source stringclasses 1
value | snapshot stringclasses 3
values | text stringlengths 264 621k | size_before_bytes int64 269 624k | size_after_bytes int64 185 235k | compression_ratio float64 357 1.8M |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
warc | 202143 | *All videos are Closed Captioned on Youtube*
Javier* was referred to the Respite, Rehabilitation and Re-Entry center by the Coalition of the Homeless. He had experienced chronic homelessness for over 20 years, and also faced substance abuse challenges and bipolar disorder.
When he came to the center, Javier shared that he was not in touch with family members, but was thankful for the support of a friend. He got a haircut during this time at the Jail Re-Entry Program and told us he "felt he was accomplishing positive milestones for the very first time in his life" thanks to the supports he received here. As part of Jail Re-Entry and the the Hospital to Home program, Javier's care coordinator assisted him securing stable housing, food stamps and Social Security Disability Insurance.
Javier credits his successful experience to the support group classes he participated in, geared towards building coping skills, preventing relapse and mental health and substance abuse education. He shared the topics helped him make better choices for his wellbeing. Javier is now residing in his first apartment in over 20 years.
*The name of the client has been altered to protect the client's privacy.
Jail Re-Entry Program: Mr. Simon* is an Iraq War veteran who was referred to us by Brothers in Arms, a program assisting veterans at the Harris County jail. Shortly before Mr. Simon was released, we offered him a bed at our new Jail Re-Entry program during the time Veterans Affairs coordinated permanent housing for him. Mr. Simon was admitted to our program on Jan. 11 this year.
Janet successfully completed a full protocol of Cognitive Processing Therapy for childhood trauma. She reported feeling uncomfortable with the memories and struggled talking about them.
What does recovery look like? When you fracture a bone, you get a cast to help it heal. Once the cast is off and you are able to return to normal activities, it is assumed that you are recovered from the fracture. For those living with mental illness, though, recovery is not as simple to define because each person’s journey is unique. The children and adolescents who visit our Southwest Family Resource Center are illustrating their individual stories of recovery in a colorful and visible way by creating recovery posters.
The blue skies and shiny green leaves dancing to the rhythm of the friendly summer breeze were the perfect background for the many smiling faces at Bayland Park.
Carla* came to The Harris Center's Peer Re-entry Program in 2019 while she was at the Harris County Jail. She struggled with substance use and felt overwhelmed not knowing how to begin her journey to recovery. She was eager and willing to make the necessary changes, but needed help.
Maria* presented to therapy with Paula Moore, PsyD at the IDD STARS Clinic due to depression, pervasive anxiety and a preoccupation with protecting herself. She was also diagnosed with mild Intellectual Disability and ADHD. Early on, although cooperative, progress was minimal. After securely establishing rapport, she began to show signs of growth in therapy. She responded particularly well to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Not only was she responsive in therapy, but she also demonstrated a keen ability to follow-through on CBT strategies outside of session.
Join thousands of subscribers and receive the latest mental health news from The Harris Center.
The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD strives to provide high quality, efficient, and cost effective services so that persons with mental disabilities may live with dignity as fully functioning, participating, and contributing members of our community, regardless of their ability to pay based on a sliding scale rate schedule.
Privacy Statement Contact Us | 3,788 | 1,924 | 7,414.557173 |
warc | 202143 | Lytton residents frustrated as TSB shuts down investigation into fire
Recent report finds no evidence train started wildfire, exonerating CP and CN
In October, B.C. Premier John Horgan made a visit to the Rio Tinto Alcan smelter on the banks of the Douglas Channel in Kitimat.
He praised the facility for being “a great example of how companies can improve conditions for workers and reduce pollution all while improving their bottom line.”
What he didn’t mention was the ongoing battle at Rio Tinto Alcan over a provincial permit that allowed the company to increase sulphur dioxide pollution by more than 50 per cent, or the union representing 800 workers at the smelter that appealed that permit, saying the increase in pollution was a direct threat to their health.
Exposure to sulphur dioxide aggravates the respiratory systems of asthmatics and is known to negatively affect the respiratory systems of children and the elderly.
At the heart of the controversy is a decision by the B.C. Ministry of Environment in 2013, which allowed the smelter to increase its sulphur dioxide emissions into the Kitimat airshed during a $5 billion expansion project. The ministry approved the increase in emissions under an environmental monitoring plan that would measure, but not prevent, the impacts of the pollution on human health until 2019, when the plan would be revisited.
B.C. did not require the company to install scrubbers, commonly used in smelters to remove airborne pollutants from emissions, a decision that still bothers Sean O’Driscoll, president of the smelter’s union, Unifor local 2301.
“Having a monitoring program ongoing, with suitable human health mitigation plans required to be implemented at a later day, has folks feeling like they, their children and neighbours are being treated like guinea pigs,” O’Driscoll told DeSmog Canada.
The B.C. Environmental Appeal Board previously told the union it had no right to challenge the environmental effects monitoring plan. But the court of appeals has now overruled that finding, kicking the original appeal — first launched in 2014 — back into action.
“This [appeal] opens a path for Unifor to challenge the mitigation plan on the basis that it is insufficient to protect workers and their families from growing levels of sulphur dioxide,” Jason Gratl, lawyer for local 2301, told DeSmog Canada.
O’Driscoll said the company was essentially given permission to subject workers and the community to a health risk to minimize costs.
“Our full expectations of the new Horgan NDP government is that they take another look at this issue and put the health of communities first,” O’Driscoll told DeSmog Canada. “Industry and stringent environmental standards need not be mutually exclusive.”
Gratl said the appeal will address whether or not it was appropriate for the government to approve the pollution increase without a clear plan to protect human health.
Governments increasingly approve projects with the explicit plan to work out details after the fact, Gratl said, adding pipeline approvals that come with more than 100 conditions are a prime example.
“What happened with Rio Tinto Alcan is the government said ‘let’s start making aluminum and we’ll figure out the environmental and social issues later.’ And they keep trying to push these issues further down the road.”
— DeSmog Canada (@DeSmogCanada) November 6, 2017
Chris Tollefson, lawyer with the Pacific Centre for Environmental Law and Litigation, brought a previous challenge against the Rio Tinto Alcan on behalf of two Kitimat teachers: Lis Stannus and Emily Towes.
In 2015 Tollefson and his co-counsels provided an Environmental Appeal Board tribunal with evidence of alleged regulatory capture.
Regulators and statutory decision-makers within the Ministry of Environment were inappropriately close with Rio Tinto Alcan and relied heavily on science and analysis provided by the company’s hired scientists, Tollefson argued.
Tollefson said this case gives rise to the problems of “professional reliance” — the practice of using proponent-hired experts rather than independent analysts during environmental assessments.
In August, the B.C. government ordered a review of the professional reliance system, which rose in popularity in B.C. under the tenure of the BC Liberals as cuts to the civil service were made.
Tollefson said the reopening of Unifor’s appeal will start a new discovery process that may provide crucial insight into what decisions and decision-makers played a role in the permits and adaptive management plan being approved.
“We’re concerned that the Ministry of Environment relied far too heavily on Rio Tinto Alcan’s experts, on Rio Tinto’s preferred approach and did not subject the environmental effects management plan to the kind of rigorous scrutiny that it deserved; and that it rushed its approval of that management plan in a way that compromised its scientific integrity,” Tollefson said.
Tollefson also said the appeal provides new ground for his clients to relaunch their legal challenge.
Stannus said that is something she plans to pursue.
“Since this permit was approved, we have learned a lot more about the problems of professional reliance, a lot more about the health impacts of sulphur dioxide,” Stannus said.
“It’s a little shocking to me that this is allowed to proceed. We feel like an experiment and I don’t recall ever giving consent to this experiment.”
Stannus said her ears perk up whenever she hears the new government criticize the practice of professional reliance.
“But they never bring Rio Tinto Alcan up,” Stannus told DeSmog Canada. “They never mention the fact that the project’s studies were bought and paid for by Rio Tinto.”
Stannus said she sought out the premier on his last visit to the area.
Stannus and a community organization she belongs to, the Kitimat-Terrace Clean Air Coalition, have sent three letters to B.C. Environment Minister George Heyman, expressing their fears that Rio Tinto Alcan’s permit to increase sulphur dioxide emissions is a threat to their health. The group has repeatedly asked for meetings with the minister, Stannus said.
“I asked [the Premier] why they won’t meet with us and he said it is because they have only been in power for 100 days,” she said.
In a statement to DeSmog Canada, Minister Heyman said he can “empathize with those who have concerns about air quality in their community.”
“I want to assure everyone that we will restore public confidence in government’s ability to protect our water, land and air,” Heyman said.
He added the environmental effects monitoring plan is currently under appeal with the Environmental Appeal Board.
“As such it would be inappropriate for me to comment further.”
And since you’re here, we have a favour to ask. Our independent, ad-free journalism is made possible because the people who value our work also support it (did we mention our stories are free for all to read, not just those who can afford to pay?).
As a non-profit, reader-funded news organization, our goal isn’t to sell advertising or to please corporate bigwigs — it’s to bring evidence-based news and analysis to the surface for all Canadians. And at a time when most news organizations have been laying off reporters, we’ve hired five journalists over the past year.
Not only are we filling a void in environment coverage, but we’re also telling stories differently — by centring Indigenous voices, by building community and by doing it all as a people-powered, non-profit outlet supported by
more than 3,500 members.
The truth is we wouldn’t be here without you. Every single one of you who reads and shares our articles is a crucial part of building a new model for Canadian journalism that puts people before profit.
We know that these days the world’s problems can feel a *touch* overwhelming. It’s easy to feel like what we do doesn’t make any difference, but becoming a member of The Narwhal is one small way you truly
can make a difference.
If you believe news organizations should report to their readers, not advertisers or shareholders, please
become a monthly member of The Narwhal today for any amount you can afford.
A dense fog rolls in from the ocean on a cool, wet summer morning in Gaw Old Masset, a small village at the north end...Continue reading
Recent report finds no evidence train started wildfire, exonerating CP and CN
After TC Energy cleared an archaeological site, armed with permits issued by the province, Gidimt’en...
As the UN Convention on Biological Diversity creates new targets, the federal government must take...
People always tell us they love our newsletter. Find out yourself with a weekly dose of our ad‑free, independent journalism | 9,107 | 4,030 | 19,671.57196 |
warc | 202143 | The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has named Meghalaya Environment and Forest Minister James Sangma as the winner of the Progressive Business Concept Award for promoting vegan pineapple leather.
Apart from encouraging farmers in the State to go for pineapple leather production, Mr. Sangma also had plans to open a climate change museum and introduce climate change in the school curricula, PETA said in a statement on Wednesday.
According to the International Society for Horticultural Science, Meghalaya contributed to about 8% of the total pineapple produced in India.
Pineapple leather, a fairly new product that some fashion design companies across the globe were adopting to lessen animal suffering, was considered as sturdy and durable as animal skin.
“Minister Sangma has rightly identified the climate crisis as a defining challenge of our times and he’s already taking steps to address one of the biggest culprits – animal agriculture,” Radhika Suryavanshi, PETA-India’s senior campaigns coordinator, said.
“PETA India looks forward to seeing Meghalaya create new opportunities for farmers while helping to save the planet and animals’ lives through a thriving pineapple leather industry,” she added.
According to the United Nations, animal agriculture — this includes animals killed for clothing — was responsible for nearly a fifth of human-induced greenhouse-gas emissions. To keep the skins of cows, buffaloes and other animals used for leather from rotting, tanneries used a variety of caustic, toxic chemicals, which polluted waterways.
One of the most widely used chemicals in the tanning process was chromium, which could cause cancer in workers exposed to it, PETA said. | 1,768 | 947 | 3,190.614572 |
warc | 202143 | Sewing machines generally require basic maintenance of cleaning, oiling, and lubricating. These procedures are covered in the use and care booklet that comes with the machine.
What are the basic three steps in cleaning and oiling the sewing machine? Steps to cleaning the sewing machine Switch off the machine and take the plug off the socket. Unplug the pedal from the machine. Take off the bobbin and if there is a bobbin case that one too. Take off the needle. … Clean the whole machine off lint and dust with the tools you have. What are the basic maintenance should we observe apply in are sewing machine?
Always
keep your sewing machine well oiled. All dust should be removed from the exposed parts at least once every week, and the important parts of the machine should be oiled. Use good quality sewing machine oil. Always remove lint deposits, dust and thread bits before oiling any part of the machine. What are the proper maintenance of sewing machine?
Regular upkeep should
keep your machine in tip-top shape. Store your sewing machine under a dust cover at room temperature in a dry place. Use only new, high-quality thread to reduce interior lint buildup, and regularly unplug the machine and dust inside the bobbin case with a soft cosmetic brush. What are the basic sewing processes?
The basic process of sewing involves
fastening of fabrics, leather, furs or similar other flexible materials with the help of needle and threads. Sewing is mainly used to manufacture clothing and home furnishings. In fact, sewing is one of the important processes in apparel making. What is the first thing to do before cleaning the sewing machine?
To prep your
sewing machine for cleaning, remove the throat plate where most of the dust and fabric fibers tend to gather. Read through your sewing machine’s manual to see how to remove the throat plate. Some machines come with a screw driver that unscrews the plate, while others simply slide off. What are the classification of sewing machine troubles?
Needle breaks Seams Pucker Fabric jams in
machine Machine jams No Fabric Movement bent 4. Machine threading – may be incorrect 5. Needle position – may be wrong 1. Tension – may be too tight 2. What part of sewing machine that should be avoided when oiling? Remove the upper belt or turn power off before oiling the sewing machine. Do all sewing machines need to be oiled?
All sewing machines are a little different. … Many newer sewing machines
come prelubricated and do not need additional oil. However, it’s usually OK to add a drop or two in the bobbin case if you feel like your sewing machine needs it. The more often you use your sewing machine, the more often it needs oil. What is the difference between sewing tools and sewing equipment?
Sewing tools are those which don’t require the use of electricity, these are tools that are used manually or by hand such as scissors. … Equipment would be the
heavy duty items such as the sewing machine it self, an iron, serger, steamer. What part of the sewing machine need to be clean? The needle, presser foot, and bobbin area are the main parts of your sewing machine that need to be routinely cleaned. What are the things to do in caring sewing tools? Regular cleaning: after a sewing session dust or vacuum the area, the machine, the bobbin case, everything you can reach directly or by opening compartments without disassembly. Do not wash the machine, just dust – introducing moisture isn’t a good idea. What are the benefits of sewing? 7 More Reasons by Stitching is Good for Us – The physical Benefits of Sewing / January 30, 2021 Improves Hand-Eye Coordination. … Helps Develop and Maintain Proper Posture. … Keeps Your Fingers Nimble. … Lowers High Blood Pressure. … Improves Mood. … Helps the Immune System. … Fights Dementia. What are sewing techniques? Sew Skillful: 10 Sewing Skills and Techniques to Master Know how to press (and do it often) Although both involve an iron, pressing is different from ironing. … Staystitching. Staystitching prevents distortion to curves. … Clipping corners and curves. … Seam finishes. … Hems. … Using a rotary cutter. … Fussy cutting. … Bar tacks. Which process is done after sewing?
Garments Inspection:
After completing sewing, inspection should be done here to make fault free garments. Garments Inspection is done by using the manual method. What is sewing process? Sewing Process Sewing is the process of using a needle and thread to connect pieces of fabric or attach them to fabric surfaces. It’s a practical skill used to make or repair clothing. It can also function as a creative outlet. | 4,751 | 2,125 | 10,288.989176 |
warc | 202143 | How You Can Be An Interior Designer
Interior design is an artwork and science of enhancing the interior of a structure to create a bodily healthier and more aesthetic pleasing surroundings for individuals who use the room. An interior designer is a one who not only plan studies, coordinates, and performs these enchancment projects, however is also liable for creating the price range and hiring of the suitable workers and subcontractors. It is important that this particular person possess wonderful communication skills to ensure that the best decisions are made relating to the inside design and construction of the ability. This particular person will need to have an eye for element, be detail oriented, and in a position to work effectively independently as well as in a staff. It’s also important that this person has a stable information of basic furnishings, carpentry, interior design, and electrical, mechanical, and structural ideas and practices.
If you have any issues regarding where and how to use Interior Design, you can call us at our own web-page.
Aesthetics are the basis of the success of any interior design undertaking. The kind of materials used and their colors, textures, sheens, and many others., should compliment the existing inside furnishings. Proper flooring, lighting, wall coverings, window treatments, cabinets, storage, counter tops, appliances, hardware, wallpaper, paint, wallpaper, flooring, rugs, faucets, ceiling fans, furnishings, and equipment type an integral a part of the completed look. Interior designers are typically employed by architectural or housing builders who’ve selected a design theme for his or her facility. These professionals could even be employed by non-public owners of smaller businesses. As well as, some inside designers have specialized coaching in areas corresponding to residential, office, or industrial architecture.
Many colleges and universities offer interior design applications. There are 4 main skilled organizations within the United States that accredit interior designers. These organizations are the Council of Interior Design Accredited Programs (COIDA), the National Council of Architectural Schools and Colleges (NCAAO) – previously recognized as the Council of Interior Design Accreditation Programs and Services (CIDA), and the National Academy of Building Inspection Services (NABIAS). All of these organizations require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in architecture from an accredited college or faculty, though many designers additionally obtain their degrees from packages with either a enterprise degree or different certificate program. All programs take a fundamental course in artwork, arithmetic, and business.
