Business, Health, Donald Trump, politics
Vaccine by Nov. 3? Halted study explains just how unlikely
Dr. Francis Collins, Director of the National Institutes of Health, attends a Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearing to discuss vaccines and protecting public health during the coronavirus pandemic on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020, in Washington. (Greg Nash/Pool via AP)
The suspension of a huge COVID-19 vaccine study over an illness in a single participant shows there will be “no compromises” on safety in the race to develop the shot, the chief of the National Institutes of Health told Congress on Wednesday.
AstraZeneca has put on hold studies of its vaccine candidate in the U.S. and other countries while it investigates whether a British volunteer's illness is a side effect or a coincidence.
“This ought to be reassuring,” NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins said before a Senate committee. “When we say we are going to focus first on safety and make no compromises, here is Exhibit A of how that is happening in practice.”
Scientists have been scrambling to develop a vaccine against the coronavirus since the outbreak began, and the U.S. has launched the world's largest studies — final-stage testing of three leading candidates, with three more trials set to come soon that will each recruit 30,000 test subjects.
Public health experts are worried that President Donald Trump will pressure the Food and Drug Administration to approve a vaccine before it is proven to be safe and effective, a concern senator after senator echoed on Wednesday.
“When it comes to a COVID-19 vaccine, we can’t allow President Trump to repeat his alarming pattern of putting politics ahead of science and public health," said Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, the committee's ranking Democrat.
The U.S. has invested billions of dollars in efforts to quickly develop multiple vaccines against COVID-19. But public fears that a vaccine is unsafe or ineffective could be disastrous, derailing the effort to vaccinate millions of Americans.
Collins said the public needs to understand the process behind telling when any vaccine candidate is ready for widespread use — one that by design is keeping both manufacturers and politicians in the dark until the evidence gels.
About 150 COVID-19 infections in a study of 30,000 people should be enough to tell if that candidate really is working — and an independent group of experts, not the FDA, gets to do the counting.
WHO MONITORS THE STUDIES?
Every vaccine trial is overseen by a “data and safety monitoring board,” or DSMB. These boards include scientists and statisticians who are experts in their fields but have no ties to either the government or the vaccine makers.
The top priority: watching for safety concerns, like the one that sparked a DSMB in Britain to pause AstraZeneca's vaccinations and alert its U.S. counterpart.
But this is the group that also will decide when each vaccine is ready to be evaluated by regulators.
In each 30,000-person study, about half the participants are given the real vaccine and half get dummy shots, and neither they nor their doctors know which is which. Only the DSMB has the power to unlock the code of who got which shot and peek at how the volunteers are faring before a study is finished.
The FDA can't even begin to consider approving a vaccine until the DSMB says the data is good enough for that debate, Collins stressed. Once that happens, the FDA has pledged to bring each candidate before a public vaccine advisory committee.
DOING THE MATH
The FDA already has told manufacturers it won't consider any vaccine that's less than 50% effective.
Say one vaccine trial records that 150 volunteers have gotten sick. The DSMB finds that 100 had received dummy shots and 50 had received the real vaccine. The expert group might decide that’s a promising enough vaccine to stop the study early so that the FDA can debate its merits, even before getting final outcomes from all 30,000 volunteers, said Dr. Larry Corey of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Institute, who is overseeing the U.S. government's vaccine studies.
On the other hand, if equal numbers from the vaccine and placebo groups got infected, the DSMB might declare a vaccine futile, he told The Associated Press. These panels also can calculate infections even before that 150 threshold is met, at set time points in each study.
“If your vaccine is at least 50% effective, you're going to know it because you're going to see a big skewing" of infections, NIH's Collins told the Senate's health, education, labor and pensions committee. “You count those events and you know whether it worked or not.”
ANSWERS UNLIKELY BEFORE THE U.S. ELECTION
Getting the right math before November, as Trump has promised, is “incredibly unlikely,” Corey said.
Collins expressed “cautious optimism” that one of the vaccines being tested will pan out by the end of the year but warned: “Certainly to try to predict whether it happens on a particular week before or after a particular date in early November is well beyond anything that any scientist right now could tell you.”
And even if a study has a spate of infections large enough to prove the effectiveness question, the DSMB also must be comfortable that there's enough evidence of safety before opening the books to the FDA. Generally, the FDA is requiring safety data from at least 3,000 people, Surgeon General Jerome Adams told the Senate panel.
This process isn't new — Phase 3 studies of vaccines and therapies are always done this way, though rarely in so bright a spotlight.
SUSPENDING A STUDY NOT THAT RARE
It’s not uncommon for pauses in research to investigate whether an unexpected health complaint is really related to a vaccine or not, Collins told senators worried about what the AstraZeneca suspension means for the nation's year-end goal.
“The reason we’re investing not in one but six different vaccines is because of the expectation that they won’t all work,” Collins said.
AstraZeneca gave no details on the illness, but Collins said it involved a “spinal cord problem.” Earlier-stage studies hadn't revealed any serious side effects, but that's a key reason for doing ever-larger phases of research — to widen the search for any reactions.
Final testing of two other vaccines is continuing, one created by the NIH and manufactured by Moderna Inc., the other made by Pfizer and Germany's BioNTech. Those two vaccines work differently than AstraZeneca's, which was developed by Oxford University, and the studies already have recruited about two-thirds of the needed volunteers.
Several vaccine candidates made by Chinese companies are in late stages of testing in various countries, but with smaller numbers of volunteers. Most health authorities are skeptical about a claim of vaccine success by Russia, which has test results from just a few dozen people.
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Lori Ann Taylor
Born on April 7, 1961
Departed on February 18, 2020
Visitation: Cole & Garrett Funeral Home, White House
Sunday February 23, 2020 2:00pm to 8:00pm
Visitation: Walnut Grove United Methodist Church
Monday February 24, 2020 12:00pm to 2:00pm
Life Celebration: Walnut Grove United Methodist Church
Monday February 24, 2020 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Click on the links above for maps and directions. View current weather.
Lori Ann Taylor, born on Friday, April 7th, 1961, departed from our presence at the young age of 58 on Tuesday, February 18th, 2020 at 2:24PM and entered into the Holy presence of her
Savior, Jesus Christ. She fought the long and hard fight, ran her race, finished her course, all the while keeping her Faith. Therefore, inheriting her eternal reward and being reunited with her
granddaughter, father and a host of other loved ones. She was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Ashton R. Taylor and father, Morris D. Taylor. Survived by her husband George Barry Taylor; sons, Craig “Hoss” Taylor, Cameron (Lacy Keith) Taylor, and Caleb Taylor; mother, Sara Faye Taylor; brother, Tim Taylor; sister, Gina (Jeff) Fain; grandchildren, Abbigail Taylor, Rhiannon Taylor, Karyna-Isabella Taylor, Mikaela Taylor, Zion Taylor, Matthew Slaven, Kayden Taylor and Fallon Taylor; as well as a host of nieces and nephews. Lori was a 1979 graduate of White House High School, where she served on the student council, played basketball and was a proud member of the White House Blue Devil Band of Pride playing trumpet and was named Best Female Marcher. She impacted everyone she came into contact with her contagious personality and playful nature. She will never be forgotten, but rather eternally loved! She was a beautiful and blessed woman, a faithful wife and a loving mother who cherished her most prized possession...her grandchildren; all 9 of them! Visitation will be at Cole & Garrett Funeral Home White House Sunday February 23 from 2-8 pm. Celebration of Life will be 2pm Monday February 24 at Walnut Grove United Methodist Church with visitation from 12 Noon until service time. Officiating will be Bishop Jason Daughdrill (Gateway Church, Shelbyville, TN); Pastor Steve Malone (Christ Worship Center, White House, TN); Pastor John Vida (Walnut Grove UMC, Cottontown, TN) Pallbearers - Craig “Hoss” Taylor, Cameron Taylor, Caleb Taylor, Tim Taylor, Justin Taylor, Andy Taylor, Jansen Fain, and Jeff Fain; Honorary Pallbearers - White House High School “Class of 1979” In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to High Point Hospice 300 Steam Plant Rd., Suite 220 Gallatin, TN 37066.
4 Comments to Lori Ann Taylor
Bobbie Jo Shumake
Faye, Tim and Gina:
We are deeply saddened by the news of Lori’s passing. May our prayers guide her soul to our Heavenly Father. Sincere condolences. The Shumake Family
Johnny & Lisa
Taylor Family- We are deeply sad to hear of Lori’s passing. May each of you be comforted through loving family memories, and may you find peace through your strong faith in Christ.
Our prayers are with you all today and in the days ahead. Johnny & Lisa
Jimmy Belcher, Jr.
Ms. Faye, Tim and Gina, We are very sorry for your loss. It is very tough to loose anyone much less your sibling and child. We are praying that you will find strength during this time and we will keep ya’ll in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless. The family of Jimmy Belcher
Candice Hall Parker
Please accept my deepest condolences of the passing of Lori. She was a wonderful team mate, classmate and very caring to all who crossed her path. May she rest in the arms of our lord and savior and rejoice that she is home.
Lifting all that loved her up in prayer at this most difficult time.
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DHHS.vic
Information about community support services that help improve the lives of vulnerable Victorians such as children and those living with a disability.
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Why We Can't Put Down Those French Fries
By Chuck Norris
According to neuroscientist Gordon M. Shepherd, in our brain, a french fry is identified as nearly perfect food. Potatoes are naturally sweet, but the french fry is also salty. Then there's the contrast of its crispy exterior and its warm, soft interior. Last, but not least, is its golden brown appearance. Now combine that with the savory fat of a burger and the carbonated sweetness of a soda and we immediately move into sensory eating overload.
Shepherd says the combination of these particular foods sets off a series of events in our brains. There's not much fiber in the meal, so we don't feel full while wolfing it down. The interplay among all these flavors constantly triggers a renewed interest in eating. It's all part of our daily trip through the "human brain flavor system." Shepherd and his colleagues are exploring how this complex process works and the chain reaction it puts in motion. It has led to a new field of study, called neurogastronomy, also the title of his book on the subject.
Traditionally, it has been believed that taste is what happens inside our mouths when we eat and drink. The study of neurogastronomy is finding that scores of other stimuli work in concert to create our experience — such as sound, scent and visual presentation of food — and that these experiences are as influential in how we experience food as taste. It is believed that learning how to tune the cerebral response more favorably to healthful foods might ultimately lead us all to healthier eating and healthier lives. Neurogastronomy also holds promise for managing disease, as researchers work to understand how a cancer patient's sense of taste changes during treatment and investigate how this insight might be used in creating satisfying diets for diabetics.
In the decade since its inception, the field of neurogastronomy has tried a number of experiments to prove its point, such as having diners experience a fine meal in a pitch-black restaurant. Not surprisingly, it greatly changed their experience and enjoyment of the meal. These findings set off a dining movement geared toward creating a multisensory environment, employing everything from wall projections to scent diffusers to illuminated plates to music synchronized to match the different courses of a meal.
Not that this is new. The fast-food industry has long mastered these triggers, with researchers analyzing every aspect of how their products are consumed to maximize enjoyment and sales.
Researchers are now studying how best to use non-taste-related sensations to drive healthy eating in school cafeterias, as well as at home, in an effort to advance healthful, affordable food. Among the innovations in the testing phase are the use of spoons that create the sensation of saltiness without any added sodium, healthy desserts served on specifically colored plates that naturally boost the perception of sweetness and maximizing the scent of food to make it taste richer without any added calories.
Beyond tricking our brains, the challenge is finding out what satisfies us and makes healthful food attractive in everyday cooking.
"A lot of that is finding ways to make people still feel satisfied without extra calories, fat and sugar," chef Leah Sarris, who runs Tulane University's culinary medicine program, told Grist.
"Doctors are dealing with a problem after it exists, but chefs can change the whole health of the nation," she added. "They are feeding people, which can cause or cure diseases. Chefs are starting to realize their impact on reversing health decline."
Meanwhile, David Shields, a food historian at the University of South Carolina, is combing Appalachia for remnants of some long-forgotten delicacies, such as morellos (sour cherries), tart Hicks Everbearing mulberries and Klondike strawberries. He believes that people are primed to embrace the particular flavors these fruits represent once again — what he calls a delicious paradox for the tongue of tartness and sweetness.
In the 1800s, sour and sweet were as inseparable as peanut butter and jelly. Popular in America were shrubs and switchels, refreshing elixirs made of vinegar, water and spices and lightly sweetened with honey, sugar or molasses. Back in the day, Southern households preserved their fruits in vinegar. Some of the nation's most popular berries were tangy, such as the Appalachian treats now being sought out.
By the middle of the 20th century, these tart-sweet delights had all but vanished. Sugar had become a flavor juggernaut, its success ushered in by sugarcane plantations, which released a flood of cheap sugar on the market. Before you knew it, households began preserving all the produce from their orchards in sugar instead of vinegar.
Once sugar became more abundant and affordable, who could resist? A love of sugar is part of our biology. According to molecular biologist Robert Margolskee, not only do receptors on our taste buds react to sugar but also specialized cells in the digestive tract release feel-good hormones that create the pleasing experience we associate with sweetness.
Flash-forward to 2015 and America's seriously unhealthy habit of consuming 22 teaspoons of sugar a day on average. But here's the good news: Sour is returning. Seems that as our taste for global foods grows more sophisticated, we're also rediscovering fermented foods, which enhance digestion, balance gut flora and boost the immune system. Similar claims have fueled growing sales of tangy Greek yogurt.
In the beverage aisle, shrubs and switchels are making a comeback, and sour beers, vinegar drinks, kefir and sour whey drinks are all making inroads.
That's a sour note that could be sweet news in advancing public health.
Write to Chuck Norris ([email protected]) with your questions about health and fitness. Follow Chuck Norris through his official social media sites, on Twitter @chucknorris and Facebook's "Official Chuck Norris Page." He blogs at http://chucknorrisnews.blogspot.com. To find out more about Chuck Norris and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.
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A daily advice column that harkens back to Anne Landers' signature style. Writer and mother Annie Lane writes in a voice that's sympathetic, funny and firm, offering common-sense solutions to life's dilemmas.
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The following is an article posted by WV Public Broadcasting By JESSICA LILLY
Gary Quarles
Gary Quarles lost his son in the Upper Big Branch disaster. Since then, he's looked for peace, understanding and justice.
Quarles wanted to see Don Blankenship held accountable for the conditions at the mine and the death of his son.
Listen to hear Gary Quarles's reaction to the indictment charges. Go to http://wvpublic.org/post/ubb-victims-father-reacts-blankenship-indictment#.VGYNKuCKFXI.facebook to listen to the video
Blankenship's Reputation
Quarles worked for Massey Energy as buggy operator for nine years and he knows first hand what kind of operation Blankenship was running.
“Don Blankenship’s name was known throughout Massey," he said.
Quarles says his son, Gary Wayne, knew Blankenship too. Gary said Blankenship made it known that he was the man in charge.
“He made himself known," Quarles said. "Since he’s the man in charge he’s the man to blame.”
Blankenship became known to most West Virginians when he threw more than $3 million into a West Virginia Supreme Court election back in 2004.
Will this indictment send a message?
Quarles still lives in Raleigh County, not far from the Upper Big Branch mine. He's often expressed his concerns about current coal miners. He hopes the indictment sends a message to the industry.
“It’s going to make any other top management people do what’s right," Quarles said, "When they think about falsifying records and lying about everything coming and going that, hey I might be the next one that has to go to jail.”
“Let’s get it done,” Quarles replied after asked if the indictments give him peace. "Just hearing about this it helps. Let's get the rest of it done and see what all happens."
Credit Mine Safety and Health Administration
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The People Flows
Few problems are as morally trying, and politically complicated, as dealing with the world's torrent of people seeking better lives.
International agreements set standards for treating those fleeing persecution. But asylum policies, even among well-established democracies, can vary widely and be swayed by nativist political impulses.
National immigration policies are difficult balancing acts. Often, one line of thinking wants to guard the door as closely as possible to secure jobs and social stability for those already inside. Another wants an open door to fill jobs that go begging and help spur the economy.
The moral imperative to treat people humanely competes with the political need to appear tough, particularly on illegal immigrants and asylum seekers who may be fleeing poverty more than repression.
Governments wrestling with these challenges span the globe:
*Britain is in the midst of a debate over the treatment of people seeking political asylum. Their annual numbers have grown from a few thousand a little over a decade ago to 70,000 now - with an unprocessed backlog of well over 100,000. The government is implementing tougher rules, including less public support and more detention for refugees.
*Germany, with a newly growing economy and a declining native population, wants to open its doors to more high-tech workers from India. But traditional anti-immigrant passions are aroused, fanned by heavy flows of refugees in recent years.
*Australia has been tightening its policies on asylum seekers in the wake of thousands of seaborne migrants mostly from the Middle East via Indonesia.
*North America faces persistent waves of illegal immigrants and refugees from China and, of course, Latin America. The United States has strived to speed up its overburdened asylum system. Both the US and Canada are trying to crack down on vicious smuggling operations that pack migrants in life-threatening conditions in the holds of container ships.
People smuggling, in fact, thrives from the Mediterranean to the Pacific. It's one measure of how desperate those seeking a new life are.
This desperation should call forth compassion. People must be humanely cared for. But borders and nationality still have meaning. Countries should process asylum applications as efficiently as they can to minimize stays in the limbo of detention centers. Immigration laws should set clear standards for admittance, but allow for flexibility in individual cases.
These balances have probably never been more difficult than in today's post-cold-war world. And never more important.
(c) Copyright 2000. The Christian Science Publishing Society
Why 55,000 migrants left Germany voluntarily, more than were deported in 2016
Everyone agrees the US needs to fix the border. But how?
Migrant arrivals in Germany drop in early 2017
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Women Directors 2021
Ma Rainey Sings the Blues with Passion and Rage
Kareem Tayyar and the Complexities of Joy
LIFE AFTER BIRTH APPLAUDS IMPEACHMENT NUMBER 2
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Leprechauns in Casinos and Language Classes: Interesting Ways the Irish Culture Has Gone Online
By Our Friends on November 23, 2020 inGamblingLifestyle
One of the great benefits of the internet is in how it has opened our eyes to different cultures from around the world. A good example of how this can be fun and also educational can be seen in the way that the Irish culture has benefited in different ways from worldwide exposure online.
Casino Games Featuring Leprechauns and Other Irish Images
Many of the images that we tend to associate with Ireland are crammed into casino slots that promise to transport us to the Emerald Isle. If we look at the Rainbow Riches slot game from Scientific Games, we can see that leprechauns, clovers, and pots of gold all feature. For instance, the Pots of Gold bonus involves the leprechaun choosing a pot of gold to award a prize.
This is far from being the only slot game to include the Irish theme for some extra excitement and memorable symbols. In fact, this is one of the most popular themes used in many online casinos, with games such as Leprechaun’s Magic Megaways, Luck O’ the Irish Fortune Spins, and Irish Riches Megaways all set in a fun, colorful version of Ireland where leprechauns roam and pots of gold can be spotted.
Online Courses in the Irish Language
The Irish language is also known as Gaelige, and it has been in danger of extinction more than once in the country’s long history. Currently, it listed in the Constitution of Ireland as the national and first official language of the country. Yet, recent surveys suggest that only around 4% of Irish citizens use it on a daily basis outside of classes.
It is now far easier to learn Irish thanks to the presence of classes on the internet. In the past, learning the language outside of Ireland was extremely difficult, but online classes mean that your present location isn’t an issue. This list from the IrishCentral site of the best sites for learning Gaeligie includes Duolingo, Clilstore, and some social media groups.
A Look at the History and Ancient Culture
The first people to live in Ireland are thought to have arrived in 8,000 BCE. Since then, it has been a long and fascinating story of Vikings, Celts, Normans, and other influences. This has all added up to give the country one of the richest histories around, filled with legends of incredible characters and feats of bravery.
The internet gives us the simplest way to learn all about the past on this island, with a variety of free and paid courses explaining all about the Book of Kells, the founding of Dublin, the fight for independence, and much more. At FutureLearn you can choose from seven courses and Udemy also has a course on ancient Irish culture and society, while this guide from The Journal shows us some of the best places to find specific details online.
All of these sites and other online resources help us to understand more about the Irish culture, or else just enjoy some of the most interesting aspects of it whenever we feel like it.
Image by Joey Velasquez from Pixabay
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Lockheed Martin to helm Legion Pod production
Lockheed Martin has successfully bid for two contracts around the integration and production of Legion Pod, courtesy of F-15 prime contractor Boeing.
As part of the appointment, Lockheed Martin will look to fulfill a 28-month Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) contract and a separate Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) contract to produce 19 systems.
For the uninitiated, Legion Pod was previously chosen as the Infrared Search and Track system for the US Air Force’s F-15C fleet. Given it’s portability between platforms, early expansion plans are now in motion which will see Legion Pod integrated aboard the F-15E, F-16 and various unmanned systems.
As part of the EMD contract, Lockheed Martin will integrate, test and qualify Legion Pod for the US Air Force F-15C fleet. It is thought the first EMD units will be available in early 2019. Meanwhile, the first production and spares deliveries will begin in 2020 in support of the US Air Force’s Initial Operational Capability and fielding.
“With a fully integrated Legion Pod on the F-15 Eagle, the US Air Force will have a revolutionary capability to counter the most potent threats,” said Michael Williamson, Vice President of Sensors & Global Sustainment at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.
“Concurrent integration and production is a testament to both Legion Pod’s maturity and proven advanced capability that is urgently needed in the field.”
The post Lockheed Martin to helm Legion Pod production appeared first on Defence Online.
Key organisations set for DPRTE 2019 Innovation Zone
Scottish ‘pint-sized’ satellites launched into orbit
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"Don't be Afraid to Catch Feels" - Putting the Emotion Back into Customer Loyalty
Tesco announced this week its plan to offer changes to the Clubcard scheme. Consumers will now have the opportunity to request that the value of their points be turned into digital vouchers on demand rather than waiting for paper vouchers to be sent to them quarterly as currently.
Undoubtedly this is an improvement to the customer experience and a step towards the digital age but I can’t help but think that changing the redemption mechanic alone will transform the scheme.
Clubcard was at the forefront of loyalty schemes and remains hugely popular with latest estimates suggesting there are over 17 million card holders in the UK but when our wallets and purses are bulging with a plethora of cards from different retailers, can this really be called loyalty?
Nielsen research has found that 89% UK consumers hold a store loyalty card and that the average consumer holds 3.6 loyalty cards. The concept of ‘loyalty’ in itself is therefore something of a misnomer – in many categories, whilst points-based schemes are still the preferred mechanic (even for under 25’s according to Deloitte research), they have become an expectation rather than a reward. In other words, rather than us feeling valued or rewarded, we have been educated to believe points are a right not a privilege.
The dictionary definition of loyalty is 'a strong feeling of support or allegiance' but in many businesses this has been diluted into a repeat purchase metric. So how can brands transform this dynamic?... I can’t help but feel that many brands are missing two underlying consumer trends.
Firstly, whilst behavioural science and the irrationality of pricing decisions is widely acknowledged , it seems largely to have passed many loyalty schemes by. Phil Barden’s book Decoded gives a great overview of how cognitive biases impact our purchase decisions with a specific focus on pricing and Richard Shotton’s The Choice Factory is a must read for anyone interested in behavioural science.
However, it feels like most loyalty schemes assume we make rational decisions and that we are constantly calculating what feels like a ‘fair value exchange'.... spend more, get more.
It's not just me - they won the World Cup of advertising books!
One of my favourite everyday examples of how our rationality can be swayed comes from the tense family battleground of the Monopoly board. Now, should you wish to take an ultimately rational approach to your Monopoly feud this Christmas, rest assured there are those amongst us who have calculated the ROI of putting an additional house on each property (http://amnesta.net/other/monopoly/) .
Monopoly - a case study in symbolism overriding logic?
This shows that the shortest break-even time for an investment is the jump from 2-3 houses and that the move to hotels in particular is not a great financial decision. Equally, owning four stations is often a better strategy than putting houses on the board at all. The reality though is that we’re so busy chasing a prestigious street (Mayfair) or the kudos of owning those nice shiny hotels that we simply don’t think in that way at all.
Against this backdrop, it’s interesting that very few loyalty schemes have introduced any sense of irrational rewards into their schemes. Sure, there is the odd notable example (free coffee at Waitrose anyone?) but it feels like the points approach is a path too often trodden. Points are a familiar mechanic and easy for consumers to understand but this doesn't mean they can't be complimented by other more intangible rewards - the travel sector has long tapped into this within frequent traveller schemes.
This brings me to the second missing ingredient - the experience itself. Ever since Pine and Gilmore first coined the phrase The Experience Economy, it has widely been acknowledged that increasingly consumers are prioritising spend on experiences over spend on material goods. Estimates from the US show reveal that since 1987 spending growth on experiences has increased 70% relative to spend on material goods.
However, in the world of loyalty, the experience of redeeming and spending points remains a distinctly functional one. If you’re looking for inspiration here, look no further than the world of gaming. EA Sports claims there were 42 million console players player its Fifa title in 2017 with 1.6m users simultaneously playing online for Fifa 18’s opening weekend.
For those of you who think that a chemistry score is something only found in exam results, you might not be aware of one of the key reasons behind this success – Fifa Ultimate Team. Essentially, turbo charged Panini stickers for the gaming generation, it allows players to construct their dream line up by opening packs and completing challenges to unlock players. If you want to see how points can generate emotion, just scroll through the many pack-opening videos on YouTube.
In this arena, it is the element of surprise and delight which keeps playing coming back for more. Whilst this is quite common in sales promotions (think McDonalds long- running Monopoly game or Caffe Nero's Christmas Crackers) , there are very few loyalty initiatives which provide any genuine emotional engagement in the experience itself. In a world of hard conversion metrics, its sometimes easy to overlook the brand impact of customer facing initiatives. Pret have tried to counter this by giving discretion to their in store team which is a nice touch but it feels so many brands could do more here?
To use a recent personal anecdote, I recently unlocked a free flight through my BA Amex Card. It's a fantastic loyalty reward with very few restrictions other than an expiry date. However, the experience of unlocking this rewards was so dry it didn't feel in any way special. A note on my statement, a transactional e-mail, a barely functioning Avios website... you get the picture. A real missed opportunity to build genuine engagement both with BA and Amex and make me feel special.
Orange Wednesdays - a great offer with a great experience
Of course, these kind of emotional reactions can get missed if you're only looking at click through rates and redemption. The ground-breaking Orange Wednesdays for example had its biggest churn impact not amongst regular redeemers but amongst those who were aware of the offer but didn’t often take advantage of it. Sometimes it’s the feeling of getting rewarded not the rewards itself which provides the greatest customer benefit not a rational value exchange.
The challenge is in being able to capture and integrate these engagement metrics into the measures of success. Advances in technology mean that we can process more data than ever to build sophisticated models through which to to generate targeted offers and promotions for our customer base. However, we need to ensure we don't judge these schemes on redemption alone.
Hard metrics such as redemption rate, conversion and basket value are key to assessing the financial payback of the scheme but these need to be combined with a rich understanding of the emotions behind why and how consumers respond if we are going to truly assess the impact on brand engagement. We need to integrate our data to build up a picture of how customers feel not just what they do.
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Free Picks » NBA Picks » Brooklyn Nets at New York Knicks NBA Picks & Predictions 1/30/2018
Brooklyn Nets at New York Knicks NBA Picks & Predictions 1/30/2018
by Guy Bruhn - 1/29/2018
Get todays NBA odds and lines on this game.
The Brooklyn Nets head to Madison Square Garden to take on the New York Knicks on Tuesday, January 30, 2018. The opening line for this game has New York as 4.5 point favorites.
The Nets come into this game with an overall record of 18-32. They are 5th in the Atlantic Division. They currently have a point differential of -3.6 as they are averaging 105.2 points per game while giving up 108.8 per contest. The Knicks have an overall record of 22-28. They currently are 4th in the Atlantic Division. They are averaging 105.0 points per game and surrendering 106.2, good for a point differential of -1.2.
Valuable Brooklyn Nets Betting Trends
The Brooklyn Nets are 30-19-1 against the spread
The Brooklyn Nets are 20-29-1 against the over/under
Important New York Knicks Betting Trends
The New York Knicks are 26-24-0 against the spread
The New York Knicks are 27-22-1 against the over/under
Key Brooklyn Nets Injuries
10/19/17 PG Jeremy Lin Knee is out for season
01/27/18 G Caris LeVert Groin is "?" Tuesday vs New York
01/27/18 F Rondae Hollis-Jefferson Groin is "?" Tuesday vs New York
Key New York Knicks Injuries
No key injuries to report
Player Spotlight
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson comes into this game averaging 14.3 points per contest while playing 28.3 minutes per night so far this year. He grabs 6.5 rebounds per contest and distributes 2.3 assists per game. His FG percentage is 47% while his free throw percentage is 79%. DeMarre Carroll averages 13 points per contest in 29.2 minutes per game this year. He averages 1.9 assists per game and 6.7 rebounds per contest for Brooklyn. His field goal percentage is 40% for the season while his free throw percentage is 77%.
Enes Kanter has scored 13.8 points per contest while playing 25.4 minutes per game this season for the Knicks. He hauls in 9.9 rebounds per contest and has 1.4 assists per game on the season. His FG percentage is 60% and his free throw percentage is at 87%. Kristaps Porzingis averages 23.1 points per game this year and he's on the court an average of 32.8 minutes per game. He also brings in 6.7 rebounds per game and 1.2 assists per contest. His field goal percentage is 44% and his free throw percentage is 81%.
Useful Team Statistics
Brooklyn averages 105.2 points per contest this year, which is 15th in the league. Their average scoring margin is -3.56 and their shooting percentage is 44% as a unit, which has them ranked 30th. From 3-point territory they shoot 35%, which is good for 28th in the NBA. They average 45.5 boards per contest and 22.4 assists per game, which ranks them 4th and 15th in those offensive categories. In the turnover department they are 5th with 15.7 per game. The Nets allow 108.8 points per contest which is 24th in the NBA. They also surrender a 46% shooting percentage and a 36% average from 3-point range, ranking them 15th and 9th in defensive field goal percentage. Opponents average 46 rebounds a game which ranks 30th, and they allow 21.3 assists per game which puts them in 8th place in the league. They force 12.5 turnovers per game which ranks them 1st in the NBA.