When pursuing an interior design degree at a college or school, you’ll find that you are required to take core programs in drawing, planning, and furniture. Additionally, you will find out about lighting, partitions, ceilings, windows, counter tops, cabinets, textiles, wall finishes, and fixtures. After you might have earned your bachelor’s diploma, you will need to attend two years of classes that target drafting methods. The first yr will train college students how one can plan, develop, and consider plans. The second year will deal with learning how to install, care for, and maintain a house inside design workplace.
Most trendy workplaces use computers, so when you want to become a full-fledged interior designer, you will need a very good understanding of expertise. You will have formal coaching in engineering, drafting, and architecture. Many designers additionally take courses in enterprise management, computer software, and enterprise regulation. You can get a bachelor’s degree in interior design or another space of interior design in about 9 months.
Most interior designers begin as interns, assistants, or trainees. Interns learn the fundamentals of inside design while they’re nonetheless learning to reside and work in an workplace. This allows them to spend time in an precise office, socialize with different design college students, get a feel for the business, and make connections that would help them later on. Once they’ve graduated, most graduates search for prime-notch design schools to supply formal coaching and certification.
A number of top-notch design faculties present formal training and training in all features of interior design. Students study house planning, color scheme, textures, light, windows, furnishings, walls, lighting, materials, and architecture. They also be taught about the legal features of making rooms and spaces, tips on how to handle budgets and time, and how to pick out furniture and equipment. Most colleges require students to complete a challenge wherein they use all of the knowledge they’ve realized and create practical areas. Projects vary from residential spaces to resort rooms, from workplace areas to restaurant areas. Project examples include home plans, restaurant space plans, and commercial space planning.
The number of qualified and skilled interior designers is dwindling on this economy. Fortunately, the variety of formal coaching programs has increased. Interior designers can full formal training in inside design at many group colleges and vocational colleges. Alternatively, they’ll select to finish formal training online, by way of on-line universities, or by attending an on-campus program.
Should you loved this article and you would love to receive more info regarding 裝修設計 Https://Www.Artascent-Design.Com generously visit the web site.
Proceed your quest to get more related blog posts: | 5,690 | 2,602 | 12,250.338201 |
warc | 202143 | Based on your exact SEO requirements, there will be several companies competing for your business. And because the industry is worth billions, you can now anticipate that anyone who has an internet and a computer to make outrageous claims about them being one of an
SEO agency so they can get a piece of the industry’s billions.
Remember, great SEO agencies have certain traits, and you can find these traits in all of the greatest SEO companies worldwide. Below are the most important ones you can use to assess an SEO service provider before choosing which one to work with.
1. One must have a distinct team of experts.
Bringing their processes and advice to action is one of the important features to look for when selecting an SEO service. Everyone is aware that an SEO implementation requires a great deal of thinking for your business to succeed through search engine optimisation.
Inquire for the person that will collaborate with you to reach your goals, from strategic conception and guidance to account managing and executing experts. Again, competent SEO agencies are proud to make their staff public.
2. A step-by-step procedure for implementing SEO strategies
Excellent SEO implementation follows a tried-and-true approach. SEO services develop experience dealing with various clients, and they define their winning method to provide prospective clients with a glimpse into how they produce returns. As an outcome, each company with actual SEO knowledge has its unique approach. It is a distinguishing feature of an SEO service with great proven results.
3. A detailed client portfolio
SEO techniques that provide results are challenging to handle from concept to implementation, and they often require time and dedication. As outstanding SEO companies collaborate with customers to accomplish outcomes, revealing their clients becomes a common point. It does two things. It demonstrates their expertise. And it aids your decision-making by serving as a benchmark for the kind of businesses they’ve partnered with.
4. Actual Customer Recommendations
You would be willing to recommend if an SEO service helped improve your website traffic, which resulted in more sales, correct? In the equal spirit, when selecting an SEO agency, look at the company website to see what previous clients have to say.
5. Industry-specific Leadership in Philosophy
Outstanding SEO agencies are constantly on the cutting edge of the current developments, particularly how they affect rankings, traffic, and company in general. For most situations, a company’s senior executive would share ideas via blogs, social networks, and research articles, retaining an innovation culture.
6. A sharply defined company culture
An SEO business would have the specialised knowledge you want, and all of the features stated above. However, their business culture may not even be compatible with yours. The fact is that outstanding SEO companies do not engage with toxic customers, and you would not want to interact with individuals whose beliefs you disagree too. So, to prevent it, top SEO businesses disclose their corporate culture so that potential clients may determine if partnering with them matches their culture.
Looking for the best SEO agency is not that easy as you would need to consider many factors, but with the help of this guide, you may have landed on the right agency that could help you reach your goals and grow your business in no time. | 3,471 | 1,660 | 7,188.733735 |
warc | 202143 | Sept. 20, 2021
She didn’t know it at the time, but Jeanine Guidry, Ph.D., had been preparing for COVID-19 for years.
Guidry, an assistant professor in the Richard T. Robertson School of Media and Culture in the College of Humanities and Sciences and director of the Media+Health Lab at Virginia Commonwealth University, studies social media and health communications, focusing particularly on effective public messaging in a health crisis.
Her doctoral dissertation, “Designing Effective Messages to Promote Future Zika Vaccine Uptake,” explored how public health officials could best encourage people to be vaccinated against Zika virus, should a vaccine become available. She led a study, “(S)pin the Flu Vaccine: Recipes for Concern,” that analyzed 500 flu-vaccine Pinterest posts, providing insight into how misinformation can proliferate on social media. During major Zika virus outbreaks in 2016, Guidry collected and analyzed 1,000 Instagram posts to understand how public health messaging works — and doesn’t — amid a dangerous epidemic.
“On one hand, I feel very grateful to be in the position that I’m in and to be alive right now,” Guidry said. “I’ve been getting ready for this for years. I didn’t know that, but I have been. And I play a very small role, like most scientists do, but all those little small pieces of information that we didn’t have before come together and begin forming a picture.”
As soon as COVID-19 arrived, Guidry pivoted to focus on the new coronavirus. In March of 2020, she created and began teaching a new three-credit course, “Digital Crisis Communications for Global Pandemics.”
“I started thinking about it on March 20, and then on March 30 the class started. We’re still teaching it,” she said. “I’m not sure I would recommend developing a brand new course in 10 days, but I’m glad we did it.”
Her research quickly turned to COVID-19 as well.
Prior to the pandemic, she had received a grant from the Arthur W. Page Society to study messaging about the flu vaccine. In March 2020, the organization gave her permission to study COVID-19 instead. That study, “Stay Socially Distant and Wash Your Hands: Using the Health Belief Model to Determine Intent for COVID-19 Preventive Behaviors at the Beginning of the Pandemic,” involved a survey of 500 adults. It looked at how likely they would be to adhere to preventive behaviors that were recommended at the time, such as not touching one’s face, social distancing, avoiding large gatherings and staying away from those who were sick.
In December 2020, as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine under emergency use authorization, Guidry published a study that was among the first to investigate the psychological and social predictors of U.S. adults’ willingness to get a future COVID-19 vaccine and whether these predictors differ under an emergency use authorization.
“I realized pretty quickly that while we’re in the midst of this outbreak, we need to not just figure out how to develop a vaccine but also figure out how people would receive it,” Guidry said. “Because the vaccine is only as good as the shots in people’s arms.”A vial of Pfizer CIOVID-19 vaccine. [View Image]A vial of Pfizer CIOVID-19 vaccine. (Kevin Morley, University Relations)
That July 2020 study, “Willingness to Get the COVID-19 Vaccine with and without Emergency Use Authorization,” involved a survey of 788 adults. It found that 59.9% of respondents were definitely or probably planning to receive a future coronavirus vaccine, but fewer than half of respondents planned to get it under emergency use authorization. It also found that white people were more likely than Black people to be vaccinated.
Another study Guidry led, published in March 2021, used that same sample of 788 adults and was among the first to question whether the U.S. population would support donating part of its vaccine stockpile to low- and middle-income countries. That study, “U.S. Public Support for COVID-19 Vaccine Donation to Low- and Middle-Income Countries during the COVID-19 Pandemic,” found that older people, Republicans and the uninsured were less likely to support donating vaccines to less prosperous countries.
A study she led for Massey Cancer Center — where Guidry serves as a member of its Cancer Prevention and Control research program — found that parents of children with cancer were more likely to believe misinformation and unverifiable content associated with COVID-19 than parents of children with no cancer history. The study also analyzed Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data to show that pediatric cancer mortality has increased during the pandemic due to delayed access to medical care, with COVID-19 misinformation cited as a potential contributing factor.
“Dr. Guidry's work is very important right now. COVID-19 is an extremely complex challenge, and her research is key to understanding how information — and especially misinformation — about the pandemic is communicated,” said Jennifer Malat, Ph.D., dean of the College of Humanities and Sciences. “Dr. Guidry's findings have immediate real-world value as we strive to combat misinformation and will also be useful as we meet new health care challenges in the future.”
‘A science and art’
In late 2020, Arthur L. Kellermann, M.D., senior vice president for health sciences at VCU and CEO of VCU Health System, read about Guidry’s research and reached out.
“He sent me an email and said, ‘I need to talk to you.’ You know, this is Dr. Art Kellerman, who is the head of VCU Health, and I am a very junior faculty member. I mean, let’s be real. That doesn’t happen every day.”
Kellerman arranged for Guidry to take leave from teaching during the spring semester, allowing her to focus on her COVID-19 research.
“Effective communication is a science and art,” Kellerman said. “No one understands that better than Dr. Guidry. Her expertise is critical, now more than ever, because we’re not only fighting a relentless and deadly virus; we are fighting a relentless barrage of misinformation that is extending the life of this pandemic. Although the science of public health has never been stronger, we need to do more to inspire the trust and confidence of those we serve. Dr. Guidry’s research helps us do that.”
Guidry’s main project during the spring was the development of online decision aids, which will help people navigate the choice to get the COVID-19 vaccine. When the decision aids are rolled out in coming months, one will be aimed at the general public and another specifically for parents and children. Guidry and her collaborators are translating the decision aids into Portuguese and Spanish with plans to test them in South America in addition to the U.S.
“We’re very, very lucky that the vaccines, in general, work so far with the variants, but there’s a whole bunch of them that are popping up and that is what you get with a brand new virus,” Guidry said. “We know a lot more than we did a year and a half ago. And that is wonderful, but it also keeps changing. So these decision aids, we’re going to be able to test them pretty quickly and start using them and making them available for people to use. And hopefully they will help some people make a decision to get the vaccine.”
“Effective communication is a science and art. No one understands that better than Dr. Guidry.”Arthur L. Kellerman
Also in early 2020, Guidry provided expertise to VCU Health as it developed strategies to encourage people to be vaccinated.
Her work with colleagues at the VCU School of Medicine — where Guidry received her Ph.D. in social and behavioral sciences from the Department of Health Behavior and Policy — and with VCU Health, she said, is a reminder of the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and that “we are one VCU.”
“Our campuses may be a couple miles apart, but I believe that some of the most effective research is done when we work together and bring people together for things as big as COVID, but also climate change and other massive problems we’re facing,” she said. “To find solutions, we need everyone at the table.”
What’s behind vaccine hesitancy?
Among Guidry’s key findings related to COVID-19 are insights into why people are reluctant to be vaccinated.
It was not a surprise, she said, because there has been hesitancy with previous vaccines. But it was a surprise — particularly given the number of deaths, the visual reminders of masks, the recommendations to avoid crowds and stay away from loved ones indoors — that Guidry found many people do not consider COVID-19 a serious risk.
“The thing about vaccines is that it depends not just on: Are people convinced that the vaccine works? They also have to be aware of the disease and they have to be convinced that the disease itself is serious, and that they’re at risk or the people who they love are at risk,” she said. “One of the main findings, and we’re looking at different at-risk populations, there is, every time, whatever population you look at, a pretty significant percentage of people that say, ‘I don’t think COVID is that serious. I think that taking the vaccine is a greater risk or is a risk. And I don’t want to take that risk.’”
Another finding, Guidry said, is that many people are reluctant because of a fear of needles.
“Needle phobia pops up as a significant predictor of vaccine hesitancy almost every time we do a study,” she said. “There’s sufficient numbers of people in the samples that we study that say, ‘I just really don’t like needles.’ That’s a real thing.”
Knowing that, she said, public health messaging should try to avoid sharing photos of needles on social media or in advertisements. Guidry received national media coverage in the spring, including in Kaiser Health News, for the finding that a fear of needles was a significant predictor of people refusing the COVID-19 vaccine.
“If you’re really, really scared of getting the vaccine because of needles, we need to address that in an entirely different way than if somebody says I’m concerned that the Pfizer and the Moderna vaccines are going to change my DNA,” she said.
Yet another finding is that misinformation continues to spread on social media.
“I’m very grateful that social media platforms are really trying to make an effort. Let’s put it that way. I’m also thinking that we’re late with all that. We knew that social media was a breeding ground for misinformation, and especially misinformation about vaccines,” she said. “There are nefarious actors in this, but the majority of people who spread these pieces of misinformation are not, they’re truly people who are just scared, they’re concerned. They really think that this may hurt them or their family or their kids now, or in 10 years.”Pinterest post with misinformation about the flu shot. [View Image]A previous study from Guidry found that Pinterest posts that are negative about the flu vaccine – for example, discussing side effects or fear-provoking imagery — tended to produce higher engagement.
The persistent COVID-19 misinformation, she said, is driven by a loss of trust in science and underscores the need for better communication.
“One of the things we see consistently when we look at what people say on social media, and in some cases what people say in our studies is, ‘Well, I did my own research and I found there are a thousand [deaths] every few days from the COVID vaccine, way more than from COVID,’” she said. “Here’s the problem: You can find that kind of information online. It’s not correct, but you can find it. So I don’t think we have done a particularly good job as a society in making sure that people understand how science works and how it should be communicated.”
One key takeaway, Guidry said, is that encouraging someone to get vaccinated is probably best done person to person and not over social media.
“It starts with listening to each other and it starts with keeping lines of communication open,” she said. “If you’re going to have a conversation with someone about [getting vaccinated], try and do it in person, or try and do it over private chat or over a phone call. People may not be willing to listen right now, but maybe they will in three months. And if that line of communication is closed, then how do we get past that?”
Interdisciplinary collaboration
Guidry has a number of forthcoming studies that she conducted with a team of collaborators that includes researchers at VCU across both campuses, such as Paul Perrin, Ph.D., an associate professor in the Department of Psychology; Mark Ryan, M.D., an associate professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Population Health; Kellie Carlyle, Ph.D., an associate professor in the Department of Health Behavior and Policy; and Bernard F. Fuemmeler, Ph.D., a professor and associate director for population science and interim co-leader of the Cancer Prevention and Control research program at Massey Cancer Center.
The team also includes partners outside VCU, including Candace Burton, Ph.D., an associate professor in the Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing at the University of California, Irvine; Linnea Laestadius, Ph.D., an associate professor at the School of Public Health at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; Emily Vraga, Ph.D., an associate professor in the Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Minnesota; and Thomas Gültzow, a doctoral candidate and decision aid specialist at Maastricht University in the Netherlands, Guidry’s alma mater.
One forthcoming study looks at the response to COVID-19 and vaccines among people who self-identify as evangelicals. Another will explore vaccine perceptions among people who are not white.
“So we want African Americans, we want Hispanics. We want Asian Americans, we want Native Americans. Why? Because we’re still dealing with the fact that people of color tend to be more affected by COVID; when they’re affected by COVID, they’re affected more seriously; and this is a pattern that we see happen again and again. … So we need to do more to find out why could that be the case,” Guidry said.
“Is there anything that would make a difference? Is there any insight that could be gleaned from this that would make it a little bit better?” she said.
“Here’s the problem: You can find that kind of information online. It’s not correct, but you can find it. So I don’t think we have done a particularly good job as a society in making sure that people understand how science works and how it should be communicated.”Jeanine Guidry
Another forthcoming study will look at how college students responded to COVID-19, particularly with social distancing. The study, which involved focus groups and surveys, included students from VCU as well as six foreign universities, including one in Wuhan, China.
A similar study, launched at the request of the State Council of Higher Education of Virginia, explores why young people in Virginia are one of the least vaccinated populations. Guidry and her collaborators held focus groups and conducted surveys, asking young people why they were choosing not to get vaccinated.
“It was just remarkable and scary, hearing all the same type of misinformation,” Guidry said. “[They said] ‘I heard it messes with fertility. I want to have babies.’ No, it doesn’t. It really, really, really doesn’t. But knowing that kind of misinformation is out there, I think, gives us some more specifics on how we can communicate.
“We’ve got to find better ways to communicate specifically, and we need to find more culturally appropriate ways to communicate,” she said. “In a perfect world, we would make sure that these pieces of misinformation never take hold, but that ship has sailed.”
Preparing for the next pandemic
Guidry’s research is contributing to communication amid COVID-19. But an underpinning of much of her work, she says, is applying lessons from the current pandemic to the next one.
Much of the response to COVID-19 was predictable based on past outbreaks, Guidry said. It was no surprise, for example, that misinformation continues to flourish online. It was no surprise that vaccine hesitancy continues to increase.
Guidry hopes her research will help health officials more effectively communicate to the public when the next pandemic arrives.