New York is 18th in the NBA with 105 points per contest this season. They are 7th in the league in shooting at 47%, while their average scoring margin is -1.14. They shoot 37% from beyond the arc, which is good for 8th in the league. They are 13th in the NBA in rebounding with 44.1 boards per contest and 10th in assists per game with 23.3. The Knicks are 9th in turnovers per contest with 15.3. The Knicks give up 106.2 points per game, which ranks them 17th in the league. Their defense is surrendering a 45% shooting percentage and a 36% average from behind the 3-point line, ranking them 7th and 15th in those defensive statistics. They rank 18th with 23.1 dimes allowed per game and 5th with 41.6 boards surrendered per contest. The Knicks are 7th in the league in forcing turnovers with 13.7 per contest this year.
The Nets are 26th in the NBA in offensive rating with 105.3, and their defensive rating of 108.8 is ranked 14th. In terms of pace they are 6th in the league with 99.3 possessions per 48 minutes, and their effective field goal percentage of 50% is 25th. As a team they are 24th in the NBA in true shooting percentage with 54% and they shoot 3-pointers on 39% of their shots, ranking 2nd in the league. Brooklyn is 7th in turnovers, as they turn the ball over an average of 13.9 times per 100 possessions while forcing 11.2 on the defensive end. Their defensive effective field goal percentage for the season currently is 51%, which is 23rd in the league.
New York is 9th in the NBA in turnovers, as they turn the ball over an average of 13.9 times per 100 possessions while forcing 12.5 on the defensive end. Their defensive effective field goal percentage for the season currently is 52%, which is 21st in the league. The Knicks are 13th in the NBA in offensive rating with 108.1, and their defensive rating of 109.2 is ranked 10th. In terms of pace they are 19th in the league with 96.2 possessions per 48 minutes, and their effective field goal percentage of 52% is 14th. As a team they are 13th in the NBA in true shooting percentage with 56% and they shoot 3-pointers on 25% of their shots, ranking 30th in the league.
Who will win tonight's Nets/Knicks NBA game against the spread?
Guy's Pick: Take Brooklyn +4.5
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Firm Management Sponsorships Press Inquiries Careers
Professional Practices Business Litigation Insurance & Tort Litigation Real Estate Employment Practices Environmental Practices Government Relations Corporate Law
Publications News & Announcements Events & Conferences Roundtables
The Accountant/Attorney Liability Reporter: March 2009
New York Accounting Law Expands Oversight
By Cheryl A. Waterhouse, Esq.
As the country attempts to deal with a financial crisis, New York Governor David Paterson recently signed into law a bill designed to enhance public protection by ensuring greater accountability for CPAs. The law, which clarifies the current functions of accounting professionals, mandates more expansive regulation of the profession.
First Circuit Recognizes Applicability of Work-Product Doctrine to Tax Accrual Workpapers
By John B. Connarton, Jr., P.C.
In a decision issued by the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, the work-product doctrine, protecting documents from disclosure to an adversary, was held to apply to tax accrual work papers prepared by Textron, Inc. and sought by the IRS by way of an investigative subpoena. United States v. Textron, Inc., No. 07-2631 WL 136752 (1st Cir. January 21, 2009).
Document Retention for Accountants
By Justin M. Jagher, Esq.
Accountants have a distinctly different job than 25 years ago, when computers were still “new-fangled” and “e-filing” had not yet begun. It is important for accountants and their firms to remain up-to-date with technology and the legal ramifications of a constantly evolving world. Accountants must be aware of the rules pertaining to document retention and privacy; it is easier now more than ever to obtain information, and accountants must be able to navigate through the various rules and regulations to protect themselves and their clients.
Accountant Liability When a Corporation Commits Fraud
By Cheryl A. Waterhouse, Esq. & Eliana Nader
In a case in which all parties agree that accounting fraud was orchestrated and concealed by senior management of a corporation, should the corporation’s accountant be held liable to the unsecured creditors of the corporation in bankruptcy? A federal court in Pennsylvania found that senior management’s wrongful acts were imputed to the corporation and, because the corporation was substantially liable for its own injury, the claims against the accountant were barred. The Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit has asked Pennsylvania’s highest court for guidance on this issue before ruling on the appeal of that decision. The answers to the questions the federal court is asking could broaden the liability accountants have in cases in which their clients participate in fraud.
Law Firm Can Impose Financial Disincentives on Withdrawing Partners
A law firm’s partnership agreement, which imposes financial impediments on all partners who leave the firm voluntarily, does not violate public policy considerations protecting clients’ rights to choice of counsel, as set forth in the Massachusetts Rules of Professional Conduct. Pierce v. Morrison Mahoney LLP, 452 Mass. 718 (2008). Massachusetts’ highest court, which had previously held that a prior provision of the same firm’s partnership agreement did violate public policy because it imposed adverse consequences only on partners who left voluntarily and competed with the law firm, determined that, by treating alike all partners who leave the firm voluntarily, the partnership agreement did not limit client choice and thus did not violate public policy.
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ATSC 3
Sinclair Broadcast
Sinclair acquires two TV stations in Washington, DC
Sinclair Acquires two Class A TV stations in Washington, DC
Exciting Platform for Advanced Broadcast Internet Services
HUNT VALLEY, Md. — Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: SBGI) announced today the closing of the acquisition of two Class A television stations located in the Washington, DC market. In addition to traditional broadcast programming, the company plans to use channel capacity from one of the stations to provide advanced “Broadcast Internet” services to demonstrate the sophisticated datacasting capabilities of the NEXTGEN TV standard – ATSC 3.0.
WMTM, LLC sold WIAV-CD (Ch. 30, Washington, DC) and WDCO-CD (Ch. 24, Woodstock, VA) to Sinclair for $8.5 million. The two stations place a unique footprint over the nation’s capital, with WIAV being a “High-Power” Class A facility authorized to transmit at 48 kW and WDCO providing a standard 15 kW Class A signal. The two stations will operate from their own transmitter facilities but will be coordinated with Sinclair’s ABC affiliate in Washington, WJLA.
While operating in ATSC 1.0 service, WIAV will continue to provide UniMás programming pursuant to a channel sharing agreement with Entravision and will also broadcast the TBD Network. WDCO will broadcast the TBD programming, as well.
By converting WIAV to the NEXTGEN TV transmission standard, Sinclair will have a platform to demonstrate the multiple enhanced features of ATSC 3.0 “Mobile First” services. Based on the same fundamental technology as the Internet, digital apps, and other web services, NEXTGEN TV’s over-the-air signals can be easily integrated with broadband or 5G communication to create rich and engaging experiences, including customizable features based on user preferences and targeted content. No longer bound simply to fixed TV monitors, NEXTGEN TV can support a wide range of services across multiple device platforms. IP-based delivery of high quality Ultra High Definition video with immersive audio services to fixed devices can be supported. Additionally, delivering high-quality, data services to mobile devices will also be possible for the first time, along with an increased level of security and privacy. ATSC 3.0 will also power an Advanced Emergency Alert & Informing (AEA&I) system currently in development, enhancing the ability of local broadcasters to deliver critical safety information to viewers and first responders.
The station acquisitions coincide with the production of the first ATSC 3.0 broadcast-enabled cell phones developed by Sinclair through its joint venture with Saankhya Labs.
“We now have a prime showcase for the amazing features of NEXTGEN TV that members of Congress and the Federal Communications Commission can witness first-hand,” said Chris Ripley, Sinclair’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “This platform will enable us to show to policy makers directly the incredible advantages broadcasters can bring to the public through the efficient use of our broadcast spectrum. Looking ahead, as we deploy this technology throughout the country, we are eager for continued collaboration within our industry to realize the promise of NEXTGEN TV fully and are excited to bring this innovation to audiences everywhere, forever changing the way they use, and think of, broadcast television.”
To date, Sinclair, in cooperation with the broadcast industry, has deployed NEXTGEN TV in seven markets with more scheduled for conversion by year-end.
Links: Sinclair Broadcast
NextGen Video Information Systems Alliance creates three working groups
Seattle becomes latest large market to launch NEXTGEN TV
NEXTGEN TV launched in Raleigh, NC
NEXTGEN TV begins for five local TV stations in Oklahoma City
NEXTGEN TV launches on four local TV stations in Austin, TX
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Helambu-Gasainkund trek Join Now
Narphu Trek Join Now
Siklish Trek Join Now
Adventure Trek n Tours
The compelling fascination with the highest mountain range on Earth, the Himalayas, draws thousands of climbers and trekkers from around the world each year.
Discover Treks offer an 18 day jeep safari through Himachal Pradesh including the remote areas of Spiti. This trip is comfortable camping at its best. The group, limited to a maximum of 12 people, travels in 2200 cc Peugeot engine Armada jeeps; sleeps in base camps with deluxe 12′ tents with real beds (or in special 16mm fiber tents with foam carry mats and in rest houses where there are no base camps) and is served first class meals of Indian, Chinese or Continental cuisine. A jeep support vehicle with staff and supplies accompanies the group.
The ‘summer capital’ of British India sprawls along a crescent-shaped ridge at an altitude of over 2100 metres in southern Himachal Pradesh. This was the most important hill station in India before Independence. The famous main street, The Mall, runs along the crest of the ridge and is lined with stately English-looking houses, Christ Church, Gorton Castle and the fortress-like former Viceroyal Lodge. Along the narrow streets which fall steeply away from the ridge are colourful local bazaars. There’s an interesting walk to Jakhu Temple, dedicated to the monkey god Hanuman. It’s located near the highest point of the ridge and offers fine views of the town, surrounding valley and snow-capped peaks and literally hundreds of monkeys.
Lake Nako
Lake Nako and the village, at 2950m, with it’s beautifully sculpted terraced fields, grand views and gallant efforts at forestation, could be reason enough to call this unique location the Crown of Kinnaur. It also has it’s own monastery commemorating the sojourn of Padmasambhava, the first disciple of Buddha to Tibet, A check post at Sumdo, only 20 kms from the Chinese border, is the official entry to Spiti.
Kaza is the administrative centre of Spiti and its busiest market-place. People are friendly and curious, their hardiness sometimes an unintended mockery of foreign tourists suffering for the first time the effects of high altitude and the intense dryness of the air and environment. Hospitality is built into the tenuous condition of life and any request for assistance is generally met with humour and sympathy.
Ki Gompa (11km. from Kaza)
A side road from Kaza leads up to Ki (11kms) and Kibber (18kms) monasteries, and continues to Gete, the highest electrified village in the world. From there it is possible to walk down a very steep path back to Ki. This monastery is dramatically situated on the steep slopes of a rocky outcrop. The monks are most welcoming and busily engaged in construction maintenance, toward which any donation is gratefully accepted.
The fertile Kullu Valley in northern Himachal Pradesh rises northward from Mandi and Aut and heads toward the 3978-metre-high Rohtang Pass. In the south, the valley is little more than a narrow, precipitous gorge, but further north it widens into a beautiful region of stone-fruit and apple orchards, and terraced rice and wheat fields. This idyllic scene is dwarfed by huge deodar forests and the snow-crowned rocky peaks of the Parvati and Barabhangal ranges. The valley is home to friendly, devout and hard-working hill people, and to Tibetan refugees and nomadic shepherds.
Shimla to Spiti
From Shimla, the route descends sharply down to the Sutlej River and the ancient Hindustan-Tibet Road. Another 70 kms of increasingly winding road perched above the Sutlej river and we reach the confluence with the Baspa river at Karcham. We follow the Baspa, first narrow and steep for 18kms, then widening at Sangla village in a forested and cultivated valley of several villages. Orchards of apple and apricot are in full bloom and many households are still spinning and weaving woolen blankets with intricately designed borders on primitive wooden looms. The fortress temple of Kamru, with it’s beautifully carved wooden portals, clings precariously to the mountainside above Sangla watching over the peaceful activity of the valley. Continuing up the Hindustan-Tibet road, one passes, Rekong Peo and Kalpa, the administrative capital of Kinnaur. Taking the side road up to these towns, an indescribable panorama of mountains emerges to the East. The centrepiece is the holy Kinner- Kailash, one of the seven holy Kailash peaks spread across the Himalayas. At the confluence of the Sutlej and the Spiti rivers, the valley narrows alarmingly into the Dobling gorge and the road winds upward to the border of Spiti district.
Spiti is a high altitude desert and home to the endangered snow leopard presently under study in the adjacent Pin Valley National Park. The Spiti river flows south-east for 150 kms originating in the glaciers above KumzumLa, the 4900m. high pass leading to the district of Lahaul. From Sumdo the valley widens and recent efforts at forestation provide patches of soft green in an otherwise harshly eroded landscape. About 30 kms. upstream, the important monastery town of Tabo is a suprise in its simplicity. The single-storied sandstone and mud buildings of this 1000 year old monastery houses a most valuable collection of Tibetan Buddhist religious art. In the eleventh century, the Spiti area was called The Kingdom of Guge and was a part of Tibet. In July and August 1996, celebrations took place in Tabo at which the Dalai Lama performed the Kalachakra Initiation Ceremony. The next monastery of historical importance is Dankar. Impressive from a distance and providing an excellent view up the Pin River Valley; ufortunately, close-up view shows the buildings are in a state of disrepair.
Manali is the main tourist center and a favored haunt of Indian honeymooners. The area around Manali is still one of the most beautiful in the valley, with hot springs, waterfalls, temples and pretty villages.
Taj Mahal & Golden Triangle
Palace life
Yoga & Ayurvedic Tour
Beach Holidays Tour
Darjeeling Tour
Book Adventure Trek n Tours Now
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Architettura degli Elaboratori / Computer Architectures
F1I005
: Bachelor Degree in Computer Science 6 CFU (a)
Same as:
Computer Architecture with Lab
Knowledge of the computer architecture. Ability to analyze and devise combinatorial and sequential modules. Ability to individuate and dimension the fundamental computer components. Knowledge of the basic set of machine instructions and their execution modalities.
Basic concepts: hardware, software, Von Neumann’s machine. Coding of characters, integer and real numbers. Integer and real numbers arithmetic.
Boole’s Algebra. Boolean functions and expressions. Minimization of boolean functions and Karnaugh’s maps. Analysis and synthesis of combinatorial networks. Fundamental operators and combinatorial modules.
Synchronous and asynchronous flip-flops. Registers and counters. Sequential networks: state diagrams and flow tables. Analysis and synthesis of synchronous sequential networks.
Machine and assembly languages. Instructions set and architectural models. RISC and CISC instructions sets. Addressing of data and control.
CPU: internal structure and components. Fetch and execute phases. Cabled and microprogrammed realization of the control unit. CPU performances. System bus: mechanical, electrical and logic-functional characteristics. Bus allocation.
Memory: classification criteria. Main memory, cache and magnetic disks. Locality principle and hierarchical organization. I/O subsystem: interfaces, I/O ports and their addressing. Peripherical devices management methods: programmed, interrupt driven and with direct memory access (DMA).
Learning Outcomes (Dublin Descriptors)
On successful completion of this course, the student should
have knowledge about (i) how computers represent data and information, (ii) fundamentals of logic and digital systems;
(iii) fundamental components of computer architectures such as CPUs and memory devices. Moreover by the end of this module students will be able to understand the main issues arising from the design of efficient computing systems, including programming aspects.
be capable of: (i) understanding and representing information of computers; (ii) analyzing and devising combinatorial and sequential modules; (iii) solving practical problems related to the design process of the different components of a standard computer architecture; (iiii) estimating the global performances of a standard computing architecture; (iiiii) understanding basic aspects of computer programming, from bottom (machine coding) to top (instructions and programming languages) level.
acquire skills to deal with real world computer architectures, to identify problems and to, independently, choose the corresponding most efficient solution, as known from the literature. Acquire knowledge to design and program basic computer architectures.
explain and illustrate the fundamental notions studied in this course. Demonstrate ability in solving concrete computer architectures related problems, focusing on their main features and discarding the inessential ones.
acquiring competencies and abilities necessary in their future studies, especially with respect to studies on operating systems, computer networks and complex architectures topics.
Ability to integrate classroom and homework study, ability to interact with the teacher during the class for originating discussion. Fundamentals of mathematics
Written test followed by an oral exam. An optional mid-term written test will be also provided, which is meant to cover the first part of the course, in order to help the students to split the workload. If a student passes the mid-term written exam, she will take a final-term written exam concerned with the second part of the course content only. The mid-term written exam (lasting 2 hours) consists of exercises and open questions concerning the first part of the course content. The final-term written exam is split into two parts (each lasting one hour and half), each consisting of exercises and open questions, concerning the first and the second part of the course content, respectively. Students who passed the mid-term part will have to take only the second part. The final result of the written exam will be given by the average result of the two parts. The oral exam will occur within the same exam session of the written test, and it will typically cover the areas of the written answers that need clarification, plus a subject of one's choice. The oral exam (max 1 hour) will test the student's ability to engage in discussion of issues relevant to the topics discussed during the course. Criteria of evaluation will be the level of knowledge and the fluency in the technical language of computer architecture.
Giacomo Bucci, Calcolatori elettronici. Architettura e organizzazione , McGraw-Hill, 2009. 2009.
http://massimotivoli.wix.com/home#!comparch/c1a1x
Course information last updated on: 26 ottobre 2016, 11:25
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newmont mining site ghana
Project Director at Newmont Mining Corporation - Jobs in ...Jun 03, 2020· Newmont Mining Corporation is a leading global gold producer with key assets in Nevada, Peru, Australia, Ghana and Suriname. Newmont's Africa Operations holds two gold mining operations in Ghana: the Ahafo Mine located in the Brong-Ahafo region and the Akyem Mine located in the Eastern region. There is also near mine exploration and development .Newmont's Ahafo gold mine, Ghana | EJAtlasNewmont to undertake underground mining, 30/09/2010 [click to view] Women in Ghana Battle a U.S.-Owned Gold Mine for Land and Livelihood, Mining giant Newmont has been seizing farms and dumping cyanide into waterways, 14/12/2017 [click to view] Newmont does not deserve excellence award -Kenyase residents, 25/02/2016 [click to view]
Vacancy: Industrial Hygienist Wanted At Newmont Mining ...
Jul 01, 2020· Newmont Mining Corporation is a leading global gold producer with key assets in Nevada, Peru, Australia, Ghana and Suriname. Newmont's Africa Operations holds two gold mining operations in Ghana: the Ahafo Mine located in the Brong-Ahafo region and the Akyem Mine located in the Eastern region. The company currently has a vacancy available for the [.]NewmontAbout Newmont. With more than 95 years of history in the mining industry, Newmont is the world's largest gold producer. Through responsible mining, we believe we can create a stronger business and value for all our stakeholders. Founded in 1921 and publicly traded since 1925, Newmont is headquartered in Greenwood Village, Colorado.Newmont dragged to Commonwealth Human Rights, UNJun 24, 2019· Landowners affected by Newmont's Akyem mining project, have dragged the mining firm to the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative and .Newmont Ghana Gold Ltd. (Accra, Ghana) - Contact Phone ...Newmont's presence in Ghana includes the Ahafo mine in the Brong-Ahafo region and the Akyem operation in the Eastern region near New Abirem. Newmont began working in Ghana with the acquisition of Normandy Mining in 2002. Production commenced in 2006 at our Ahafo mine and at our Akyem mine in 2013.Newmont Mining Jobs in Ghana | Current Mining Jobs in ...Jul 17, 2020· Some Important Facts You Need to Know About Newmont Mining Jobs in Ghana. Newmont is a global key player in mining with a workforce of dedicated individuals, the company operates an international standard that makes it a global choice for anybody that wishes to pursue a career in mining.Ghana: Govt. fines Newmont after six workers died ...Ghana: Govt. fines Newmont after six workers died allegedly due to company's negligence Author: xinhuanet, in News Ghana, Published on: 7 June 2018 "Ghana penalizes mining giants Newmont Gold, contractors over fatal accident" The government of Ghana has slapped penalties of various degrees on Newmont Ghana Gold and its contractors for ...ENERGY: Newmont chooses Cambridge redeployable solar in GhanaSep 11, 2018· GHANA – Cambridge Energy Partners (CEP) announced earlier this month that Newmont Mining Corp., one of the world's largest gold producers and sustainability leaders, has deployed CEP's redeployable Nomad solar PV tracker to demonstrate lower cost renewable electricity and to offset energy demand at its Akyem gold operation in Ghana.Project Director at Newmont Mining Corporation - Jobs in ...Jun 03, 2020· Newmont Mining Corporation is a leading global gold producer with key assets in Nevada, Peru, Australia, Ghana and Suriname. Newmont's Africa Operations holds two gold mining operations in Ghana.
Newmont Mining Corporation Jobs 2019 - Jobs in Ghana
May 07, 2019· Newmont Mining Corporation is a leading global gold producer with key assets in Nevada, Peru, Australia, Ghana and Suriname. Newmont's Africa Operations holds two gold mining operations in Ghana: the Ahafo Mine located in the Brong-Ahafo region and the Akyem Mine located in the Eastern region.Newmont Ghana is now Newmont Goldcorp GhanaGhana's leading gold producer, Newmont Ghana is now known as Newmont Goldcorp. The name change follows a successful merger between its parent company, Newmont Mining Corp. and Goldcorp Inc. to form Newmont Goldcorp Corp. The transaction closed on 18 April.Newmont Corporation - About Us - Contact UsNewmont is the world's leading gold company, with mines all over the world. We aim to provide social media communities where users can learn about our company, exchange thoughtful and informed commentary, and share thoughts on important topics in mining.Newmont Ghana's Ahafo mine donates to hospitals in Bono ...Newmont Ghana's Ahafo mine has donated Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) worth GHS77,460.00 to the Brong Ahafo Regional Hospital in Sunyani and St. Elizabeth Hospital in Hwidiem to help them to fight against COVID-19 within the Bono and Ahafo regions.ENERGY: Newmont chooses Cambridge redeployable solar in GhanaSep 11, 2018· GHANA – Cambridge Energy Partners (CEP) announced earlier this month that Newmont Mining Corp., one of the world's largest gold producers and sustainability leaders, has deployed CEP's redeployable Nomad solar PV tracker to demonstrate lower cost renewable electricity and to offset energy demand at its Akyem gold operation in Ghana. CEP's Nomad is a prefabricated .
Newmont Mining Corporation Recruiting Now 2020 - Jobs in Ghana
Jul 15, 2020· Newmont Mining Corporation is a leading global gold producer with key assets in Nevada, Peru, Australia, Ghana and Suriname. Newmont's Africa Operations holds two gold mining operations in Ghana: the Ahafo Mine located in the Brong-Ahafo region and the Akyem Mine located in the Eastern region.Jobs: Latest Newmont Mining Corporation Jobs in Ghana 2020May 14, 2020· Newmont Mining Corporation invites applications from suitably qualified Ghanaians who are goal-oriented, results-driven with good leadership qualities and enthusiasm into the job vacancies in Ghana below .. JobSearch Ghana is creating transparency between you and the employers.Visit us everyday for latest Newmont Mining Corporation jobs in Ghana .Jobs at Newmont Mining Corporation - 6 July, 2020 | MyJobMagJul 06, 2020· Newmont Mining Corporation is a leading global gold producer with key assets in Nevada, Peru, Australia, Ghana and Suriname.Newmonts Africa Operations holds two gold mining operations in Ghana: the Ahafo Mine located in the Brong-Ahafo region .
Newmont Corporation - Wikipedia
Newmont Corporation, based in Greenwood Village, Colorado, USA, is the world's largest gold mining company. Incorporated in 1921, it has ownership of gold mines in Nevada, Colorado, Ontario, Quebec, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Australia, Ghana, Argentina, Peru, and Suriname. In addition to gold, Newmont mines copper, silver, zinc and lead.. Newmont .Newmont Mine to affect portions of Sunyani-Kumasi highwayDec 11, 2019· Newmont Goldcorp has affirmed its readiness to divert the Afrisipakrom -Techire road, as the company finalises processes to commence actual mining on its Ahafo North concessional area.Newmont Ghana's Ahafo mine donate to some hospitals in ...Jul 24, 2020· Newmont Ghana has so far supported Ghana's public health efforts with $100,000. As part of this, the company has contributed $20,000 to the Asutifi North District Assembly's relief efforts ...Jobs: Latest Newmont Mining Corporation Jobs in Ghana July ...Jul 04, 2020· Newmont Mining Corporation is a leading global gold producer with key assets in Nevada, Peru, Australia, Ghana and Suriname.. Newmont's Africa Operations holds two gold mining operations in Ghana: the Ahafo Mine located in the Brong-Ahafo region and the Akyem Mine located in the Eastern region.
Newmont Mining Corporation Recruitment 2020 - Jobs in Ghana
Jul 15, 2020· Newmont Mining Corporation is a leading global gold producer with key assets in Nevada, Peru, Australia, Ghana and Suriname. Newmont's Africa Operations holds two gold mining operations in Ghana: the Ahafo Mine located in the Brong-Ahafo region .Senior Warehouse Supervisor - Newmont Mining Corporation ...Jul 04, 2020· Newmont Mining Corporation is a leading global gold producer with key assets in Nevada, Peru, Australia, Ghana and Suriname.. Newmont's Africa Operations holds two gold mining operations in Ghana: the Ahafo Mine located in the Brong-Ahafo region and the .Vacancy: Industrial Hygienist Wanted At Newmont Mining ...Jul 01, 2020· Newmont Mining Corporation is a leading global gold producer with key assets in Nevada, Peru, Australia, Ghana and Suriname. Newmont's Africa Operations holds two gold mining operations in Ghana: the Ahafo Mine located in the Brong-Ahafo region and the Akyem Mine located in the Eastern region. The company currently has a vacancy available for the [.]Project Director at Newmont Mining Corporation - Jobs in ...Jun 03, 2020· Newmont Mining Corporation is a leading global gold producer with key assets in Nevada, Peru, Australia, Ghana and Suriname. Newmont's Africa Operations holds two gold mining operations in Ghana: the Ahafo Mine located in the Brong-Ahafo region and the Akyem Mine located in the Eastern region.Newmont Ghana's Ahafo mine donates to hospitals in Bono ...Newmont Ghana's Ahafo mine has donated Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) worth GHS77,460.00 to the Brong Ahafo Regional Hospital in Sunyani and St. Elizabeth Hospital in Hwidiem to help them to .
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Toyota Technology | Downtown Toyota of Oakland
Toyota does a lot of research and development focusing on many different aspects of our cars. That's why year after year, our cars get more comfortable, more convenient and more fun to drive. The goal is for the technology to be so intuitive that it fades into the background, letting you focus on the fun of driving.
Entune™
In 2012, we introduced Entune™, a multimedia system that gives you a range of content and services. Entune® App Suite 11 includes access to Bing™, Facebook Places, iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com, OpenTable®, Pandora® 12 and Yelp®, plus data services such as fuel prices, sports, stocks, traffic and weather. They're sent via most smartphones and some feature phones using Bluetooth® 8 wireless technology and a cellular data connection. Entune® App Suite is currently available on 4 Runner, Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Land Cruiser, Prius, Prius c, Prius Plug-in Hybrid, Prius v, RAV4, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma, Tundra, and Venza.
Hybrid Synergy Drive®
Hybrid Synergy Drive® allows you to drive on EV power, engine power, or a combination of both. It uses a highly efficient Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine, a high-voltage battery pack, an electric motor and regenerative braking, all working together. This system is now used in seven Toyota hybrids, including the entire Prius Family, Highlander Hybrid, Camry Hybrid and Avalon Hybrid.
A technologically advanced engine and transmission not only make your Toyota more fun to drive, but also increase fuel efficiency and enhance reliability. All Toyota engines use a Double Overhead Cam (DOHC) cylinder-head design with four valves per cylinder, improving both power and efficiency. And our Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) and Dual VVT-i valve control systems optimize output across a wide range, to give you power when you need it.
There's a science to Toyota assembly lines that creates a high-quality product that's also very affordable. The Toyota Production System is known around the world as a flexible, customer-focused process that delivers a quality product in a timely manner. As early as the 1930s, we began pioneering Lean Production, a manufacturing method that focuses on more value and less waste.
More confident driving
A Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) 13 system, available on models like the 2013 Avalon, Prius Five and Land Cruiser, uses radar to measure the distance between you and the vehicle traveling in front of you, then adjusts your speed to help you maintain a preset distance. Prius V also offers some of the latest Toyota technologies, such as a Head-Up Display (HUD), which projects information onto your windshield, and Lane Keep Assist (LKA), 14 which can help prevent drivers from straying from their lane.
We're always working on technologies that add convenience to your drive. Almost every vehicle we build is available with navigation 7 and Bluetooth® 8 wireless technology, so you can make hands-free calls and stream music 9 to your vehicle's audio system, wirelessly. Our available Smart Key System 10 also lets you open the doors and trunk, or the hatch, with the touch of a handle, and start the vehicle with the push of a button.
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Driverless Crocodile
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Posted on 5th May 2020 6th May 2020 by Stuart Patience
Clifford Ashley on folk art and reading as rivals
This long extract from the (fascinating) Ashley Book of Knots (1944) is an excellent of example of the variety of influences and incentives (economic, technological, social) at play in the development (or loss) of particular skills or art-forms.
Ashley’s describes changes in literacy and the culture of knot-making in response to shifts in the wider ecosystem. It’s a reminder of how complex the process of cultural change can be and the influence of apparently irrelevant complementary goods on our behaviour… and I love the sense of regret as Ashley describes sailors learning to read and forgetting their “first love” of knotting.
Folk arts flourish best where there are leisure and contentment…
At the beginning of the nineteenth century it was unusual to find in the forecastle of a sailing ship more than one or two sailors who could read and write. It was a common thing for boys to go to sea before they were ten years old, and cabin boys of seven and eight years’ age were not unusual.
Even ashore, at that time, education was considered unnecessary in the classes from which seamen were recruited. But the isolation of the sea was such that the sailor’s inability to read and write was an almost intolerable hardship. In order to keep his mind occupied when off duty, it was necessary for him to busy his hands. Fortunately there was, aboard ship, one material that could be used for that purpose. There was generally plenty of condemned rope with which to tie knots.
There were two arts that belonged to the sailor: scrimshaw, which was the carving and engraving of whalebone and ivory and was particular to the whaling fleet, and knotting, which belonged to all deep water ships, including whalers. Jackknife industries also flourished aboard ship, and much of the tattooing of the old days was done in the forecastle. Sailors knitted, sewed, and crocheted; made baskets and straw hats. But the true shellback was more apt to specialize in knots.
There is a fundamental difference between the deep water and the coastwise sailor. The latter, in common with the fisherman, spends much of his time ashore, making harbor at short intervals. Usually he has a home and family ties of some sort. His excursions on the sea are too brief, and his hours at sea to busy, to encourage handicrafts. But a shellback, if he has a home, generally ignores it when ashore so long as his health and thirst last. Most of the days of his life are actually lived at sea.