“The World Health Organization said recently that they don’t necessarily think this was the big one, that COVID wasn’t the big pandemic,” she said. “If this is not the big one, then I want us to be ready whenever it does show up.”
Subscribe to VCU News
Subscribe to VCU News at newsletter.vcu.edu and receive a selection of stories, videos, photos, news clips and event listings in your inbox. | 17,600 | 6,940 | 42,354.121037 |
warc | 202143 | If you’ve recently discovered that you’re a life path number 9, this in-depth guide aims to provide you with a deeper understanding of this
, the opportunities, and challenges you may face as well as what to do with this newfound information. mysterious, yet highly transformative path WHY DO LIFE PATHS MATTER EXACTLY?
By reducing an entire birthdate to but a single digit, every person that walks this Earth is given a Life Path or Destiny Number. This number represents all of the situations and opportunities that you attract as a result of your somewhat predetermined actions, thoughts, and beliefs.
More importantly, though, it helps you understand how you might navigate the world moving forward. When examined through the broad lens of numerology, your birth date gives you the key to understanding and unlocking essential patterns and sequences that present themselves to you throughout your life experiences.
THE MEANING OF LIFE PATH NUMBER 9
Life path number 9 is the path of the true heart-based warrior. It’s always been recognized as the path of insight, enlightenment, compassion, knowledge, strength, leadership, and creativity, but what many don’t recognize is that
. it’s the path of emotion
Those who have a life path 9 often experience the highest of highs and the lowest of lows in life, not because they’re unlucky or bad, but because their destiny involves living a life of true love, selflessness, compassion, and personal fulfillment.
They are the seekers in life, the ones on a lifelong pursuit to quench an insatiable thirst for personal growth, knowledge, and creative freedom.
This means they experience the absolute extremes of life; the wildly good, the horrifically bad, and the downright ugly. These are the very people who may experience trauma after trauma, especially in the early stages of childhood and early adulthood.
But, these are also the same people who use their story and personal narrative to help others, heal society and contribute to a wider humanitarian cause.
If you think about it, the very best ‘helpers’ in this world are those who have truly lived through an experience. I’ve always believed that ‘that which is lived’ is more powerful than that which is merely understood.
THE GREATEST OF HEALERS
Through my own experience, destiny path 9’s will experience at least one significant trauma, loss, illness, accident, or misfortune that completely alters the course of their life.
It’s this event that often becomes a catalyst for unleashing the untamed emotional power within; the part of you that’s been buried for years, if not decades of your life.
If you’re reading this and are thinking, ‘but I’m not that emotional’, take note. Despite being the true sensitives of this world, 9’s often have a hard time expressing those feelings and putting them into words.
9’s often report feeling that their emotions feel ‘bigger than or separate to themselves’, that if they were to let them loose, they would sink the ship (the ship being the body and mind).
But, learning to reconnect with these emotions is fundamental to your path.
When you express your emotions, you’re opening yourself up to a world of wonderful new experiences and adventures, and most importantly you’re seeing life through the lens of vulnerability and passion – something not many people can witness in this lifetime.
This is what makes life path 9’s like you so special! Your ability to feel and think in ways others have no knowledge of – let alone appreciate – is a gift in itself. Whilst this can make you feel alone, isolated, or different from others, know that your path is one of creation and inner wisdom.
Your path is so complex and multilayered that you cannot help but become more aware; aware of yourself, aware of others, and aware of the greatest challenges facing this planet right now.
And so, not only do you possess an insatiable hunger for both the spiritual and psychological, but you also have the gift of insight, the ability to gain a deep and thorough understanding of everything around you.
THE ‘RAGS TO RICHES’ PATH? – A NEW TAKE ON WEALTH AND SUCCESS
That’s not to say that life path number 9’s are doomed to a life of hardship though. Quite the opposite. Life path number 9’s have an uncanny connection with the whole rags to riches narrative.
They have an unparalleled potential for creative thinking, versatility, artistic output, rapid change, and emotional connection. They are always seeking answers, meaning, and ideas for where they can leave a legacy.
You might have read that life path 9’s have to sacrifice wealth accumulation, victory, and success if they’re to truly follow a path of humanitarianism, but that’s simply not true, and if anything it’s an outdated belief that to help others means you have to do so free of charge.
This satisfies both a life path 9’s core values of service, compassion, and integrity whilst also allowing for creativity, flexibility, and freedom. Your greatest shot at success lies in your ability to tie your personal fortunes to an endeavor, career, or business that makes the world a better place. THE HUMANITARIAN PATH & CAREERS
Life path number 9’s are some of the most generous, kind-hearted, self-aware, and introspective souls you will ever meet. They are the healers, givers, transformers, and sages of this world.
They carry an air of wisdom, empathy, perception, and understanding that is fairly rare within today’s society. Yet oddly, many 9’s struggle to see what it is that makes them so special.
Number 9’s often fail to realize that it is these very qualities that make them so magnificently brilliant. These qualities seem so normal to them, so ingrained within the fibers of their being, that they take it for granted.
For this reason, many 9’s follow the humanitarian path in life; the path that serves others, the environment, or contributes to a model for a better, brighter future.
Whilst there’s no set career a life path number 9 must or should follow, the innate qualities a 9 holds lend to wonderful contributions in the fields of medicine, human rights, therapy, law, social entrepreneurship, diplomacy, animal care, teaching, and spirituality.
THE ENERGY TRANSFORMERS
On life path 9, you should know that there’s nothing you can’t handle. Out of all the life path numbers, 9 experiences fear, doubt, and worry the most, yet they are also the ones who confront it head on the most.
You have the ability to take heavy energy, obstacles, and blockages and transform them into something miraculous.
9’s have an unearthly ability to push the boundaries of what is possible, get lost in the process, and return to society with a wealth of knowledge and insight; the result? A way of doing something that was never thought of before. This is why 9’s make excellent leaders, innovators as well as pioneers.
CHARACTERISTICS AND QUALITIES A LIFE PATH 9 MIGHT CARRY: A love of freedom, wisdom, learning & travel Resonate with the seeker or caregiver archetype (Jungian psychology) Feel wise beyond their years Feel the need to contribute to something bigger than themselves Frequently at odds with what they should do vs what they want to do Have many visions at the same time Utopian, idealistic view of the world Daydreaming feels like a safe place or sanctuary Ability to feel others pain, suffering but also joy Desire for completion or fully committing to things Jittery at the thought of staying in one place too long (career or location) Craves intellectual stimulation Low self-esteem and confidence issues if neglecting traumatic experiences in life 4 MAJOR CHALLENGES A LIFE PATH NUMBER 9 MAY FACE IN LIFE
#
1 EMBRACING THE CYCLICAL NATURE OF LIFE
Number 9’s main challenge in life is learning to surrender to the cyclical nature of life’s journey instead of fighting against it in an attempt to maintain false control.
Completion is something that 9’s may find troublesome, especially when they can’t see what’s coming next, but allowing things to come to a natural close enables us to embark on bright new beginnings and adventures.
This might be so strong in some 9’s that they bounce from one thing to another seeking fulfillment, completely unaware that completion is what’s needed.
Whenever you feel stuck or lost in life, practice the art of allowing.
#2 BRUSHING OFF TRAUMATIC EVENTS
Whether you acknowledge it or not, you feel more than others. To you, life has depth which means when you feel pain, you really feel it.
In an attempt to stabilize yourself and feel more ‘normal’, you develop what I call a ‘ fake happy boundary’. The idea that what’s happened has happened, you’ve just got to move on and keep thinking about better things ahead.
This is classic self-preservation and it means you’re not validating how you feel.
It’s a defense mechanism designed to water down your intense feelings with the sheer aim of emotional numbness aka the art of feeling too much yet nothing at the same time.
#3 OVER-GIVING & SELF SACRIFICE
Life path 9’s have a tendency to give, but not receive, believing that it is somehow less noble to ‘get, not give’. Left unchecked, this leads to a martyr outlook on life, that you must always be strong for those who need you.
Not only does this mean you struggle to say ‘no’, people please, and struggle to set boundaries, but it also means you hide your most authentic self in fear of guilt, shame or not feeling good enough in the eyes of others.
But, to find completion on life path 9, it’s important to experience both the yin and yang of life – the balance of giving AND receiving. It’s vital to accept the parts of yourself that need healing, before healing others.
#4 YOU WISH YOU COULD DO IT ALL
Because of their creative nature, 9’s often have intense visions of following more than one path at a time. This is because they can turn their hands to anything.
However, with this belief comes a daunting realization that not all paths can or should be followed, which leads to an unexplainable sense of loss and grief. You may feel as though you’re mourning what could have been.
The key to thriving as a path 9 is picking 2-3 areas (at most!) where you can apply your talents and make the greatest contribution. That’s not to say you can’t follow other paths after the completion of those projects.
Remember, there’s no such thing as permanency! You might find looking at the Japanese concept of IKIGAI fascinating.
WHAT MAKES LIFE PATH NUMBER 9 SO DIFFERENT TO ALL THE OTHERS?
Some numerology systems and schools believe that life path number 9 encompasses the energy of all other single-digit life paths combined, making it highly unusual and mysterious.
Why? Because 9 is the largest fadic number (single digit), and so is thought to carry elements of all that has come before.
In numerology, 9 is the last and final digit, it signals endings but also bright new beginnings, great mental and spiritual realizations as well as oneness with our life purpose.
To better understand the immense power that number 9 carries, you need only look at this detailed example.
Numbers 1 + 8 (the numbers that come before 9) equal 9 (self actualization) 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 + 8 = 36. 3 + 6 = 9 (all paths that come before) Add 9 + 9 = 18. 1 + 8 = 9 (universal connection) 9 x 9 = 81. 8 + 1 = 9 (a return to oneness) 9 x 9 x 9 = 729. 7 + 2 + 9 = 18. 1 + 8 = 9
Now, look what happens when you multiply 9 1’s by another set of 9 1’s.
111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321. Add together and you get 81. 8 + 1 = 9
Due to their adaptable nature, 9’s can pretty much ‘masquerade’ as any life path, taking on the qualities of many paths all at the same time. Whilst it can make their life path a little more difficult to understand, it also enables them to live a completely different life to those around them.
For this reason, I highly recommend reading about the other life paths to see if any qualities or messages resonate.
Here’s a basic representation of what each life path entails:
Independence, the lonerwolf path Balance, the path of grace and power Expression, the creative visionary Leadership, the master achiever Freedom, the path of nomadism Compassion, the path of nurture Wisdom, the spiritual seeker Oneness, the path of empowerment Completion, the divine healer WHAT HAPPENS IF THIS PATH IS DENIED?
If a life path 9 denies their true nature, feelings of inadequacy, dissatisfaction, and malaise will likely bubble to the surface.
More than that though, they may find themselves filled with deep resentment, rage, or even regret for the way their lives have played out, especially if others have taken advantage of their kindhearted nature.
There is also a dark side to the 9 path that should be addressed.
If the path is completely denied, some 9’s might take their gifts and qualities and use them for malice; resorting to tactics of emotional manipulation, bigotry, or selfishness to get what they want. When this path is exaggerated and 9’s overgive and sacrifice themselves for the sake of others, they are likely to develop a false sense of identity, one in which they become wholly detached from the world and instead see it as a cruel, manipulative, and greedy place of suffering.
In both cases, they become physically drained, off-balance, and out of sync with their human-born needs.
In this instance, the following are likely to be true:
Happiness will always be something that is chased rather than felt Compassion is seen as weakness Self-centeredness is mistaken for self-care Social isolation and hermit mode is likely to happen Adopt a very negative view of others and life Come across as aloof, arrogant and cold FAQ – COMMON QUESTIONS ANSWERED Q. WHICH LIFE PATH IS MOST COMPATIBLE WITH NUMBER 9?
Compatibility can take the form of friendships, business partnerships, or romance. Life path number 9’s are highly compatible with evolved life path 6’s, life path 3’s, and in some cases life path 7’s.
Any path that involves emotional stability, spiritual enlightenment, creativity, and independence is a good fit for handling 9’s emotional turbulence and intricate inner musings.
Together, these numbers balance each other out, even leading to a wonderful trio in some cases (3+6 = 9). See the balance?
The key here though is the word evolved. Any person who denies or exaggerates their life path is likely to carry the worst traits of their destiny number, and so only those who adopt the positive aspect of their life path would be compatible with a 9, or any other path for that matter.
Q. WHICH LIFE PATH IS LEAST COMPATIBLE WITH LIFE PATH 9?
No life path is truly incompatible with another, but there are some hitches to be aware of. Life path 1 can pose a problem for life path 9’s, especially where romance is involved.
They’re at the extremes of the spectrum and have very opposing goals. Number 1 is very much associated with the inner self, whereas 9 has ties to altruism and being in service to others.
9’s are likely to see 1’s as self-consuming because of the very different viewpoints these paths hold.
The same goes with life path 5’s. Life path 9’s and 5’s have very little in common – they’re like oil and water; they just don’t mix well. 5’s are dynamic, adventurous, and willing to take risks in life, whereas 9’s are more reserved, responsible, and practical.
Interestingly, most of this tension arises from an element of envy; 9’s often have a secret desire to be more spontaneous, roll with change and take life as it comes. In theory, 9’s and 5’s could be compatible, but it would take some serious work from both sides to make it last long term.
Q. WHICH FAMOUS PEOPLE HAVE A LIFE PATH NUMBER 9?
Adele, Bob Marley, Mother Teresa, Mahatma Gandhi, Cher, Elvis Presley, Harrison Ford, Louise Hay, Prince, Robin Williams, Whitney Houston – just to name a few.
A FINAL MESSAGE FROM A FELLOW LIFE PATH 9
You might feel as though the events that happen in your life are seemingly random. From a fellow life path 9, I know I did. But, one thing you come to realize is that these experiences will unearth things about yourself you never knew to be true.
You’ll find yourself quickly connecting the dots and using your vastly different experiences to create a life of meaning and purpose.
You’ll likely take a lot of time to figure out what it is you want from life, only to feel just as stuck as when you began.
To others, this process might look scattered, lazy, or flaky, but I want you to know this; give yourself permission to change directions at any time, to explore what calls to you even if you don’t know why. To let your visions be birthed into this world, fully, and to commit to tying up loose ends for your peace of mind.
What a wonderful journey life becomes when you know how to navigate its choppy waters with compassion, love, understanding, and care.
Charlotte x | 17,452 | 7,774 | 37,728.108052 |
warc | 202143 | As some, notably Harvard geneticist George Church, are proposing to do, via DNA sequences from mammoths found frozen in permafrost:
What they are doing is making a genetically modified Asian elephant by inserting into its genome a maximum of sixty mammoth genes that they think differentiate the modern species from the extinct one: genes that involve hairiness, cold tolerance, amount of fat, and so on. What they’d get would be a genetic chimera, an almost entirely Asian elephant but one that is hairier, chunkier, and more tolerant of cold. That is NOT a woolly mammoth, nor would it behave like a woolly mammoth, for they’re not inserting behavior genes.
Jerry Coyne, “A mammoth debacle” at Why Evolution Is True(September 14, 2021)
Well, this raises a number of questions:
If it looks like a woolly mammoth, won’t most people just conclude that it
is one? So, in a sense, they will have succeeded.
How do we know how woolly mammoths behaved, relative to elephants? And how, exactly, is their behavior related to their genes? Are there actual behavior genes or a complex combination of factors?
Of course, it all sounds crazy, especially when you get to the “artificial uterus” part. But genetic fundamentalism may not be the strongest argument against it.
This is part of a de-extinction drive. Again, one might want to ask, if extinctions happen due to changed environments, do we know enough to risk interfering with that?
It seems we shall see. | 1,499 | 833 | 2,614.702281 |
warc | 202143 | Vegan Organic Growing
Growing your own food organically is the perfect partner to veganism for living more lightly on the earth, respecting life, and ensuring what you eat is healthy, fresh and delicious. It can be done at any level, from keeping potted herbs on a windowsill or growing vegetables in your back garden, to aiming for near self-sufficiency from a larger plot or allotment.
To grow organically means to use no chemical pesticides, herbicides, fungicides or artificial fertilisers. Furthermore, organic crops should not be genetically modified (GM), radiated or processed with chemicals in any way. Growing organically should go hand-in-hand with aims to lower our carbon footprints and care for the earth: using sustainable methods, reusing materials or using recycled products, improving biodiversity, using as little packaging as possible and as little fossil fuel energy as possible (ideally none).
Practically speaking, to garden organically with no animal inputs requires addressing three main issues: soil fertility, dealing with pests, and dealing with weeds.
Let’s look at aspects of each of these in more detail: click on the titles below to explore further
All pages in this Garden Advice section are compiled by Piers Warren with extracts from
The Vegan Cook & Gardener.
“I passionately feel Veganic growing is essential for the health of the planet and ourselves.”
Author, environmentalist, musician, teacher, cook and veganic veg-grower. Founder of WILDEYE – The International School of Wildlife Film-making. Piers is also the co-author, with his daughter Ella Bee Glendining, of
The Vegan Cook & Gardener: Growing, Storing and Cooking Delicious Healthy Food all Year Round | 1,731 | 952 | 3,091.071429 |
warc | 202143 | Leveraging value chain competencies & resources on a global platform: the case of HAL.
Author Das, Malay Kumar Position Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd
Introduction
A news which came in all the major financial news papers in the world on 22nd October 2009 in absolute terms changed the image of an emerging economy state-owned aeronautics company. In the history of Boeing this was the first time when the company had signed to supply a very complicated part called flaperons for the Boeing's 777 series commercial jetliners. The 777 flaperon is a complex composite assembly that is instrumental in controlling the airplane's and maneuverability in flight, referred to as a 'control surface', flaperons work both as an aileron to control roll as a flap to control lift. Boeing had earlier signed a 10-year manufacturing contract ($1 billion or Rs. 4,650 crore) in December 2007 with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd for making subsystems for its fighter planes such as F-18 Super Hornets and Apache helicopters. "HAL and Boeing share a very special relationship. Showcasing HAL's composite manufacturing capability on one of the world's premier long-haul commercial jets positions us for even greater opportunities at the forefront of technology," said Soundara Rajan, Director, Corporate Planning & Marketing, HAL (Boeing, 2009). Boeing's relationship with HAL dates back to 1991. Boeing India President Dinesh Keskar said "The composite 777 flaperon that HAL will produce represents a significant leap forward in technological capability, and supports Boeing's strategy to work in partnership with India's aerospace industry for the long-term". (Boeing, 2009)
It was a long way for a 100 % Government of India owned strategic defense industry company to achieve. As on 2010, HAL has 19 production units and 9 research and design centers in 7 locations in India. It has sold its products in more than 20 countries. The company has total 26 types of aircrafts. Out of which 12 types of aircrafts have been manufactured using in-house R & D and 14 types produced under license. By 2010 March, HAL had manufactured more than 3550 aircrafts, 3600 engines and overhauled over 8150 aircrafts and 27300 engines. HAL is the largest player in the Aerospace industry in India. HAL supplies its products to all the three major defence wings in India namely, Army, Navy and Air force. To maximize its resources usage, building synergies and minimizing risks and increase revenues, HAL entered Civil Aviation with launch of Dornier (14 seater) and civil versions of Advanced Light Helicopter.
How does an emerging economy company, which is in a strategic industry, chart its global strategy, why and how? We would be looking at the outside in approach (PEST and industry forces) and inside out perspective (resource and value chain perspective). We discuss how an emerging economy, strategic industry company has transformed itself and grew in the international arena. Government of India has defined all the institutions and government owned companies in Defence Department and Space Department as strategic institutions and allowed 26% FDI in the defence production space with some restrictions. There are around eight defence public units. As can be seen from table 1 HAL is the largest public sector unit (PSU) in terms of turnover and exports volume.
It is clear that HAL is the largest defense public sector and has exports turnover of 4365 Million Rupees. Other public sector units do not have any exports and even if they have some exports it is more of trading. The above are the reasons that we have taken HAL as the study point in industry international strategy in emerging economies.
Aeronautics Industry
In the commercial aircraft industry, the competition is immensely intensive even though it is mainly between Boeing and Airbus. Economies of scale in the commercial aeronautics industry comes from the ability to spread fixed costs over a large output. Boeing is spending an estimated $5 billion to develop its Boeing 777 jetliner. Boeing needs to sell around 300 aircrafts to get respectable amount of profit. The economies of scale here are significant, with average unit costs falling by $40 million as output expands from 100 units to 500 units.
"In addition to economies of scale, learning effects also exist in this industry. Learning effects were first documented in the aerospace industry where it was found that each time accumulated output of airframes were doubled, unit costs declined to 80 percent of their previous levels. Thus the fourth airframe, typically 80 % of the second airframe to produce, the eighth airframe only 80 percent of the fourth, the 16th only 80 percent of the eight, and so on. This observation implies that the $80 million in per unit variable costs required to build a 777 will decline over time as output expands, primarily because of gains in labor productivity. Thus, while variable costs per unit might be $80 million by the time 100 aircraft have been manufactured, by the time 500 aircraft have been manufactured, they may have fallen to $60 million per unit" (FMBD 2000). "World demand is large enough to support only a limited number of aircraft producers at high output levels. Forecasts suggest that the global market for long-range aircraft with a seating capacity of about 300, such as the 777, will be about 1500 aircrafts between 1997 and 2008. If we assume that Boeing has to sell about 500 aircrafts to make a decent return on its investment, this suggests that the world market is large enough to support only three producers profitably!" (FAA, 2012).
Extensive aircraft portfolio is required to satisfy the requirements of customer airlines. Pressures from customers are forcing aircraft manufactures to develop products which can be run by only one pilot. An aircraft producer has to give leasing and financing services to customers over and above other requirements of customers. As airlines face financial difficulties, financing terms become a key selling factor. Alliances, joint ventures--especially with foreign government funded programs--and extensive lobbying, political posturing in national and international forums. "Some 45 businesses in 6 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) economies provide Boeing with about 70 different parts and major assemblies ..." (Boeing, 2005)
As can be seen from a brief overview of the commercial aircraft industry, political, financial, customer forces effect the product development and sale of aircrafts. In defence aircraft sales the competition is more intense and political forces and costs are the major influencing factors.
Political, Economic, Social, Technological (PEST) Analysis
Political Factors
Political factors include government regulations and legal issues and define both formal and informal rules under which HAL must operate. HAL, being a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, there is a large impact of political factors on its strategies. Following are the examples:
* Government type and political stability: India is a democratic country with governments elected by the people. In recent years we have seen stability in the elected government. So the political scenario may be considered favourable for industries.
* Freedom of press, rule of law and levels of bureaucracy and corruption: In Indian democracy press has freedom of expression. As such it is a positive factor for any industry
* Regulating rules: HAL was created to provide services to defence services specially The Air Force. Because of high security involved, Government favors procurement of services for defence from a public sector company with its own control
* Employment laws laid down by the government which provide for minimum employment to the people and job security for its employees
* Environmental regulations that any company has to adhere to and the necessary certifications to be obtained from various government certified agencies like ISO, etc. For example HAL is ISO 14001 environmentally certified.
* India has a federal tax structure whereby both the Central and the State governments impose a range of taxes. The Central Government levies income tax on both corporate and individual incomes as well as indirect taxes such as customs duties, central excise and service tax. The State Government imposes other indirect taxes such as Value Added Tax (VAT) and the like. The complex and multi-tiered tax structure in India makes domestic manufacturing uncompetitive in a range of situations for example in defence sector some imported supplies of defence goods to MoD are subject to lower incidence of taxes than locally supplied goods.
* The civil aerospace industry is similarly disadvantaged. The tax incentives are available for R&D in only Special Economic Zones (SEZs) but these are limited and not broad-based enough to provide meaningful relief. Particular mention needs to be made of the indirect taxes on aircraft servicing in India. customs duties, service tax and VAT. This does not create a very conducive environment for competitive development of technology.
On the whole, the Government encourages private investment in both the civil and defence aerospace sector with the goal of encouraging technology transfers and achieving indigenization only. The Indian Government has significantly liberalized the civil aviation sector. It welcomes domestic private participation in manufacturing and R&D in the aerospace sector with 100 percent foreign direct investment (FDI) allowed on the automatic route in most areas, the exceptions being air traffic services. The defence sector has more restrictions: while 100 percent domestic private investment is allowed, subject to licensing, in the manufacture of defence equipment, there is a cap of 26 percent on FDI (which is also subject to licensing requirements, and there are other restrictions as well). (PWC, 2009)
Economic Factors
Economic factors affect the purchasing power of potential customers and the firm's cost of capital. The following are examples of factors in the macro-economy that affect the aircraft industry:
* Economic...
To continue readingRequest your trial
COPYRIGHT GALE, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Subscribers can access the reported version of this case.
You can sign up for a trial and make the most of our service including these benefits. Why Sign-up to vLex? Over 100 Countries Thousands of Data Sources Find What You Need, Quickly Over 2 million registered users
Subscribers are able to see a list of all the documents that have cited the case.
You can sign up for a trial and make the most of our service including these benefits. Why Sign-up to vLex? Over 100 Countries Thousands of Data Sources Find What You Need, Quickly Over 2 million registered users
Subscribers are able to see the revised versions of legislation with amendments.
You can sign up for a trial and make the most of our service including these benefits. Why Sign-up to vLex? Over 100 Countries Thousands of Data Sources Find What You Need, Quickly Over 2 million registered users
Subscribers are able to see any amendments made to the case.
You can sign up for a trial and make the most of our service including these benefits. Why Sign-up to vLex? Over 100 Countries Thousands of Data Sources Find What You Need, Quickly Over 2 million registered users | 11,403 | 4,765 | 27,175.75404 |
warc | 202143 | Dear Friends,
Sorry not to have been here in so long. Actually, you know that this is all not-direct communicaton anyway. Like I am doing much better in direct communication these days, seeing as how we are locked down form getting out. Oh well, probably it’s better to stay indoors anyway.
So, all of this is very serious, as every life is very serious. I think it is important that we remember that life is not a video game. As I frequent the drive-thrus currently, I’m hungry to say, “Thank you for being here. Thank you for being essential. Thank you for wearing a mask.” I wish that the world were not presenting itself as it is these days, and frankly, I do not know what all of this means. Because of my mental illness, I forbid myself from reading prophetic books of the Bible, but I still believe the Bible. Thankfully there are still a lot of positive books written on living the message of Jesus, and this is still what I believe.
Speaking of mental illness, how do I even consider myself as still having one, seing as how I’ve lived twenty plus years with the same diagnosis. It is so very strange that once you’ve got one you are doomed. Maybe we should all be receiving the sort of mental health work that Dr. Amen is doing with the actual scans of the organ in question, but maybe it is better that we do with DSM checklists and a configuration of illness that is subjective by any means. I think that I have a schizoaffective disorder, but I may have grown out of it, if possible. What the actual what, is what I say. Although I do kn0w that I did indeed present as having a schizoaffective disorder, twenty-five years ago.
Not meaning to be unduly critical, but I believe a little bit of skepticism is what might help me to grow out of this, and to live my life as an actual human. Lest we not forget, we are each individual human beings with individual problems, and life is an inscrutably difficult undertaking anyway. How do we live here on Earth with one another, without pointing fingers and making jobs by labeling some as sick and others as not sick, while also adminstering psychotropic medicines in a world of diet coke and preservatives in the first place.
Aw, goodness gracious. If it is not impossible to figure out. And yes, I was kind of a bitch to my Mom, back in the day, with a broken heart and existential questions, and the not sleeping but thinking. Maybe it is time that we investigate these existential questions collectively, and figure out matters of faith beyond the exterior walls of a church or an instiution. What, my friends, is the meaning of life?
Who am I and who are you, and has this not been adressed on television? I don’t know, man, and I do take my meds, religously every day.
May you all ineed be blessed. May you all be happy, and may you all find peace.
#Infinity #Problems #Existence #Psychmeds #Pain #Suffering #Meditation #Peace | 2,934 | 1,474 | 5,750.56038 |
warc | 202143 | Dr Karyl Thomas Rattay, Director of the Delaware Division of Public Health, discussed the coming Flu Season and the importance of flu shots. Our precautions against COVID 19 meant a less dangerous flu season last year, but it is returning as we are letting our guard down. Dr Rattay advises us to comntinue with our masks, hand sanitizing and safe distancing as both COVID and the flu are respiratory diseases spread by expelled droplets. Unlike COVID which can spread before symptoms appear – and not all display those – influenza is not as contagious and it makes a sudden appearance. She warns us, though, that COVID can now present with flu-like symptoms, a scratchy throat and nasal congestion. The best way to protect your family and co-workers, stay away when you start to feel sick. Both diseases can lead to serious complications, the best way to avoid them is to get vaccinated. Both Flu and COVID shots are free and plentiful. Anyone can be innoculated against the flu and there is exciting news about COVID vaccines available for children soon. Dr Rattay advises pregnant women to get vaccinated, symptoms are worse for them and COVID can lead to premature birth and birth complications.
For more information about the departmant follow them on social media OR visit dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/ | 1,319 | 730 | 2,359.745205 |
warc | 202143 | BEIJING â€" China has some 10 million children suffering from dyslexia, with most left to fend for themselves without help from the country's educational or social aid structures.
Chinese magazine
Caixin reports this week on a new survey based on 2014 national data that found 11% of Chinese suffer from the disorder, which is caused by problems in the brain's language processing functions.
Guo Fei, assistant researcher at the Institute of Psychology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, who participated in the study, said China's rate of dyslexia is similar to that found in the U.S., where recent studies have estimated 10 to 15 % of the population is dyslexic.
Dyslexia, which is not linked to intelligence but rather different impediments to the ability to read and write, is already widely recognized in the West, where educational policies and social organizations to assist affected children are well established. In China, however, dyslexic children often do not receive the help they need, the new report found.
“Affected individuals have no intelligence or motivational defects, nor do they suffer from vision, hearing or neurological disorders," says Bi Hongyan, researcher at the Institute of Psychology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. "It’s not an illness in the traditional sense and is not to be treated as a disease.â€
Caixin noted that the Chinese public education system does not currently provide special textbooks for dyslexic students, and there are fewer than five national organizations dedicated to assisting dyslexic children and their families.
Huang Lanzi, director of Social Enterprise Research Center, an educational institution that helps children who struggle with reading and writing, said that early intervention is the best way to tackle learning difficulties.
“The success rate for primary school children in grade one or grade two is as high as 80% to 90%, which drops to 30% to 40% for those in grade five or grade six," she says. "Unfortunately, most children sent to our center are in the latter grades."
Huang Yongguang, a member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, recently submitted a proposal to establish a complete dyslexia screening and correction system, and develop detailed learning strategies to help affected children.
expresslyinternational daily newsletter!
Crunching the numbers of South Korea's personal and household debt offers a glimpse into what drives the win-or-die plot of the Netflix hit produced in the Asian country.
-Analysis- SEOUL — The South Korean series Squid Game has become the most viewed series on Netflix, watched by over 111 million viewers and counting. It has also generated a wave of debate online and off about its provocative message about contemporary life.
The plot follows the story of a desperate man in debt, who receives a mysterious invitation to play a game in which the contestants gamble their lives on six childhood games, with the winner awarded a prize of 45.6 billion won ($38 million)... while the losers face death.
It's a plot that many have noted is not quite as surreal as it sounds, a reflection of the reality of Korean society today mired in personal debt.
Seoul housing prices top London and New York
In the polished streets of downtown Seoul, one sees endless cards and coupons advertising loans scattered on the ground. Since the outbreak of the pandemic, as the demand for loans in South Korea has exploded, lax lending policies have led to a rapid increase in personal debt.
According to the South Korean Central Bank's "Monetary Credit Policy Report," household debt reached 105% of GDP in the first quarter of this year, equivalent to approximately $1.5 trillion at the end of March, with a major share tied up in home mortgages.
Average home loans are equivalent to 270% of annual income.
One reason behind the debts is the soaring housing prices. In Seoul, home to nearly half of the country's population, housing prices are now among the highest in the world. The price to income ratio (PIR), which weighs the average price of a home to the average annual household income, is 12.04 in Seoul, compared to 8.4 in San Francisco, 8.2 in London and 5.4 in New York.
According to the Korea Real Estate Commission, 42.1% of all home purchases in January 2021 were by young Koreans in their 20s and 30s. For those in their 30s, the average amount borrowed is equivalent to 270% of their annual income.
Playing the stock market
At the same time, the South Korean stock market is booming. The increased demand to buy stocks has led to an increase in other loans such as credit. The ratio for Korean shareholders conducting credit financing, i.e. borrowing from securities companies to secure stock holdings, had reached 21.4 trillion won ($17.7 billion), further increasing the indebtedness of households.
A 30-year-old Seoul office worker who bought stocks through various forms of borrowing was interviewed by Reuters this year, and said he was "very foolish not to take advantage of the rebound."
In addition to his 100 million won ($84,000) overdraft account, he also took out a 100 million won loan against his house in Seoul, and a 50 million won stock pledge. All of these demands on the stock market have further exacerbated the problem of household debt.
42.1% of all home purchases in January 2021 were by young Koreans in their 20s and 30s
Game of survival
In response to the accumulating financial risks, the Bank of Korea has restricted the release of loans and has announced its first interest rate hike in three years at the end of August.
But experts believe that even if banks cut loans or raise interest rates, those who need money will look for other ways to borrow, often turning to more costly institutions and mechanisms.
This all risks leading to what one can call a "debt trap," one loan piling on top of another. That brings us back to the plot of
Squid Game, "Either you live or I do." South Korean society has turned into a game of survival. Death & Debt: More French Heirs Renounce Succession Of ... › The Ancient Art Of Debt Relief, A Brief History - Worldcrunch › South Korea Owes Iran Billions But Won't Cough Up The Cash ... › expresslyinternational daily newsletter! | 6,387 | 3,083 | 12,929.376257 |
warc | 202143 | Geopolitics
Jean-Michel Caroit
September 14, 2011
Retired Gen. Otto Pérez Molina finished first in Sunday's presidential election in Guatemala, earning 36% of the vote in a crowded field. Pérez Molina, a conservative, is favored to win an upcoming Nov. 6 runoff against Manuel Baldizón, a wealthy businessman, who garnered 24% support in first-round voting. If he wins the runoff, Pérez Molina will become Guatemala's first military-trained head of state since the end of the country's 36-year civil war (1960-1996). During the 1980s, the candidate headed the army's powerful intelligence unit.