In the middle of the 1800s the public of several nations became more sailor-conscious. Organizations for “uplift” were formed, sailors’ reading and educational classes were established along the waterfronts. By this time the public or common-school movement in America was well under way so, unless a boy ran off to sea at a very immature age, the rudiments of the “three Rs” had begun to seep in.
“Sailors’ Aid” societies in various ports placed compact little libraries aboard outbound ships. Voyages in the meanwhile had shortened. Ships were built more for speed and less for capacity; itinerant trading ventures had become infrequent. The best routes for making the long runs around the Horn and the Cape had been charted and, except for the whaler, the day of the long voyage was past.
Usually the advent of steam is held accountable for putting a period to the art of knotting. But the fact that a sailor could not read and at the same time employ his hands may be accepted as in great part responsible. The higher education had taken its toll. To be sure, the books put aboard ship frequently had a Rollo-like flavor – more suited for juvenile Sunday-school classes than for the minds of adult men. But hungry minds will accept anything, and the average sailor was pretty young, and quite uncritical. Ships libraries were thumbed to shreds, the subject matter of books was discussed, and the comparative merits of heroes and the beauty of heroines argued aboard ship with a seriousness, even a partisanship, that would put to blush the efforts of many a Browning Society ashore.
It was inevitable that when the sailor learned to read he would neglect the arts. Eventually good marlingspike sailors became scarce. Only the essential everyday knots were taught to the greenhorns in the forecastle, and work that formerly had been done at sea was turned out in the rigging loft.
Abruptly, however, in the second quarter of the twentieth century, knotting began to pick up again, and sailors the world over evinced a renewed interest… the manifestation proved to be no mere transient fad. Nor was it the result of sentiment or persuasion. The answer was simple, and far deeper; the return to his first love was natural and wholly unpremeditated. The sailor’s hand and eye, long slaves to magazine and book, were again free. The one no longer turned the leaf while the other scanned the printed page. Magazines and books were tossed aside unopened.
And now while the cheerful radio in the forecastle bleats out the latest baseball and cricket scores, or prize-fight gossip, from five hundred or two thousand miles away, the sailor’s hands again deftly fashion a knotted belt or handbag for his lady, or for anyone of his several ladies, in whatever port his ship is headed for; and if he is musically inclined he cheerfully whistles an obbligato to the radio soloist of the moment, while his fingers once more ply the knotted cords…
Just beyond the horizon is the threat of the cinema and television, which require only a little popularizing cheapness before they too will invade the forecastle; when they do the sailor’s hands will again be idle.
Clifford W. Ashley – The Ashley Book of Knots
What larger factors are changing behaviours that are relevant to your field of work? Where do things seem to be moving? Which trends make things harder? Where is the wind at your back?
Posted in Books and Recommendations, Learning and Education, Sustainability and changeTagged Clifford Ashley, education, knots, sailing
Published by Stuart Patience
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Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League vs. Bizarro League
Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League vs. Bizarro League DVD and Blu-ray release date was set for February 10, 2015.
Genre(s): Action, Adventure, Family, Animation
Troy Baker
James Arnold Taylor
Kari Wahlgren
Tony Todd
Brandon Vietti
In Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League vs. Bizarro League, Bizarro loses the plot once more in attempting to save some children at play who aren't in need of saving. Finally fed up, Superman intervenes and banishes Bizarro to a new world he dubs as 'Bizarro World.' Later, the Justice League find that Lex Corp has been burglarized with the duplicate ray gone missing. It is discovered that it was Bizarro who stole the device, having made duplicates of the entire Justice League. In a twist of fate, the twins team up to save Bizarro World from the inimitable Darkseid.
Captain America 3 Civil War
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Back to eBay Home
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Details about OLYMPUS Superzoom 105G 35mm Film Camera with Case and Strap - Excellent
OLYMPUS Superzoom 105G 35mm Film Camera with Case and Strap - Excellent
matthebennet86 (859 )
Dec 03, 2020 22:46:50 MYT
Winning bid:
Approximately RM 164.46(including postage)
[ 1 bid ]
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Dunstable, United Kingdom
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Series: Compact Model: Superzoom 105G
MPN: 6807289 Focus Type: Auto
Film Format: 35mm Brand: Olympus
Features: Built-in Flash Type: Compact
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Item location: Dunstable, United Kingdom
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Olympus SUPERZOOM 105G Film Cameras,
Olympus SUPERZOOM 800S Film Cameras,
Olympus SUPERZOOM 80G Film Cameras,
Olympus 35mm Film Cameras,
Olympus Film Cameras,
Olympus Film Cameras Olympus XA,
Canon 35mm Film Cameras,
Nikon 35mm Film Cameras,
Olympus Film Cameras Olympus OM-1
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By Magnus, December 29, 2009 in Fan Discussion
AVP vs The Terminator 182
Will never see the Adult Board
Interests:None
I... am hooked on FTL. So hooked, in fact, that I paid literally no attention at all to E3. What's a PS4?
Darxeth 54
Location:Raccoon City
The Division looks pretty good.
Incredible Hulk 6
Interests:Bowling, reading
Waht?
Shockwave 26
Herr Han Shot first.
Location:College-Minnesota
Interests:Video games, movies, writing
Not gonna lie, that is both the most brilliant and strangest choice Nintendo could do.
Think about it, they add another character that's already got a moveset that's easy to adapt to, is female to help diverse the characters, and people are familiar with if you play Wii Fit (which I do to work out since I can't get to a gym).
Strange because...well do you think a Yoga instructor to help people get in shape would fight?
megarock58 1
Interests:PC gaming comics Marvel Films Star Wars
i got excited when i saw the teaser trailer for Star Wars Battlefront.
hopefully, it will be great.
force_echo 160
Pretentious, Obnoxious, Annoying...humanity's last hope
Interests:Anything Interesting
I could care less about Battlefront. A new one is grossly unnecessary. Looks like it's going to be the same content from the trailer too. Yay, I get to play a Hoth map for the third time! Woooooo....
Now if they made a new Republic Commando... I would probably kill someone out of pure, murderous joy. If that's a thing. It's literally the only thing about the Star Wars Universe I still like.
Jason Redfield 25
Believes Han shot first
I'm cool with it. Both Battlefronts were so much fun that I have no issues whatsoever with the same content being recycled, albeit with advanced gameplay, graphics, and mechanics. I have no doubt DICE will make the game awesome.
Republic Commando, meh... I never understood the massive amounts of love for the game. I mean it wasn't bad by any means, but it wasn't anything unique, either. It held my attention for all of about 15 minutes.
Battlefront 2 actualy a had a lot of new content aside from Battlefront 1. Everything having to do with Mustafar for one, the Hero/Villain battles on Mos Eisley, the Hunt mode, the space battles, etc. etc.
Best squad based AI and gameplay I've ever seen to date, an unseen side of the SW Universe that has never and never since been explored to the same extent, awesome visuals, it made you really feel connected to your squad (I'm not gonna lie, I almost cried when Sev died at the end), and the real feel of being a clone-- really a second class human bred solely for warfare, like droids. The Commandos were different in that they were given more free will and were allowed to bond with the squad, but as you see at the end, it really just sets itself up for horror.
silversurfer092 219
Republic Commando was a pretty fantastic game. I can't go back and play it now because it's outdated, but force_echo is pretty spot on with his review.
Ruinus 60
Plebiscite Moderator
Location:SupaFreedomland AKA USA
Interests:Star Wars, Guilty Gear, Guns N' Roses, astronomy, school, English, reading, science fiction, drawing, video games and playing guitar.
Man, I was just thinking about all the shit the Xbox One is getting over the whole "used game, can't sell back games" stuff that's going on while browsing Steam. I've got 10 games on there that I paid for, that I can't sell back or trade at all. And I don't give a *vulgarity*.
Having to be connected to the Internet to play games is the main problem I have with it.
Red_Dragon 6
Location:Pennsville, NJ
Interests:I like reading comics, watching movies, and doing other teenage activities. Football rules. Star Wars is on my list of favorite movies, along with Matrix and Independence Day. I am learning to write comic scripts. My goal in life is to become a comic writer for Marvel Comics.
The games on Steam are in general cheaper than the ones sold in stores for Xbox, so if you get a game you don't like on Steam it's not as big of a hit. Although, it's not like you get much for selling back games anyway. I could get more money selling used games to my friends. That's the bigger problem. You can't share your games like you used to. Friends can't borrow games. Hell, I don't think you could even bring your games over to a friends house to play short of bringing over your whole console.
But like Darxeth said, having to be connected to the Internet is a bigger concern for me. My PS3 isn't even in a location that has access to our internet router, so I would be screwed completely.
Fair enough. My brother and sister certainly had fun with it, but it just didn't appeal to me personally even though objectively I realized that it was a great game. To each his own.
So I watched Arkham Origin's E3, and he definitely has the hook.
Reggie had this to say, "The best way for console makers to deal with the used games market is to ensure their games are so good that people don't want to trade them in."
Sincere Poet 5
So since it comes out tomorrow, is anyone even remotely excited for the release of the Last of Us?
The Void 46
Location:This information is top secret
Definitely NOT getting the Xbox One. PC+PS4 combo for me.
I guess everyone missed the whole "you can designate 10 friends to have your games" on the Xbox One. Hell, you could conceivable get together with 10 friends and work out a rotation of "I'll buy this game, you buy that game, we all list each other on the 10-family list and now we've all got the game."
And yeah, you can play the games at the same time.
And I mentioned that Xbox One should start to lower the prices of old games so that it isn't as big a deal as all the console babies are making it out to be on the Internet. When Halo 5 comes out, reduce the price of Halo 4 to $20.
EDIT: Heh, I used the term console babies, maybe I am turning into a PC snob. :|
Kate Awesome Is Awesome 17
SPOOOON!
Interests:I like animoo, vidja games, moobies, bewks
GLORIOUS PC MASTER RACE
PS3 can't play PS1 game.
I can turn on my computer and play a 1993 game while surfing the Internet at the same time.
Ok that's enough of that, the point is that the Xbox One does have the ability to share games with your friends (10 of them, as mentioned in that family system thing), so if you do it smartly then you could conceivably have more games than you would because 10 people are buying games and giving you co-ownership to them.
I need a link to this 10 person thing. I NEED PROOF.
Any press release for the Xbox, they said this at the pre E3 annoucement
Anyways if you must have a link...
http://kotaku.com/xbox-one-lets-you-share-your-games-with-up-to-10-famil-511767763
still this is a silly and cumbersome "solution" that shouldn't even exist
Also, I think they're giving control to the used games market to the publishers, instead of destroying it completely like everyone on the internet thinks.
The PC master race is indeed superior, too bad it's an exclusive club that takes 1000 dollars or more to get in, which is known for pirating so that a lot of games don't release on it.
That is all Microsoft is doing. That's why I said I understand their motives. The game industry is kind of falling due to used game sales, so Microsoft is giving more power to the publisher. They even said it's up to the publisher to make it difficult to sell/lend games out, not the actual Xbox.
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This list of publications covers work that was performed with the support of the Fetzer Franklin Fund of the John E. Fetzer Memorial Trust. These publications represent research findings from the four different goal areas of funded research at the Fetzer Franklin Fund: Physics, metascience, consciousness research, and biology.
For better access, the search function can be used to identify different authors and keywords in the title. The list is not exhaustive and more publications will be added in the future.
Emergent Quantum Mechanics – David Bohm Centennial Perspectives
Emergent quantum mechanics (EmQM) explores the possibility of an ontology for quantum mechanics. The resurgence of interest in realist approaches to quantum mechanics challenges the standard textbook view, which represents an operationalist approach. The possibility of an ontological, i.e., realist, quantum mechanics was first introduced with the original de Broglie–Bohm theory, which has also been developed in another context as Bohmian mechanics. This book features expert contributions which were invited as part of the David Bohm Centennial symposium of the EmQM conference series.
Metascience – The Science of Doing Science
Metascience has its roots in the philosophy of science and the study of scientific methods. However, it is distinguished from the former by its reliance on quantitative analysis and from the latter by its broad focus on the general factors that contribute to all aspects of the scientific process.
False-Positive Effect in the Radin Double-Slit Experiment on Observer Consciousness as Determined With the Advanced Meta-Experimental Protocol (AMP)
Prior work by Radin et al. (2012, 2016) reported the astonishing claim that an anomalous effect on double-slit (DS) light-interference intensity had been measured as a function of quantum-based observer consciousness. Given the radical implications, could there exist an alternative explanation, other than an anomalous consciousness effect, such as artifacts including systematic methodological error (SME)? To address this question, a conceptual replication study involving 10,000 test trials was commissioned to be performed blindly by the same investigator who had reported the original results.
Filter the archive
Choose field of science:
Remove all sience filters
Institutions z-a
Authors z-a
Project title a-z
Project title z-a
Field of
Aven, J.L.Mandell, A.J.Holroyd, T.Coppola, R.
Complexity of the Taskless Mind at Different Time-Scales: an Empirically Weighted Approach to Decomposition and Measurement
Biology, Physics
Filk, T.
Non-Classical Correlations in Bistable Perception?
Filk, T. and Römer, H.
Generalized quantum theory: Overview and latest developments
Hunter, L.W.Shiekh, F.A.Pisimisis, G.T.Kim, S.-H.Edeh, S.N.Miller, V.M.Lieske, J.C.
Key role of alkaline phosphatase in the development of human-derived nanoparticles in vitro
Mandell, A.Selz, K. Holroyd, T.Rutter, L.Coppola, R.
Intermittent vorticity, power spectral scaling and dynamical measures on resting brain magnetic field fluctuations
Mandell, A.J.Selz, K.A.Aven, J.Holroyd, T.Coppola, R.
Daydreaming, Thought Blocking and Strudels in the Taskless, Resting Human Brain’s Magnetic Fields
Selz, K.A.
A Third Measure-Metastable State in the Dynamics of Spontaneous Shape Change in Healthy Human’s White Cells
Takahashi, S.Tupitsyn, I.Van Tol, J.Beedle, C.Hendrickson, D.Stamp, P.
Decoherence in crystals of quantum molecular magnets
von Stillfried, N.
Hard Problems in Physics and Philosophy of Mind: Do They Point to Spirituality as a Solution?
Consciousness, Physics
Walach, H.von Stillfried, N.
Generalised Quantum Theory—Basic Idea and General Intuition: A Background Story and Overview
© Fetzer Franklin Fund
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Jim Ross: "Why Is There Even A Choice On Wednesday Nights? DVR NXT. Our Sh*t's Better"
Jim Ross and Taz are brutally honest when it comes to WWE and the ongoing Wednesday Night War between AEW Dynamite and NXT.
Speaking on the post-show for the July 22 episode of Dynamite, Ross gave his own pitch as to why people should watch Dynamite and not NXT, even going as far as questioning why there's even a choice viewers have to make in regards to their Wednesday wrestling viewing.
Related Article Report: Title And Synopsis Of WWE Network Pat Patterson Documentary Revealed
"This is going to sound real ass kissing, but why is there even a choice on Wednesday nights? DVR NXT. Watch it later. Our shit's better and I'm proud of being able to say that and it's not in defiance. It's the reality," Ross said.
Taz then added his comments by saying that he hasn't seen NXT in some time and addressed AEW taking shots and acknowledging WWE in the past. Taz said AEW does it because it respects the audience's intelligence unlike WWE as he claims.
"I don't really remember the last time I watched that show. I'm not bullshitting. I really don't remember and I don't give a rat's ass about it. I respect the men and women there bumping and working. I'm not trying to be a homer and I don't give a shit if someone thinks that. I'm so locked into this, I don't really give a rat's ass about it... What we're doing is that we're not insulting your intelligence and we're acknowledging WWE. They're the ones insulting your intelligence," Taz said.
"Well here's the thing. Do you think any of those TV shows or streaming shows that WWE does would ever mention us? Shit no. They're arrogant and omnipotent. They're the kings of the mountain," Ross said.
Taz and Jim Ross were very outspoken about NXT during the AEW post show tonight.
pic.twitter.com/fbm7wAmjnJ
— Fightful Wrestling (@FightfulWrestle) July 23, 2020
You can check out the full post-show at this link. For full results of Dynamite, click here and for a full report on NXT, click here.
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Posted November 24, 2010 by Marcia Degia - Publisher in Films
The War You Don't See
Following his award-winning documentary The War on Democracy,
Pilger follows up with his first film in three years with this powerful
investigation of the media’s role in times of war: The War You Don’t
Doing exactly what it says on the tin, John Pilger’s documentary tells
you like it is, revealing how our own war crimes are
protrayed and justified in media compared to the reality. And it’s not pretty.
“Oh yeah, I got a look at those dead bastards” comes out of
the mouth of one delightful soldier. This was not greeted by disgust and
horror by his fellow colleague but with a grueome “Nice”. Nice. Such is
the types of behvaiours, and worse, that modern demorcracies do not
want exposed to the public. Pilger reveals propagander in its finest.
Focusing on Iraq and Afghanistan, and also a look at the hostilities
between Palestinians and Israelis, Pilger traces the history between
governments and the media during times of war and the effects of what is
revealed to the public; not least the reporting of government claims
that Iraq harboured weapons of mass destruction. He goes as far back as
World War I, also covering the destruction of Hiroshima through to the
invasion of Vietnam right up to modern times.
Pilger, the winner of many journalism awards for both press and
broadcasting, including academy awards in the UK and US, covers all
corners interviewing everyone, inclduing execuitves of UK broadcasters,
international journalists and whistleblowers. This is against some harrowing never seen before footage of scenes in the aforemention countries. Watch and learn.
Marcia Degia - Publisher
Marcia Degia has worked in the media industry for more than 10 years. She was previously Acting Managing Editor of Homes and Gardens magazine, Publishing Editor at Macmillan Publishers and Editor of Pride Magazine. Marcia, who has a Masters degree in Screenwriting, has also been involved in many broadcast projects. Among other things, she was the devisor of the documentary series Secret Suburbia for Living TV.
More articles by Marcia Degia - Publisher »
Spike Island
Texas Chainsaw 3D
The Thompsons
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Markit Acquires Post-Trade Provider, Information Mosaic
The acquisition will help Markit extend its corporate actions service via Information Mosaic’s enterprise software.
Jeff Patterson | Execution ( Institutional FX ) | Tuesday, 02/06/2015 | 15:37 GMT+2 2015-06-02T13:37:49+00:00 2015-06-02T13:37:49+00:00
Photo: Jeff Patterson
Markit (Nasdaq: MRKT), a provider of financial information services, has agreed to terms that will see the acquisition of Information Mosaic, a software provider for corporate actions and post-trade securities processing, according to a Markit statement.
The acquisition will help Markit extend its corporate actions service via Information Mosaic’s enterprise software. Moreover, the integration will work towards supporting the Markit’s trade lifecycle, namely across its asset servicing solutions.
Per the acquisition, Information Mosaic will be assimilated into Markit’s Solutions division, which will be led by Paul Taylor, its managing director – he will be reporting to Michele Trogni, Managing Director, co-Head of Solutions at Markit.
The financial terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed yet, while an eventual transaction closure date is slated to take place by Q3 2015, pending customary and regulatory conditions along with shareholder approval.
According to Ms. Trogni in a recent statement on the acquisition, “Information Mosaic is known for its leadership in corporate actions, a critical, complex and challenging area of operational risk for many financial institutions. The combination of deep domain expertise, data and technology assets created by this acquisition will position Markit as a leading provider of end to end corporate actions services.”
“Over the past several years, Information Mosaic has transformed its operations with a renewed focus on customers and an expanded core corporate actions and post trade securities processing business. By combining our company with Markit’s global scale and distribution capabilities, both our customers and employees can realize significant benefits. We are excited by the future potential for both our company and our customers as part of Markit,” added Ulrich Kunz, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Information Mosaic, in an accompanying statement.
Last month, Markit appointed Ranjit Moses as its newest Chief Marketing Officer, where he joined the group’s leadership team. Mr. Ranjit joined Markit with over 25 years of both marketing and communications experience.
Tags: markit
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Spark Interview: Marketing to the "Woke" Generation.
Kaitlyn WonJung Chang — COO of KTHE GMBH — discusses how she navigates the intersection of social activism and social media to find authenticity in the age of consumer skepticism.
Rachel Kador
October 7, 2019 - 8 min. read
When it comes to marketing to the younger crowd — the dreaded Millennials, the inscrutable Gen Z’ers, whatever comes after that — it seems like there are more booby traps than a tomb in Indiana Jones (will people under 30 get that reference? Is asking that question offensive to younger people?).
Kaitlyn WonJung Chang, COO at KOBZA AND THE HUNGRY EYES —KTHE GMBH, a Vienna-based creative agency, knows something about marketing to the post Gen X generations. In addition to working 10 years at Samsung, including as Managing Director at Cheil Austria & Switzerland, Kaitlyn served as jury member at Cannes Lions 2019 for the category Innovation Lions and has won more than 50 international creative and innovation awards including Cannes, Clios, D&AD and Webby.
This November Kaitlyn will join us at Spark to lead a session all about how to market to the “woke” generation. These are people who grew up with social media — and all the global exposure that contains — and have become some of the most impassioned social activists in decades.
We spoke with Kaitlyn to get her top tips for marketers who may be struggling to craft messaging and develop campaigns that appeal to this new generation of consumers.
Join Kaitlyn at #Spark19 and learn even more about how to market to the woke generation.
Q: You ask the question yourself: how can brands market to an audience with a highly-refined bullshit detector? Can you give some examples of what brands shouldn’t do? What are the most common mistakes you see when brands try to appear “woke?”
The entire Pepsi – Kendall Jenner “woke” ad that got pulled down in a matter of days is probably the best example out there of what brands should not do. Hijacking any type of social conversation for the sake of marketing just because it seems “in trend” is a surefire way to get your campaign immediately roasted all over the internet.
Pepsi’s ad was like an endless string of facepalm moments, especially since they attempted to hijack not even one specific social movement, but “the general movement of movements” – and topped it off with a scene where offering a can of Pepsi resolves all conflict between the protesters and authorities.
Brands joining in social conversations is great and should definitely be further encouraged. However, before you do that, make sure to do due diligence on yourself first — thoroughly test brand-conversation fit, like you’d test brand-market fit for any other campaign.
Q: What advice do you have for large companies who struggle to find a balance between remaining neutral and maintaining a broad appeal with taking a stance based on their core values? What’s the business case for a company taking a strong, potentially controversial, opinion on a social, political, or global issue?
Last year Nike started a new campaign, “Dream Crazy,” featuring Colin Kaepernick — a former 49ers quarterback who started to kneel during the American anthem before each game to endorse the Black Lives Matter movement, who was heavily criticized by none other than President Trump himself (“Get that son of a bitch off the field right now. Out! He’s fired.”) and eventually lost his contract as a consequence.
Nike’s ad campaign featuring Colin Kaepernick is a good example of a brand finding alignment with a relevant social issue.
Nike’s campaign proved to be extremely controversial, sparking a flurry of debate. Right-wing extremists started burning Nike shoes and posting videos of it online, calling for a boycott against Nike. However, that also resulted in much stronger fandom and love from the target group Nike wanted to speak to. As a result, Nike sales went up by 30% afterwards, and its stock prices have been on a constant rise.
Despite the fact that Nike chose to take an extremely controversial political stand, the campaign worked beautifully because Nike took their core belief — “Just do it” – and expanded it one step further to reflect the zeitgeist. The ending copy of the Kaepernick ad (“Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything. Dream crazy. #JustDoIt.”) is a perfect example of great brand-conversation fit.
The core brand belief – courage and belief in self – is expanded into the political conversation, which can then again be easily distilled back into the brand’s age-old slogan, Just Do It – that helps to provide a quick reason-to-believe for skeptical consumers about why the brand is starting this campaign.
Q: “Be authentic” is a common guideline for marketing to Gen Y and Gen Z. But what is authenticity in the context of advertising or marketing? Do you think those concepts are fundamentally at odds?
The idea that all advertising is based on lies is a truly outdated, Mad Men-Era concept and should be immediately thrown into the waste bin. Advertising and marketing are fundamentally about communicating your brand, product or service so that more people will get to know about it, form a positive opinion about it, and be inclined to buy/use it in the future.
Our society started to have the notion that all advertising is based on lies because at some point during the Mad Men Era, heavy competition within limited media soon made it not enough to just talk about product benefits — so advertisers resorted to exaggeration and gimmicks.
Now, away from the era of one-way communication and limited media placements, this notion does not hold true anymore. Most of the social media blunders we see actually happen exactly because of this. Marketers who still believe in the age-old notion of advertising believe they can get away with trickery – however, consumers armed with Google and social media will be the first to notice when you’re lying and be unafraid to raise hell about it.
I was judging this year at Cannes Lions and this was a topic our jury discussed multiple times in depth. We realized that at the end of the day, one of the best ways to be able to measure “authenticity” is longevity. How long has the brand been committed to this topic or issue? How much effort have they been putting into it, resource-wise? How well does it translate into their overarching core belief or values? If it’s something new, which is also totally ok – how committed does the brand seem to really take a firm stand on this topic for a longer period of time?
Brands taking a stand do build great relevance over time — but you should be prepared to be in it for the long haul.
Q: Why do you think social media has shaped a whole generation’s approach to activism? How did social networks transform us from the “too-cool-to-care” crowd to the impassioned activists we see today among the younger generations?
If you were a teen in the 80s and 90s, your entire social life revolved around friends in your school. Maybe you had some pen-pal from Norway that you wrote paper mail to, who wrote back to you after six months since it took two months for your letter to get there and another two for the reply to reach you. For most, the entirety of “foreign culture” you were exposed to was delivered through TV and magazines, mostly detached from real life – think Hollywood star gossip articles – and needless to say, that did not help most teens around the world at all in terms of having an understanding of diversity. There was your small world, and there was the “outside world,” of which you basically knew nothing.
If you’re a teen now, you have a lot more exposure to what life is like in any part of the world. Everyone is aware of the possibility that with just a few clicks you can watch what a high-schooler in Japan is doing today on YouTube, or browse through what an influencer from Belgium likes to wear this season on Instagram. Like it or not, social media has definitely and exponentially widened exposure to a million different lives from all over the world – resulting in a collective “better understanding,” or at least an idea thereof, of a bigger world, of diversity. Social media allows kids to see that what’s happening where they live is not the same everywhere around the world.
More exposure to diversity in general widens peoples’ perspectives and results in a heightened awareness of social issues. However, a key facet of social media that completely boosted this tendency is the “Likes” mechanism, where you essentially get immediate validation and recognition on the same platforms that have opened our eyes to diversity.
In the social media age where likes and followers act as a form of currency, teens have realized that posting things about social issues tends to get more likes from people – compared to when you post about what you ate today for breakfast. I believe this has acted as a core element within the virtuous cycle – you see more and more friends of yours “taking stances” on social media, and getting validation from it – which in turn also shapes and alters the opinions of many more people, and feeds back into the cycle.
Q: When it comes to ethical marketing, there are a lot of stakeholders. Brands of course need to be mindful. But the social networks themselves have a lot (maybe the most) influence. With all the bad press social media platforms have had recently — privacy and data concerns, spreading misinformation, etc. — what do you think their responsibility is in terms of setting and maintaining proper guidelines? Where is the line between being inclusive (open to all) and being socially beneficial?
As a side job I also lead a nonprofit organization for women in Vienna, where I live, which includes a Facebook group that has more than 18,000 members. The group grew purely organically within just 4 years, and we have gone through multiple debates exactly about this topic: what do you do when a political debate happens within the group and it gets so heated up that you’re getting more than 800 comments on a single thread?
The reason why it gets so heated is probably because we have so many members who don’t all necessarily share the same political opinion. For us, we have learned over time that inclusivity only works when the platform also puts a strong focus on valuing respect.
It’s perfectly fine to have differing opinions – actually, society would not function without it – and therefore, social media platforms are great in the sense that they provide space for discourse and discussion. However, the entire platform starts crumbling when users start to forget that they should respect others’ differing opinions. Society, whether online or offline, is a very fragile concept that can be easily eroded with hate speech or the malicious spreading of misinformation.
We have learned over time that there actually is a reason why every society has laws – and this applies also to the online world. The internet is not a utopia that can be governed without rules, as was once dreamt of, because it also consists of humans that have different opinions and conflicting interests. Social media has enabled us to be more inclusive, which is an amazing thing, but inclusivity only works when we have respect for each other and for the system itself. Thus, it is absolutely necessary to create a structure and a belief system that clearly communicates the importance of respect as a prerequisite for inclusivity.
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What Would Andy Buy?
And where would Charlie eat? And where would Jane shop? And what book would Steve recommend? So asks a new “social commerce” iPhone app, Wikets, which helps you curate your most trusted, tasteful friends’ recommendations of products and places.
By David Zax 5 minute Read
Wikets, a social commerce app that lets you recommend products and places to your friends (and receive their recommendations in return) launches today for the iPhone. For users, Wikets has a potential advantage over a service like Yelp in that it allows you to zero in on the recommendations of friends whose taste you admire. And for merchants, the data that Wikets stands to accrue could be very valuable in helping them target their most loyal and influential customers. The app, whose founders are Andy Park, Vijay Manwani, and Ravi Reddy, has garnered $1.5 million from Battery Ventures and Andreessen Horowitz, among other investors.
The idea for Wikets grew from conversations the cofounders began having in 2008. Park and his wife had had children before many in their social circle, and now that many of their friends were having children, too, the Parks were constantly being asked for product recommendations. Trusting his judgment and expertise, Park’s friends kept wondering, “What would Andy buy?” So they’d ask him, and eventually a spreadsheet of trusted products went into circulation. “We’ve had at least 10 or 15 people ask for that spreadsheet,” Park tells Fast Company.
That question–“What would Andy buy?”–is the question animating Wikets. Not that Andy Park is the guru on all things related to commerce, of course. But swap out the name, and change the context, and you know that there are friends whose taste and judgment you trust most in certain matters. For music recommendations, I’m turning to Paul; for books, to Chelsea; for restaurants, to Sarah; for what to do in Savannah, Georgia, to Jon. Typically, I might solicit recommendations when I see these friends at a party, or via email or text at the moment I need the recommendation. Wikets, though, is a constant stream, easily searchable on demand, of the products and places my taste-making friends recommend.
Social commerce, as Park is the first to admit, is a hotly contested space. “There are a universe of companies going after the so-called ‘interest graph,’ or ‘taste graph,’” he says. Pinterest, Hunch, Foodspotting, ShopKick, and others are just a few populating this universe; a slew of barcode scanning companies are right behind them. And of course, Yelp’s reviews, and Facebook’s “likes,” are to a certain extent efforts to go after the “taste graph.”
Wikets differentiates itself in a few ways, however. For one thing, unlike Yelp, Wikets becomes a compendium only of things that friends heartily endorse. “Reviews always converge to some kind of median,” says Park, somewhere around 3 or 4 stars, often. But wouldn’t you prefer to know what that one friend with spectacular taste in sushi has to say about Japanese food in New York, rather than the averaged-out opinions of several hundred people you’ve never met? “Your judgment on someone’s taste is something that’s very hard to measure, that you can’t numerically measure,” says Park. “It’s something intangible based on your interactions with that person.”
Log in to Wikets and you can begin sharing your recommendations, or “recs,” in the app’s parlance. You can also save and store recs into custom wishlists, “re-rec” (Wikets’s own version of a retweet), group message around a rec, buy within the app, and receive reward points for various actions, points that can be redeemed later toward purchase. While other sites or apps employ some of these features, the Wikets team says that to the best of their knowledge, their app is the only one combining them all in one place. Most importantly, though, by converging around firm endorsements, Wikets becomes a fundamentally positive place. “A rec I want to distinguish from a review or a check-in,” says Park. “A rec is a lot cleaner. It’s saying, ‘Hey, this is something I’m putting my name behind.’”
Wikets plans to make money by charging merchants, down the line, for access to data about their most loyal customers and for helping them reach those customers with deals or rewards to further boost their loyalty. In a sense, this makes Wikets something like an anti-Groupon (though both of Wikets’s principal investors invested in Groupon, and Wikets hopes to collaborate with Groupon in the future). Groupon’s model is to offer steep discounts to new customers. Park thinks that the focus on discounts may be misguided: “What we’re going to bet on is, if you invest in your best customers, those most effective at recommending,” then that investment will pay dividends. Instead of luring 500 new customers to trample through your store, stress out your employees, and leave negative tossed-off reviews on Yelp, why not convince the guy who comes in three times a month to come in five or six times? Or why not convince his friends, who will be primed to like you, too? The group-discount model of social buying embodies a kind of commitment-free, commercial hooking up; Wikets, by contrast, hopes to strengthen the bonds of existing relationships.
Wikets doesn’t seem in a rush to make money; Park says they hope to pilot a program of sharing data on some users with merchants in about a year. But investors, of course, see dollar signs. “We feel it’s a big bet with a clear possibility for monetization,” says Margit Wennmachers, a partner at Andreessen Horowitz. Down the road, Wikets might verticalize the app–with more specific apps for wine aficionados or car enthusiasts, for instance. In the meantime, expect iPad and Android editions by summer.
One of the most refreshing things about Wikets is that, unlike most apps, it is not meant to be a vortex in which all your free time disappears. Unlike, say, a certain game involving irate fowl, or other apps whose addictiveness is seen as an asset, Wikets is pleased to have you spend as little or as much time in the app as you find useful. It’s not an app for killing time; it’s an app to help you better spend the limited time (and money) you have.
“It becomes something you use really easily,” says Park. “I put my best stuff here, you put your best stuff here, and we use it when we need it.”
Follow Fast Company on Twitter.
[Image: Flickr user coolinsights]
David Zax is a contributing writer for Fast Company. His writing has appeared in many publications, including Smithsonian, Slate, Wired, and The Wall Street Journal
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Eat24’s Hilarious Dear John Letter To Facebook
Facebook wants brands to pay up for organic reach and Eat24 is fed up–so fed up it’s leaving Facebook.
[Broken Plate: Oleg Belov via Shutterstock]
By Evie Nagy 3 minute Read
Since 2012, Facebook has been gradually reducing the organic reach of content posted by brand pages, encouraging businesses to pay for promoted posts to get in front of fans. An Ogilvy study released this month says that organic reach hit a low of 6% in February, and closer to 2% for pages with more than 500,000 fans–meaning that each piece of content is seen by almost none of the people who “like” a brand, unless the brand pays Facebook. The study argues that paying to reach fans who can share your content still has value to brands, because the reach earned by shared ads among engaged customers still results in sales. But food delivery site Eat24 doesn’t agree, and has written a hilarious breakup letter to Facebook ahead of deleting its page tonight at 11:59 p.m.
On Eat24’s blog, Bacon Sriracha Unicorn Diaries, the company writes, “Dear Facebook: Hey. It’s Eat24. Look, we need to talk. This isn’t easy to say since we’ve been together so long, but we need to break up. We’d love to say ‘It’s not you, it’s us’ but it’s totally you. Not to be rude, but you aren’t the smart, funny social network we fell in love with several years back. You’ve changed. A lot.”
Illustrating the letter with images like confused Internet kittens and Pepe the King Prawn, Eat24 says they “found out you’re doing this because of a new algorithm that decides what people want to see in their news feeds. If that’s true, that means your algorithm is saying most of our friends don’t care about sushi porn, that they aren’t interested in hearing our deepest thoughts about pizza toppings. Are you listening to yourself? Do you know how ridiculous that sounds? You know that all those people clicked ‘Like’ on our page because it’s full of provocatively posed burritos and cheese puns, right?”
The letter goes on to cite this Veritasium video asserting that Facebook’s paid programs to help businesses earn more fans employ click farms that generate fake or irrelevant “Likes” from international locations Eat24 doesn’t serve. The company also points to Facebook’s endless design changes that put a burden on marketers to frequently update their pages. “Real talk, if we had to choose between making 142 different size banners to conform to whatever you’re feeling that particular week, or lie on the couch and think about fried sushi rolls, we’re always going with sushi. Just saying, but maybe you could take a lesson from this amazing webpage for the Space Jam movie. The website hasn’t changed since 1996 and it’s AMAZING.”
Whether this kind of brand backlash could ever put a dent in Facebook’s bottom line as it evolves from a pure social network to social ad platform is hard to predict. Asking brands or publications to pay up for what was once free is bound to rankle, but given Facebook’s reach, brands may decide that the price is worth the interest and engagement it generates. As the Ogilvy report states, “Fans will still see brands’ content in their News Feeds and, if the content is interesting enough, will pass it along to their friends. And there’s real value in this. According to Nielsen, social ads that carry a friend’s endorsement (‘Your friend Mary likes Acme Cheese’), generate a 55 percent higher ad recall than non-social ads.”
But more may protest, publicly deciding like Eat24 that Twitter serves their social engagement needs, and advertising money is better spent elsewhere. “So that’s it. We’re done,” they write. “All you’re left with are some single-serve freezer meals. Us? We can eat a whole pizza by ourselves so we aren’t even worried about that.”
Evie Nagy is a former staff writer at FastCompany.com, where she wrote features and news with a focus on culture and creativity. She was previously an editor at Billboard and Rolling Stone, and has written about music, business and culture for a variety of publications
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fontaines5
Reeky Fontaine
Potential blowup plays and game stacks for DFS on Thanksgiving Day
HOUSTON TEXANS @ DETROIT LIONS
The game with the highest total on the Thanksgiving slate should attract plenty of DFS ownership, but our predictive models actually lean toward the under in this matchup. The cash and ticket percentages both lean the opposite direction, as these two teams have the worst opponent-adjusted defensive rankings in the NFL.
There is a heightened sense of decision making on a smaller slate, as any pivot can separate your lineups from the chalk entries that flood GPP contests. Deshaun Watson will likely be the highest-owned quarterback on the slate, but he shouldn’t be faded for that reason alone. Stacking with Jordan Akins offers not only salary savings but also a way to make your lineup more unique. He is on the blowup model for the third straight week after running a route on 55% of dropbacks in Week 11. If he finds the endzone, he could easily be the best play at tight end.
Brandin Cooks is my preferred choice in choosing a Texans wide receiver. He has run a route on 100% of dropbacks the past two weeks and has the same target share percentage as Will Fuller V this season.
The run-it-back stack in this matchup is difficult to nail down, as the Lions could have their full complement of wide receivers available. The least risky option isMarvin Jones Jr., who is also on the blowup model but comes with a salary based on him being the only receiving option. Kenny Golladay could be the correct pivot if he is available, which makes this a situation to monitor through kickoff.
Deshaun Watson (DK $7,400, FD $8,700)
Brandin Cooks (DK $5,300, FD $6,500)
Jordan Akins (DK $2,900, FD $5,200)
Marvin Jones Jr. (DK $5,500, FD $6,000)
Remaining Roster Average DK $5,780 FD $6,720
WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM @ DALLAS COWBOYS
Andy Dalton is coming off his best performance as the Cowboys' starters, which has pushed this spread in his team's direction. Our predictive models view this as a slight overcorrection from the pick ‘em opening spread but need to add the hook to find value on the Football team.
Oct 11, 2020; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Andy Dalton (14) throws a pass in the fourth quarter against the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
This is the only Thanksgiving matchup that offers value on the over. The cash and ticket percentages have been slightly skewed toward the under, which provides some signal that people don’t expect this matchup to turn into a blowout. It could be the lowest-owned game stack option, as bettors will gravitate to the high total or quality matchup that this game is sandwiched in between.
Our game stack model actually sees this as the best chance to put up the highest-scoring fantasy performance at the quarterback position Thursday. Dalton is the preferred option to Alex Smith despite the spread indicating that they could be leading throughout this matchup. Dalton should still see plenty of passing game work, but choosing between his trio of receivers is more difficult.
Michael Gallup is the cheapest option, and CeeDee Lamb should be the most-owned receiver — which makes Amari Cooper the correct play. Cooper is the only one showing up on the blowup model after his seven-target outing last week, a game in which he also posted his second-highest average depth of target this year. It was only the second time since the Prescott injury that he saw over 30% of the Cowboys' targeted air yards.
The best option from Washington is clearly Terry McLaurin, who could be the most-owned player on the slate. Instead of fading this, one of the best approaches is to do a more unique lineup build by including Antonio Gibson. Most will double stack Dalton with two of his pass-catchers, so getting multiple Washington players in will be a low-owned approach with significant upside.
Andy Dalton (DK $5,600, FD $6,800)
Amari Cooper (DK $5,700, FD $6,900)
Terry McLaurin (DK $7,000, FD $7,900)
Antonio Gibson (DK $6,000, FD $6,800)
BALTIMORE RAVENS @ PITTSBURGH STEELERS
This AFC North nightcap features the lowest total and the widest spread of any Thanksgiving game. This could drive DFS players away, but with both teams in our top five, bettors could easily gravitate toward targeting this matchup.
The Ravens' passing offense has been atrocious, with Lamar Jackson ranking 25th in PFF grade from a clean pocket. For this game stack to be viable, Jackson has to get it going with his arm. The perfect way to play into this narrative is to double-stack both Marquise Brown and Mark Andrews. Brown is now cheap enough that one play could pay off his salary. His high average depth of target makes this even more apparent if he gets one catchable downfield pass.
Andrews is coming off his most raw air yards of the 2020 season after notching 121 in Week 11. He accounted for 24% of the team target share and 42.6% of the air-yard share. He is the focal point of this passing offense and should be the top-owned player at the tight end position. It should be fairly easy to differentiate your lineup at a different position if Jackson is your target at quarterback.
The Steelers have a trio of quality receiving options, and James Washington has also emerged in recent weeks. They are still led by Diontae Johnson, who has a 28% target per route rate the past three games. During this stretch, he has 27% of the team target share and 25.6% of the air yards. Chase Claypool is the downfield threat, but Johnson is seeing too many targets to not be the best option in this game stack.
Lamar Jackson (DK $6,800, FD $8,000)
Marquise Brown (DK $4,700, FD $5,700)
Mark Andrews (DK $5,200, FD $6,800)
Diontae Johnson (DK $6,200, FD $6,800)
BLOW UP MODEL
TERRY MCLAURIN ($7,000)
McLaurin leads the NFL in percentage of total air yards, at 43.7%. He is 12th in total air yards, as the Football team has the third-lowest team total air yards in the NFL. The opportunities aren’t as frequent as those on other squads, but when Washington airs the ball out, it is going in McLaurin's direction. As the highest-priced wide receiver on the Thanksgiving slate, McLaurin is tough to pass over. His 28% matchup advantage over Chidobe Awuzie could go overlooked due to numerous mid-range wide receivers posting better advantage percentages.
AMARI COOPER ($5,700)
Andy Dalton turned in his first quality game as the Cowboys' starting quarterback, with Cooper moving back to his higher-volume usage with the veteran under center. In the three games that Dalton has started, Cooper has 22% of the team targets and 28% of the air yards. The opportunities are spread fairly evenly between Cooper and CeeDee Lamb, with Michael Gallup continuing to be a deep threat while managing a low target share but a high air-yard share.
Cooper is popping up in this model but has the most difficult matchup among Cowboy wide receivers Thursday. This should cause his ownership to plummet, making him an intriguing option in GPP contests.
MARQUISE BROWN ($4,700)
2020 has been a disaster for Brown, who continues to struggle in connecting with Lamar Jackson. He ranks fourth in average depth of target among wide receivers with at least 30 targets. The problem is that he has the 12th-lowest percentage of targets being catchable, at just 66%.
He is now at his lowest price of the season, so one long catch would easily pay off his salary. The Steelers have the best coverage grade in the NFL and are unmatched in defensive performance this year. The one area they have struggled with is in downfield coverage. They have allowed the third-highest percentage of targets 10 or more yards downfield where the receiver is open or gained a step on the defender. The only two teams above them are the Raiders and Jaguars.
In a condensed slate with few viable options, Brown makes for an intriguing dart throw at low ownership and salary.
JORDAN AKINS ($2,900)
The model has liked Akins the past two weeks, with his blowup performance coming last week. His salary hasn’t adjusted to the point where he is no longer a viable play. He ran a route on 55.8% of the Texans' dropbacks in Week 11, which is the first time he went over 50% since Week 3. If he gets back to his early-season snap usage of 80%, Akins is a slam-dunk option at the tight end position.
MARVIN JONES JR. ($6,000)
Jones had a 51-yard reception wiped out by penalty, which will cause most to overlook his Week 11 performance. Jones was the only receiver left standing for the Lions, but Kenny Golladay and Danny Amendola appear to be trending in the right direction to play Thursday. This severely limits the upside for Jones, who also has had his salary increase by $900 over the past four games. The matchup is appealing, however, with the Texans having the worst opponent-adjusted coverage grade in the NFL.
Jones has the ideal matchup against Vernon Hargreaves III — if everyone moves off Jones because of injury news, he could be an intriguing pivot in the highest-total game Thursday.
T.J. HOCKENSON ($6,000)
All of the things that were said about Marvin Jones Jr. are also true for T.J. Hockenson. The difference is that Hockenson has been viable the entire season due to how bad the fantasy tight end position has been. He has consistently been running a route on 68% of Lions' dropbacks, with no increase occurring due to the injury situation at the wide receiver position.
Hockenson is less influenced by the return to play for Amendola or Golladay. His matchup is enticing, as our tight end matchup chart gives him a 31% advantage over Zach Cunningham.
Week 15 blowup plays
DFS tournament picks for Week 14
Thanksgiving Day Betting Picks
© 2020 BY FONTAINE'S 5. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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DIVING INTO THE DETAILS
BY: JEN LEVISEN, COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR, MORTARR
MMXX Winner: Elizabeth McDonald, University of Idaho
In late 2019, Mortarr asked architect and design students across the country to use the platform to enhance a current class project, and man, did they deliver.
“Our eight finalists submitted projects full of thought, creativity, inspiration, and pure, raw talent,” says Abby Murray, co-founder and CEO of Mortarr. “None more so than Elizabeth.”
Murray’s talking about University of Idaho interior architecture and design student, Elizabeth McDonald, winner of Mortarr’s inaugural scholarship and the Crane Kick Awarrd, part of the Mortarr Awarrds MMXX. McDonald’s submission of a Digestive Health Center in Scottsdale, Ariz., received high marks from Mortarr’s digital panel of judges, which included Elizabeth Von Lehe, Design and Brand Strategy Principal at HDR; Alexandra Muller, Associate Director of Materials at ILFI; Lily Genis, Senior Material Expert at Material Bank; and Jackie Peacha, Creative Director at RSP Architects.
“I was impressed with her level of thoughtfulness and sophistication in something as difficult as healthcare,” says Von Lehe.
McDonald’s goal for the newly constructed, 12,540 square-foot digestive health center was to “design a space that takes away from the reasoning for the building by accommodating functional, aesthetic, and psychological needs so patient’s associate anxiety and stress with the building as little as possible. It should be a place for resources, help, and guidance.”
McDonald sourced additional inspiration for the space on Mortarr, tapping into projects and ideas initially designed for the corporate and office, education, and hospitality sectors.
2019 was the inaugural year for the scholarship, which is part of Mortarr’s Mortarr in the Classroom initiative. The initiative encourages faculty and students to use Mortarr as a resource in the classroom, streamlining the way inspiration and products for project and course work are sourced today.
“The internet has, without question, changed the way the world works, and the commercial construction and design industry is no exception,” says Murray. “Millennials taking over leadership seats are accustomed to technologies that push for more timely, cost-effective, and visually-inspired ways to work, and the same shift should be happening in the classroom. So, while we’re partnering with the best pros and brands in the industry, we’re committed to sharing these innovations with the next generation through Mortarr in the Classroom.”
McDonald was first introduced to Mortarr during the American Society of Interior Designer’s 2019 SCALE event in New York. Since then, she’s used Mortarr’s website and app to source inspiration for a variety of projects for her internship and classwork, including her senior capstone project.
“I love being able to dive into all the details of the projects that inspire me most on Mortarr,” says McDonald. “I tend to get sucked in.” Regarding her scholarship submission, “Mortarr provided inspiration that wasn’t conventional, and that made all the difference.”
Scroll down for McDonald’s winning submission.
“I LOVE BEING ABLE TO DIVE INTO ALL THE DETAILS OF THE PROJECTS THAT INSPIRE ME MORE ON MORTARR...MORTARR PROVIDED INSPIRATION THAT WASN'T CONVENTIONAL,
AND THAT MADE ALL THE DIFFERENCE.”
-ELIZABETH MCDONALD, UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO
NOW, GET BACK TO WORK
Gain access to the commercial construction and design industry from the comfort of your desktop, wherever you are. Create a free profile to begin collaborating online with project teams, source and sample products, and find commercial project inspiration.
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Our Office Hubs
Financial Lifestyle Planning
Retirement & Pensions Planning
Later Life & Long-term Care Planning
Protection & Insurance
An overview with Guy Myles
What are the alternatives to annuities?
Guy Myles, 27 June 2016
You're considering an annuity, but what are the alternatives to annuities?
In this article you'll find:
****A recap on what an annuity is****
An overview of alternative pension release schemes
The UK population is getting older, and that means there's more pressure on pensions than ever before. In fact, the number of people aged 65 or over has grown by 47% since 1974*****, making it vital that our pensions - whether state, occupational or personal - can stretch even further as life expectancy increases.
In these times of economic uncertainty, annuities offer an attractive blend of security, value and regular guaranteed income. While annuities are popular, what are the alternatives and how are they different to annuities?
Alternatives to annuities: Income drawdown
Gives you the flexibility to take out varying amounts of income whenever you like, while your remaining money continues to be invested. This exposure to risk means your pension fund may fall in value, but - given enough time - it should increase in value, leading to higher returns.
With the introduction of George Osborne's pensions freedom legislation in 2017, anyone with a drawdown pension will be able to withdraw as little or as much income from their pension fund as they wish in any given year. The dangers? You'll need to be disciplined to avoid taking out too much too soon as, unlike an annuity, you could run out of money.
You'll also need to watch out for tax. That's because all income is taxed in the year it is taken out. So you might pay more in tax than if you withdrew funds gradually.
Full amount
Does exactly what it says on the tin: you receive the full pension amount. But be careful how you spend it!
Be aware of tax implications and the possibility of your pension pot running dry. Although the first 25% of the full amount is tax-free, the remainder follows standard income tax bands.
Alternatives to annuities: Lump sums
In some circumstances, it's possible to take income from your pension without buying an annuity or going into drawdown. With a lump sum scheme, you can take out varying sums to suit your needs.
Technically called 'uncrystallised funds pension lump sums', these products are similar to income drawdowns, allowing you to unlock sums at any time. An added bonus comes in the form of a 25% tax-free allowance on each withdrawal, although the total fund isn't invested, meaning growth is limited.
This article only scratches the surface of the pension payment schemes market. To get detailed and informative advice, speak to a Flying Colours expert today on 0333 241 9900.
*http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20160105160709/http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/pop-estimate/population-estimates-for-uk--england-and-wales--scotland-and-northern-ireland/mid-2014/sty-ageing-of-the-uk-population.html
Categories: Retirement
Are Mirror Wills and IHT Trust still an Effective form of IHT Planning in 2020
15 October 2019 / Guy Myles
Nearing retirement?
01 November 2017 / Guy Myles
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Flying Colours Life is a trading name of Flying Colours Finance Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under number 672022 at 2 Queen's Square, Lyndhurst Road, Ascot, SL5 9FE, UK.
Flying Colours Life offer Independent financial lifestyle planning services within the UK and specifically in the following areas where a qualified IFA can save you thousands such as investment planning, retirement and pensions planning, inheritance tax and estate planning, later life and long term care, protection and insurance. Find an IFA near you today.
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About Meet the EYL40 Events Insights Selection process Partners
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Bold leadership, ground-breaking ideas, unparalleled passion …
For almost a decade the European Young Leaders (EYL40) programme has brought together the brightest minds and outside the box leaders to put their innovative thinking to work at building a more forward-thinking Europe that is a global champion for a better world. The European Young Leaders represent a new generation of leaders, able to tackle the increasing disconnects between citizens and political elites, to rebuild the trust that is vital to democracies.
These promising and established leaders come from a variety of backgrounds including politics, business, civil society, arts, science and the media.
The 2020 Class of European Young Leaders:
Learn more about the EYL40 programme
Tune in to the EYLs on Friends of Europe’s Leading Views podcast
Leading view
Joss Garman on the climate crisis: how bad is it (bad!) and can we get out of it (yes!)?
Joss Garman
Negar Mortazavi on Europe's role in the US-Iran dispute, the Trump factor and the role of media
Negar Mortazavi
Una Mullally on abortion rights, marriage equality and galvanising a generation for change
Una Mullally
Listen to more Leading Views podcasts
Continue to Meet the EYL
Meet the EYL40
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Brain-to-brain II: EYL peer-learning exchange
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Read more about "Megacities: challenges and opportunities for citizen engagement"
Megacities: challenges and opportunities for citizen engagement
By Katarzyna Nawrot
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Can a simple sticker help us address climate change?
By Robert Shirkey
Read more about "Green industrial policies can return Europe to the spotlight"
Green industrial policies can return Europe to the spotlight
By Edvard Glücksman
Continue to Selection process
Due to Covid-19, no European Young Leaders class will be selected for 2021. Application for the class of 2022 will open in the spring of 2021.
The EYL40 programme is a unique, multi-stakeholder programme which aims to promote a sense of European identity by bringing together forty of the brightest European leaders every year and engaging them in initiatives that will shape Europe’s future. We aim to select 40 European Young Leaders of diverse backgrounds in order to enable a broad exchange of ideas, creating the basis for a new generation of engaged European leaders. Additionally, in 2020, the programme will include 6 Young Leaders from the Western Balkan region. In doing so, we aim to promote structural dialogue across the continent that will foster better mutual understanding.
Since the launch of the programme in 2012, we have gradually taken steps to ensure the diversity and exceptional quality of its selection process. We have made sure that its comprehensive and competitive nature ensures the identification and selection of remarkable individuals. Candidates can either apply or be nominated for the selection process of the programme.
Candidates must be between 30 and 40 years of age;
Candidates must be a national of an EU member state or of one of the 6 Balkan states currently on the path to EU integration (Serbia, Kosovo*, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, North Macedonia, Montenegro);
Candidates should have established themselves the highest levels of their chosen profession, or be on track to do so;
Candidates must be committed to serve society at large through noteworthy contributions and have demonstrated a record of significant achievements and outstanding professional experience;
Candidates are also evaluated based on their ability to contribute to the enrichment of the programme as a whole;
Candidates are required to be fluent in English as it is the working language of the programme;
Candidates must commit to participating in at least one seminar during the programme year.
*references to Kosovo in this document are used without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UN Security Council resolution 1244/99 and the International Court of Justice Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.
Continue to Partners
See John St Latsis public benefit foundation's website
See Fondazione Cariplo's website
See Headquartes United States European Command's website
See The Coca Cola company's website
Watch Francesca Cavallo - Men and women, getting better and different leadership?
Francesca Cavallo - Men and women, getting better and different leadership?
Watch European Young Leaders: Why Europe Matters (5/5)
European Young Leaders: Why Europe Matters (5/5)
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Madonna and Guy bids farewell
October 16, 2008 By Jim
Madonna and her film-director husband Guy Richie are getting a divorce, it’s final. While the couple has been happily married for 7 1/2 years, Madonna’s spokesperson says they’re ending the marriage… asap, and would most likely pray for finality before the 2008 Christmas season. Divorce lawyers though said that a quick decision regarding the divorce may not be “too quick” and “too soon”.
Madonna’s spokesperson Liz Rosenberg says the couple has agreed to divorce, and asks the media to respect their privacy. Rumors about their marriage started circulating with news about Madonna’s alleged romantic involvement with New York Yankees baseball player Alex Rodriguez. Rodriguez was eventually divorced from his wife.
The couple has two children together – Rocco, 8 and David, 3 years of age.
Worthy to note too that Madonna turned 50 this year. This may be a sad end to half a century of success in the world of entertainment. My heart goes out to Madonna, I hope she can quickly recover from the possible pain of ending a long relationship with someone she once loved.
Filed Under: Entertainment, In the News
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Kansas inmates among first to get vaccine while Missouri prisoners are last
by: Pat McGonigle
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — When it comes to administering the COVID-19 vaccine to jail and prison inmates in Kansas and Missouri, it’s a tale of two states with vastly different policies.
“Actually, Missouri is the only state that explicitly put incarcerated people in phase 3, the lowest phase,” said Dr. Lauren Brinkley-Rubinstein with the COVID Prison Project.
In Kansas, prison inmates are among the second wave of people vaccinated. Gov. Laura Kelly argues, like nursing homes, prisons are congregate settings where the virus can spread rapidly.
The stark contrast between Kansas and Missouri became increasingly evident in recent days after Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt openly complained about the Sunflower State’s approach in a Facebook post.
“So after front-line workers (including prison employees) and nursing home residents (and employees) are offered the vaccine, Kansas should save lives by putting older folks (wherever they live) ahead of younger inmates,” Schmidt posted to his official Facebook account on Sunday. “I think Kansas seniors, many of whom have been largely trapped in their homes since March, should have priority over prisoners.”
Dr. Brinkley-Rubinstein, a professor at UNC-Chapel Hill with a doctorate from Vanderbilt University, believes the Kansas approach represents the best science to flatten the curve. She argues people need to remember prisons are very much a part of the fabric of the community where they exist.
“We have staff who live in the community, who go to work every single day in a prison or jail, who may get exposure to COVID-19 in those settings and bring it back to their home communities,” Brinkley-Rubinstein said.
MSSU to hold 21st annual MLK Celebration online tomorrow
by Liz Chandler / Jan 17, 2021
JOPLIN, Mo. – On Monday, January 18, 2021, Missouri Southern will hold its 21st annual MLK Celebration to honor the great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The event will be completely virtual and feature music performances, speakers and presentations.
by SAMY MAGDY, Associated Press / Jan 17, 2021
The ruling sovereign council met Sunday and said security forces would be deployed to the area.
Miami organization sees to help homeless community members
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Texting, phone use leads to neck pain
TAMPA (FOX 13) - You see electronic devices everywhere. People walk, eat, and even drive while looking down at their phones, but almost all are unaware of the strain they are putting on their necks.
Staring at a smartphone for hours a day with your neck bent down at an odd angle leads to early wear and tear on the spine. Experts are calling it "text neck."
Dr. Alex Vacarro is a spine surgeon and president of the Rothman Institute. He says, thanks to our modern world and the reliance on smartphones, tablets and laptops, text neck has become an epidemic.
But since it's a recent phenomenon many people don't know why they have text neck.
"People have no idea it's related to their handheld device," Dr. Vaccaro said.
Erin Dowdell is a 28-year-old nurse who uses her phone several hours a day and sends countless text messages. She started experiencing neck pain a couple of months ago and it was so persistent she went to see Dr. Vacarro.
"He explained to me there's an epidemic called text neck which is from overuse of cell phones. I didn't think it was a real thing. I didn't take it too seriously but I thought about it and I thought about my posture and I realized it has to cause some kind of damage at some point," she explained.
Dr. Vacarro says the human head weighs about 12 pounds, and as the neck bends forward and down, the weight on the cervical spine increases.
"Looking down at a device is like having an 8-year-old hanging on your neck for two to three hours a day," he continued.
Adults spend an average of two to four hours a day hunched over their phones. That's 700 to 1,400 hours a year people are putting stress on their spines.
Using our phones is second nature and they aren't going anywhere, so it's important to know about the potential damage you can do just by staring at your phone.
Erin, who is now doing better, has this advice: "It's really important to educate people. You are causing harm to your body and you will be miserable if you don't take steps to prevent this."
Actions by GOP attorneys general could damage credibility in courts
11,093 new Florida coronavirus cases reported Sunday; 133 new deaths
Retired firefighter turns old trees into new treasures
From Lindbergh to Normandy to Reagan, St. Pete veteran recalls 100 years of history
Fired Florida COVID-19 data analyst says she will turn herself in after warrant issued for arrest
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Cat Map
Caitlin Dempsey | March 5, 2014 March 14, 2013 | GIS Software
With over 11,000 cat locations mapped to date, the Cat Map is a crowd sourced survey of domestic felines. What is this mapping effort and why was it created?
What is The Cat Map?
This online map was developed by the Zoological Community of London. The main aim of this organization is to promote and make the people of London aware about the New Tiger Territory of London Zoo. The New Tiger Territory is scheduled to open on March 22, 2013 and features a 27,000 sq ft enclosure for its Sumatran tigers. Currently, there are only 300 Sumatran tigers that remain in the wild. The new enclosure is five times the size of the previous one and was designed in part to help breed new Sumatran tigers to help reverse the decline of these cats in the wild.