Pérez Molina's military background and promises of treating violent drug traffickers with an "iron fist" have proven to be political assets in a country with one of the world's highest murder rates. But he also has no shortage of critics, particularly among victims of the countless war-era human rights violations. The civil war claimed an estimated 200,000 lives. Most of those deaths came at the hands of the military, which some historians accuse of authoring Latin America's only 20th century genocide. Le Monde: You've been accused of committing human rights violations during the civil war, and of being involved in the killing of the guerilla commander Efrain Bamaca. How do you respond? Otto Pérez Molina: I retired from the army 11 year ago. Right now I don't benefit from any immunity, and the current government has done everything possible to hinder my candidacy by bringing up the issue of human rights violations. But they haven't been able to prove anything at all. They weren't even able to present a formal complaint with evidence in order to force me into the courts. That's simply because at no point did I break the law or violate the rights of Guatemalans.
As far as the Efrain Bamaca case goes, there are two versions. One that was presented before the courts. There was a trial that lasted nine years, and in the end the courts ruled that he was killed in combat. The other version, the one put forth by the guerillas, is that he wasn't killed in combat. But they've never been able to prove that. There was an investigation in which 14 military personnel were implicated. I was never on that list. I was never subpoenaed, not even as a witness during those nine years. I have absolutely nothing to hide. Nor do I regret anything. I went into the region
Quiché to defend the population and reestablish peace. The truth is that I am very appreciated and recognized in that region. Some people worry that your possible arrival to power will result in a militarization of the state. Is there any basis to those fears?There is no basis. I don't envisage militarizing the institutions in charge of security. Instead we want to professionalize the police. We want to create a university track for officers. Helen Mack a outspoken human rights activisthas done excellent work as the head of a committee planning police reforms. It's time to move to the execution phase… They say that I'm going to usher in an authoritarian government because I'm a retired general. There's no basis to that. I respect the Constitution and the laws, and I am going to reinforce democracy. Are you going to use the army to fight drug traffickers, as President Felipe Calderon has done in Mexico?The situation in Guatemala is different. This a country used for transferring and storing drugs. In order to take back control of the corridors that the drug traffickers use, we need to use special army units like the "kaibiles' an elite unitand the parachutists. And we should fight organized crime by applying laws that permit the use of such things as infiltrating agents and tapping telephones. Weren't the Zetas Mexican drug cartel trained by the kaibiles?Some former kaibiles were recruited by the Zetas, who offered them a good salary. But the kaibile unit itself hasn't been contaminated by the traffickers. We're talking about an elite unit that has participated in peacekeeping missions all over the world. If you win the presidency, will the courts continue to pursue cases already begun against military personnel accused of violations during the civil war?We will respect the independence of the state powers. If the judiciary pursues these cases, we will not intervene. We'll let them advance in the courts. Why haven't you made public the sources of your campaign funding? According to civil society groups, you have gone way past the legal spending limits?First of all, we've said we will mount a frontal attack on the traffickers, so the Partido Patriota (Otto Pérez" Patriot Party) hasn't received any money from the drug gangs. We've asked our contributors to reveal their identities publicly, but they haven't wanted to. Not many have given us permission to reveal their identities. We must respect their privacy since they're afraid of being victims of extortion, kidnapping or entrapment by tax authorities The problem of financing political parties is something that should be discussed by the Guatemalan society as a whole. What are your priorities as far as the region is concerned?With the United States, we would like to develop a partnership in order to mount a frontal attack against the drug traffickers, as well as protect the rights of Guatemalans living in the United States. The same goes for Mexico, where Guatemalan migrants are kidnapped, extorted and sometimes murdered. Just like there are international criminal courts, we could create a regional court to try drug traffic-related crimes.
Read the original interview in French
Photo-
Surizar
LE MONDE
This leading French daily newspaper Le Monde ("The World") was founded in December 1944 in the aftermath of World War II. Today, it is distributed in 120 countries. In late 2010, a trio formed by Pierre Berge, Xavier Niel and Matthieu Pigasse took a controlling 64.5% stake in the newspaper.
Keep up with the world. Break out of the bubble.
Sign up to our
expresslyinternational daily newsletter!
Society
Crunching the numbers of South Korea's personal and household debt offers a glimpse into what drives the win-or-die plot of the Netflix hit produced in the Asian country.
Yip Wing Sum
October 16, 2021
-Analysis- SEOUL — The South Korean series Squid Game has become the most viewed series on Netflix, watched by over 111 million viewers and counting. It has also generated a wave of debate online and off about its provocative message about contemporary life.
The plot follows the story of a desperate man in debt, who receives a mysterious invitation to play a game in which the contestants gamble their lives on six childhood games, with the winner awarded a prize of 45.6 billion won ($38 million)... while the losers face death.
It's a plot that many have noted is not quite as surreal as it sounds, a reflection of the reality of Korean society today mired in personal debt.
Seoul housing prices top London and New York
In the polished streets of downtown Seoul, one sees endless cards and coupons advertising loans scattered on the ground. Since the outbreak of the pandemic, as the demand for loans in South Korea has exploded, lax lending policies have led to a rapid increase in personal debt.
According to the South Korean Central Bank's "Monetary Credit Policy Report," household debt reached 105% of GDP in the first quarter of this year, equivalent to approximately $1.5 trillion at the end of March, with a major share tied up in home mortgages.
Average home loans are equivalent to 270% of annual income.
One reason behind the debts is the soaring housing prices. In Seoul, home to nearly half of the country's population, housing prices are now among the highest in the world. The price to income ratio (PIR), which weighs the average price of a home to the average annual household income, is 12.04 in Seoul, compared to 8.4 in San Francisco, 8.2 in London and 5.4 in New York.
According to the Korea Real Estate Commission, 42.1% of all home purchases in January 2021 were by young Koreans in their 20s and 30s. For those in their 30s, the average amount borrowed is equivalent to 270% of their annual income.
Playing the stock market
At the same time, the South Korean stock market is booming. The increased demand to buy stocks has led to an increase in other loans such as credit. The ratio for Korean shareholders conducting credit financing, i.e. borrowing from securities companies to secure stock holdings, had reached 21.4 trillion won ($17.7 billion), further increasing the indebtedness of households.
A 30-year-old Seoul office worker who bought stocks through various forms of borrowing was interviewed by Reuters this year, and said he was "very foolish not to take advantage of the rebound."
In addition to his 100 million won ($84,000) overdraft account, he also took out a 100 million won loan against his house in Seoul, and a 50 million won stock pledge. All of these demands on the stock market have further exacerbated the problem of household debt.
42.1% of all home purchases in January 2021 were by young Koreans in their 20s and 30s
Game of survival
In response to the accumulating financial risks, the Bank of Korea has restricted the release of loans and has announced its first interest rate hike in three years at the end of August.
But experts believe that even if banks cut loans or raise interest rates, those who need money will look for other ways to borrow, often turning to more costly institutions and mechanisms.
This all risks leading to what one can call a "debt trap," one loan piling on top of another. That brings us back to the plot of
Squid Game, "Either you live or I do." South Korean society has turned into a game of survival.
From Your Site Articles
Death & Debt: More French Heirs Renounce Succession Of ... › The Ancient Art Of Debt Relief, A Brief History - Worldcrunch › South Korea Owes Iran Billions But Won't Cough Up The Cash ... ›
Related Articles Around the Web
Keep up with the world. Break out of the bubble.
Sign up to our
expresslyinternational daily newsletter! | 10,151 | 4,784 | 21,275.935828 |
warc | 202143 | Geopolitics
April 25, 2013
ASUNCION – Horacio Cartes’ foray into politics was controversial and dizzying at the same time. In just three years, the 56-year-old billionaire businessman went from running a soccer club to being the Presidential candidate for the Colorado Party, the most traditional and powerful party in Paraguay. Now he's set to be the nation's next President.
In order to achieve this, he invested $20 million in his campaign, a figure that represents only a tiny drop of his huge empire.
He always has a serious expression on his face and his social concepts are often rigidly conservative. When a TV program asked him about his stance on same-sex marriage, and said he was against. The interviewer then asked him what he would do if his son told him that he wanted to marry another man. The response was brutal. “I would shoot myself in the balls,” he said, without hesitation.
Cartes speaks his mind. This kind of attitude is what led him away from the progressive sectors of society, while earning him the votes of the social circles that remain rooted in national conservatism. He gained even more fans with his image as a successful businessman who knows how to organize things and give orders.
What he could never shake, however were the rumors that he had conducted shady dealings – such as drug trafficking – that he eluded with a well-oiled legal contingency plan.
Cartes comes from a wealthy family. From his father, who owned the Paraguayan franchise for Cessna aircrafts, he inherited a passion for business. When he finished high school, Cartes went to the U.S. to study aeronautical engineering. At 19, he came back to his country and started a currency exchange business, which quickly grew into the Banco Amambay bank. This was the first pillar of an empire that today counts 25 companies.
Teflon Horacio
His first setback came in the mid 1980s, during the dictatorship of President Alfredo Stroessner (1954-1989). He was accused of buying dollars at a preferential rate, which he would then put on the black market. Charges were brought against him, and he went into hiding for four years. When he came back, the case had disappeared.
In the past decade he was investigated in Brazil allegedly smuggling cigarettes into the country. He was never charged, he says proudly. In 2011, a WikiLeaks cable revealed that the DEA had investigated him for alleged ties to drug traffickers. None of this could be proven conclusively.
Before entering politics four years ago, Cartes began as a sports manager. In 2001 he became president of the Club Libertad soccer club, where he led a strong investment campaign. This move garnered him a lot of praise, which would prove determining in his decision to launch into the political competition.
He entered the Colorado Party using his best assets – decisiveness and money. He joined in 2009, a complete novice in the world of politics. Party statutes stated that to be a presidential candidate, he should have been a member of the party for at least ten years. He organized a convention to change the statutes, reducing the requirement to a year. The groundwork was laid.
His arrival in the Colorado Party was met with some resistance, especially from historical leaders. “With Horacio Cartes will start the era of obscenity, of political pornography, and all vices will become explicit.” These harsh words are from former President Nicanor Duarte Frutos, who a few months later changed his mind and joined Cartes.
The incoming Paraguayan president has two daughters and a son, products of a long marriage that ended in separation. His sister Sarah now manages his economic empire, allowing the entrepreneur to fully dedicate himself to politics. Skillful, entreprising and bold, Cartes said: “I did not join the party to become rich, I already have everything.”
Keep up with the world. Break out of the bubble.
Sign up to our
expresslyinternational daily newsletter!
Society
Crunching the numbers of South Korea's personal and household debt offers a glimpse into what drives the win-or-die plot of the Netflix hit produced in the Asian country.
Yip Wing Sum
October 16, 2021
-Analysis- SEOUL — The South Korean series Squid Game has become the most viewed series on Netflix, watched by over 111 million viewers and counting. It has also generated a wave of debate online and off about its provocative message about contemporary life.
The plot follows the story of a desperate man in debt, who receives a mysterious invitation to play a game in which the contestants gamble their lives on six childhood games, with the winner awarded a prize of 45.6 billion won ($38 million)... while the losers face death.
It's a plot that many have noted is not quite as surreal as it sounds, a reflection of the reality of Korean society today mired in personal debt.
Seoul housing prices top London and New York
In the polished streets of downtown Seoul, one sees endless cards and coupons advertising loans scattered on the ground. Since the outbreak of the pandemic, as the demand for loans in South Korea has exploded, lax lending policies have led to a rapid increase in personal debt.
According to the South Korean Central Bank's "Monetary Credit Policy Report," household debt reached 105% of GDP in the first quarter of this year, equivalent to approximately $1.5 trillion at the end of March, with a major share tied up in home mortgages.
Average home loans are equivalent to 270% of annual income.
One reason behind the debts is the soaring housing prices. In Seoul, home to nearly half of the country's population, housing prices are now among the highest in the world. The price to income ratio (PIR), which weighs the average price of a home to the average annual household income, is 12.04 in Seoul, compared to 8.4 in San Francisco, 8.2 in London and 5.4 in New York.
According to the Korea Real Estate Commission, 42.1% of all home purchases in January 2021 were by young Koreans in their 20s and 30s. For those in their 30s, the average amount borrowed is equivalent to 270% of their annual income.
Playing the stock market
At the same time, the South Korean stock market is booming. The increased demand to buy stocks has led to an increase in other loans such as credit. The ratio for Korean shareholders conducting credit financing, i.e. borrowing from securities companies to secure stock holdings, had reached 21.4 trillion won ($17.7 billion), further increasing the indebtedness of households.
A 30-year-old Seoul office worker who bought stocks through various forms of borrowing was interviewed by Reuters this year, and said he was "very foolish not to take advantage of the rebound."
In addition to his 100 million won ($84,000) overdraft account, he also took out a 100 million won loan against his house in Seoul, and a 50 million won stock pledge. All of these demands on the stock market have further exacerbated the problem of household debt.
42.1% of all home purchases in January 2021 were by young Koreans in their 20s and 30s
Game of survival
In response to the accumulating financial risks, the Bank of Korea has restricted the release of loans and has announced its first interest rate hike in three years at the end of August.
But experts believe that even if banks cut loans or raise interest rates, those who need money will look for other ways to borrow, often turning to more costly institutions and mechanisms.
This all risks leading to what one can call a "debt trap," one loan piling on top of another. That brings us back to the plot of
Squid Game, "Either you live or I do." South Korean society has turned into a game of survival.
From Your Site Articles
Death & Debt: More French Heirs Renounce Succession Of ... › The Ancient Art Of Debt Relief, A Brief History - Worldcrunch › South Korea Owes Iran Billions But Won't Cough Up The Cash ... ›
Related Articles Around the Web
Keep up with the world. Break out of the bubble.
Sign up to our
expresslyinternational daily newsletter! | 8,121 | 3,927 | 16,523.246753 |
warc | 202143 | Massage Therapy How Does It Work
Massage therapies could be an option if you suffer with chronic pain. In fact it has been proved that regular massage therapy are not just able to reduce pain due to muscles spasms, it can also boost blood flow to the whole body, resulting in a total recovery of the body. If you're in need of relief from chronic lower back pain, shoulder or neck pain, arthritis, or simply want to improve the range of motion and flexibility, massage might be the solution you're searching for. It is important to know the method of application in order to determine if it is suitable for you.
Reflexology or, more specifically, foot reflexology, is a medical practice involving the application and manipulation of pressure on the skin's deeper layers. This is done using the thumb, thumb, and finger to apply massage without the use of oil or lotion. Research has shown that, when compared to conventional massage, reflexology can produce more effective results. You may want to consider it if you suffer from chronic pain for some time.
If you are performing a foot reflexology massage you will first be in the chair of the therapist where they will provide you with directions on where to place your feet. Then, you can begin by lying on the table and letting them rub your feet into an "chair massage" position. Since these are the nerve endings that are most painful so the massage should be focused on the area below the arch and heel of every foot. The nerve endings are signalled by the muscles contracting and relaxing, which means there is no pain. The nerves then replenish themselves.
Massage is a method of holistic healing but the main goal of massage is to ease the client. When you are stressed out or under a lot of stress, it could cause headaches, tension migraines, and even headaches. Reflexology doesn't just help relieve pain, but also prevent the occurrence of future pain. Research has proven that people who receive regular treatments with reflexology suffer less back pain than those who do not. Chronic back pain sufferers should seek treatment at very least once a calendar year.
If you think you require more assistance, you may want to explore reflexology clinics or spas. These establishments provide professional reflexology sessions on demand. Reflexology specialists can conduct full reflexology sessions at your home , for a minimal monthly fee or an annual cost. You can schedule this kind of medical procedure in the comfort of your own home. Many people enjoy the privateness that comes with scheduling a reflexology session on their own.
Although massages can provide immediate relief of pain, they
청주출장 don't tackle the root causes that are causing the problem. Massages usually feel their effects on muscles shortly after the session. Reflexology is a less obvious version of reflexology. The effects are felt through the nerve pathways. These changes bring about more mobility and relief as the nerves become less prone to injury and pressure.
Reflexology is particularly beneficial for athletes and those who love sports. By stimulating targeted areas of the foot through specific techniques an experienced therapist can improve circulation and increase flexibility. Reflexology foot massage can help reduce the chance of developing plantar fasciitis. Professional reflexologists not only examine your feet but will also use techniques such as foot and ankle release external rotation and internal rotation to treat the root of the issue.
Even if you go to a reflexology clinic or spa for a simple foot massage, it is possible to benefit from a variety of health benefits. You may feel more energetic and rejuvenated. Reflexology is a technique to release stress and improve mental wellbeing and ease pain. In addition, the relaxing benefits of Reflexology can help improve mobility, decrease the pain, improve blood circulation, and improve overall wellness. There's no reason that you should not use this healing technique for your entire body. It doesn't matter if you suffer from chronic pain or just want relief from tension, Reflexology may feel good enough for you. | 4,167 | 1,922 | 8,962.735692 |
warc | 202143 | Vague deliverables make everyone unhappy. They create misunderstandings and
unfulfilled expectations. They tarnish reputations.
Projects should always have clear deliverables. Too often, the project's deliverables
are so vague that no one can agree that the project is complete.
Take software development for example. If the project's deliverable is the
new version of that software, the project manager should be able to spell out exactly what constitutes the new version. Is it the Beta version? The Release Candidate? The Gold Master? The first client installation?