One of the first set of cats added to the Cat Survey Map was Jae Jae and Melati, the two new Sumatran tigers added to the London Zoo. The Cat Map was created by Filip Hnizdo, who explained, “Our two new tigers are big cat news, but we think little cats are important too. Tigers are the world’s favourite animal, and an iconic species in every culture – we want to see just how important their smaller counterparts are to London’s residents. Cat Map is the one stop shop to find out how just how cat-mad Londoners are.”
The Cat Survey Map will serves as a tool used in gathering important details about the cats in London as well as worldwide. According to the London Zoo, “Cat Map mimics techniques used by field conservationists when recording the numbers and locations of individual animals in the wild and will give an overview of all of the cats living in London.” With The Cat Survey Map, it would be easier for them to find out the total number of cats living within the city, the diseases that typically affect the cats and the exact rate of these illnesses and other information pertaining to this kind of animal. The steps in using this map are easy, so joining can be done completely with ease.
How to Join The Cat Map Survey
If you want to include your cat in this map, you will be asked to provide certain details pertaining to your pet. To do it, you need to follow the steps given below:
Visit the official website of ZSL London Zoo where tiger territory is featured.
Fill in the necessary details. Enter the exact age of your cat, the gender of the animal, the color of his or her coat and the name you have provided to your cat.
You also need to include the exact location of your residence so that the icon that will serve as the face of your cat on the map will be posted there.
You are also obliged to enter your email address that will serve as the contact detail for your cat. Email address is important because the London Zoo will send updates to you about the news related to the zoo, special offerings as well as other details concerning their conversation work. If you are not interested in any of these, you may just uncheck the box provided in the online application form.
You also need to make a short description about your cat. It can be something about the behavior of your cat. You may tell something about the favorite food of your cat, if your pet is fat, small, cute, kind or a fierce one.
After filling up everything that the online application asks you to provide, you will need to click the button that says “save cat” and then your cat will be registered in The Cat Survey Map.
London Zoo’s Cat Map Survey
Tags cat map, crowdsourced GIS, London Zoo, Online Mapping
Openlayers: Geospatial JavaScript Library
Using Map Projections with Maptitude
WebGIS Section 2: Overview of Tools and Technologies For WebGIS
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Starbreeze is laying off a quarter of its entire workforce
June 4, 2019 | By Chris Kerr
More: Console/PC, Production, Business/Marketing
Struggling Payday 2 developer Starbreeze intends to lay off 60 members of staff, which is around a quarter of its entire workforce.
It's unclear where the cuts will be made, with the company simply reiterating its plan to "focus on its core business, game development and publishing." The layoffs are expected to be "fully implemented" in November, and will result in a monthly cost reduction of approximately $317,000.
Starbreeze has been in reconstruction since December, after being plunged into financial disarray following the lackluster launch of Overkill's The Walking Dead -- which prompted the departure of then CEO, Bo Andersson.
Back in May, the Swedish studio revealed it lacks the funds to operate for another year, and has been raising cash by selling off various assets such as Indian art studio Dhruva and the publishing rights to titles like 10 Crowns and System Shock 3.
"In the past six months we have made a number of changes to the business following our strategy to focus on the core business," explained Starbreeze CEO, Mikael Nermark.
"We have divested some operations that we consider non-core and we now have to look inward to make the core business more efficient. To make staff reductions is a tough decision to make, but necessary to enable Starbreeze to develop well long-term."
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// News // 14th Jan 2021 — 3 days ago // By Jamie Davies
Stronghold: Warlords Delayed Once More
Developer FireFly Studios has announced that its upcoming real-time strategy title Stronghold: Warlords, which was already delayed from September 2020 to January 2021, will once more be delayed until the 9th March 2021. It assures players that due to "unexpected issues" with the multiplayer mode's development, it will have to delay the game for a "second and final time".
Stronghold: Warlords puts players in charge of their own East Asian castle stronghold, managing their own army and taking the fight to Japanese castles, fortified Chinese cities and more. With a century-spanning campaign and multiplayer support, this looks to be one to watch for fans of real-time strategy.
Stronghold: Warlords releases on PC on the 9th March.
Stronghold: Warlords gamescom Gameplay Reveal
Website Stronghold: Warlords
Developer FireFly Studios
Publisher FireFly Studios
Genre Simulation, Strategy
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New Digital Microform Scanner Graces First Floor of Library
The next time you are in the library, take a look at the microform (microfiche and microfilm) area on the first floor. Most of the previous readers/printers have been sent to electronic recycling. The newer remaining reader/printer that was connected to a computer has been moved and can continue to be used to view and print fiche and film. The most exciting addition is our new ST ViewScan digital microform scanner, which now sits next to the GRACE terminal. The all-digital ViewScan incorporates the newest imaging technology. No longer are you required to print the images as they appear on the...
GTU Member School Commencements 2020
Where to Celebrate our Graduates: The GTU commencement that was scheduled to take place on Thursday, May 14, 2020, has been cancelled due to COVID-19. This year's graduates will be invited to be a part of the 2021 commencement activities. In addition, they will be celebrated virtually through a microsite that will showcase their work and achievements. The following list gives the commencement plans of the GTU Member Schools. Please contact individual schools to confirm details. ABSW: Please refer to the school website. CDSP: All 2020 graduates are invited to be recognized officially at...
CommencementMember Schools
Schedules may be abbreviated or changed, especially during the January term and the summer. Please contact each school to confirm changes. American Baptist Seminary of the West Clayborne M. Hill Chapel 2606 Dwight Way, Berkeley 510/841-1905 Service of the Word Monday 6 - 6:45 pm Church Divinity School of the Pacific All Saints Chapel 2451 Ridge Road, Berkeley 510/204-0700 Morning Prayer Monday-Friday 7:30 am - 8:00 am Eucharist Monday, Tuesday, Friday...
Life at GTUNews & EventsCurrent Student ResourcesThe Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute (PAOI)Berkeley School of Theology (BST)Church Divinity School of the Pacific (CDSP)Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology (DSPT)Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University (JST-SCU)Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary of California Lutheran University (PLTS-CLU)Pacific School of Religion (PSR)San Francisco Theological Seminary (SFTS)Starr King School for the Ministry (SKSM)
Worship ServicesMember Schools
(-) Remove PSR | Pacific School of Religion filter PSR | Pacific School of Religion
(-) Remove Member Schools filter Member Schools
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Hawaii Department of Education > Parents and Students
The teachers and staff at Hawaii’s public schools provide a rigorous, standards-based education, but success in education, college and career is driven by parent and student engagement. You’re not doing it alone: We’re here to help. In this section, find everything you need to know about Hawaii’s public schools, resources for students and parents, and resources for military and families new to Hawaii.
Grade-Level Overview http://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ParentsAndStudents/GradeLevelOverview Grade-Level Overview Our schools provide a clear path toward career, college and community readiness.
Enrolling in School http://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ParentsAndStudents/EnrollingInSchool Enrolling in School Everything you need to know about enrolling your child in Hawaii public schools.
Continuity of Education http://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ParentsAndStudents/ContinuityofEducation Continuity of Education Tips and tools to help parents navigate and support continuous learning for students.
Support for Students http://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ParentsAndStudents/SupportForStudents Support for Students Resources for students who want to help drive their education.
Military Families http://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ParentsAndStudents/MilitaryFamilies Military Families About 8 percent of our students are military connected. Get resources here.
Moving to Hawaii http://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ParentsAndStudents/MovingToHawaii Moving to Hawaii E Komo Mai! Resources for those moving to the Aloha State.
Anti-Bullying Work http://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ParentsAndStudents/AntiBullyingWork Anti-Bullying Work We emphasize a culture of respect, responsibility and resiliency.
Support for Parents http://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ParentsAndStudents/SupportForParents Support for Parents Resources for parents and caregivers of students in public schools.
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Hawaii Department of Education > Parents and Students > Support for Parents
The Department has developed parent support opportunities through its Community Children’s Councils (for special needs children) and its Student Support Branch (providing socio-emotional supports and training for staff in schools). Several nonprofit family service agencies in Hawaii also provide needed outreach to low-income families.
Parent Learners board on PinterestYou're not sitting on the sidelines when it comes to your child's education. Here are curated resources exclusively for the engaged parent.
Student Bill of Rights and ResponsibilitiesOutlines rights and responsibilities for all students who attend Hawaii DOE schools; adopted March 7, 1974.
Continuity of Learning For Parents
Parents and caregivers have the responsibility to support their student's meaningful and regular engagement in learning through virtual means. The tips and tools offered here identify specific actions that can be taken to support your children in their continuous learning.
Community Children’s Councils
One of the key partnerships in the development of a full array of services to special needs children and their families, the Community Children’s Councils are led by parent and professional co-chairs and include representation from public and private child-serving agencies and other community members such as recreational services, businesses, churches and others. The collective vision goes beyond implementation of special needs services, to provide local forums statewide for all community members to come together as equal partners to discuss and positively affect multiple systems' issues for the benefit of all children, families and communities. The goals of the councils:
Providing a focus of strong family participation in planning and decision-making;
Providing a vehicle for community-wide involvement;
Collaboratively creating a shared vision for an integrated system of care;
Implementing ongoing community needs assessments and strategic planning process;
Participating in quality assurance and improvement in the development of the system of care.
Please take a moment to read our pamphlet about what parents should know about the use of Restraints and Seclusions.
There are 17 councils in Hawaii that usually meet monthly. Common activities include parent support groups, workshops and informational meetings, with conferences and special events offered throughout the year.
This 10-week program gives parents step-by-step solutions to dealing with children struggling with behavioral problems. It's for parents of children age 11-20. The companion program, Loving Solutions, assists parents of children age 5-10.
Comprehensive Student Support System
With a goal of supporting success for all students, CSSS includes an array of services to help students with myriad issues and challenges. You can learn more about this in our Behavioral Supports section.
Support Agencies
Child & Family Service: With more than 30 programs on Oahu, Kauai, Maui, Lanai, Molokai and the Big Island, Child & Family Service is known for embracing the total family — from keiki to kupuna.
Family Support Hawaii: Family Support Hawaii was founded in 1979 by members of the community who were concerned about the lifelong consequences of child abuse and neglect. They began providing prevention and early intervention services through Kapiolani Women’s and Children’s Center until 1985, when FSH incorporated and became an independent, community based, not for profit organization. Family Support Hawaii now provides supportive services to more than 3,500 Hawaii Island individuals and families each year.
Honolulu Community Action Program: HCAP offers a wide variety of programs and services to assist individuals and families to achieve self-reliance. HCAP offers programs and services in six major areas: Early Childhood; Employment; Education; Economic Development; Emergency & Transitional Programs; and Community Development & Advocacy.
Maui Family Support Services, Inc.: The mission of MFSS is to promote healthy family functioning by providing supportive services which build on family strengths. The Prime Directive is to use its collective resources toward the prevention of child abuse and neglect. MFSS has worked with thousands of families on Maui, Lanai and Molokai through a broad network and vast array of programs to assist overburdened families and provide a critical safety net of support.
Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc.: MEO provides outreach and information, and administers human service programs to low-income persons, the youth, elderly, immigrants, ex-offenders, persons with disabilities and medical needs, and other disadvantaged individuals and families on the islands of Maui, Molokai and Lanai.
Parents and Children Together (PACT): PACT provides a number of youth and family services throughout Hawaii, and is dedicated to serving Hawaii's socio-economically challenged individuals and families. Programs include Early Childhood Education, Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention & Treatment, Domestic Violence Prevention & Treatment, Mental Health Support, and Community Building & Economic Development.
Second Article Callout
Parent-Community Networking Centers
The PCNCs are school-based centers for families, volunteers and community to identify their strengths, collaborate, make decisions and create partnerships. We encourage parents and the community to join their school's PCNC.
Statement from Supt. Kishimoto on the proposed Aug. 17 start date for students Statement from Supt. Kishimoto on the proposed Aug. 17 start date for students
Free and reduced-price school meal applications to be sent home for upcoming school year Free and reduced-price school meal applications to be sent home for upcoming school year
HIDOE launches new online student bus pass application and payment option HIDOE launches new online student bus pass application and payment option
2018 Year in Review 2018 Year in Review
SchoolMessenger invites parents to opt in to text message alerts SchoolMessenger invites parents to opt in to text message alerts
HIDOE closing all Hawaii Island, Maui County schools and offices ahead of impacts from Hurricane Lane HIDOE closing all Hawaii Island, Maui County schools and offices ahead of impacts from Hurricane Lane
Brochure: Does My Teen Need Help?
Brochure: Does My Child Need Help?
Brochure: What Parents Should Know About the Use of Restraints and Seclusion
Help Your Keiki
USDOE: Parent and Family Engagement
Hawaii Youth Services Directory
Understood.org
NEA: Parent Resources
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Board’s Broad Reading of Claim Term Results in Institution of IPR Trial
Continuing its successful challenges of Clouding IP patents, Oracle placed all challenged claims of another Clouding IP patent into inter partes review in a case styled as Oracle Corp. v. Clouding IP, LLC (IPR2013-00088), involving U.S. Pat. No. 7,254,621.
The ‘621 patent relates to methods, systems, and computer programming instructions that enable users to remotely access and manipulate information in a way that may not be possible or practical based on inherent limitations of the users’ pervasive devices (i.e., mobile devices and smart appliances).
The key to the Board’s decision was its interpretation of “receiving a data access request,” and that limitation’s impact on the remainder of the claim. More specifically, Patent Owner contended that the claim allowed for only one data access request. To that end, the claimed method goes onto require “obtaining the requested data,” “determining what data manipulation operations are available for the requested data,” and “providing references to the determined data…” Per Patent Owner’s argument, therefore, the antecedent basis in the claim seemed to reference the “receiving a data access request” step from the claimed method.
The Board, however, disagreed. Because the claim contains an open-ended transitional phrase “comprising,” the claim was construed as open ended and other “data access requests” could occur and still fall within the scope of the claim. To that end, the Board held, “[o]btaining data in response to other data access requests, in addition to the one particular data access request, is not excluded by the claim language at issue.” Order at 8.
Based on this construction, the Board initiated an inter partes review trial based on 102(e) grounds, finding that, even though the anticipatory reference discloses a process in which multiple links must be selected by a user, the claims were not limited to a single data access request, as discussed above. As such, the Board found that all of the claim limitations were met by the reference. Following this finding, the Board did not consider the two obviousness grounds presented by Patent Challenger, deeming them redundant.
Matthew L. Cutler
Board’s Claim Construction Limited to What it Needed To Initiate IPR Trial
By: Matthew L. Cutler, Principal
Board Eschews Federal Circuit Claim Construction in Granting IPR Trial Requested by Google
Overwhelming Prior Art Makes Board’s Job Easy in Grant of IPR Trial
PTAB Claim Construction Ruling Wipes out Half of Challenged Grounds, But Trial Still Initiated
Board Agrees that Petition Failed to Set Forth Relevant Claim Construction, But Finds Error Harmless
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Jacob Hecht
Sen. Jacob Hecht
Former Senator for Nevada
Hecht was a senator from Nevada and was a Republican. He served from 1983 to 1988.
Contact Sen. Jacob Hecht
I live in Nevada.
I want to urge Hecht to take an action on a bill.
Visit Sen. Jacob Hecht’s website »
Look for a contact form on Sen. Jacob Hecht’s website to express your opinion.
Visit Hecht’s Website »
Head over to Sen. Jacob Hecht’s website. If you are having a problem with a government agency, look for a contact link for casework to submit a request for help. Otherwise, look for a phone number on that website to call his office if you have a question.
Not all Members of Congress will accept messages from non-constituents. You can try your luck by visiting Hecht’s website. Otherwise, try contacting your own senator:
You are currently on the website GovTrack.us, which has no affiliation with Hecht and is not a government website. Choose from the options above to find the right way to contact Hecht.
Hecht is shown as a purple triangle ▲ in our ideology-leadership chart below. Each dot was a member of the Senate in 1988 positioned according to our ideology score (left to right) and our leadership score (leaders are toward the top).
The chart is based on the bills Hecht sponsored and cosponsored from Jan 26, 1983 to Oct 22, 1988. See full analysis methodology.
Hecht was the primary sponsor of 5 bills that were enacted:
S. 59 (100th): National Forest and Public Lands of Nevada Enhancement Act of 1988
S. 854 (100th): Nevada-Florida Land Exchange Authorization Act of 1988
S. 2506 (99th): Great Basin National Park Act of 1986
S.J.Res. 387 (99th): A joint resolution to designate the week of October 19, 1986, through October 26, 1986, “National Housing Week”.
S.J.Res. 197 (99th): A joint resolution to designate the week of October 6, 1985 through October 13, 1985 as “National Housing Week”.
Hecht sponsored bills primarily in these issue areas:
Public Lands and Natural Resources (28%) Environmental Protection (21%) Energy (14%) Social Welfare (10%) Taxation (10%) Transportation and Public Works (7%) Native Americans (5%) Health (5%)
Some of Hecht’s most recently sponsored bills include...
S. 2905 (100th): A bill to authorize the exchange of certain public lands in California ...
S. 2874 (100th): Wetland Enhancement and Construction Cost Reduction Act of 1988
S. 2870 (100th): Fairness in American Health Care Act
S. 2845 (100th): A bill to provide for the transfer of a certain parcel of ...
S. 2817 (100th): A bill entitled the “National Right to Work Bill”.
S. 2820 (100th): A bill to prohibit a State from imposing an income tax on ...
S. 2794 (100th): Stillwater Wildlife Management Area Restoration and Enhancement Act of 1988
From Feb 1983 to Oct 1988, Hecht missed 99 of 2,201 roll call votes, which is 4.5%. This is on par with the median of 5.9% among the lifetime records of senators serving in Oct 1988. The chart below reports missed votes over time.
1983 Feb-Mar 54 0 0.0% 0th
1983 Apr-Jun 122 3 2.5% 42nd
1983 Jul-Sep 92 0 0.0% 0th
1983 Oct-Nov 103 0 0.0% 0th
1984 Jan-Mar 45 5 11.1% 74th
1984 Apr-Jun 144 6 4.2% 36th
1984 Oct-Oct 34 0 0.0% 0th
1985 Jan-Mar 22 0 0.0% 0th
1985 Apr-Jun 116 0 0.0% 0th
1985 Oct-Dec 183 0 0.0% 0th
1986 Jul-Sep 149 1 0.7% 25th
1987 Jul-Sep 120 0 0.0% 0th
1988 Jan-Mar 84 19 22.6% 91st
1988 Oct-Oct 31 4 12.9% 60th
Jacob Hecht is pronounced:
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Helensburgh & Gareloch Horticultural Society
Allotment news
Fenella Rankin
The Japanese Garden by Head Gardener Kate White- Evening Talk 10th Apr
Kate gave us a very interesting presentation which certainly whetted the appetite of those going on the outing later in the year. She told us how the young woman Ella Christie was an adventurer of her time both in terms of her domestic situation and in terms of her determination to change them and to carry on her father's work in the establishment of the garden. She went on an extensive tripto the far East and came back through Russia at a time when ladies travelling on their own was unusual to say the least.
The story of the garden itself is one of opportunities and chance encounters with inspirational people.
Ella Christie inherited the garden in astonishing circumstances having had to fight alongside with her sister in the courts to get her father's will changed. She then went on a long journey to China, Korea and Japan where she met the water colourists Ella and Florence Du Cane. These French ladies had been in Japan for about a year and took her under their wing. She became inspired by the Japanese gardens she saw and started a shopping list of Japanese things to buy for her garden back home.
Once she arrived back she made contact with what turned out to be the only known female gardener outside of Japan who was at that time studying horticulture and garden design at Studeley college. This was Taki Handa. Taki Handa came to visit Cowden in the March of 1908. They drew up plans and the garden was laid out over a period of 3 months. The ideal was a design that closely resembles Willow pattern plates and the fashionable designs seen in London at the time. The result was a garden that lived up to its name of Sha Raku En or 'Place of Pleasure and Delight' Built around a lake formed using a dam on a tributary of the Ochil river it featured zig zag bridges, a boat house, a dry garden and many specially selected lanterns. There were vistas and borrowed landscapes and the trees were cloud pruned according to Japanese techniques. The garden was maintained by Prof. Suzuki and then by Shinzaburo Matsuo until 1937. After Ella died in 1949 the garden passed into the care of trustees of her great nephew Robert Stewart.
Unfortunately the gardens fell into disrepair after a vandalism attack in the 60s. As this has been a story of luck and adventure it happened that by chance at a meeting of the Japanese Garden Society the latest owner of the garden met Prof. Masao Fukuhama. Mr Fukuhama was so inspired to learn of the garden's history that he agreed to come and help the Stewart family restore them.
He was inspired by the idea of restoring such a unique garden - unique because it had been built by a woman in the years before Japanese ladies were allowed to travel outside of Japan alone; and inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit of Ella Christie back in the days before women even had the vote, fighting for her and her sister's rights. Kate's presentation gave us an insight into the lives of women gardeners and designers from the time and a peek into this inspiring Place of Pleasure and Delight. Surely a much needed tale of happy chance and determination bringing pleasure and succour to many people. The gardens website is www.cowdengarden.com
#talk #garden
Brian Cunningham The Gardens of Scone Palace - Evening Talk 12th February
170th Annual Flower and Vegetable Show Schedule
Andrea Jones Garden Photography - Evening Talk 13th November
© 2017 Helensburgh & Gareloch Horticultural Society.
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International Journal of Endocrinology / 2011 / Article
AbstractIntroductionMaterials and MethodsResultsDiscussionConclusionReferencesCopyright
Research Article | Open Access
Volume 2011 |Article ID 908367 | https://doi.org/10.1155/2011/908367
Vinay Mishra, Priya Ghumatkar, Maulik V. Patel, Shilpesh Devada, Ramchandra Ranvir, Prabodha Swain, Rajesh Sundar, Rajesh Bahekar, Mukul R. Jain, "Evaluation of Cardioprotective Effect of 3,5,3′-Tri-iodo-L-thyronine in Isoproterenol-Induced Cardiotoxicity", International Journal of Endocrinology, vol. 2011, Article ID 908367, 8 pages, 2011. https://doi.org/10.1155/2011/908367
Show citation
Evaluation of Cardioprotective Effect of 3,5,3′-Tri-iodo-L-thyronine in Isoproterenol-Induced Cardiotoxicity
Vinay Mishra,1 Priya Ghumatkar,1 Maulik V. Patel,1 Shilpesh Devada,1 Ramchandra Ranvir,1 Prabodha Swain,2 Rajesh Sundar,1 Rajesh Bahekar,3 and Mukul R. Jain1
1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zydus Research Center, Sarkhej-Bavla N.H. No. 8A, Moraiya, Ahmedabad 382213, India
2Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Zydus Research Center, Sarkhej-Bavla N.H. No. 8A, Moraiya, Ahmedabad 382213, India
3Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Zydus Research Center, Sarkhej-Bavla N.H. No. 8A, Moraiya, Ahmedabad 382213, India
Academic Editor: A. Marette
Received05 Jul 2011
Revised25 Aug 2011
Accepted04 Sep 2011
Published24 Nov 2011
T3 (3,5,3′-triiodothyronine) has drawn relatively little attention in relation to cardiovascular (CVS) diseases. The present study was designed to evaluate the cardioprotective action of T3 in isoproterenol-(ISO-) induced cardiac toxicity. Female Wistar rats were exposed with ISO (100 mg/kg, body weight, subcutaneously) for 2 days at the interval of 24 h followed by T3 (3 μg/kg, body weight, orally) treatment for 3 days. Positive control rats received only ISO (100 mg/kg, body weight, subcutaneously) for 2 days at the interval of 24 hrs. Control group animals received normal saline as a vehicle. As expected, ISO-induced significant changes were observed in low-density lipoprotein, total cholesterol, ALT, CK-MB to TCK ratio, and prolongation of QT interval in electrocardiogram, which is toward normalization after T3 treatment. Lower heart weight, upregulation of cardiac myosin heavy chain alpha (MHC-α), and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, myonecrosis, vacuolar changes, and a trend toward normal cardiac muscle fiber architecture in microscopic examination of cardiac tissue further support the cardioprotective effect of T3.
In the past decades, a different class of drugs has been used for the control of myocardial ischemia and associated pathologies, but thyroid hormone has attracted relatively little attention in relation to CVS diseases. Heart ischemia is one of the main causes related to sudden death in the world. It is believed that exogenous supply of T3 causes increase in heart rate, in myocardial infarction leading to higher mortality rate and low T3 levels have cardioprotective action in heart diseases. Recent data has shown that low levels of triiodothyronine (T3) in case of heart failure are often associated with increased mortality and morbidity [1–3]. The interaction between thyroid hormone and heart indicates that T3 levels as well as clinical severity may be correlated with myocardial contractility in the patient with stress cardiomyopathy [4]. It is well known that ISO-induced cardiotoxicity in rat models is a widely used for evaluation of cardioprotective effect of various drugs. ISO causes severe stress in the myocardial tissue of animals resulting in myocardial infarction in animals due to the action on the sarcolemmal membrane, stimulation of adenylate cyclase, activation of Na+ and Ca2+ channels, and exaggerated Ca2+ inflow and energy consumption leading to cellular death. Additionally, free radicals produced by ISO could initiate peroxidation of membrane bound polyunsaturated fatty acids, leading to both functional and structural myocardial injuries [5]. Therefore, a cardioprotective effect of T3 needs to be demonstrated clearly in animal models.
With these objectives in mind, developing new therapeutic strategies to treat specific cardiac diseases through thyroid hormones can be an added advantage in area of medical research.
2.1. Experimental Animals
Healthy young nulliparous female Wistar rats 5–7 weeks (120 ± 15 g), obtained from Animal Research Facility of Zydus Research Centre, Ahmedabad, were housed in IVC (Individually Ventilated Cage) under standard laboratory conditions: temperature (25 ± 3°C), relative humidity (30 to 70%), and photoperiod (light and dark cycle of 12 h each) with food and water provided ad libitum. Protocol for this study was approved by Institutional Animal Ethics Committee (IAEC).
2.2. Experimental Design
Female rats were randomized into four groups comprising of five animals in each group.
Control rats received normal saline subcutaneously for first 2 days and distilled water remaining 3 days via gastric intubation.
Group II
Rats received ISO in normal saline subcutaneously (100 mg/kg b·wt/day), at an interval of 24 h for two days.
Group III
Rats received T3 (3 μg/kg b·wt/day) orally by gavage for 3 consecutive days after 2 days ISO treatment.
Group IV
Rats treated with T3 alone (3 μg/kg b·wt/day) via gastric intubation for 5 consecutive days.
Extra set of animals comprising five animals in each groups were used for electrocardiogram.
2.3. Dose Selection
A pilot study was conducted to establish the optimum dose of the T3 and its duration of treatment which exhibits maximum cardioprotective effect. Rats were treated with T3 (1, 3, 5, 8 and 15 μg/kg/day, p.o.) of duration 3, 7, and 14 days after 2 days treatment with isoproterenol. At the end of treatment, serum markers such as Alanine aminotransferase (U/L), Alkaline phosphatase (U/L), Aspartate aminotransferase (U/L), Creatine Kinase (U/L), and CKMB (IU/L) were evaluated. T3 (3 μg/kg/day, p.o.) of duration 3 days was found to be most effective in reverting the biochemical alteration induced by Isoproterenol. In addition, exploratory study of Isoproterenol was also carried out (60, 80, 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg/day, s.c.), dose of 100 mg/kg was selected based on high mortality at 150 and 200 mg/kg, and clear cut serum cardiac marker changes at 100 mg/kg.
2.4. Test Chemical
3,5,3′-triiodo-L-thyronine (T3) [Sigma-Aldrich, USA], Isoprenaline hydrochloride, [Sigma-Aldrich Chemical Pvt. Ltd., USA], Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80) [Merck specialities private limited, Bombay, India], Dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) [Qualigens fine chemicals GlaxoSmithkLine Pharma Limited, Bombay, India], TRIzol reagent [Invitrogen, Life Technologies, Carsbad, CA, USA].
2.5. Observations
2.5.1. Electrocardiogram
Electrocardiogram was measured at the end of treatment period (Day 6). The electrocardiographic patterns were recorded by three lead-sixteen channel polygraph (Biopac Systems Inc., USA). Parameters evaluated were PQ, QT, RR, and QRS interval. Female Wistar rats were anaesthetized with ketamine and xylazine at a dose of 70 and 7 mg/kg b·wt, respectively, by intraperitoneal route for ECG measurement.
2.6. Clinical Pathology
Blood samples were collected from retro-orbital plexus for serum biochemistry and hormonal profile at the end of treatment to correlate results of ECG, histopathology, and gene expressions studies.
2.6.1. Serum Biochemistry
Biochemical analysis was done using Daytona autoanalyser (Randox Laboratories, UK). Details of analytes evaluated and the methods used are as follows: total cholesterol (mg/dL) (TC-cholesterol oxidase), low-density lipoprotein (mg/dL) (LDL-Direct clearance), alanine aminotransferase (U/L) (ALT-UV without p5p), alkaline phosphatase (ALP-PNP AMP buffer), aspartate aminotransferase (U/L) (AST-UV), calcium (mg/dL) (Arsenazo), creatine kinase (U/L) (CK-UV: NAC activated), total T3 (TT3), and total thyroxine (TT4) were estimated by ELISA method (CL, Biotech), CKMB (IU/L) (ELISA method CL, Biotech).
2.7. Histopathology
At terminal necropsy (day 6), animals were humanely euthanised by carbon dioxide asphyxiation. Animals were subjected to complete gross examination. Weight of the heart was estimated and fixed in 10% formal saline. Paraffin sections were prepared and stained with hematoxylin-eosin for histopathological examination. Massion’s Trichrome special stain was done for fibroblast.
2.8. Gene Expression
Tissue samples from heart were dissected and snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen immediately at terminal necropsy and stored at −70 ± 2°C for further analysis. Equal amount of frozen heart tissue and TRIZOL reagent (1 mL/100 mg of tissue) was homogenized and total RNA (Ribonucleic acid) was isolated. Quantitation of total RNA was performed using Biophotometer (Eppendorf, Germany), and the quality of RNA was ascertained by agarose gel electrophoresis. For gene expression of MHC-alpha, Myh6F-(CACCCTGGAGGACCAGATTA) and Myh6R-(TGGATCCTGATGAACTTCCC) specific RT-PCR (Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction) primers were used. First-strand cDNA (Complementary deoxyribonucleic acid) synthesis was achieved with 2 μg of total RNA in a final volume of 20 μL. About 2 μL from this reaction cocktail was used directly to conduct PCR amplification in presence of SYBR-Green following real-time RT-PCR using ABI-7300 system (Applied Biosystem, Singapore). SYBR Green-based real time RT-PCR was used to estimate the levels of transcripts (MHC-alpha) expressed in heart samples collected from experimental groups.