Moreover, it should be clear who accepts the deliverables. Should the
development team decide when they're done? Should QA sign off on the new version? Should management, sales or customer service have a say in it?
Without a clear deliverable, there's the inevitable gap between what the
project team thinks they should deliver, and what the project's client expects.
But how can one get a clear deliverable from the project client? Often, the
project's client, be it management, the market or an actual client, has a hard time expressing what they want precisely. It's up to the project manager to provide a clear deliverables list on which both parties can agree on.
The project's preliminary task list can serve as a good basis for the
deliverables. Which features should be included in the software? Which bugs should be fixed? This is a good starting point to answering the who, what, where, when, why, and how of your project: Who decides when the deliverable is ready? What will the deliverable include? Where will the deliverable be provided? Online? As a hard copy? When is the delivery planned? Is there any leeway in this date? Why are we even doing this project? This serves as a good reminder of the project's objectives. How will the deliverable be produced?
If it's hard to answer all those questions, or if your client refuses to
answer some of them, you should be worried. | 1,975 | 934 | 4,140.310493 |
warc | 202143 | When you have a pest issue in your house, it can be difficult to know who to call. We all dislike bugs and also desire them gone, but employing the incorrect exterminator can make things worse.
It would certainly help if you had someone that is both professional and credible. We are
local Tacoma, WA exterminators with years of experience taking care of pests of all kinds.
Our team has been trained by the finest in the industry, so we’re constantly updated on new techniques for every sort of bug infestation that comes our way.
Most importantly, we use green products whenever possible due to the fact that they’re much healthier for everyone included!
Typical Pests We Help You Get rid of
We also care for ants, ticks, spiders, coyotes and also other wild animals, fleas & ticks (consisting of cat fleas), scorpions, flies and various other flying insects, centipedes, millipedes, earwigs (and associated pests), mosquitoes, and various other attacking flies/insects, bees, wasps, yellow jackets … to name a few!
Tacoma Pest Control Services
If you are looking for the most effective pest control service, we have the perfect solution. We provide a detailed list of services to help with your pest infestation needs.
Our team can remove any type of bug that makes you trouble in your home or work, from termites and ants to mosquitoes and also roaches. Our pest control solutions we provide are:
Emergency Pest Control Bed Bug Treatment Cockroach Removal Ant Control Rodent control Termite Inspection & Control Residential and Commercial Pest Control Spider Control Mosquito control Wildlife Control Tick and Flea Control And Much More! Reliable Pest Control Tacoma, WA
If you are handling pests in your house or business, we can help you get rid of them without having to stress over smelling chemicals.
Our pest control specialists use various pest control methods, from eco-friendly services to much more standard pesticide treatments depending on the level of infestation and insecticides’ effect on people who live or work in the area.
We are straightforward, and we provide the most effective service in town. Our Tacoma pest control specialists have actually been helping clients for several years; they’re the ones you can trust with your pest infestation problems!
We offer affordable solutions that are personalized for your demands, so call today!
Do you need an emergency pest control? Call Us Today Bed Bug Control in Tacoma, WA
When it concerns bed bug control treatment, you would certainly be smart to take the time to discover pest control experts that have ideal qualification for your business or home.
Be added mindful in your selection due to the fact that bed bugs are becoming significantly immune to available insecticides. They are well-adjusted pathogens that do not appear to have any type of natural killers.
Bed bugs are actual, and they have always been an issue when left uncontrolled. Bed bug control might be quite basic, depending upon the details infestation.
Nevertheless, when you have actually identified an invasion of these blood-sucking pests, you must take instant action to prevent any unnecessary health problems.
Tacoma Cockroach Control Service
Do you have a cockroach problem in the house? If so, it’s time to do something about it. There are lots of usual misconceptions about what kind of pest inspection is needed for roaches.
Our Tacoma pest control expert’s guidance will certainly help you understand why our professionals in Tacoma are the best choice.
Nonetheless, this isn’t always necessary since there could be several reasons your home has an infestation that would certainly need different treatment approaches.
For instance, if your food attracts cockroaches, you may require our high quality pest control service like ours to remove them without harming your family members or pet dogs.
As a homeowner, you may assume that almost any exterminator can get rid of cockroaches. This is not necessarily the case because we just employ professionals who successfully remove these pests.
Termite Control Tacoma Washington
Termites are a real threat to homeowners, and also it is important to take preventative actions. They can cause significant structural damage that costs hundreds of dollars in repairs and replacements.
Here’s how you can protect your home from these pests:
Inspect for termite activity every six months by trying to find mud tubes or frass (termite poop) around the structure. Exclude them by filling up any type of splits or gaps with steel woollen with caulking and also seal spaces under windows and doors. Repair harmed posts, sills, piers, columns, or various other wood structures on your property since they draw in termites because of their high cellulose content. It would help if you thought about using our Tacoma extermination services to get rid of these termite infestations. Tacoma Flea Control
Fleas are a common household pest. They feed on your pet, and also they can make you or your youngster really sick at the same time.
The most effective means to control these pests is by utilizing a professional flea control service in Tacoma, Washington.
Our Tacoma pest control technicians will certainly provide a preliminary inspection of your property, recognize any areas that require unique attention, and after that apply our exclusive blend of natural insecticides to eliminate all fleas residing at your home or business location.
Commercial Pest Control Services for Businesses
Pests are a common trouble in several commercial areas. These pests can be damaging, however they likewise can spread out diseases and also cause allergic reactions for those that come into contact with them.
Tacoma commercial pest control services provide an essential service by making certain that your space is clean of pests so that you can focus on running your business.
Our Friendly Pest Exterminator in Tacoma
Your home or business is one of the most essential thing in your life. We recognize that you do not intend to take any chances with pests invading your area!
Our friendly and professional exterminators team in Tacoma, WA, is ready and also waiting to help keep pests away. | 6,258 | 2,787 | 13,861.009688 |
warc | 202143 | The internationalisation of a company is a particularly complex and challenging process.
To accompany our customers on this journey, our approach is to provide a tailor-made, bespoke service to accommodate individual needs.
In addition to the traditional sales and business translations of projects relating to price lists and catalogues, where we find it necessary and useful to share our terminology choices and a glossary with our customers, to manage projects consistently with uniform terminology, one of the most complex aspects is certainly the communicative one.
Indeed, marketing is one of the key elements of a company’s success, and it is vital that marketing and advertising translations are not only thorough and accurate, but also focused on the target. The effectiveness of an advertising campaign on a foreign market is based on knowledge not only of the local language but also of the culture and of the social and cultural realm in the reference country.
This is precisely why our team of translators is made up of professionals who each translate into their native language and whose goal is much more than literally transposing the original message, but rather conveying the intent of the original message in the target language. This can only be achieved through the use of
human translations, which is what we have always done, refusing to use automatic translations.
Fill in the form below: | 1,426 | 736 | 2,737.6875 |
warc | 202143 | Geoff Ninnes Fong & Partners (GNFP) is a structural, aquatic and civil engineering consultancy with broad experience in the design of new municipal and institutional swimming pools, hydrotherapy…read more
Latest News Latest Ausplay report shows renewed participation in Olympic sport
Sport Australia’s latest AusPlay report reveals more than half of all Australians aged 15 or over (10.4 million) have participated in some form of Olympic sport in the last year with 1.8 million people volunteering at local clubs or sporting organisations.
Suggesting that the 12-month postponement of the Tokyo Games has increased interest and participation in Olympic sports, Federal Minister for Sport, Richard Colbeck, said as momentum builds ahead of the Tokyo Olympics, it was clear Australians continue to take inspiration from its high performance athletes.
Launching Sport Australia’s latest AusPlay data which identifies sport and physical activity habits across the nation, and Sport Australia’s other survey tool, the Community Perceptions Monitor, which captures public attitudes towards sport, Minister Colbeck
(pictured below) stated “the AusPlay report shows just how much sport remains a lynchpin in the lives of everyday Australians.
“Whether we are aiming to improve our own health and wellbeing or are determined to ensure others have that opportunity - sport is key to healthy communities across the nation.”
The survey, based on self-reported data, shows athletics, swimming and cycling are the most popular Olympic sports with just over seven million Australians swimming, cycling and participating in activities deemed as 'athletics' every year.
Athletics (deemed to include recreational running/jogging) is the most popular sport for men while swimming tops the list for women.
The survey found football and basketball are the most popular Olympic team sports and that four in five adult Aussies (79%) say they are proud and inspired by our Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games athletes and teams.
The survey revealed that around four in five adults with long-term disability also participate in some kind of sport or physical activity at least once a year while the top three Paralympic sports are the same as Olympic sports with swimming the most popular, followed by cycling and athletics.
Sport Australia’s acting Chief Executive, Rob Dalton added “whether it’s playing an Olympic or Paralympic sport at any level, volunteering or being inspired watching our athletes compete on the world stage, the Olympics and Paralympics impact us all in one way or another.”
Key points from the latest AusPlay survey on Australians’ participation in Summer Olympic and Paralympic sports.
• 18.3 million adults participate in some kind of sport or physical activity (90%)
• 10.4 million adults participate in an Olympic sport (51%)
Top five Olympic sports for Australian men
• Athletics 18% • Cycling 15% • Swimming 14% • Football 8% • Golf 8%
Top five Olympic sports for Australian women
• Swimming 17% • Athletics 15% • Cycling 9% • Tennis 4% • Football 3%
AusPlay provides the sport sector with vital insights into the sport and physical activity behaviours of adults and children and critical evidence to inform strategies to grow participation.
Click here for more information.
Related Articles 23rd April 2021 - Kayo to stream lower tier sport at no cost 21st April 2021 - Sports Environment Alliance to stage 2021 awards ceremony at the MCG 3rd April 2021 - Basketball participation surges in West Australia 19th February 2021 - Sport Australia releases resources to help people return to activity 11th February 2021 - High participation numbers anticipated for 2021 Gold Coast Marathon 1st February 2021 - First woman named as Chair of Australian Sports Commission 10th December 2020 - Sport Australia launches new resources for community clubs 11th November 2020 - Mass participation sporting event sector facing ‘mass extinction’ 15th June 2020 - Survey suggests Australian gyms facing massive membership decline 11th March 2020 - Female participation in football reaches record levels in Australia 15th November 2019 - AusPlay survey shows football remains the top participation sport in NSW Asking a small favour We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?
The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.
However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed
Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.
Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed
Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.
Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.
Click here to subscribe.
supplier directory
The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.
Playrope Aqua-Fun, are the Australian & New Zealand exclusive distributors for Vortex Aquatic Structures International, the world leader in aquatic playgrounds and urban water landscapes.…read more
Aflex Inflatables are the leaders for obstacle courses, pool toys, waterparks and land-based watersides and fitness runs. They are industry leaders offering the widest range of pool, lake and beach…read more
Developed in Europe, this innovative system offers a safety management solution for swimming pools that checks individual swimmers via their wristband - monitoring their depth and time. Sensors…read more
Commercial Aquatics Australia provides aquatic solutions nationwide and is one of the largest and most experienced companies specialising in the design, construction, renovation, service, maintenance…read more
SPORTENG specialises in the Planning, Design and Construction inspection of Fields of Play for all sports. Blending engineering with the specialist knowledge gained from working closely with sport…read more
INTRODUCTION Abel Sports is Australia’s leading manufacturer and suppliers of Goal Posts, sports ground safety netting systems and coaches boxes for Stadiums ,Sports Clubs, Councils and…read more
get listed with our suppliers directory
Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week! | 6,651 | 3,011 | 14,238.573896 |
warc | 202143 | Bekkie Hopewood, 37, of Mill View, Bolton-upon-Dearne, began suffering with bulimia aged 12 and when she was taken to the doctors, her symptoms were dismissed as a ‘phase’.
Bulimia is an eating disorder and mental health condition where people go through periods of binge eating then make themselves vomit, use laxatives or do extreme amounts of exercise to avoid putting on weight, referred to as ‘purging’.
Almost 25 years later, Bekkie still struggles with bulimia and wanted to reach out to others who are going through a similar experience.
Bekkie said: “When I went to the GP as a child I was told that I was going through a phase and I would grow out of it. Because it was the 90s, I don’t think there was a lot of awareness about the condition.
“As I grew up I was admitted to hospital on several occasions and I even had to be fed through a tube. The physical side effects are not nice, but the mental side is worse.
“You sometimes have to wait weeks before you can be seen by a dietician and when you are at your worst, waiting can tip you over the edge.”
According to Barnsley’s five year transformation plan, entitled Future in Mind, between September 2017 and September 2018, 53 people were referred to the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services due to having an eating disorder. Everyone that was referred was seen within four weeks.
Bekkie set up the Facebook group, Barnsley Eating Disorder Support (BEDS), as a way of providing a platform for people to be able to talk to each other and support one another, in particular those who are over 18.
She said: “You are always in active recovery once you are diagnosed with anorexia or bulimia and what I feel is lacking is a support network of people you can talk to when you need it.”
The group is a ‘closed group’ on Facebook, meaning users will have to request to become a member and be accepted to view comments. Those who are not members will not be able to see what is posted on the page or interact with the members.
Bekkie said: “People who join will have the peace of mind that what they post will not be seen by anyone else and they are free to talk about what they like without being judged.
“Fear is a major reason why people do not seek help. I hope the group will encourage people to feel less isolated and be able to talk about their experience and I feel strong enough to be able to offer my tips on how to deal with bulimia. It’s a place where people can confidently or confidentially share their story and we can advise and support them.
“Even if the group helps one person, it’s served its purpose. I think the group has the potential to fill the gap between asking for help and receiving help.” | 2,795 | 1,398 | 5,360.08226 |
warc | 202143 | 7 Controls of dissolved organic matter fluxes in ecosystems Chair:
Joanna Clark (UK),
Klaus Holger Knorr (DE) Montag, 10:45-16:35, H19
Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is a critical flux from terrestrial to freshwater ecosystems, influencing many biogeochemical processes by providing a substrate for microbial metabolism, altering acidity, transporting metals and contaminants, and regulating light penetration. Great attention has been given to understanding the controls on DOM fluxes in the last 10 years, following observations of increased DOC concentrations in freshwaters across many parts of Europe and North America since the late 1980s. Reconciling the effect of different processes affecting the production, mobility and transport of DOM has led to a range of apparently conflicting views over the key drivers of DOM mobilization and fluxes across different temporal and spatial scales. These challenges are further complicated by poor understanding of DOM properties, which are controlled by the source and influence its subsequent function and stability. This session aims to advance current understanding about environmental drivers of DOM fluxes across ecosystems and catchments over short to longer-term temporal scales. Particular emphasis will be placed on how environmental conditions affect DOM sources, quality and fate, thus also small-scale experimental studies are invited. Contributions looking at the interactions between carbon, nitrogen and other elemental cycles are welcome.
Session key note speaker:
Chris Evans (UK) Brown water in the Conwy, Kalimantan and Kyoto: DOC in the carbon balance of managed peatlands
Export as iCal:
Poster
P 7.1 Kestutis Armolaitis, Vidas Stakenas, Ausra Gudauskiene, Jurate Aleinikoviene
Leaching of Soil Organic Carbon and Plant Nutrients in Fresh Clear Cuttings of Coniferous Stands
P 7.2 Andreas Bantle, Werner Borken, Egbert Matzner
Quantity and quality of dissolved organic carbon released from coarse woody debris of different tree species in the early phase of decomposition
P 7.3 Sebastian Bischoff, Martin Schwarz, Jan Siemens, Lisa Thieme, Wolfgang Wilcke, Beate Michalzik
Particulate(s) matter! - Importance of canopy-derived water-bound particulate matter in forest ecosystem nutrient cycling
P 7.4 Sarka Cepakova, Jan Frouz
Sources of dissolved organic carbon in surface horizons and its relevance to stability of organic matter in soil
P 7.5 Sabine Dvorski, Jenny Westphal, Claudia Kellermann, Hubert Müller, Michael Größbacher, Mourad Harir, Norbert Hertkorn, Christian Griebler, Philippe Schmitt-Kopplin
Ultrahigh-resolution mass spectrometry of dissolved organic matter from a tar oil contaminated aquifer along biogeochemical gradients
P 7.6 Eugen Federherr, Torsten C. Schmidt, Chiara Cerli, Karsten Kalbitz, Hans J. Kupka, Lutz Lange, Ralf Dunsbach, Robert Panetta
Novel tool for simultaneous carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analyses in aqueous samples
P 7.7 Kazumichi Fujii, Chie Hayakawa, Mari Uemura, Yuji Nakata, Makoto Yoshida, Shinya Funakawa
Mechanisms and regulating factors of dissolved organic matter production in forest soils of Japan and Indonesia
P 7.8 Jon García-García, Estilita Ruiz-Romera, Miren Martínez-Santos, Borja Muñoz-Leoz, Eider Unamuno
Comparison of variability of particulate (SS, POC) and dissolved (DOC) matter during flood events in two catchments (Basque Country, Northern Spain)
P 7.9 Annemieke Gärdenäs, Martin Rappe-George, Dan Kleja
The impact of four decades of annual nitrogen addition on dissolved organic matter in a boreal forest soil
P 7.10 Diana Hofmann, Bernhard Steffen, Ulrich Disko, Gerhart Wagner, Christian Mätzler
Hair ice
P 7.11 Jakub Hruška, Pavel Krám, Filip Moldan, Filip Oulehle, Christopher D. Evans, Richard F. Wright, Jiří Kopáček, Bernard J. Cosby
Changes in soil dissolved organic carbon affect reconstructed history and projected future trends in surface water acidification
P 7.12 Frederique Kirkels, Chiara Cerli, Eugen Federherr, Karsten Kalbitz
A novel method for dissolved organic carbon (DOC) isotopic (δ13C) and concentration analysis in environmental samples
P 7.13 Maris Klavins
Flows of DOC from Territory of Latvia and Factors Controlling it
P 7.14 Mi-Hee Lee, Jean-Lionel Payeur-Poirier, Silvia Parra, Ji-Hyung Park, Bomchul Kim, Gerhard Gebauer, Stefan Peiffer, Egbert Matzner
The export of dissolved and particulate organic carbon and nitrogen in two forested catchments during heavy precipitation events in South Korea
P 7.15 Carlos Oyarzun, Pedro Herve-Fernandez
N and P balance from catchments with different land cover, and exportation of nutrients during storm events, in south central Chile
P 7.16 Jonathan Ritson, Graham Nigel, Templeton Michael, Freeman Chris, Clark Joanna
Assessing the impact of catchment management and climatic change on dissolved organic carbon flux in relation to drinking water treatment.