2.9. Statistical Analysis
Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism Version 4.00. Data was analyzed for statistical significance by dose-wise by using GraphPad Prism Version 4.00. Numerical results were processed to get group mean and standard deviation. ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) was used for the comparison of different dose groups with the control and ISO-treated group. Post hoc test employed to analyze data after ANOVA was Dunnett’s test (parametric). Analysis of data was done at 1% and 5% level of significance.
3.1. Electrocardiogram
Morphological evaluation of electrocardiogram revealed marked changes in ST segment and T wave. ISO-(100 mg/kg) treated groups showed marked T-wave depression and complete T-wave inversion. Significant prolonged QT interval and decrease QRS interval was found in ISO-(100 mg/kg) treated group, whereas the combination group (ISO + T3) showed normalization trend of T-waves, QT interval, and QRS interval. Heart rate was increased in ISO injected rats compared to control rats and was found nonsignificant. T3-treated group alone was comparable with control group (Figure 5) (Table 1).
Group/Dose (I)/Vehicle control (II)/ISO (100 mg/kg) (III)/ISO + T3 (3 μg/kg) (IV)/T3 (3 μg/kg)
QT interval (ms) 93.33 ± 5.77 146.67 ± 15.28** 100.00 ± 14.52## 86.33 ± 3.51##
QRS interval (ms) 40.00 ± 4.15 30.33 ± 3.55* 43.33 ± 5.77 39.00 ± 3.61
Values are presented as Mean ± SD, , * versus control, ** versus control, # versus ISO (100 mg/kg), ## versus ISO (100 mg/kg), SD: Standard Deviation, ECG parameters are expressed in milisecond.
Effect of T3 on electrocardiogram parameters in ISO-induced cardiac changes.
3.2. Lipid Profile
LDL level was significantly increased by 197.9% (** ) in ISO-treated rats in comparison with control rats. Treatment with T3 in ISO-injected rats (T3 + ISO) showed significant low level of LDL by 67.4% (## ), which was observed in comparison with ISO treated rats (Figure 1). A significant (* ) elevation in total cholesterol was observed in ISO administered animals in comparison to control group which was reduced after (T3 + ISO) treatment.
Effect of T3 on low-density lipoprotein, values are presented as Mean ± SD, , **: significant from control group at 1% level ( ), ##: significant from ISO control at 1% level ( ), SD: Standard Deviation.
3.3. Cardiac Injury Marker
Approximately, 2-fold significant elevation in ALT (** ) was noticed in ISO-treated rats in comparison with control rats. Treatment with T3 in ISO-injected rats shown a significant decline in ALT (## ), in comparison with ISO-treated rats (Figure 2). T3 alone treated rats showed a significant decrease in ALT level in comparison with ISO-treated rats. CKMB: CK ratio was found to be significantly higher by 79.6% (* ) in ISO-treated animals, which was significantly reduced after T3 + ISO treatment (Figure 3).
Effect of T3 on ALT, values are presented as Mean ± SD, , **: significant from control group at 1% level ( ), ##: significant from ISO control at 1% level ( ), SD: Standard Deviation.
Effect of T3 on CKMB: CK Ratio, values are presented as Mean ± SD, , *: significant from control group at 0.05% level ( ), #: significant from ISO control group at 0.05% level ( ), ##: significant from ISO control at 1% level ( ), SD: Standard Deviation.
3.4. Hormonal Profile
Significant decrease in total thyroxine was noticed in all groups in comparison with control groups. However, no changes were observed in total T3 levels (Table 2).
Parameter (I)/Vehicle control (II)/ISO (100 mg/kg) (III)/ISO + T3 (3 μg/kg) (IV)/T3 (3 μg/kg)
Total T3 (ng/mL) 1.17 ± 0.13 1.08 ± 0.07 1.10 ± 0.02 1.06 ± 0.08
Total T4 (μg/mL) 5.35 ± 1.23 2.80 ± 0.53* 2.81 ± 0.40** 1.95 ± 0.55**
Values are presented as Mean ± SD, , * versus control, ** versus control, # versus ISO (100 mg/kg), ## versus ISO (100 mg/kg), SD: Standard Deviation.
Summary of hormonal profile.
3.5. Heart to Body Weight Ratio
Relative heart weight was found significantly increased by 42.5% (** ) in ISO-treated rat in comparison with control rats. After treatment with T3 in ISO-injected rats, heart weight was significantly reduced by 19.21% (# ), in comparison with ISO-treated rats (Figure 4).
Effect of T3 on heart weight. Values are presented as Mean ± SD, , **: significant from control group at 1% level ( ), ##: significant from ISO control group at 1% level ( ), SD: Standard Deviation.
(a) Control
(b) ISO (100 mg/kg)
(c) ISO (100 mg/kg) + T3 (3 μg/kg)
(d) T3 (3 μg/kg)
Electrocardiograms.
3.6. MHC-α Gene Expression
Significant downregulation of MHC-α expression was seen by 70.3% (* ) in ISO-treated rats in comparison with control rats. T3 in combination with ISO and T3 treatment alone revealed marked upregulation of MHC-α in comparison with only ISO-treated rats (Figure 6). This upregulation of MHC-α was comparable with control animals.
Effect of T3 on relative expression of MHC-α. Values are presented as Mean ± SD, , **: significant from control group at 1% level ( ), SD: Standard Deviation.
3.7. Histopathological Findings in Heart
Microscopic examination of heart tissue revealed moderate to severe cardiomyopathy in ISO-treated group (5/5). There was extensive myocyte membrane damage, myo-necrosis, proliferation of fibroblast, and infilration of mononuclear cells in ISO-treated group. In ISO + T3, group revealed minimal damage to the myocardium with much reduced myonecrosis, edema, and lymphocytic infilration in comparison with ISO group. No changes were noticed in control and T3 alone treated rats (Figure 7). Confirmation of proliferation of fibroblast was done with Massion Trichome.
(a) Normal Heart H and E 20x
(b) ISO (100 mg/kg) treated rat: moderate to severe cardiomyopathy indicating myocyte degeneration, fibrous tissue proliferation and necrotic foci. H and E 20x
(c) ISO + T3 treated rats: myocardial tissue shows reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, no evidence of myonecrosis tends to revert normalcy. H and E 20x
(d) No changes noticed in myocardial tissue treated alone with T3 at 3 μg/kg
(e) ISO (100 mg/kg): fibrous tissue proliferation in myocardial tissue Massion’s Trichrome 20x
Histopathology of cardiac tissue.
Lipid profile plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, not only by way of hyperlipidemia and development of atherosclerosis, but also by modification of composition, structure, and stability of the cellular membranes. ISO markedly raises the low-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol levels [6]. A strong positive correlation has been documented between the risk of developing ischemic heart disease and serum LDL level [7]. Posttreatment with T3 successfully restored the elevated LDL-cholesterol and total cholesterol levels in the treatment group. These effects of T3 may be due to rapid increase in hepatic LDL receptor mRNA to promote the LDL clearance process [8, 9]. These alterations by T3 indicate the well-known physiological actions of T3 on lipid metabolism.
CK-MB isoenzyme activity is useful for both early diagnosis of myocardial infarction and other types of myocardial injury. CK-MB, TCK, AST, ALT, and ALP, which serve as the diagnostic markers, leak out from the damaged tissue to blood stream when cell membrane becomes more permeable or when rupture [10]. Sometimes serum CK-MB may raise as a result of noncardiac muscle damage, so the ratio of CK-MB to TCK is preferred over CK-MB alone. In the present study, ISO injected Wistar female rats showed significant elevation in the levels of ALT and CK-MB to TCK ratio, which were corroboration with the previous reports and findings of ISO such as necrotic damage of the myocardium and leakiness of the plasma membrane. T3 posttreatment resulted in the lowered activity of the marker enzymes in serum. Our observations demonstrated that T3 could maintain membrane integrity, thereby restricting the leakage of these enzymes [11].
ISO administration in rats showed treatment-related adverse effects in electrocardiogram. There was a significant prolongation in QT interval and decrease QRS interval. These changes may be due to consecutive loss of cell membrane in injured myocardium [12]. Changes in T-waves morphology in ISO treated animals indicates myocardial edema as a result of loss of cell membrane function [13]. These abnormal changes in ECG were not noticed in animals treated with T3 after ISO administration suggestive of the protective cell membrane role of T3.
Exogenous administration of T3 has negative feedback suppressive effects on endogenous thyroxine levels than control rats. It is interesting to note that ISO-treated rats showed significant reduction in total thyroxine level in comparison with control group. This indicates that low thyroxine level may be responsible for cardiac adverse effects, which is further supported by our findings with experimental and clinical evidence. Low thyroid hormone states in heart failure are often associated with increased mortality and morbidity [2].
The relative expression of α- and β-MHC isoforms is altered in diseased state such as cardiac hypertrophy or failure where a shift from the normally predominant α-MHC toward β-MHC is observed [14, 15]. As a result, upregulation of β-MHC transcription is considered as an early and sensitive marker of cardiac hypertrophy [16]. β-MHC is characterized by lower filament sliding velocity but has a higher economy of energy consumption than α-MHC [17, 18]. This suggests that a shift from α to β-MHC might be an adaptive response in order to preserve energy. Studies on transgenic mice expressing predominantly β-MHC showed reduced mechanical function suggesting increased β-MHC expression which may have a detrimental effect on heart failure [19]. Increased β-MHC indicates the underlying adverse cardiac remodelling.
T3 treatment effectively prevented the relative shift in isoforms, from α-MHC to β-MHC, and may contribute to its beneficial effect in cardiac hypertrophy. It might be due to inhibition of the remodelling process by T3. Cardiac tissue of ISO-treated rats showed significantly downregulation of MHC-α gene which indirectly indicates the upregulation MHC-β gene and may be responsible for deleterious effect in heart. T3 increased MHC-α synthesis by increasing the DNA-dependent RNA synthesis and decreased MHC-β synthesis by inhibiting the DNA-dependent RNA synthetase enzyme.
Following ISO administration, significant higher weight of heart in comparison with control was noticed, which was significantly low in T3 + ISO-treated rats. Higher heart weight might be attributed to increased water content, edematous intramuscular space [20], and increased protein content. Posttreatment of T3 does not alter heart weight to longer extent indicative of its protective role on myocardium against mucopolysaccharides and cellular infiltration and thus preventing intramuscular edema. This may be further correlated with inhibition of relative shift from α-MHC to β-MHC by T3 and indicates its beneficial effect in preventing cardiac hypertrophy [21]. It is interesting to note that no change in heart weight was observed in T3-treated alone group rats at 3 μg/kg.
Histopathological examination of cardiac tissue revealed moderate to severe cardiomyopathy which includes myocyte degeneration, inflammatory cell infiltration, fibrous tissue proliferation, and necrotic foci in ISO-treated animals. T3 in combination of ISO showed minimal inflammatory cell infiltration and trend toward normal cardiac muscle fiber architecture further confirmed the cardio protective effect of T3.
Administration of T3 hormone reveals the cardioprotective role from Isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in Wistar rats in this study. This was evident from the reversal of serum enzymes, ECG, and MHC gene expression profile and a trend towards normalization of cardiac muscle fiber architecture in histopathological evaluation.
Authors sincerely acknowledge each and every team member of Toxicological Section of Zydus Research Centre for their valuable support in completing this work.
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Copyright © 2011 Vinay Mishra et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
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November 01, 2018 8:49pm PT by Katie Kilkenny
Late-Night Hosts Attack Trump "Scaremongering" Over Migrant Caravan
Screengrab/Late Night with Seth Meyers
"He is the only person in the world that I know for sure is not good at estimating crowd size," Jimmy Kimmel joked on ABC.
One day after President Donald Trump shared a racist ad about the caravan of Central American refugees headed to the U.S. border, late-night hosts slammed his foreboding rhetoric about the migrants on Thursday night.
Trump has endeavored to make the caravan a hot-button issue in an effort to gin up support for the GOP before the Nov. 6 vote. The ad he shared Wednesday drew comparisons between the caravan and one immigrant who was convicted of murdering two policemen, deported once and returned during the George W. Bush administration (the ad nevertheless stated, "Democrats let him into our country. Democrats let him stay.")
On The Late Show on Thursday, Colbert tackled Trump's official announcement of an order that he claimed would prohibit migrants crossing the border illegally from seeking asylum and lead to their imprisonment. Colbert started out by picking apart Trump's statement during the speech that "America is a welcoming country, and under my leadership it is a welcoming country."
"Good plan, Mr. President, warm up the crowd with a joke," Colbert said.
At another point, he attacked Trump's suggestion that immigrants asking for asylum were reading a memorized statement. "My god, could you imagine someone telling a federal official a phrase they couldn't believe in?" Colbert asked. He then played a clip of Trump pledging to "preserve, protect and defend" during his presidential inauguration.
Seth Meyers devoted his "Closer Look" segment to what he called Trump's "scaremongering" about the caravan. Of Trump's claims that the caravan is pushing women and children but it's "largely, a big percentage of young men: young, strong," Meyers shot back, "He sounds like Long Island divorcee trying to convince her friends to go out to a club. There'll be lots of men: young, strong, they love to travel."
Meyers then took on Fox News guests who were parroting the president's rhetoric about the threat that the caravan posed. "They're coming in with diseases such as smallpox and leprosy and TB that are going to infect our people in the United States," former ICE agent David Ward told Fox News.
"Smallpox and leprocy?" Meyers asked. "Where is this caravan coming from, medieval England?"
Over on ABC, Jimmy Kimmel homed in on Trump's recent interview with Good Morning America's Jonathan Karl. When Karl asked why Trump was sending 10,000 or 15,000 active-duty troops to the border, Trump responded, in part, "you have caravans coming up that look a lot larger than reported, let me tell you, I'm pretty good at estimating crowd size."
"Now he’s just screwing with us, right?" Kimmel asked. "He is the only person in the world that I know for sure is not good at estimating crowd size."
Kimmel then argued that it won't be immigrants that will imminently stealing American jobs but robots, noting that Pizza Hut had just announced that it had created a robot pizza-making truck. Kimmel joked that the pizza truck would soon become president, and when future generations ask why this generation didn't stop climate change, people would say, "'Well we wanted to ... but then they came out with a robot pizza truck, what are you going to do?'"
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SAG-AFTRA Reveals Qualifications and Protocols for Intimacy Coordinators
9:46 AM PST 1/29/2020 by Katie Kilkenny
Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
The actor's union requires a federal and state background check for individuals in the role, as well as the completion of a "shadowing or mentorship experience."
Nearly half a year after SAG-AFTRA announced it would standardize guidelines for intimacy coordinators, the actor's union revealed requirements for workers in the role and a set of protocols for projects using them, from pre- to postproduction.
The document, which covers only two pages and can be downloaded on SAG's website, requires the following experience, expertise or training for intimacy coordinators, experts in helping actors perform in sensitive scenes that require nudity or are sexual in nature: awareness of onscreen sexual and intimate storytelling; communication; power dynamics; movement coaching and masking techniques; knowledge and collaboration regarding the use of modesty garments and barriers for safety, comfort and sexual health; navigation of on-set culture and understanding of on-set etiquette; understanding of guild and union contracts that affect nudity and simulated sex; movement and safety in facilitating the physicality of scenes; consent; bystander intervention; anti-harassment; mental health first aid/trauma; and gender and sexual diversity or sensitivity.
The union also requires intimacy coordinators to undergo a federal and state background check and have completed a "shadowing or mentorship experience" as well as the ability to execute protocols on different sets.
The role's responsibility in preproduction, the union adds, includes meeting with production leaders to determine, precisely, the extent of nudity or sex simulation required, communicating that to actors and determining whether they provide consent both initially and during rehearsals. The intimacy coordinator will also work with assistant directors, props and makeup to ensure that the costumes, barriers and prosthetics reflect everything in an actor's nudity rider.
On-set responsibilities comprise ensuring scenes follow SAG-AFTRA guidelines and close-set rules; being available to directors and assistant directors on consent, choreography and safety issues; ensuring that performers provide consent throughout the scene; and protecting minors according to union rules. In postproduction, intimacy coordinators will be available to performers to answer questions and concerns and guarantee that the final cut reflects agreements in nudity riders and contracts.
“These guidelines directly address the problem of sexual harassment on sets,” SAG-AFTRA national executive director David White said in a statement. “This is a home run for our members and the entire industry. Having intimacy coordinators on sets where simulated sex and other forms of intimacy are present, better protect SAG-AFTRA members and all other professionals involved in such scenes."
SAG-AFTRA says it developed the policies in concert with experienced intimacy coordinators and individuals from Intimacy Directors International and Intimacy Professionals Association. "I’m excited about the release of SAG-AFTRA’s guidelines for intimacy coordination because I think it signals to the industry just how important it is to do what we can to make sets safer and to protect performers. Additionally, I think that these guidelines strike the right balance between describing the roles and responsibilities of intimacy coordinators while still allowing for flexibility from show-to-show so that the process can be customized to work with each unique production,” Intimacy Professionals Association founder Amanda Blumenthal adds.
In the wake of the #MeToo movement, which first gained momentum in 2017, intimacy coordinators have gained prominence on major sets: HBO is staffing all sex scenes with intimacy coordinators, Netflix's Sex Education and Glow use them, as does Amazon's Electric Dreams.
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Here are the typical hunting seasons for hunters using rifles.
Modern firearm deer season usually begins during mid-October and lasts until about the end of the month. Typically, the general deer season for modern firearm hunters will include 14–16 days of hunting opportunity. Refer to a current hunting season pamphlet for this year’s rules and regulations.
There are also special, early seasons in certain units during mid-September.
A late season for modern firearm deer hunters takes place in late November and usually includes three or four days of additional hunting. Not all units are open during the early or late deer seasons; so anyone hunting with modern firearms must review the annual hunting pamphlet for open seasons, dates, and units. Check with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife for any updates.
Modern firearm elk season usually starts at the end of October or the early part of November. The season may last from 6–12 days, depending upon the location in the state. There are no general season late hunts for elk.
Once again, not all units statewide are open during the modern firearm elk season. Check the pamphlet for open seasons, dates, and units.
In addition to general deer and elk seasons, there are usually special deer and elk seasons for permit holders. Also, there usually are special permit seasons for goat, sheep, and moose. These permits require special applications and a lottery drawing.
Bear hunting is popular with some rifle hunters. The bear season usually begins in August (western Washington) or September (eastern Washington) and runs for a month or more.
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Elm Farm Stud
Avispardo
Avispado is a Spanish PRE. He was purchased in Spain as a 4 1/2 year old, unbacked, unhandled, running as a Stallion with mares having not even been in a stable or worn a halter before. Karen bought Avispado and six weeks later he was backed and riding well. A testament to the good character of the breed. After four months Karen moved him here, to the UK to continue his training. He is currently working at Inter 1 level, towards Grand Prix at home, and since being in the UK, has been invited to public dressage demonstrations on 'The Spanish Horse' at various establishments such as Writtle Equine College. He has competed in B.D dressage, won at dressage at the B.A.P.S.H National Championships, and placed second at the stallion grading at B.A.P.S.H against 16 stallions.
75 Barling Road
© 2023 Iberian Dressage. Proudly created with Wix.com
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Pyronaridine-artesunate for Treating Uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum Malaria
Researchers from Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) have looked at the efficacy of using a novel artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), pyronaridine-artesunate, to treat malaria in areas where resistance to other ACTs is becoming a problem. The analysis finds it at least as effective as the currently used ACTs, if not better.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends ACTs to treat uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) malaria. However, concerns over rising artemisinin resistance have led global initiatives to develop new partner drugs to protect their efficacy.
In this update of a Cochrane Review, independent LSTM authors Joseph Pryce and Paul Hine assessed the efficacy of pyronaridine-artesunate in treating malaria. They found that the treatment was as good, if not better than other ACTs; and while some people receiving it have liver function tests suggesting mild liver injuries, there was no evidence that this injury was severe or irreversible.
Hine, who is corresponding author on the review, said: "The need to find novel ACTs is important so that we can protect the efficacy of the artemisinin derivatives within them. The evidence that we found clearly showed at pyronaridine-artesunate performs as well, if not better than some of the currently marketed ACTs."
The review team looked at the results from 10 included trials that compared pyronaridine-artesunate with other currently-used treatments for P. falciparum malaria. Five of the studies looked specifically at the safety of the drug, and two of the trials exclusively recruited children under the age of 12.
Pryce, one of the authors, said, "We found that pyronaridine-artesunate did increase the risk of having blood tests that showed mild liver injury, but there was no evidence that this caused severe or irreversible damage. The findings of this review's efficacy analysis support the recommendation for using pyronaridine-artesunate in areas of multiple drug resistance, providing effective malaria treatment where other treatments may be failing."
Source: Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
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Scranton Community Corrections Center
240 Adams Ave, Scranton, PA 18503
State - low
Scranton Community Corrections Center basic information to help guide you through what you can do for your inmate while they are incarcerated. The facility's direct contact number: 570-963-4215
The Scranton Community Corrections Center is a state prison located at 240 Adams Ave in Scranton, PA in Lackawanna County. This State - low security prison is operated by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections to hold inmates who have been convicted to and sentenced for a crime in the state of Pennsylvania.
The inmates housed at the institution are placed according to their custody level (determined by a number of factors including the past criminal history and the length of their sentence). There are ample educational and vocational training programs for all inmates, especially ones that show a willingness to learn new things that will prepare them for a better life when they are released. Pennsylvania's mission is to promote and prepare the offender to leave in better shape than when they arrived, giving them the best chance to never come back and thus lower the state's recidivism rate.
State facilities provide basic living standards to meet most of the inmate's needs, including dietary, health, fitness, education, religious practices, entertainment, and many others. Conditions in these prisons vary within the PA DOC depend on many intersecting factors including the age of the buildings, the security level of the inmates and budget.
Table of Contents for Scranton Community Corrections Center
Scranton Community Corrections Center Information
Free Lackawanna County Inmate Search in Scranton, PA
What Are the Visitation Hours for Scranton Community Corrections Center
How To Save Up to 80% Inmate Calls at Scranton Community Corrections Center
How to Show Them You Care with Inmate Care Packages to Scranton Community Corrections Center
What is Inmate Commissary and How to Send Money to an Inmate at Scranton Community Corrections Center
Scranton Community Corrections Center is a facility in the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. The DOC publishes the names of their current inmates and identifies which of their locations the inmate is being held. Your search should start with the first DOC locator to see if your loved one is there. Begin with the first three letters of the offender's first and last name, it does not have to be spelled exactly.
Visiting hours for Scranton Community Corrections Center. For Directions call 570-963-4215
How to 'aid your inmate' at Scranton Community Corrections Center
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Home Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. Celebrity
15 things you probably didn't know about Tom Felton
Andrew LaSane
Tom Felton is an English actor.
Neil Hall/Reuters
Tom Felton is well known for his role in the "Harry Potter" films, but even die-hard fans may not have heard all of these fun facts.
He started acting long before starring as Draco Malfoy, and his first film credit was in "The Borrowers" (1997).
Even though he played a Slytherin for years, Felton himself is a Gryffindor.
This year, he inspired a viral hashtag on TikTok and has interacted with a lot of fans through the app.
Best known for playing Draco Malfoy in the "Harry Potter" films, British actor Tom Felton has been acting since he was 10 years old.
Even fans who watched the actor grow up on screen probably don't know everything about his life behind the scenes.
Here are 15 interesting fun facts about Tom Felton:
He was 10 years old when he appeared in his first film role.
Tom Felton in "The Borrowers."
Before playing Draco Malfoy, Felton appeared as Peagreen Clock in the 1997 film "The Borrowers" when he was 10 years old.
Over a decade before Jim Broadbent joined the "Harry Potter" cast as Horace Slughorn, he played Felton's on-screen father, Pod Clock, in the movie.
He's the youngest of four.
Tom Felton has three older brothers.
Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP
Felton has three older brothers, and during a FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention panel in 2019, he joked that as the baby of the family, he would "channel [his] frustration through Draco."
The actor, like the rest of us, was intimidated by Alan Rickman.
Tom Felton and Alan Rickman in "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince."
As a child on the "Harry Potter" sets, Felton didn't always know who some of the big-deal veteran actors were.
However, in a 2018 interview with Buzzfeed, he said that one actor he was familiar with, and a bit frightened by, was Alan Rickman.
"It took me quite a lot of courage just to say anything more than 'good morning Alan' to him because he's pretty terrifying," he said.
Felton auditioned to play Harry and Ron before landing the role of Draco.
Tom Felton as Draco Malfoy in "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone."
Warner Bros via YouTube
In a 2011 interview with MTV News, the actor said that he originally read for Harry Potter and Ron Weasley before auditioning for Draco Malfoy.
"I'm very grateful I am in the film at all, but even more grateful that I got the character of Draco," Felton told the publication.
He continued, "I think Rupert [Grint] and Dan [Radcliffe], there's no question in my mind, there's no one else in the world that, A) could have played the character better, but B) could have handled the behind-the-scenes pressure those guys have dealt with over the last decade."
Jack Johnson inspired him to become a musician.
Singer-songwriter Jack Johnson inspired Tom Felton to start making music.
MediaPunch/IPX/Associated Press; Mario Anzuoni/Reuters
In a 2009 interview with Feltbeats.com, Felton said that he was inspired to become a singer-songwriter after listening to American musician Jack Johnson.
"When I listened to Jack Johnson the first few times, I knew I wanted to play guitar," he said. "So I pretty much picked it up from there. But singing while playing the guitar seemed so foreign at first. For about a good year, I could not at all sing a note while playing."
There's a sweet reason he hasn't seen the "Harry Potter" films since the premieres.
Tom Felton said he's waiting for a "sacred day."
Mario Anzuoni/Reuters
In 2018, Felton told People magazine that he hasn't rewatched the "Harry Potter" films since they premiered.
"I'm saving that for a sacred day," he said. "I have visions of doing that with my two kids, when I'm a little bit older."
Felton has a puppy named Willow.
Tom Felton's dog is a black labrador.
Stefania D'Alessandro/Getty Images Entertainment
The actor is a dog dad to a black labrador named Willow.
On a 2018 episode of "People Now," Felton shared that the pup came into his life when a friend of a friend had a change of heart after adopting her.
He inspired a viral hashtag on TikTok.
Tom Felton in one of his popular TikTok videos.
Tom Felton/TikTok
#DracoTok is a viral trend on the video-sharing app that features fans sharing throwback movie clips, singing along with Felton in duets, and just appreciating all things Draco Malfoy.
The actor has even gotten in on the fun by posting videos on his own TikTok channel.
He's a big fan of the musical "Hamilton."
Lin-Manuel Miranda and Phillipa Soo in "Hamilton."
Felton's TikTok is also peppered with clips of him rapping, lip-syncing, and singing songs from the hit Broadway musical "Hamilton."
From duets with other fans to guitar covers, he's been sharing his mini-performances since the filmed version of the stage production made him cry back in July.
He has a few mementos from the "Harry Potter" set.
Tom Felton said he still has Draco's Slytherin ring.
Felton told Vulture in 2011 that the production team let him keep Draco's Slytherin ring and a tie pin. But he said most of the props and costumes were out of the question.
"Anyway, they're putting those in museums, which is probably a better place than on my bedroom wall," he told the publication. "I wanted to get a wand — we all wanted our wands — but those are on lock down. I wanted to keep Draco's suit. I felt very sharp in that suit."
Across all eight "Harry Potter" films, Draco reportedly only had about 31 minutes of screen time.
Tom Felton is well-known for playing Draco Malfoy.
According to a fan post on IMDb Stats, Felton's popular role was much less prevalent in the films than most people probably realized.
The "Harry Potter" film series spans 19 hours and 40 minutes — but Draco Malfoy apparently only appeared on screen for 31 minutes and 30 seconds.
He's not a true Slytherin, even though he played one.
Tom Felton has said that he's a Gryffindor.
You don't get more Slytherin than Draco Malfoy. But when Felton joined Pottermore in 2015 and took the quiz to find out which Hogwarts house he'd be sorted into, that's not where he ended up.
He tweeted, "Today was the day. I finally did it. I joined Pottermore and was sorted into........Gryffindor. Heart broken x #slytherinforlife"
Felton said his American accent comes out when he orders fast food.
Tom Felton did an American accent for his role on "Origin."
While discussing his American accent on YouTube's "Origin," the actor shared that it sometimes slips out when he's ordering food in the US.
"My friends mock me over here because I order food in American," he told "ET Live" in 2018. "If you're doing the drive-thru and you need to order some chicken nuggets and some burgers, you can't really say it in a British accent because it often gets confused."
He said a stranger tried to adopt him once.
The man legally changed his name to Lucius Malfoy.
Kevork Djansezian/Reuters
In one of the more terrifying fan-interaction stories, a Draco Malfoy superfan once tried to become Felton's real-life father.
"He had changed his name legally to Lucius Malfoy and wanted me to change my name to Draco Malfoy and to legally adopt me," he told Yahoo in 2018. "I declined!"
Roald Dahl is one of his favorite authors, and Felton has narrated a few of his short stories.
Roald Dahl writing at home in 1965.
Leonard Mccombe/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
When asked at DragonCon 2011 what his favorite book is, Felton mentioned a few childhood favorites, including the "Goosebumps" series by R.L. Stein and the "Peter Rabbit" series by Beatrix Potter.
But he ultimately landed on Roald Dahl titles like "The BFG," "The Twits," and "The Witches" as his actual top picks.
In 2017, the actor even got to narrate the audiobooks for a few of the iconic author's short stories.
A 'Harry Potter' costume designer breaks down iconic looks worn by Voldemort, Bellatrix, and more of the films' villains
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THEN AND NOW: The cast of the 'Harry Potter' films 19 years later
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More: Features Freelancer Evergreen story Fun Facts
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Where to Eat in Paris: 5 Must-Visit Restaurants
Picking the best restaurants in Paris is no mean feat. But if we trust anyone to do it – it has to be locals. With the help of our local concierge, we’ve put together a supreme selection of Paris’ gastronomic gems – from authentic bistros and street food eateries to Michelin Star dining. Bon appétit!
LA FONTAINE DE MARS, 7TH ARR.