P 7.17 Kasia Sawicka, Joanna Clark, Elena Vanguelova, Don Monteith, Andrew Wade
Examining mutli-scale patterns in soil water DOC in the UK
P 7.18 Liisa Ukonmaanaho, Martin Forsius, Lauri Arvola, Markus Hartman, Mike Starr
Riparian zone and stream water DOC concentration and quality in relation to land use
P 7.19 Anatoly Prokushkin, Irina Tokareva, Mikhail Korets, Sergey Titov, Marina Prokushkina, Alexey Rubtsov, Oleg Pokrovsky
Riverine carbon flux within the Central Siberian Plateau: terrestrial and climatic controls
<< Zurück zur Liste | 5,559 | 2,837 | 10,622.255552 |
warc | 202143 | October 8, 2021
Credit cards Credit cards latest publications
Card spending in September was 37% higher than in the same month of 2019 (35% in August) driven by the upturn in purchases with Spanish cards. Face-to-face transactions gained traction (26%), while online transactions slowed their progress (72%).
September 7, 2021
Spain | Impact of COVID-19 on consumption in real time and high definition in Aug-21
Card spending in August was 35% higher than in Aug-19 (28% in July). Transactions with Spanish cards gained momentum, especially non-face-to-face (139%), while those with foreign cards narrowed the gap with 2019 figures.
In May, total card consumption grew 51% in real terms, compared to the same month of 2019. In addition, the share of the on-line channel in total purchases was 41%, while spending on food, health and household goods and services continues to show a strong expansion.
In March, total card consumption grew 86.3% YoY, this is explained by a low comparison base (in the second half of March 2020, mobility restrictions began due to the beginning of the pandemic).
February 25, 2021
Peru | Real-time analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on consumption (up to February 22)
In February, total card consumption fell 4,3% YoY (26,9% in January 2021). There was a strong increase in the share of on-line card purchases, consistent with the new reimposition of lockdowns.
The economic recession and the restrictions associated to the pandemic have brought unusual circumstances for the banking system. On the one hand, credit growth to the private sector dropped for the first time since 2010. On the other hand, deposits growth remains strong.
January 28, 2021
Peru | Real-time analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on consumption (up to January 25)
In January, total card consumption grew 23,7% MoM (22,2% in December 2020). The share of online purchases with cards continues to increase and its dynamism has propped the recovery of spending.
January 15, 2021
Global | The COVID-19 impact on Consumption in Real Time and High Definition: Jan 15th
The COVID-19 impact on consumption was much more intense during the first wave than in the rest of the year 2020. By sector of activity, the impact of Covid-19 has been heterogeneus too. Food and health was the most beneffited ones and tourism related sectors the most damaged. | 2,363 | 1,111 | 4,985.483348 |
warc | 202143 | A Simple Approach to Isolate Slow and Fast Cycling Organic Carbon Fractions in Central European Soils—Importance of Dispersion Method (2021)
Just C., Poeplau C., Don A., van Wesemael B., Kögel-Knabner I., Wiesmeier M.
Frontiers in Soil Science, 1 (),
doi:10.3389/fsoil.2021.692583
Abstract
Numerous approaches have been developed to isolate fast and slow cycling soil organic carbon (SOC) pools using physical and chemical fractionation. Most of these methods are complex, expensive, and time consuming and unsuited for high-throughput application, such as for regional scale assessments. For simpler and faster fractionation via particle size the key issue is the dispersion of soil. It is unclear how the initial dispersion of soil affects the turnover rates of isolated fractions. We investigated five commonly used dispersion methods using different intensities: shaking in water, shaking in water with glass beads, ultrasonication at 100 and 450 J ml
−1 and sodium hexametaphosphate (Na-HMP). We used soils from long-term field experiments that included a change from C3 to C4 vegetation and adjacent control sites using δ 13C isotope ratio mass spectrometry. We evaluated the degree of C3/C4 moieties of the fractions, mass and carbon recovery and reproducibility as well as the time expenditures of the dispersions, sieving and drying techniques to develop an efficient and cheap fractionation method. Our results indicate that ultrasonication as well as H2O treatment with and without glass beads resulted in fractions with different turnover. Moreover, isolation performances depended on soil texture. While the isolation of the fractions using water with and without glass beads was equivalent to ultrasonication in soils with low clay contents, these methods had limited potential for soils with high clay contents. Furthermore, treatment with water alone had less reproducible results than other tested methods. The SOC recovery was comparable and satisfactory amongst non-chemical dispersion methods and reached over 95% for each of these methods. The use of Na-HMP was unsuccessful due to high time expenditures and strong SOC leaching. We propose particle size fractionation combined with ultrasonic dispersion as a fast and highly reliable method to quantify slow and fast cycling SOC pools for a wide range of soil types and textures from agricultural sites in central Europe. | 2,421 | 1,242 | 4,664.615942 |
warc | 202143 | Crushed by pandemic, conventions mount a cautious return
Experts say one of the big lessons of 2020 is that much of what happens at conferences and trade shows can happen virtually, lessening the need for big in-person events.
Manufacturing
Operations
Research & Development
Risk & Compliance
Sales & Marketing
Infrastructure
Business
COVID-19
Economy
Manufacturing
pandemic
tradeshows
In pre-COVID times, business events — from small academic conferences to giant trade shows like CES — routinely attracted more than 1 billion participants each year. The pandemic brought those global gatherings to a sudden halt, emptying convention centers and shuttering hotels.
More than a year later, in-person meetings are on the rebound. In late August, 30,000 masked attendees gathered in Las Vegas for ASD Market Week, a retail trade show. In Chicago, the Black Women’s Expo recently held the largest event in its history, with 432 vendors and thousands of masked attendees.
“People are cautious, but they’re glad to be able to get out and network with other people,” said Dr. Barbara Hall, whose company, JBlendz Communications, was among the exhibitors at the expo.
Still, it could be several years — if ever — before conferences attract the crowds they did before the pandemic. Many countries and businesses are still restricting travel, pinching attendance at big events like the Canton Trade Fair in China, which required 26,000 vendors to pitch their wares virtually in April.
Health concerns also remain. The industry is keen to avoid another black eye like the Biogen leadership conference, a February 2020 event in Boston that was eventually linked to 300,000 COVID cases.
The New York Auto Show, which regularly attracts more than 1 million people, was canceled two weeks before its August start date because of concerns about the delta variant. A construction machinery trade show in Beijing, which normally attracts 150,000 visitors, has been delayed for two months until November.
Experts say one of the big lessons of 2020 is that much of what happens at conferences and trade shows can happen virtually, lessening the need for big in-person events.
This year, the Web Summit expects 40,000 attendees when it convenes in Lisbon, Portugal, in November. Vaccines or a negative COVID-19 test will be required to attend, but masks are optional.
The Render-Atlanta software engineering conference, scheduled for mid-September, is also requiring vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to enter. To make attendees feel even safer, the conference cut a deal with a sponsor to provide daily testing for its 400 attendees. Masks — which can be personalized at a decorating station — will be required. Attendees can also wear black-and-white bracelets showing their level of comfort with social interaction. Dots mean they’re okay with it, stripes mean “stay away.”
Justin Samuels, Render-Atlanta’ chief experience officer, said it’s worth the extra hoops to gather in person. Render-Atlanta is the only Black-owned software engineering conference, with an emphasis on culture that doesn’t translate to a Zoom screen, Samuels said.
“The actual art of human interaction has to happen in person,” Samuels said.
A lot is riding on the revival of in-person meetings. Prior to the pandemic, conferences and trade shows generated more than $1 trillion in direct spending and attracted 1.5 billion attendees annually around the world, according to the Events Industry Council, a trade group.
The group hasn’t yet calculated the impact of the virus globally. But the Center for Exhibition Industry Research, which studies the economic impact of U.S. business-to-business trade shows, said those events alone were expected to generate $105 billion in direct and indirect spending in 2020. Instead, that plunged to $24 billion. CEIR doesn’t expect a return to growth for the industry until 2023.
Steve Hill, CEO and president of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, said 2022 is shaping up to be a good year for the industry. But he acknowledges a lot will depend on the situation around COVID-19 and whether international travel restrictions are lifted. Foreigners can account for 20% to 30% of attendees at he city’s major events, he said.
Hill thinks virtual convention elements are here to stay. They give shows another revenue stream and help them develop followers, he said. But Hill thinks enough people will continue to visit in person that hybrid events won’t hurt hotels and restaurants in convention cities.
“The shows will get back to 100% attendance. People need the in-person aspect of a show,” he said. | 4,767 | 2,262 | 9,727.883289 |
warc | 202143 | Card trimming is a serious problem in the hobby. So serious that it has attracted the attention of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The problem is set to get worse, as some of the major players in the hobby are involved. Therefore, we provide you with a guide on how to detect card trimming.
In 2013, it turned out that a T-206 Honus Wagner (the highest-priced card ever) had been trimmed. The culprit (a sports memento auctioneer) was later sentenced to 20 months in prison and fined $250,000 after the unethical act was admitted.
But what exactly is card trimming, and how did it find its way into the card collection industry?
Card trimming is the act of removing part of the edge of a card intentionally, usually with a sharp object. It also involves sanding or smoothing the edges of a card or just a small portion of it. This alteration method is especially difficult to detect at first glance but can be seen when closely viewed. Generally, the goal of trimming is to either remove wear to the edges and corners or improve the card’s centering.
In essence, card trimming or any form of card alteration or manipulation is an offense in the world of card collection. And in the world of law enforcement, for that matter.
Any artificial change besides manufacturer defects renders a card ungradable. The traditional grading system of 1-10 isn’t used for cards that have been confirmed to be altered. For example, the PSA website says: “PSA will not grade cards that bear evidence of trimming, re-coloring, restoration, or any other forms of tampering, or are of questionable authenticity.”
The suspicion started with a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card placed for sale on eBay. That is, of course, one of the most iconic cards out there. Fortunately, some collectors with the eye for cards identified it as altered, and words soon got to Blowout Forum, a chat community for card collectors.
Finally, when the call for pulling down the card got too much, PWCC CEO Brent Huigens owned up to the accusation of card alteration. But instead of admitting to trimming, he claimed the card had undergone a “conservation process.”
We have already reported extensively on PWCC’s role in card trimming.
To recap, PWCC is a Lake Oswego company, which sells sports cards on eBay. According to a source on the Blowout Forum
, PWCC was identified to be selling a sizeable amount of trimmed modern cards graded by BGS and PSA. The cards were said to have been acquired from individuals long identified as alleged card trimmers. They include Robert Block, Kevin Burge (associates like Keith Koenig, Vinny Ho, etc.), Gary Moser and Will Jaimet.
It seems PWCC was used as a front by the trimmers to sell off their altered cards in the early 2010s. They all had separate eBay accounts and were allegedly seeking covert ways to pass off their shady deals. For some reason, the major sports card grading companies (BGS and PSA) have failed to detect trimmed cards that passed through them. They have shown consistently that they cannot be trusted when it comes to detecting alterations such as trimming. After all, hundreds of cards have been proved to be incorrectly graded by PSA and BGS.
Football fans will remember Evan Mathis as a two-time pro-bowl offensive guard with a Super Bowl ring for the 2015 Denver Broncos. But now, he has emerged in a somewhat less glamorous role as a primary shaker in the unsavory world of card trimming.
In 2018, Mathis made headlines for selling a mint 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card for $2.88 million. At the time, it was the second most expensive card ever sold.
However, according to accusations featured prominently on Blowout Forums, Mathis has been trimming cards since his retirement in 2017. There is even evidence of Mathis leaving positive feedback on an eBay cutter. So yes, it is not precisely the perfect crime.
You can see a ton of persuasive examples of trimmed cards that went through Mathis run eBay account on Blowout Forums. We wonder how the buyer of that Mantle feels right about now.
As usual, PWCC is heavily involved in the breaking Evan Mathis scandal. PWCC claimed to have taken some actions to stop working with these trimmers moving forward. But this is more evidence they have not done so. PWCC have failed to identify the trimmed cards already sold to customers. It was, therefore, up to the customers to try to verify the authenticity of the card sold to them. Meanwhile, it is impossible to determine the authenticity of cards without distinguishable features.
PWCC released a statement claiming they worked with PSA and law enforcement to ensure all the affected cards were brought to light. Here’s a link to the interview with PWCC CEO Brent regarding the altered cards and changes they will make moving forward. They also released a set of tenets on the PWCC Marketplace account on the blowout forum. PSA has also claimed to be conducting an investigation into the allegation.
Card collector Eric Savoy has filed a putative class action in Orange County courts charging PSA with intentionally grading altered cards. He also brought PWCC and Probstein into the mix by accusing them of knowingly selling them. This thread on the legal action confirms the case and sheds some light on the allegations. Also, the legal documentation regarding the case is available for those that understand legal jargon.
Card collectors have hailed Eric a hero on the blowout Forum. There are lots of assumptions in the document (civil complaint) that would be hard to prove. However, this court case could change the face of grading and pricing if Eric’s case gets to court. PSA would definitely have in-house lawyers to fight this case. What remains to be seen is if Eric has the resources to see this case to the end. If he does win, PSA and its accomplices have a lot of questions to answer. The result could be similar to this wine scandal case.
The damage to the hobby has already been done. Looking forward, you should be careful when buying cards.
An alarm has been raised on the blowout forum regarding a
2013 Giannis Rookie Card that has been previously associated with PWCC. Rumor has it that the buyer returned it after finding out that it had been trimmed. However, the piece is back on the market, having been confirmed by Beckett.
This piece had the caption, “Be advised this item was previously listed for sale by PWCC when concerns arose around alteration and/or the accuracy of the professional-grade. This item was subsequently re-submitted to Beckett for their technical review. Upon review, the grade was confirmed accurate by BGS, and this item is now being presented again on the marketplace. A letter attesting to the card’s grade accuracy was also obtained from BGS and is available upon request…”
The statement above reeks of conspiracy. There is serious concern that it reflects an arrangement between PWCC and Beckett to allow both to profit off trimmed cards. They probably still have a stash of altered cards they are looking to sell-off. As such, you should be careful in your dealings with the parties involved.
COMC is another marketplace alleged to be in on the trimmed card sales business. We will examine that marketplace and those allegations in an upcoming review on Cardlines.
The best approach to prevent buying trimmed cards is to avoid the companies involved in the scandal. Give PWCC a wide berth, and buy from established and trusted sources only. Even though PWCC is trying to clear its name and get on the good side of collectors, no one wants to risk getting scammed.
Collectors that heavily invested in graded cards would likely feel the heat of the controversies around cards. It is ideal if the market is cleaned up, although people believe the shady business is here to stay even if new companies rise up. It is possible that due to these changes, in the long-term raw cards will appreciate in value in comparison to graded ones.
But no matter how many precautions you take, you are at risk of purchasing trimmed cards. The higher the value of the card, the more significant the risk.
There are different ways the “trimming operation” is performed on a card. An edge or portion of a card may be removed to improve the centering. Trimming is particularly apparent when an entire side is cut. Trimming can also involve sawing or smoothing an edge or a portion of it. This requires a careful inspection to detect. No matter the type of trimming involved, it is hard to replicate a factory cut edge or actual age.
Generally speaking, the larger the cut, the easier it is to spot. The removal of an entire edge of a card usually leaves clear evidence. However, there may be little indication of tampering on a specific corner, for example.
Normally, a card ages from exposure and handling over time. The edge could be discolored, but that is different from a newly cut edge that looks fresh compared to an original one. Beveling is yet another form of trimming where the edge of the card is trimmed at an angle. It is used to eliminate chipping and other forms of edge damage that show on the surface.
You can’t accurately determine if a card has been trimmed by measuring it. For instance, many raw, unaltered pre-war cards such as T206 are usually of different sizes when stacked. In the same vein, some cards have varying edges depending on their make.
Therefore, knowing how an edge naturally looks is vital in detecting alterations. Ensure you pay close attention to cards when in your possession. Traits like grain and the striation of the edges are important to note in original cards and their trimmed counterparts.
Here are some signs to look out for in cards that might have been trimmed.