A visit to La Fontaine de Mars is like a lesson in the French art de vivre. The traditional bistro has been around since 1908, and from the moment you enter you can feel its warm, friendly atmosphere. Striped awnings, checked red and white tablecloths, retro floor tiles, elegantly-dressed servers – time has stood still here. Its classic French menu fits well with its old-world charm. Think onion soup, oeuf en meurette, seared foie gras, coq au vin, and the ever-so-popular steak-frites. The wine selection is excellent too. Among its famous clientele are the Obamas who dined here in 2009.
L'ABYSSE AU PAVILLON LEDOYEN, 8th ARR.
You know you’re in good hands when renowned French Chef Yannick Alléno and Sushi master Yasunari Okazaki come together. A shining example of Paris’ diverse culinary landscape, the creative Japanese-French restaurant hasn’t stopped making headlines since it first opened in June 2018. The biggest draw of all is its 12-seat, 2 Michelin Stars sushi counter. The simple nigiris are just as memorable as Chef Okazaki’s more complex creations and the wine and sake collection is in a league of its own. This is the place to see and be seen at.
PIERRE GAGNAIRE, 8TH ARR.
Pierre Gagnaire’s flagship restaurant in Paris at Hotel Balzac is at the pinnacle of French haute cuisine. Chef Gagnaire is globally recognised for his honest, uncompromising approach to culinary excellence. Every dish at this restaurant, from the intricate amuse-bouche to the stop-and-stare worthy dessert stays true to that philosophy. The Chef’s ability to create harmony with unlikely culinary combinations (pommes soufflé with a dash of sumac, or langoustine with seaweed and plankton) never ceases to amaze. If you’re lucky, he will come say hello and make you feel right at home. For a full showcase of his skills, choose the degustation menu and settle in for the evening - an epicurean feast like no other.
MIZNON, 4TH ARR.
It might not be Michelin Star, but it’s every bit as mouth-watering. Miznon’s huge popularity can be seen from afar as well-fed crowds spill out in large numbers. The no-frills Israeli restaurant with a French twist specialises in pitta and gets it brilliantly right. Meat-lovers will want to keep coming back for the boeuf bourguignon pitta, best mopped up with a side of grilled cauliflower. Vegetarians can happily tuck into the baked sweet potato, sautéed green beans or ratatouille. The whole experience can feel a bit rushed, but the food more than makes up for it.
PENATI AL BARETTO, 8TH ARR.
Michelin Star Penati Al Baretto is where Paris’ upper crust convene for an impeccable Italian fare. Distinguished Chef Penati gives a contemporary spin to traditional Italian cuisine, creating dishes that are inventive and flavour-packed. The service is obliging but never intrusive, and the on-site sommelier is a real treat to talk to. Only a minute’s stroll from the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées, its homely vibe is the perfect antidote to the busy, bustling streets of Paris.
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HAUNT is an asymmetrical tabletop game developed for USC's Game Design Workshop. One player assumes the role of the powerful Ghost while the remainder play as Teenagers attempting to vanquish the evil spirit.
ROLES: Systems Designer
"No one knows how long the Carter-Bennett Mansion has remained on the Northeastern hill outside of town, but those who seek the answers often meet with a terrible fate. They say a horrifying spirit resides within the confines of the estate, and will end the lives of all who enter. Morgan Rivers was no exception.
She and her five closest friends hadn’t been together since Elementary School, and Morgan was determined to rekindle their friendship. She proposed the group meet together and sneak into the Carter-Bennett Mansion; something they had always wished to do since childhood. Unfortunately, the five friends bailed on the night they planned to meet, leaving Morgan alone outside the Mansion’s entrance. Thinking the others had already gone inside, she crept into the Mansion’s chambers, never to return.
Now the five teens must band together to avenge their friend’s passing, and defeat the spirit that had taken Morgan Rivers’s life."
Key Development Features:
Developed an asymmetrical tabletop experience with a team of four members.
Designed systems that create randomized objectives for the Teenagers at the start of the game, making every round feel unique from the last.
Balanced various gameplay mechanics and character traits, including special abilities for each Teenager and powerful "HAUNT" event cards for the Ghost.
Conducted playtests and documented findings for future design adaptations.
Item/Objective Cheat Sheet
Brad Role Card (Healthy)
Amy Role Card (Injured)
© Kyle van Wiltenburg 2017-20
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Heartland B-Cycle program brings safety, opportunities to Omaha, Council Bluffs
Updated: 5:22 PM CDT Oct 7, 2014
Chinh Doan
Tuesday was a beautiful day to enjoy the outdoors and ride a bicycle.Video: B-Cycle program brings safety to Omaha, Council Bluffs“I like to go places and enjoy the scenery at a relaxed place,” said bicyclist Peter Lieben.Now there will be more opportunities for bicyclists like Lieben to explore their interest. Omaha’s B-Cycle Program is adding six bike kiosks in Council Bluffs.The regional expansion called for a new name: Heartland B-Cycle.Mayor Matt Walsh said these bicycles will put a new spin on healthy living and drive business to Council Bluffs.“ also brings people to a location where grocers and restaurants and clothing retailers and other retailers actually prosper more,” said Walsh.In addition to the Council Bluffs expansion, 14 new stations will be added to Omaha over the new few months, totaling 31 for the program. City leaders say bike sharing achieves many goals, most notably safety.“The accident rate is about 10 times lower than other bike accident rates,” said Mayor Jean Stothert.But some say Omaha isn’t bike-friendly enough.“We need more bike lanes, designated bikes lanes, safe bike lanes,” said Lieben.Stothert said she knows there’s work to be done, but soon the first members of the Active Living Advisory Committee will be named.“This month, we will name the initial members of the committee. These volunteers will advise my administration and assist with the development and design, and promote all aspects of active living and complete streets,” said Stothert.For more information on the program, visit their site here: https://heartland.bcycle.com/home.aspxMap of all locations
Tuesday was a beautiful day to enjoy the outdoors and ride a bicycle.
Video: B-Cycle program brings safety to Omaha, Council Bluffs
“I like to go places and enjoy the scenery at a relaxed place,” said bicyclist Peter Lieben.
Now there will be more opportunities for bicyclists like Lieben to explore their interest. Omaha’s B-Cycle Program is adding six bike kiosks in Council Bluffs.
The regional expansion called for a new name: Heartland B-Cycle.
Mayor Matt Walsh said these bicycles will put a new spin on healthy living and drive business to Council Bluffs.
“[It] also brings people to a location where grocers and restaurants and clothing retailers and other retailers actually prosper more,” said Walsh.
In addition to the Council Bluffs expansion, 14 new stations will be added to Omaha over the new few months, totaling 31 for the program. City leaders say bike sharing achieves many goals, most notably safety.
“The accident rate is about 10 times lower than other bike accident rates,” said Mayor Jean Stothert.
But some say Omaha isn’t bike-friendly enough.
“We need more bike lanes, designated bikes lanes, safe bike lanes,” said Lieben.
Stothert said she knows there’s work to be done, but soon the first members of the Active Living Advisory Committee will be named.
“This month, we will name the initial members of the committee. These volunteers will advise my administration and assist with the development and design, and promote all aspects of active living and complete streets,” said Stothert.
For more information on the program, visit their site here: https://heartland.bcycle.com/home.aspx
Map of all locations
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North Carolina couple's Amphicar makes a splash
REIDSVILLE, N.C. -- When Scott and Melanie Whaley take their car for a cruise it makes quite a splash.It's cal...
Posted: Jul 18, 2018 7:46 PM
Updated: Jul 18, 2018 7:46 PM
REIDSVILLE, N.C. -- When Scott and Melanie Whaley take their car for a cruise it makes quite a splash.
It's called an Amphicar, short for amphibious car.
"It's both a car and boat all in one," said Scott, who owns a 1964 Amphicar. "It sits a little low so you have to watch the wake from big boats."
Scott remembers seeing one for the first time in a magazine and decided to find one. The one he found took about a year to restore and has to be registered with the state as both a boat and a car.
"Just make sure they don't collect two taxes," Scott said.
It can be twice the fun of most vehicles and even comes complete with its own personal shade for those hot sunny days.
"It's a people magnet," Melanie said. "We meet a lot of people."
Later this month the couple plans to head to the Amphicar Club's 50th Anniversary where they are trying to get as many as they can to set a Guinness World Record.
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Kingston/Frontenac This Week
Share this Story: Immortals Fenyx Rising review: Cyclopes and Gorgons and Hydras, oh my!
Immortals Fenyx Rising review: Cyclopes and Gorgons and Hydras, oh my!
Ubisoft Quebec's new open world adventure feels like the secret lovechild of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Assassin's Creed Odyssey
Dec 04, 2020 • December 4, 2020 • 4 minute read
Immortals Fenyx Rising is set in a colourful, cartoonish world bursting with Greek mythology and iconography. Photo by Ubisoft
Platform: Xbox Series X|S (reviewed), PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Windows PC
Developer:Ubisoft Quebec
Release Date:December 3, 2020
All you really need to know about Immortals Fenyx Rising is that it feels like the secret lovechild of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. If that doesn’t inspire you to play, then chances are this isn’t the game for you.
Immortals Fenyx Rising review: Cyclopes and Gorgons and Hydras, oh my! Back to video
Ubisoft Quebec’s single-player action game is an open world adventure set upon a fantastical Greek atoll the human inhabitants of which have been turned to stone by the monstrous Typhon. Taking on the role of Fenyx, a mortal washed ashore (whose appearance, gender, and voice can be customized by players), our job is to explore the island, find the gods Typhon has decommissioned, and basically save the world from a power-mad evildoer.
The overall vibe is eccentric, to say the least. The world is rendered in bright colours and magical sparkles, making for a cartoon aesthetic that’s almost like Skylanders in its whimsy. Throughout the game we are regaled with classic mythological stories turned into comical banter by the petulant, egomaniacal Zeus and his pal Prometheus, a melodramatic party-pooper. And some of the puzzles we come up against are undeniably playful in their design, like a physics brainteaser set within what is essentially a giant pinball machine.
All of this fancifulness is oddly — yet somehow effectively — matched up with some surprisingly sophisticated traversal and combat systems.
We have a wealth of options in how we can move Fenyx from place to place, including walking, running, swimming, taming and riding wild horses, gliding on wings, parkouring over obstacles, and even climbing sheer cliffs and towering statues (always with an eye watching Fenyx’s slowly depleting stamina gauge). The default button layout — bits of which I found a little counterintuitive — gets in the way occasionally, but by and large I felt empowered to go anywhere using whatever style of travel I chose.
And when fighting the island’s mythical beasts — enormous boars, bears and birds, along with cyclopes, gorgons, three-headed dogs, and hydras — we have a broad range of tactics from which to pick. You can use various sword, axe, and bow attacks, parry and dodge incoming strikes, call upon godly magical powers, or use special abilities that are gradually unlocked. If a battle is particularly tricky you can imbibe one of the various power-up potions you’ve brewed to increase your attack and defence.
The controls feel a smidge loose at times, and the scripted animations can occasionally be a little dangerous, leading Fenyx over precipices if we aren’t careful, but the range of combat tactics is broad enough that there’s almost always another option if your current strategy isn’t quite meeting expectations.
Indeed, Immortals gives us nothing if not freedom. It’s the very definition of a sandbox game. Players have access to pretty much the entire world from the get-go, including most of its puzzles, enemy encounters, challenges, and secret dungeons.
Some tasks become much easier once you’ve upgraded your health, stamina, armour, and weapons, but there are almost endless things you can do right out of the gate. Climb to the top of one of the island’s statues and you’ll be able to see for kilometres, allowing you to scope out, identify, and mark dozens of activities on your map.
If you’d rather not waste time searching from afar, just try running around. The island is so dense with activities that you can hardly run 50 metres without bumping into something of interest, whether it’s a full-fledged quest or activity or something simpler, like a cache of collectible resources or a treasure chest.
However, while many of the main quests and missions involve unique and memorable tasks — such as pushing a pearl down a hill through a gauntlet of enemies to drop it into the ocean to release magic foam requested by Aphrodite (who’s been turned into a tree) — Immortals also gets bogged down with make-work missions that simply involve hoofing it to map pins to collect stuff or fight enemies.
This repetition could have been a deal breaker if the mechanics didn’t make it so much fun to simply run around and fight.
A bit less monotonous are the puzzles.
Much as in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, contextual conundrums are everywhere, scattered across the world map in thematic challenges focused on Greek constellations and frescos as well as tucked away in vaults clearly inspired by Breath of the Wild‘s famous shrines. Players will need to prove their mastery of Fenyx’s abilities in order to jump and glide between platforms and push and pull blocks and balls as they work through these poser-packed dungeons.
The puzzles inevitably begin recycling ideas — expect to do a little more arrow sharpshooting, block tossing, and skilled gliding than you might like — yet remain compelling if for no other reason than that the rewards on offer, which include new gear and lightning bolts necessary to upgrade stamina, usually make the work worth the while.
Whether you think of Immortals Fenyx Rising as a Breath of the Wild set within Greek mythology, a kid-friendly Assassin’s Creed, or something all its own (likely because you haven’t played either of those other games), the plain fact is that it is eminently playable. There’s never a shortage of things to do, and doing these things is generally a lot of fun. And at the end of the day, that’s pretty much all most folks want out of an open world adventure.
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Home Alumni & Giving Office of Alumni Career Development and Mentorship
COVID-19 and the Office of Alumni Career Development and Mentorship
Due to precautionary measures surrounding COVID-19, the Office of Alumni Career Development and Mentorship (ACDM) is currently providing alumni career services remotely.
Office of Alumni Career Development and Mentorship
The Office of Alumni Career Development and Mentorship (ACDM) is pleased to assist GW Law JD alumni who are at least one year post-graduation and contemplating a job change or seeking employment. We welcome inquiries from graduates and hope you will contact us if we can assist you. Our services for graduates are set forth below.
"I reached out to the Office of Alumni Career Development and Mentorship during my transition from private practice to the federal government. I was feeling overwhelmed and nervous about the interview process when I was preparing for my first job interview in more than seven years, but Keri McCoy's encouragement and positivity put me at ease. Keri did a mock interview with me and provided helpful feedback about how to improve the quality of my answers. Because of Keri, I aced my first-round interview and received a call-back interview and eventually an offer. I am truly grateful to Keri and the Office of Alumni Career Development and Mentorship for supporting me during this transition in my legal career."
Catherine Stolar, JD '13
"Interviews felt like uncomfortable exercises that required equal parts worry and preparation. Fortunately, the Office of Alumni Career Development and Mentorship reframed interviews and preparation for me. Keri McCoy explained the art and science of interviewing and I felt significantly more effective and confident interviewing for new positions. I think anyone looking for career advice would benefit from her balance of honesty and optimism. Additionally, her staff is diligent, responsive, and professional. Keri felt just as invested (or maybe more invested!) in my search for new opportunities and her skill set and support were invaluable."
Matthew Piscitelli, JD '17
“Connecting with Director McCoy and the Office of Alumni Career Development and Mentorship was absolutely life-changing for me. As a litigation associate in a very small, niche practice area, I did not think that I had the litigation skills necessary to transition into a general litigation associate position. Several recruiters told me that the DC market was too competitive or that my practice area was too narrow to be marketable for general litigation associate positions. However, after taking several hours of her day to understand my personal and professional background, Director McCoy told me that everything was possible, and she immediately provided me with a strategy to put into action. She provided alumni contacts, resume edits, interview strategies, and so much more. Once I implemented Director McCoy's strategies, I received countless interview offers, callbacks, and subsequent job offers from firms of various sizes, big and small. Director McCoy and the Office of Alumni Career Development and Mentorship were there every step of the way to make sure I achieved the goal I previously mistook to be impossible. I cannot thank them enough or encourage fellow alumni enough to take advantage of this life-changing resource.”
Jane Shin, JD '17
"Keri McCoy and GW Law were an enormous help in my mid-life career search. After 25+ years as a Federal regulator in DC, Keri was instrumental in helping me secure a senior executive position at a major corporation in Atlanta. In addition to tremendous practical advice – search strategies, mock interviews, networking introductions, salary discussions; Keri also provided encouragement and emotional support. Not only is Keri extremely knowledgeable about the legal profession, but her people skills are unmatched. She loves what she does, and it clearly shows."
Marvin Shaw, JD '86
Hear more from our Alumni
Alumni Mentoring Program
Alumni can get involved by volunteering to mentor a current student.* Please click here to register for the GW Law Alumni Mentoring Program. As mentors, alumni are in a position to give real-world advice that can be invaluable to students as they enter the legal field. We encourage our alumni mentors to schedule in-person meetings or calls with their mentee and to consider connecting at GW Law events that are held throughout the year.
*2Ls, 3Ls, and alumni who are less than one year after graduation are invited to register as mentees using the registration form linked above.
ACDM maintains various career-related publications for alumni. Review and request these publications here.
Career Consultations
ACDM counsels JD alumni who are at least one year after graduation*. ACDM's staff members are available to meet in person or to speak with graduates by phone. We are happy to discuss resume and cover letter preparation, interviewing tips and preparation, job search and career-related resources, job search strategies, networking, informational interviewing, and any other issues of interest to graduates. Please send an email with your name, degree and graduation year to ACDM at [email protected] to schedule an appointment or mock interview.
*JD alumni less than one year after graduation should contact the Career Center to be referred to the appropriate counselor.
*LLM alumni should contact the Graduate and International Programs Office to be referred to the appropriate counselor.
Job notices for graduates are posted online through CORE. These regularly updated listings include openings received directly from employers and vacancies from selected legal newspapers, periodicals, job newsletters, and various websites.
Alumni at least one year after graduation* can learn how to access CORE here. Please contact ACDM at (202) 994-1320 or [email protected] with any questions regarding your CORE account.
If you would like to post a job for a current student or GW Law graduate, please contact the Career Center at [email protected].
*Current students and alumni less than one year after graduation should contact the Career Center with any questions regarding CORE.
The Clerkship Office (within the Career Center) assists alumni who are interested in pursuing post-graduate judicial clerkships. For additional information, please visit the Career Center's webpage.
ACDM is available to conduct mock interviews for JD alumni at least one year after graduation. This is strongly recommended for anyone who has an upcoming interview. ACDM believes in a proactive approach to interviewing. You can never be too prepared! Please send an email with your name, degree and graduation year to ACDM at [email protected] to schedule a mock interview
Every GW Law Alumni Event is an opportunity to network, and they are a lot of fun, too! Check out GW Law's Alumni Event Calendar to see what is coming up. If you are interested in helping to coordinate an alumni event in your area, please click here. If you would like to post a job for a current student or GW Law graduate, please contact the Career Center at [email protected].
Online Alumni Community
The Office of Alumni Relations maintains GW Law’s Online Alumni Community. The Online Community includes a searchable Alumni Directory that allows alumni to reconnect with classmates and find new contacts within the GW Law alumni family. Click here to login or register for the Online Alumni Community.
Contact the Office of Alumni Relations at (202) 994-7166 or [email protected] with questions regarding the Online Alumni Community.
The Career Center manages GW Law’s Reciprocity Program. Reciprocity permits students and graduates of other participating law schools to visit their career services offices and/or to subscribe to their job boards. Schools that grant reciprocity may offer it only during certain times of the year (typically between December and July). In addition, reciprocity may only be offered for a finite period of a few months or less, and other restrictions may be imposed. View GW Law's Reciprocity Policy. To request reciprocity, please contact the Career Center at [email protected] or (202) 994-7340.
Westlaw and Lexis Advance
Westlaw and Lexis Advance services remain available to alumni for a limited time after graduation. Please visit the Jacob Burns Law Library’s Database Access page for details. Westlaw has a Careers tab, with a number of links to advice on managing your career. Lexis Advance offers extensive online databases for job hunters, including Martindale-Hubbell.
Keri McCoy is the inaugural Director of the Office of Alumni Career Development and Mentorship. Keri works with alumni to identify short and long-term career goals and assists them in developing individualized career plans. She advises JD alumni (who have graduated at least one year prior) on issues such as job search strategies, lateral transitions, salary negotiations, alternative careers, geographic and practice area transitions, partnership, networking, and work-life balance. Keri is a strong proponent of mock interviews and conducts them regularly. Keri also manages the Alumni Mentoring Program. This Program matches students with alumni mentors. Students benefit from the advice of mentors about law school, practice areas, relationship building, and networking opportunities.
Before assuming her current role, Keri served as Director, Alumni Career Development in the Law School’s Office of Professional Development and Career Strategy and also held the position of Senior Counselor for Student Development at the Law School. Prior to joining the Law School, Keri worked as a litigation associate with law firms in the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and Texas. Keri tried numerous cases before state and federal courts on behalf of both plaintiffs and defendants. Keri received her Juris Doctor degree from the Georgetown University Law Center and earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh.
Contact ACDM
Career Development Support
GW Law Alumni Mentoring Program
Keri McCoy, Director
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5G: Meet the Influencers
Prime Reading Light Reading 4/23/2015
When it comes to 5G networks of the future, everyone wants a say.
Unlike their 3G and 4G predecessors, 5G networks are being developed around their potential use cases with a focus on how wireless operators can work with other industry verticals to meet both their needs. With 5G, the wireless operators are leading the charge, rather than following the lead of their vendor partners looking to cash in on the evolution -- or revolution, depending on the point of view. (See Why 5G Matters – Now! and 5G: What Is It & Why Does It Matter?)
As such, the number of groups working towards 5G has grown considerably over the past year or two, some working together, some ultimately competing and all trying to influence the standards process for 5G. (See 5G Use Cases, Pre-Standards Groups Proliferate .)
Heavy Reading Senior Analyst Gabriel Brown said back at Mobile World Congress that the proliferation of 5G groups will ultimately be a good thing this early in the process. He points out that a lot of the groups have overlapping companies or individuals in them, but all have big brains on board that will ultimately move the market forward and build out the 5G ecosystem. (See Heavy Reading Q&A: Getting to the Heart of 5G .)
To help you keep track of all the standards, research and other related groups emerging, Light Reading is starting a list of what they are, who is involved and their unique take on 5G. Here, in no particular order, are 12 groups that are working towards a 5G future, although we expect more to spring up as 5G gets more concrete going forward.
For more on 5G, visit the dedicated 5G section here on Light Reading.
3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP)
Background: The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) is made up of the seven standards organizations that will ultimately be responsible for developing 5G's standards. Through four Technical Specification Groups -- Radio Access Networks, Service & Systems Aspects, Core Network & Terminals and GSM EDGE Radio Access Networks -- it lays out the specs for everything from what the core network will look like to its service capabilities to how it will interact with WiFi. Its goal is to make any new network both forwards and backwards compatible, which will be especially important for 5G networks, since 4G, 3G and even some 2G will still be around for years to come. (See Ready or Not, Here Comes LTE-Advanced, 5G: So Where's the US? and LTE Reaches Half a Billion Users Worldwide.)
Members: The 3GPP's members include more than 400 global telecom service providers and vendors.
5G Point of View: The 3GPP approved its work plan for 5G in March and plans to really get to work on standards for the next-generation network at its RAN workshop in September of this year. The group will submit the final specs for 5G for the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) 's IMT-2020, or International Mobile Telecommunication system, process in February 2020, which means it will have them solidified -- or "frozen" -- by December 2019. Its goal, with the help of its partners working on 5G use cases, is to determine the key RAN requirements, spectrum to be used and scope of the work to qualify a network 5G.
3GPP system standards heading into the 5G era
Tentative 3GPP Timeline for 5G
ETSI Summit on Future Mobile and Standards for 5G
International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
Background: The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the United Nations' specialized agency for information and communication technologies. While the 3GPP proposes network standards, the ITU is the group that must approve them and allocate the global radio spectrum to support them. It is made up of three sectors: radiocommunication, telecommunications standards and telecommunication development. This year, ITU-R, the radiocommunication sector, plans to finalize its vision of a 5G mobile broadband connected society. (See Spectrum Muddle at the 5G Huddle, 5G Hype: An Early Inflation and Samsung: Inching Toward 5G?)
Members: The ITU counts 193 Member States, ICT regulators, 92 leading academic institutions and 700 private companies in its membership.
5G Point of View: One of the ITU's biggest priorities is figuring what spectrum will be used for 5G networks, a topic it will explore at the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) in 2018 or 2019. There is currently a global debate on whether sub-6Ghz low-band spectrum or above 6Ghz high-band spectrum, which Korean operators are pursuing, is the best suited for 5G. There is much more spectrum available in the high bands, as well as higher data rights, but propagation is poorer. The low bands tend to support mobility better and is easier to implement, but it will be sharing space with LTE-Advanced. The ITU will play an important role in figuring out the spectrum potential and constraints for 5G and how it will vary across the globe. (See Ofcom Releases Its 5G mmW Band Play List.)
ITU towards "IMT for 2020 and beyond"
IMT Vision towards 2020 and Beyond
Challenges to 5G Standardization
Mobile and wireless communications Enablers for the 2020 Information Society (METIS)
Background: The METIS 2020 Project is funded by the European Commission, coordinated by Ericsson AB (Nasdaq: ERIC) and with a task force led by test and measurement vendor Anite plc . It was formed in June 2014 as a 30-week project to develop channel models for 5G through lab tests to predict how wireless device will work in real-world conditions. In April, it wrapped up its work with a series of mathematical models for operators to evaluate spectrum and for handset manufacturers and chip makers to evaluate the performance of their prototype 5G devices. These models cover features like system performance evaluation, system optimization, radio interface simulation and prototyping, R&D testing and final product approval. (See Anite Puts Forth 5G Radio Channel Models .)
Members: During its duration, METIS had 80 full-time people dedicated to the group. In addition to Ericsson and Anite, METIS' 29 partners include Alcatel-Lucent (NYSE: ALU), Nokia Networks , Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. , NTT DoCoMo Inc. (NYSE: DCM), Orange (NYSE: FTE), Deutsche Telekom AG (NYSE: DT), Telecom Italia (TIM) , Telefónica , manufacturers, academic institutions, representatives from the automotive industry and a research center.
5G Point of View: The METIS group isn't set up to tell operators which spectrum to deploy 5G in, but rather to help them do so in the bands they choose. It has been studying the above-6Ghz millimeter wave frequencies, which are lesser known than the sub-6Ghz bands. It says its goal is "to provide an important platform for a European-led early global consensus on fundamental questions connected to the development of the future mobile and wireless communications system, and pave the way for future standardization."
METIS Fact Sheet
METIS Project Presentation
Next page: NGMN, 5G-PPP, 4G Americas
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Infographic: Smart Visibility From Here to 5G
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Comrades Marathon (Ultra Pace)
Pro News/Info/Results
Msubathi
Bongmusa Mthembu (SA) just won the Comrades Marathon in 3:37 per km! The distance was 90km. That gives you 2h32 for marathon! Steve Way (British) was third @3:43 per km. If you think Ultra Marathons are slow, come to South Africa
wild is the wind
re: Msubathi
that is moving.
many ultras can be slow as they are run on dirt trails and the ground can be difficult to run on with the tree roots and rocks..
many courses have constant hills which slow the pace down.
Yuki Kawuachi would do well at the comrades marathon.
wineturtle
2017 'up'champion Camille Herron was injured and did not compete in this years 'down' race.
2 years ago 06/12/2018 11:03pm CDT
re: Sand Dunes
Sand Dunes wrote:
I think it would be super exciting to come up with like a quarter million and offer it to someone like Eliud Kipchoge a week before the race and see what he could do. I'd love to see some super elite marathons in their with them just running on talent and not having spent years figure out how ultras work.
Here is a recap of this year's race.
http://www.letsrun.com/news/2018/06/2018-comrades-bongmusa-mthembu-repeated-ann-ashworth-pulled-off-upset-womens-race/
I Am Sam
2 years ago 06/13/2018 2:52am CDT
Comrades history is littered with failed attempts by super quick marathoners, including Gert Thys (multiple sub 2:07) and Willie Mtolo
That said, the 'Up' record is held by Leonid Shvetsov at 5:24 (two time OG marathoner and a best of 2:10), but he had several goes at Ultras to learn the craft, while the 'down' is held by David Gatebe at 5:18 ('only a 2:13 marathoner) with Shvetsov second best.
Shvetsov's past is also tainted by drug suspicions though. He is a big bloke for a quick marathoner, let alone ultra marathoner
I'm suspicious of all them Russian names in the list. A lot of dirt in this race. I'd personally literally like to see Bekele do this after he gets the marathon world record. I'm sure he could brake 5 hours on either up or down.
Uppers and Downers
re: Banana Bread
Mr. Banana Bread, there is no way Bekele will run sub 5 at Comrades, it won't happen. This is like saying Bolt will go sub 2 in the marathon, he just needs a few 10 mile runs. Comrades is different, the route profile is brutal both up and down. I think this is only understood by people who have gone past 60km at Comrades.
re: Uppers and Downers
I think the up and down profile would suit Bekele. He is great at hills. Look at his cross country, his Great Ireland Run, Great North Run and recent Bern 10 miller. They were all hilly and he destroyed the field. Bekele is more suited to hilly road races then flat road races.
MountainRoar
It would be really exciting but even elite marathoners without specific ultra training would simply bonk and fade.
They're simply not used to run 90km at a good clip in the heat and fueling properly, no way thet can succeed rushing in the race.
Enough Bekele BS
Banana Bread wrote:
I'd personally literally like to see Bekele do this after he gets the marathon world record. I'm sure he could brake 5 hours on either up or down.
You need brain surgery.
re: Enough Bekele BS
Your going to need heart surgery. It's not good for you to get mad so easy bro. Smile, don't you know god loves you. Come to think of it I love you to. Take the time to smile at someone and before your through, someone will be smiling back at you.
shohohe
That would be so interesting! No one doubts that Eliud Kipchoge is one of the greatest distance runners alive, but still I would predict either a DNF or a fade to outside of the top 10 if he just jumped into Comrades without any physical or mental preparation (just out of marathon training).
now that's funny
You're suspicious of the Russian names then you name an Ethiopian? East Africans have dope pouring out of their ears!
Back off man, I’m a scientist.
The “super elite” marathoners would not do well at Comrades, and the common assumption that a marathoner could just move up and do well is a fallacy that ignores the physiological differences in the two races. Though I don’t disagree that it would be entertaining, because it would be nice to see Kipchoge finally fail at something! As someone mentioned above, Comrades, unlike any other ultra, has had a glut of very accomplished marathoners who didn’t pan out. A lot of good South African marathoners (sub 2:10) in the 80s tried and couldn’t hang with the top Comrades guys over the distance.
The best way to think about the relationship between marathon ability and fast ultra ability like Comrades (technical trails are a different story) is like the 800 and the 1500. At the highest elite end, the physiology of the guys doing well in each precludes them from doing well in the other. Likewise, for Comrades and the marathon, a great Comrades runner has to have good (but not world class marathon ability) much like a Olympic medalist in the 1500 has to have good (but not Olympic finalist potential) in the 800. Kipchoge at Comrades would be Rudisha in the 1500. Entertaining? Yes. Successful (without a lot of specific preparation)? Probably not.
The likes of Kipchoe and Bekele would, as someone mentioned above, either DNF or fail to crack the top 10 without a long block of very specific preparation, and even that may not guarantee success. The only elite marathoner right now that I’d fear at Comrades is Yuki, but even he cracked pretty badly on a much shorter ultra a few weeks ago.
well,,
Does God literally love you?
SteelTownRunner
Once A Jogger
One would expect him too, but the race was cooler than usual this year. It's often quite hot and Yuki tends not to do well in the heat.
American Ultra Runner
Msubathi wrote:
They run these speeds in the united states too
56 miles on the road...help me tom cruise
2 years ago 06/13/2018 10:01am CDT
The ultra distances make sense on the trails, but 56 miles on the road is just an incredible test of physical and mental fortitude. I can't imagine the way the legs would be screaming at mile 40. Major props to those runners.
I would share your enthusiasm at seeing some top level marathon talent take a crack at Comrades, or any longer race for that matter. However, as we know, speed at shorter distances doesn't always translate to longer. Not only 5000m runners to the marathon, even Tadese with his half marathon accolades. The discrepancy puzzles me, but it's clearly there, and it's not as if these runners don't have financial incentives to do well at the marathon. There certainly have been fast (2:10 or faster) runners trying ultradistance races for the last 30-40 years. The great British marathoner, Ian Thompson (2:09) won his single London to Brighton in 1980, though it was 2nd place finisher Allan Kirik (unremarkable mid-2:20s marathoner) of NYC who broke open that race. London to Brighton, raced in early fall, was in those days the de facto world championship of ultrarunning, and Comrades held in the late spring, was the other most competitive ultra around.
Even those with experience and relative comfort with some of these longer distances, Most recently at the 100 km WC, South Africa fielded top level Comrades talent. They won the team race, could and should have taken the individual title too (somewhat poorly managed pacing led to their digging their own grave). Even Barney Klecker (2:15 marathon; 4:51:25 AR for 50 miles - < one minute off WR) never ran a "quality" 100km. There is a reason only six men in history have cracked 6:20 for 100km.
Of note, many South African road specialists don't necessarily have shorter distance PBs that are of any use for analysis, as they may only be in peak form for their odd distance races such as Two Oceans or Comrades, which can be of varying distances year to year, and both of which are undulating courses frequently raced in the heat.
A brief note regarding the solo 50km "WR attempt" earlier this year held on the track. Fans of competitive running often prefer bonafide competition to staged record attempts, and vastly prefer records achieved in the course of competition. It is worth noting that 2:10 (point to point, net downhill) marathoner, Thompson Magawana ran his 50km WR of 2:43:38 a split (certified, record eligible splits are taken at that race) enroute to his 1988 Two Oceans victory.
Showing 1 to 20 of 48 posts
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RESEARCH ANALYSIS: Infrared reflective glazing
By Matthew Beecham | 10 December 2013
A car's solar control glazing system is one which selectively absorbs, reflects and transmits solar energy to help keep the occupants comfortable, protect the interior and lesson the requirement for air conditioning, thereby reducing fuel consumption. Matthew Beecham reports on some trends occurring in the automotive infrared reflective (IRR) glazing market.
Infrared reflective windshields are popular in vehicles, used to enhance thermal comfort and increase air conditioning efficiency. A number of glassmakers are therefore offering this type of coating, marketing it under various guises. For example, Pittsburgh Glass Works' (PGW) so-called Sungate windshields are produced from two pieces of glass with a vinyl interlayer sandwiched between. The outer glass has a transparent metallic coating that reflects solar infrared heat while transmitting visible light. As a result, Sungate windshields reflect or absorb about 50 percent of the solar energy striking the glass. The aesthetics of the coating can be changed to give it more or less colour to coordinate with the vehicle's paint work. PGW further claims that tests have proved that installing Sungate can increase a vehicle's fuel efficiency by up to four percent.
In observing demand for IRR glazing, Pete Dishart, PGW told just-auto: "In Europe [IRR windshields] were launched on smaller vehicles back in the days when air conditioning were not so prevalent. The heat load reduction was therefore a very effective way of dealing with passenger comfort in a car that didn't have air conditioning. Today, we see it being offered in all car segments. The major difference between the upscale ones and the lower segment cars is that in the upscale segments they are offering IRR glazings in all locations around the car. For example, Mercedes-Benz S Class and Audi A8 have IRR glazing in all positions - windshields, doors and backlites; that itself is not very common in lower segments cars."
For its part, Eastman Chemical offers a metallic reflective film that is embedded between the PVB interlayers, as Matt Rose, Global Automotive Market Manager, Advanced Materials-Interlayers, Eastman Chemical told us: "Eastman offers XIR automotive film, which is a spectrally-reflective metallic coated film that is embedded between layers of Saflex PVB interlayers. Europe is really the only place in the world where IRR technologies are used on a large scale. Although the primary driver has always been passenger comfort, the tightening of environmental regulations is furthering the need to look for ways in which to reduce air conditioning usage and CO2. Another notable driver [of heat reflective glazings] is the increase in electric and hybrid vehicles. Although EVs and hybrids comprise a relative small portion of the overall vehicle market range extension is extremely important with such vehicles, especially when it comes to EVs. For example, the Tesla Model S has solar controlled glazing on the panoramic sunroof, backlite and windshield. OEMs understand that it is of critical importance to reduce as much heat into that car so they can get the range extension that the market needs."
Robert Vandal, Vice President of Product Engineering and Development, Guardian Automotive reckons that the EU reached a peak with IRR installations by the early 2000s through mid-2000s but fitment rates have begun to wane since then. "The higher segment cars still offer it as either standard or optional. Our main consumers of IRR windshields include Volkswagen (Passat Coupe), Audi (A6 and A8), Porsche, BMW (X3, X5 and X6), Porsche (Cayenne and Panamera) and Bentley (Flying Spur)." Guardian's so-called SilverGuard comprises a family of nano-particle thin film coated laminates that provide high levels of solar energy reflection while selectively transmitting visible light. The coatings can be combined with a variety of glass substrates to achieve the full range - from maximum visible transmission and solar reflectivity to privacy-type light transmission combining solar reflectivity with absorbing solutions to achieve very low transmission levels.
Meanwhile, Giovanni Occhionorelli, Marketing Manager, AGC Automotive supports the belief that the trend for IRR windshields is less popular than before, mainly due to cost reasons. "Yet [IRR] is quite necessary for cars with large windshields and cars with specific air conditioning issues. Here, we see higher fitment rates amongst certain upper- and mid-range vehicle models."
In terms of the forces driving the use of IRR, Mukesh Rustagi of PGW believes that the biggest issue is not the safety regulations but the fuel economy regulations that are coming into play in North America, i.e. NHTSA CAFE regulations, He told us: "This year, EPA issued some CO² regulations marking the first time that it has been given the authority to specify emissions on cars directly. Until now that authority lay with NHTSA for fuel economy regulations. So now with the EPA regulations, specifically the ones that are in place for model years 2017 to 2025, these provide 'credit' for IRR glazing and, in turn, could promote the wider use of IRR."
Vandal added that, of course, these driving forces include emissions, fuel savings, air conditioning load and occupant comfort. "Over the past decade or so there has been improvements in solar reflective glazing performance but we have also seen improvements in its appearance. Coatings have matured to the point where such off coloured visible reflectives are less noticeable while offering far better solar reflective performance."
And in terms of the extent to which IRR glazing is appearing on side and rear windows, Occhionorelli believes that this market is still small for side and rear window applications, adding: "I would say the laminate sidelites have moved more in the direction of laminated acoustic hence using an acoustic inter-layer than IRR. But there are still vehicle models encased with IRR glazing, such as the Mercedes S class."
Rose concluded: "We see [IRR] primarily in the windshield due to the fact that about 40% of the heat enters the cabin through this area. But we are starting to see more and more IR reflective materials in the side glass. Also, OEMs are recognising the fact that laminated glass on the side has other benefits. In addition to the ability to improved infrared performance, it makes the cabin quieter through its acoustic characteristics, which allows OEMs to increased the functionality of the glazing while improving passenger comfort."
Guardian Industries Corporation
Technology/R&D
Asahi Glass
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Automobili Lamborghini responded to a year marked by the great challenges of the global pandemic, with enormous energy and determination. The company delivered 7,430 cars worldwide in 2020, a decrease of only 9% compared to the previous year. The...
Vehicles delivered by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles in 2020 affected by coronavirus pandemic
As elsewhere, the year 2020 was defined at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWCV) too by the course of the Covid-19 pandemic and the associated economic downturns and social restrictions. In total, VWCV delivered 371,700 vehicles to customers in...
Valeo preliminary H2 EBITDA margin 13.5% of sales
Valeo has unveiled second-half 2020 preliminary financial information, with EBITDA margin representing more than 13.5% of sales.
Trump China chip policy didn't help auto shortage - report
A global shortage of semiconductors which has led to automakers worldwide shutting assembly lines has, in some cases, been exacerbated by the outgoing Trump administration's actions against key Chinese chip factories, industry officials told Reuters.
GERMANY: Daimler's Mercedes outsells VW's Audi in November
RUSSIA: Car sales down again in November
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Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard Edition (x64) Patch Details
Patch Name Windows6.1-2008-R2-KB2691442-x64.msu
Patch Description Security Update for Windows Server 2008 R2 x64 Edition (KB2691442)
Bulletin Title Vulnerability in Windows Shell Could Allow Remote Code Execution (2691442)
Severity Important
Location Path Windows6.1-2008-R2-KB2691442-x64.msu
Bulletin Summary This security update resolves one privately reported vulnerability in Microsoft Windows. The vulnerability could allow remote code execution if a user opens a file or directory with a specially crafted name. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could gain the same user rights as the current user. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than users who operate with administrative user rights.
Patch Release Date Jul 10, 2012
Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard Edition (x64) Windows Server 2008 R2 Gold (x64)
Windows Server 2008 R2 Enterprise Edition (x64) Windows Server 2008 R2 Gold (x64)
Windows Server 2008 R2 Datacenter Edition (x64) Windows Server 2008 R2 Gold (x64)
Windows Server 2008 R2 Web Server Edition (x64) Windows Server 2008 R2 Gold (x64)
Windows Server 2008 R2 Foundation Edition (x64) Windows Server 2008 R2 Gold (x64)
Windows Server 2008 R2 Enterprise Edition (core installation) (x64) Windows Server 2008 R2 Gold (x64)
Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard Edition (core installation) (x64) Windows Server 2008 R2 Gold (x64)
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Marianna (Marianthi) Karageorgi
Μαριάνθη Καραγεώργη
Stanford University, Postdoctoral scholar
mkarag@stanford.edu
Appointments and Education
Postodoctoral scholar. Stanford University, USA. 2020 -
Postdoctoral scholar. University of California, Berkeley, Department of Integrative Biology, USA. 2017-2020
PhD in Neurosciences (mention très honorable). University of Aix Marseille, Developmental Biology Institute of Marseille (IBDM), France. 2012-2016
MSc in Molecular Biosciences. Major in Developmental Biology. University of Heidelberg, Germany. 2009-2012
BSc in Biology. Direction of Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology. University of Crete, Greece. 2004-2009
Godfrey Hewitt Mobility Award 2019 from European Society of Evolutionary Biology. Project: Genetics of adaptation in cardiac-glycoside resistant populations of Drosophila subobscura
Scholarship for 4th year of PhD thesis completion from Fondation Pour La Recherche Medicale, 2015 -2016
Marie Curie Initial Training Network Fellowship (ITN). FLiACT ITN “Systems neurosciences of Drosophila: From genes to circuits to Behaviour”, 2012 – 2015
Genetic mechanisms of adaptive novelty, historical contingency and predictability in evolution, novel behaviors and toxins. Curiosity-driven science. Revisit old questions.
I was born in Drama, a small city in the northeastern part of Greece. I attended public school in my hometown and I grew up reading novels, poetry and scratching my mind around math problems with my high-school boyfriend. My dream was to become a novelist. But then, I thought it might be a more exciting path to first discover the world through sciences and travel, and become a novelist when I grow old and wiser.
I did my undergraduate studies in Biology in Heraklion at the University of Crete. I got fascinated with evolution through the study of development. In Gilbert's Developmental biology textbook, there was a chapter explaining how developmental mechanisms can change during evolution and how these changes can explain the diversity of forms observed in nature. While I could not do my thesis in "evo-devo" in Greece, I was enthusiastic to study mechanisms of brain development in the lab of Dr. Donna Karagogeos. I pursued my master studies in developmental biology in Heidelberg. During these years, I learned first hands about "evo-devo" research thought rotations in the labs of Dr. Detlev Arendt, Dr. Thomas Holstein and Dr. Laurence Ettwiller. For my master thesis, I studied how enhancer properties can affect gene expression in the lab of Dr. Ettwiller. For my PhD thesis, I studied how the novel egg-laying behavior of a fruitfly pest evolved in the lab of Dr Benjamin Prud'homme in Marseille. For my postdoctoral work, I have been studying the genetic basis of adaptation to plant toxins and pesticides in the lab of Prof. Noah Whiteman in Berkeley and the lab of Prof. Dmitri Petrov at Stanford.
I am currently building my research program on the genetics of adaptation to novel toxic environments, plant toxins and pesticides. In my postdoc work with Prof. Whiteman, we used genome editing to retrace the path to toxin resistance in the monarch butterfly lineage (Karageorgi et al., 2019). We found that three substitutions in the sodium pump, the target of the toxins, act additive and epistatically for full toxin resistance in the monarch butterfly. We also found that epistasis and negative pleiotropy shaped the path to resistance in the monarch butterfly lineage. In my postdoc work with Prof. Petrov, I am now studying how resistance to pesticides, anthropogenic toxins, evolves in insect communities. Overall, my research program aims to draw general conclusions on how adaptive traits evolve (macroevolution) and how these traits emerge in nature (microevolution).
Previously, I worked with Dr. Benjamin Prud’homme for my PhD thesis and studied how Drosophila suzukii, a fruitfly pest, evolved its novel egg-laying behavior targeting ripe fruit. Through comparative behavioral analysis, we found that changes in multiple sensory systems are involved in the evolution of its egg-laying behavior, and these changes took place step-wise across in the lineage leading to D. suzukii. We also developed genome editing and neurogenetic tools to study the role of olfaction in the evolution of the novel egg-laying behavior (Karageorgi et al., 2017).
Looking back, the life's tape experiment has endless stories to provide and satisfy the imagination of a novelist.
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Back to Your Financial Future: Rob Booker, Lou Basenese Micro-Cap Advantage
The Back To Your Financial Future by Rob Booker and Lou Basenese is happening on October 14, 2020 at 1PM EST where two of America’s most trusted financial experts will reveal the Micro-Cap Advantage service.
Back to Your Financial Future is a webinar scheduled for October 14 at 1 pm. It’s marketed online by the Micro-Cap Advantage team.
During the Back To Your Financial Future webinar, investors will hear from “two of America’s most trusted financial gurus” as they explain how you could have turned a $500 investment into $1.1 million – and how you can use the same system to make similar returns today.
Is Back to Your Financial Future a legitimate opportunity? What will you learn during the webinar? Can you turn a $500 investment into a $1.1 million windfall?
Find out everything you need to know about Back to Your Financial Future today in our review.
What is Back to Your Financial Future?
Back to Your Financial Future is a webinar scheduled for October 14 at 1 pm. The webinar features Rob Booker and Lou Basenese, described as “two of America’s most trusted financial gurus.”
During the webinar, Booker and Basenese will purportedly explain “how a little-known secret could have turned $500 into $1,118,480” with the power of time travel. Although time travel is impossible, Booker and Basenese claim investors “can use this same secret today” to rewrite their financial future.
It’s no secret that time travel could lead to impressive investment returns. If you could travel back in time, you would probably buy bitcoin in 2009, for example, or stock in Amazon or Google during the 1990s.
Booker and Basenese’s moneymaking system goes beyond simple stock tips, however. The two recommend making four simple financial movements to write your financial future – and the financial future of your family.
By following the pair’s investment system, you could purportedly earn millions of dollars in less than half a year:
“We’re talking about turning $500 into $1,118,480 in warp speed. So let me ask you…How would having millions sitting in your bank account…in as little as just six months from now…How would that change your future?”
The sales page is filled with testimonials from people who earned tens of thousands by following Booker and Basenese’s recommended investment system. One man claims to have turned $13,000 into $34,000 in just four months by following their investment recommendations.
The webinar is free for anyone to attend. Viewers will then have the opportunity to subscribe to Micro-Cap Advantage to discover the full details of the system.
To discover the financial system, you need to subscribe to Micro-Cap Advantage for $1,495 per year. New subscribers receive an eBook called The Future Millionaire’s Playbook: 2021 Edition, which explains how to earn massive ROIs with a $500 investment.
There are plenty of get rich quick investment schemes found online, so how is Lou Basenese and Rob Booker's Back To Your Financial Future any different? Let’s take a closer look at how Back to Your Financial Future’s investment system works.
What Will You Learn During the Back to Your Financial Future Webinar?
During the Back to Your Financial Future webinar, investors will learn how to turn a small investment into a multi-million dollar fortune.
We can’t reveal the moneymaking system here without spoiling the webinar. However, we’ll discuss some of the claims Basenese and Booker make about the course.
“But what you’re about to learn has been proven to work for more than 81 years. Basically, it’s a little-known stock-market secret…And it could help you turn as little as $500…into a $1.1 million fortune…”
You don’t need a lot of money to get started. In fact, you could start with just a $500 investment.
You also don’t need any special financial accounts. You can use this moneymaking system with any ordinary brokerage account.
The moneymaking system has nothing to do with options, day trading, complicated foreign currency trades, or other unique investment systems.
The moneymaking system is part of Basenese’s “Future Millionaire’s Playbook.”
The system consists of five specific “plays” that could make you a future millionaire. Basenese claims he has personally invested $200,000 into his five recommended plays, so he’s put his money where his mouth is.
At the end of a compelling video presentation and sales page, you get to the main thesis of the moneymaking system. By buying the right micro-cap stocks before they explode with growth, you can, with a small investment, become a millionaire.
Of course, finding the right micro-cap stock is difficult, which is why Basenese recommends running each micro-cap stock through his five-stage filtration system.
Five Filters to Identify the Best Micro-Cap Stocks
Lou Basenese’s moneymaking system isn’t anything dramatic. He recommends buying under-valued micro-cap stocks from good companies and then waiting for those companies to explode.
To separate good and bad micro-cap stocks, Basenese recommends using five filters:
Filter #1: Must Be Under $500 Million in Market Capitalization: Tiny, micro-cap stocks can explode in value quickly, which is why Basenese likes them. He claims stocks under $500 million in value are ignored by institutional investors. As these companies grow, Wall Street notices them, and the stocks surge.
Filter #2: These Stocks Must Have the Potential to Explode 1,000%: Basenese claims he avoids stocks with annual returns of 5% to 10%. Instead, he recommends buying stocks that will gain 1,000%. By purchasing these stocks, you’ll earn the maximum returns. Why hasn’t anyone else thought of that?
Filter #3: We Want Minimal Risk: By nature, penny stocks and micro-cap stocks are riskier than blue-chip stocks. However, Basenese recommends choosing stocks that have minimal risk. He suggests they are determined on buy and sell prices based upon support and resistance, technical analysis, and fundamental analysis. Basenese claims his risk is “as close to zero as possible” because of this system.
Filter #4: Must Attract Fresh Capital: Basenese only buys micro-cap stocks that have the potential to attract fresh capital “like a magnet attracts iron shavings.” He recommends following the smart money, focusing on micro-cap stocks that already have financial backing independent of Wall Street. This shows where the smart money is headed, but it also lowers risk.
Filter #5: Must Have an Immediate Catalyst: Basenese recommends buying micro-cap stocks with an immediate, upcoming catalyst. A small pharmaceutical company might soon receive FDA approval for a new drug, for example. Or, a small software company might announce a major takeover.
Basenese’s Micro-cap Millionaire Stock Picks
By subscribing to Micro-Cap Advantage today, you get an eBook of Basenese’s recommended micro-cap stocks. Basenese claims to invest in micro-cap stocks based on his five filters above. He has identified five companies that he expects to “soar 1,000% very quickly”, turning you into a millionaire from a small investment.
We can’t reveal the specific names of the stocks without spoiling the report, but we’ll explain the necessary details of each recommended stock:
Future Millionaire Micro-Cap #1: This recommended stock is a small biotech company purchased by a pharmaceutical giant in the near future. Basenese claims you buy stock in this company for “chump change” today “because the bonehead analysts on Wall Street are ignoring it.” Basenese claims this stock “could be a 1,000% winner” for investors.
Future Millionaire Micro-Cap #2: This stock is a New Jersey-based micro-cap that could launch a cure for diabetes and currently “trades for peanuts.” That company is submitting its diabetes drug to the FDA for approval. Basenese claims the company’s drug could be “a total cure” for diabetes, which is why he believes the stock “could soar 1,000% very quickly.”
Future Millionaire Micro-Cap #3: This stock is a tiny company launched by a professor in England. That professor claims to have beat Moore’s Law, breaking through previously-conceived barriers to computational innovation.
Future Millionaire Micro-Cap #4: This company owns 200+ patents related to 5G technology yet trades for less than $2. Some of the world’s largest telecommunication companies need to license patents from this company, yet it’s relatively unknown. Basenese claims the stock “could soon be worth $20…$50…or more”, generating huge returns for investors.
Future Millionaire Micro-Cap #5: This recommended stock is artificial intelligence (AI) company sitting on a hidden fortune. The company is purportedly developing a “brain on a chip” that will explode onto the scene in 2021. Basenese predicts “at least 1,000% returns from this stock in the next 12 months” for investors.
What’s Included with Micro-Cap Advantage?
As part of a 2020 marketing campaign, Micro-Cap Advantage is bundled with all of the following:
Monthly Issues of Micro-Cap Advantage: Micro-Cap Advantage is a financial newsletter that identifies micro-cap stocks poised for huge returns. You receive a copy of the newsletter in your email inbox each month.
Top 5 Future Millionaire Stocks for 2021 eBook: This eBook recommends five specific stocks that Lou Basenese expects to grow by 1,000% or higher in the near future. By investing in the recommended stocks, investors can purportedly earn huge returns, turning a $500 investment into a $1.1 million fortune.
The Future Millionaire’s Playbook: 2021 Edition: This report explains how to filter micro-cap stocks to minimize risk and maximize profit. By running micro-cap stocks through five filters, you can earn huge returns on investment in 2021.
The 3 Pillars to Safely Making a Fortune in Micro-Caps: This report builds off the information in the previous report, highlighting three pillars for generating huge returns in the micro-cap stock market. Pillar #1 is related to maximizing profits with minimum risk by avoiding putting all your eggs in one basket. Pillar #2 involves maximizing profits using a $4 office supply item. Pillar #3 is a “can’t lose way to learn all the ins-and-outs of my system of micro-cap investing – even if you’re a brand new investor and you’ve never invested in stock your entire life,” according to Basenese.
How to Instantly Boost your Micro-Cap Advantage Profits by 37%: A simple strategy can boost your returns on investment from micro-cap stocks by 37%.
Micro-Cap Advantage Pricing
Micro-Cap Advantage is priced at $1,495 per year.
The Back To Your Financial Future webinar is free to attend. Just enter your email address to receive a link to the event.
If you subscribe today, it’s possible your subscription will automatically renew one year from now. It’s also possible your subscription could renew at a higher price (the “normal” price of $3,000 per year), so check the terms and conditions carefully to avoid any surprises despite Rob Booker and Lou Basenese being two of the most prominent investment advisors in the world right now.
Micro-Cap Advantage Refund Policy
Micro-Cap Advantage comes with a 30-day refund policy. You can request a complete cash refund with no questions asked within 30 days.
About Rob Booker
Rob Booker is a trader and author. He has been a full-time trader for 20 years, and he has written two books: Trading by Faith and Adventures of a Currency Trader. He also hosts a podcast called Trader’s Podcast.
Rob publishes investment ideas online through Daily Profits Publishing, a Ponte Vedra, Florida-based company.
You can contact Rob via the following:
Email: support@robbooker.com
Email Form: https://robbooker.com/contact/
Phone (US): (888) 203-6792
Phone (International): +1 321 888-3962
Mailing Address: 495 Town Plaza Ave, Ponte Vedra, FL 32081
About Lou Basenese
Lou Basenese is an investor who founded Disruptive Tech Research, a financial publishing company. Basenese directed over $1.5 billion of assets for Morgan Stanley, then spent 16 years as an independent analyst and investor.
Basenese founded Disruptive Tech Research (DTR) in 2014 to provide high-quality, easy-to-understand stock market research.
You can contact Lou Basenese and the Disruptive Tech Research team via the following:
Email: info@disruptivetechresearch.com
Mailing Address: 1113 Murfreesboro Rd Ste 106-252, Franklin, TN 37064
As part of the Back To Your Financial Future marketing campaign, the Micro-Cap Advantage team has released a video and webpage explaining how you could turn a $500 investment into a $1.1 million fortune.
If someone had a guaranteed way to turn a $500 investment into a $1.1 million fortune, then that person would be the richest person in the world. Lou Basenese claims to have identified at least five micro-cap stocks that he believes will grow 1,000% or more in the next year, generating huge returns for investors.
It’s possible Basenese is right, and that his investment recommendations will generate huge returns for investors and help them turn a $500 investment into a $1.1 million fortune. However, micro-cap investing is risky, and you’re not guaranteed any returns. Returns of 1,000% are unlikely, and some investors will lose everything.
To learn more about the Back To Your Financial Future investment system, visit online today at BackToYourFinancialFuture.com or subscribe to Micro-Cap Advantage today.
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The Best Spa Hotels in Scotland
by Linda Macdonald
Edinburgh, Scotland // Photo by romitasromala/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty Images
by Linda Macdonald from The Telegraph, January 16, 2018
An insider's guide to the best hotels with spas in Scotland, including the best for infinity pools, expert treatments, laconiums, saunas and outdoor hot tubs, in locations including Loch Fyne, Argyll, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Portavadie Argyll & Bute, Scotland
8Telegraph expert rating
Portavadie is perched on the shores of a sea loch at the end of a single-track road on the Cowal peninsula, in what is known as ‘secret Argyll’. Despite being only a couple of hours' drive from Glasgow, it is a tranquil hideaway amid hills and forests, with romantic views across Loch Fyne to the hills of Kintyre and the Isle of Arran. Its jewel is a £10 million spa and leisure complex with a 16-metre indoor pool, saunas, gymnasium, outdoor spa pools and Scotland's largest outdoor heated infinity pool. Panoramic windows guarantee saunas and relaxation suites with a view. Read expert review. From £79per night. Check availability. Rates provided by Booking.com.
• The best hotels in Argyll
The Gleneagles Hotel Auchterarder, Perthshire, Scotland
The spa at Scottish Baronial meets French chateau Gleneages is possibly the best in Scotland; a sublime haven of sybaritic delights with an added health dimension, offering complementary and alternative therapies delivered by professional practitioners and therapists. The range of ESPA offerings covers every conceivable face and body treatment. For sheer blissed-out, all-over well-being, indulge in one of the signature treatments. With saunas, steam rooms, hydrotherapy ‘vitality’ pool and superb relaxation areas, you may never want to leave. Read expert review. From £265per night. Check availability. Rates provided by Booking.com.
• The best hotels in Perthshire
Blythswood Square Glasgow, Scotland
Originally a row of classical Georgian terraced houses, now an elegant hotel with an award-winning spa overlooking a leafy square in the heart of Glasgow. Thirty bedrooms in the main building are luxurious and spacious with Spanish marble bathrooms, and 70 rooms in a modern extension are slightly smaller. Fine cuisine is served in a large, airy restaurant, and there's a private cinema. The star of the show is the sumptuous thermal spa, featuring a laconium and a tepidarium. Read expert review. From £105per night. Check availability. Rates provided by Booking.com.
• The best hotels in Glasgow
Isle of Eriska Hotel Argyll & Bute, Scotland
At this family-owned member of the Relais & Chateaux portfolio, the trappings of Victorian wealth and privilege pervade drawing rooms filled with deep sofas, fireplaces and books in the imposing granite and red sandstone Big House. There are three spa suites with outdoor hot tubs in private gardens, while at the main spa, set in the former stables, there are expert therapists on hand to pamper you with an extensive range of treatments. Read expert review. From £330per night. Check availability. Rates provided by Booking.com.
• The best hotels in Scotland
Stobo Castle Kelso, Scottish Borders, Scotland
Scotland’s only destination spa, an hour’s drive from Edinburgh, has a decidedly exclusive feel. Its style is very much a game of two halves: the warm colours and decorative opulence of the residential side distinctly contrast the sleekly contemporary spa. A smart, skilfully executed modern addition houses the luxurious spa, which offers a comprehensive range of treatments, therapies and activities. Not a destination for food-lovers, but the spa is so impressive you probably won’t notice. Read expert review. From £125per night.
• The best Scottish Border hotels
Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa Edinburgh, Scotland
This modern hotel has everything you would expect from the brand, with bells on; the location, range of rooms and services, luxurious spa and well-regarded restaurant make it the perfect choice for travellers who like to know exactly what they’re getting. The spa is the best in town, with a 19-metre infinity swimming pool, thermal suite with seven treatment areas, Espa treatments, gym, café and utterly relaxing rooftop hydro-pool. Read expert review. From £150per night. Check availability. Rates provided by Booking.com.
• The best hotels in Edinburgh
This article was written by Linda Macdonald from The Telegraph and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to [email protected].
What's New in Britain and Ireland for 2018
Announcing the Fingal: Royal Yacht Britannia’s New Floating Hotel
The Balmoral in Edinburgh Launches the Royal Experience
Hike Through Scotland's National Parks
Destination Information Hotel Information Spa Travel Luxury Spa Spa Europe Loch Fyne Argyll Edinburgh Glasgow Portavadie Gleneagles Hotel The Principal Blythswood Square Hotel Isle of Eriska Hotel Spa and Island Stobo Castle Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh Scotland
Linda Macdonald
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