You can detect many clumsy trimming jobs with the naked eye. However, better trimming jobs may require tools for detection. For example, jewelers use a loupe magnifying device to detect fake gemstones, and they are also instrumental in detecting trimmed cards.
Their magnifying power categorizes loupes. For example, a 30x loupe enlarges the examined surface by 30. To detect trimmed cards, you will want to pick up a 10x variant.
Keep in mind that only triplet lens loupes work properly. The three serve in tandem to correct color and image distortion. Anything with one or two lenses is pretty much useless. Whatever you do, please don’t get a cheap device because they will make detection far more difficult. Loupes are one product where quality matters.
The shady business of card trimming remains a dark plague affecting cards from all eras. The best approach to avoid buying trim cards is to buy from reliable and trusted sources. Another way is to buy cards from the same collection to make concrete comparisons. And when you need to examine the authenticity of a card, scrutinize it by paying attention to the nitty-gritty of card handling. | 10,964 | 4,983 | 23,848.845274 |
warc | 202143 | [ad_1]
Manitoba Harvest, a part of Recent Hemp Meals Ltd., is partnering with a gaggle of firms to develop improved hemp and pea varieties and to create a hemp-pea flour mix.
Winkler-based Pulse Genetics may also collaborate on the challenge.
“The developments will dramatically improve the potential for hemp utilization within the rising plant-based protein motion,” Manitoba Harvest stated in a July 27 information launch.
: Pea and hemp growers could hope to see new, protein-driven, varieties if a brand new challenge introduced by Protein Industries Canada will get its approach. Why it issues
The group consists of NRGene Canada — which makes use of AI-based genomic instruments to speed up breeding applications — ag tech platform Farmers Enterprise Community Canada and Pulse Genetics.
“As a newcomer to the plant-breeding group, Pulse Genetics is happy to be part of this strategic partnership which mixes experience to develop progressive new merchandise for Canada’s fast-growing plant-based protein {industry},” Pulse Genetics proprietor Pete Giesbrecht stated in a information launch.
The brand new varieties can be focused for meals and ingredient processing, with a give attention to properties like elevated protein and improved texture, in response to Protein Industries Canada.
The industry-led non-profit represents Canada’s protein ‘supercluster,’ certainly one of 5 such teams introduced by the federal authorities in 2017 and mandated to spur collaborations and tasks that develop and promote their {industry}.
Pulse Genetics will work to enhance Canada’s pea sector, whereas Farmers Enterprise Community Canada will give attention to the nation’s rising hemp sector. Each will make the most of NRGene’s genomics expertise of their efforts to develop new varieties, Protein Industries Canada stated.
New varieties received’t be commercialized till the challenge is full, however Manitoba Harvest will work with present varieties to develop a pea-hemp flour mix that can change into a base formulation to be improved when new varieties change into out there.
NRGene, Farmers Enterprise Community Canada, Pulse Genetics and Manitoba Harvest are collectively investing $3.3 million into the challenge, with Protein Industries Canada investing a further $1.8 million. The whole challenge funding is $5.1 million.
The challenge announcement is Protein Industries Canada’s twenty fourth.
Manitoba farmers seeded simply over 11,000 acres of hemp in 2020 plus about 1,000 natural hemp acres, in response to MASC information. Acreage was comparable in 2019. That is down from a top of over 27,000 seeded acres in 2017.
[ad_2]
Source link | 2,743 | 1,272 | 5,716.73978 |
warc | 202143 | Fuelish Tendencies Fuel⋅ish A play on words that combines ‘fuel’ and ‘foolish’. Fuel, because this article discusses automotive and marine fuel system design and components. Foolish, because mistakes in fuel system design can result in lost races, personal injury, damaged components, or destroyed engines. The tendenciesfor this type of problem is more common that many may realize. believesis enough fuel delivery output for the application. Either deficiency can easily drain the wallet if the engine runs out of fuel and start damaging expensive internal engine components … not to mention lost races! Some Basic and Fundamental Information: Gasoline weighs in at approximately 6 pounds per gallon. To calculate fuel consumption, we can begin by using a simple example—a common 400 horsepower engine (or nitrous system). The following formula is used calculate “free flow” fuel requirements: Note:Alcohol and other exotic fuel demand values are not the same as those for gasoline.
However, if a pump rated at 33 GPH on a 400 HP engine or a 400 HP nitrous system was installed on this application using the above example, the engine would experience severe fuel starvation and someone’s wallet would cringe in pain as it quickly empties when replacing various parts or an entire engine!
Ouch, and why could this occur?
There are several reasons why relying on this calculation will destroy an engine. However, the main reason is related to how fuel pumps are rated. Fuel pumps are typically rated at “zero” pressure (also known as “free flow”). Rating a fuel pump at zero pressure is useless and nothing more than a marketing gimmick, because the pump will never operate at zero pressure when it is supplying fuel to the engine. As fuel pressure increases, the fuel pump slows down and fuel output is reduced. If using a standard “dead-head” type regulator, the pump on a common carbureted application may be forced to produce as little as 25 PSI. At 25 PSI the actual output GPH of the pump is much less than its “free flow” rating.
Choosing the Correct Size Fuel Pump Note: This author/engine builder/racer always runs a fuel pump that is just a bit larger than needed, just for insurance. For Dead-Head type regulators:
Multiply maximum horsepower by 0.23 to calculate minimum pump size in “free flow” GPH.
Example: 400 HP x .23 = 91 GPH “free flow” or lowest possible fuel volume requirement. For Return-Style regulators:
Example: 400 HP x .17 = 68 GPH “free flow” or lowest possible fuel volume requirement.
Use these basic figures as a fuel line sizing standard: Up to 250 HP = 5/16″ or -04 AN Up to 375 HP = 3/8″ or -06 AN Up to 700 HP = 1/2″ or -08 AN Up to 1000 HP = 5/8″ or -10 AN Up to 1500 HP = 3/4″ or -12 AN
If using a return-style regulator, an adequately sized return line from the regulator back to the tank is also required. The size of the return line is dependent on the size of the pump you are using, regardless of the engine’s horsepower output.
The return line must operate at a measured limited (below supply) or preferred ZERO pressure.In most cases, the minimum return line size matches that of the supply line, but a larger return line is often preferred. Use these ratings to determine return line sizing based upon fuel pump output: Up to 45 GPH = 5/16″ or -04 AN Up to 90 GPH = 3/8″ or -06 AN Up to 250 GPH = 1/2″ or -08 AN Up to 450 GPH = 5/8″ or -10 AN
Mounting the fuel pump also takes some thought and planning. The fuel pump must be mounted as low as possible and as close to the fuel cell (or tank) as possible. DO NOT mount the pump above the fuel tank. However, the type of fuel pump needs to be taken into account here. Gerotor style pumps provide little to no initial suction, and are push-only style pumps. Mounting a gerotor pump at a location that does not provide gravity-fed fuel delivery will cause the pump to burn up and fail in short order. Vane style pumps do offer a limited amount of suction. However, the more suction, the less efficient the design of the pump. Follow the pump manufacturer’s installation instructions on mounting location, but keep the above facts in mind when planning the most effective and safe mounting location.
Mount the fuel pressure regulator as close to the engine as possible.
DO NOT use restrictive fittings, especially sharp 90º or “T” fittings. If the only option is a 90º or “T” fitting, use tube style AN (Army-Navy) fittings from Earl’s, Russell, Goodridge, or other quality brands. (Note: There are some specific exceptions to this rule. Please review the system designs below.) Good and BAD Plumbing Fitting Designs
Of course the fitting at left is what we want to use for optimum flow and minimal restriction. The inherent restriction of the fittings at right can be hazardous to our race engines and affect the consistent ability to win races. The first image is an example of a typical full-flow AN fuel fitting, while the second image show very restrictive brass fittings.
The restrictions caused by improper components or plumbing of a fuel system can cause adverse and costly consequences. It was decades ago when race teams copied technology from the aerospace industry (as they tend to do regularly) in using stainless steel braided fuel lines and AN (Army Navy) fittings, including full-flow screw together hose ends and adapters that drastically reduced common fluid restrictions. Removing fuel flow restrictions and turbulence provided the benefit of using smaller, lighter, and more efficient fuel pumps. Engines were able to make more horsepower throughout the RPM range, were more consistent, and lasted longer. The braided lines resisted wear, heat, and compression, and the hose ends reduced turbulence and restriction while providing added safety, and easier installation and removal. AN hose ends and adapters are manufactured to provide complex bends and connection angles that were previously a plumbing nightmare.
Fuel Pressure Regulators and Benefits of the Return-Style System This is different on many fuel injected applications, where the regulator is positioned after the fuel rail so that all of the injectors see maximum pressure and flow.However, if the fuel pressure gets too high, damaging the fuel pump is possible. Therefore, the pressure coming out of the pump is limited in many pump designs by a device built into the pump called a pressure bypass. Low pressure pumps are limited to less than 9 PSI and should not be used with dead-head regulators. High pressure pumps for carbureted applications are limited to a pressure between 10 and 25 PSI. NOTE:When using a dead-head regulator, a second gauge should be installed just before the regulator. This allows monitoring of the pressure before the regulator to ensure that it remains above the set pressure. Why a Return-Style Regulator is Recommended
Why does an engine builder, tuner, fuel pump manufacturer, carburetor builder, or this author recommend or mandate using a return-style fuel pressure regulator for the majority of vehicles? A few easy-to-understand reasons come to mind:
To avoid problematic headaches (such as fuel pump failure just before a final-round elimination, and not having enough time on a hot-lap, or for that matter having a spare pump, to fix the problem in time for the next race. Loss By Defaultbecause the dead-head regulator helped shorten the life expectancy of the fuel pump. The bypass in the pump is plugged or disabled when running a return-style regulator so there is no chance of that component failing. The pressure just before and after the pump is always the same on a return-style system. Utilizing multiple pressure gauges is not required. Fewer components and issues to monitor. The return regulator has complete control over the pump pressure and will automatically compensate for pressure drop in the fuel line. “We never race at any hot or humid tracks in the heat of summer, do we?” {sarcasm} Fuel Pressure Adjustments a pressure gauge could be installed in the return line to monitor return pressure. Fuel System Designs BEST Drag Race System — (return style regulator, plus a dead head regulator … weight savings, and efficiency) BEST Drag Race Nitrous System — (two independent systems, return regulator at pump, one dead head regulator for solenoids, one for carburetor) BEST Street/Strip System — (two independent systems if using nitrous; return regulators preferred) An OK System — (one large system with two dead-head regulators in parallel) POOR System — (one large system with two regulators in series “not recommended”). In Closing
A properly designed fuel system offers benefits that help win races, reduce engine damage, and increase vehicle safety. Although safety benefits were not discussed above, be certain that each fuel system component is durable, free from defects, and installed correctly. Mismatched components, poor quality line, hose, or fittings, improper mounting, routing or retention, and other issues can cause costly failures or serious injury.
Return-style regulator systems should be used in all but those applications where class rules prevent it. This is also true for electric versus mechanical style fuel pumps. Electric unless the class mandates something else. Mechanical pumps steal horsepower. Proper sizing of the system (pump volume, line size, etc.) is also extremely important. Do it right the first time to save grief and added expense.
The above graphics only offer a few common fuel system examples. Specific racing systems will vary slightly. | 9,805 | 4,253 | 21,952.318364 |
warc | 202143 | The Pros and Cons of ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ Financing for Travel
Last updated June 11, 2021
After more than a year of canceled plans and trips, many Americans are traveling again.
So, how do you pay for a highly anticipated getaway if your budget is limited and prices for plane tickets and hotel rooms are going up? The travel industry has a solution: Buy now, pay later (BNPL) financing. With it, you get the booking confirmation right away and spread out the cost over a series of equal payments.
Listen to audio highlights of the story below:
But, as with all financing options, it’s important to read the fine print. Compared to the BNPL programs offered by major retailers––which often don’t come with interest or fees––most travel providers offer loans with longer payback terms (typically three months to a year), and in most cases you will be charged interest that’s typically significantly higher than what you’d pay with a credit card.
How It Works
BNPL options are now available from dozens of travel providers:
Airline tickets from domestic and foreign airlines or their financing partners, including Allegiant, American, Alaska, Delta, Emirates, Frontier, Hawaiian, Jet Blue, Spirit, Lufthansa, Southwest, and United. Travel packages offered by Delta Vacations, Southwest Vacations, and United Vacations. Cruises with Carnival, Norwegian, Princess, Royal Caribbean, and Virgin Voyages. Vacation rentals through Airbnb and Vrbo. Hotels, such as Universal Orlando, Atlantis in the Bahamas, and the OYO hotel chain.
Many online travel agencies also have BNPL options, including American Express Vacations, CruisesOnly, Expedia, Hotels.com, Hotwire, Kayak, Pleasant Holidays, Priceline, Travelocity, SmartCruiser.com, and Trip.com.
The terms of these payment plans differ depending on where you buy and your credit score. For example, we priced a flight on United Airlines costing $2,506. At checkout, we were given the option to paying using Uplift, United’s BNPL partner: Book for no money down, and pay $246 a month for 11 months at 15 percent APR. But there was this disclaimer: “Actual terms are based on your credit score and other factors and may vary.” If our loan was approved, the interest rate could be significantly higher, based on a credit check. Consumers with poor credit scores might pay interest as high as 36 percent.
“There can definitely be steep interest charges for travel,” warned Ted Rossman, senior industry analyst with CreditCards.com. “Occasionally, a company like Uplift or Affirm will offer zero percent interest for travel, but a lot of the time you are going to be charged an interest rate that’s comparable to a credit card—or even higher. So, you definitely need to do your homework, and figure out what you’re getting into.”
“If you do get quoted an interest rate other than zero percent, and you have a credit card, consider if it makes sense,” said Annie Millerbernd, personal loans expert at NerdWallet. “Just consider whether you’ll get a lower interest rate through this buy now, pay later loan, or if you can pay less with your credit card.”
Some people are drawn to BNPL financing because it tends to be easier to get approved. Unlike credit card companies, BNPL services often do not report positive payment history to the credit bureaus. So, paying this way may not help build credit. On the other hand, they may report late or missed payments to the credit bureaus, which will have negative consequences.
Not all “pay later” offers are what they seem. Shop for a flight on American Airlines and at checkout you’ll get offered a “fly now, pay later” option with a no-interest for six months. But there’s a catch: To get the free six-month free financing, you must apply for and get approved for a credit card, and charge the purchase to that card. This is this is a just a way the airline pushes customers to sign up for one of its affiliated credit cards.
With some airlines and travel providers, you’ll see a BNPL option at checkout, but with others you won’t see it unless you first install their partners’ mobile app or browser extension, or shop through the BNPL service’s website. For example, American Airlines partners with Quadpay (soon to be rebranded as “Zip”) to provide BNPL financing to its customers, but you won’t see that as a payment option unless you’ve signed up with Quadpay and then use its app or installed its browser extension.
Beware the Spending Trap
Checkbook often warns readers how sellers manipulate consumers to buy more and buy now—fake sales, hidden fees, misleading scarcity warnings—and now “pay later” offers.
BNPL is marketed as a smarter, more consumer-friendly way to pay. One reason BNPL is so successful is that most Americans have accumulated thousands of dollars in credit card debt. By offering a different way to pay, some people feel it’s OK to spend, since they’re not adding debt to their already-maxed-out credit cards.
But these point-of-sale loans can lure you into buying travel products you can’t afford.
“To some, this feels like a more responsible way to take on debt because there’s an end date in sight,” Rossman said. “You know exactly how many payments you have, and how much you owe each month, and it’s not going to change.”
What’s worrisome is that most consumers who sign up for these plans don’t really know how they work. A survey by The Ascent, a service of investment site Motley Fool, found that fewer than half (43 percent) of the 1,800 adults who said they had used a BNPL service completely understood the terms and conditions.
Consumers are typically more protective of their savings than they are their future earnings. For some reason, spending money we’ll earn down the road seems less painful than spending what’s sitting in our bank accounts. BNPL takes advantage of that psychology.
Before taking on more debt of any kind, consider the long-term consequences. The smart move is to save up enough to be able to afford the purchase.
That said, BNPL financing may make sense if you’re offered zero percent interest, and you can afford to make the purchase but simply want to spread out the payments. It could also be a good option to deal with an emergency that requires travel when you don’t have the money to pay for the trip.
“Just remember, you’re not paying less for that plane ticket or cruise using buy now, pay later; you’re paying for it in a different way,” noted NerdWallet’s Millerbernd.
Some big credit card companies now offer the option to pay off purchases of more than $100 in installments. Don’t assume these deals come without penalties: With “My Chase” from Chase Bank and “Plan It” from American Express, there’s no interest but there is a fixed monthly fee. Citibank’s “Citi Flex Pay” is just the opposite: interest, but no fees.
More Downsides
Life happens and plans change. What happens if you need to cancel? Using a third-party financing company adds another layer of complexity should you need to change your vacation dates due to sickness, weather, or a COVID outbreak at your destination. It could slow down your refund or create added hassles. Even if you get a full refund, you may be stuck paying some of the interest you agreed to pay on that loan. Find out when you read the terms and conditions––and find out about cancellations––before signing up.
Using a BNPL service could make it more challenging to get help if you want to cancel a purchase, or are not satisfied with what you received. BNPL services do not provide the same legal protections––especially against fraud––as you get when you pay with a credit card. Checkbook often recommends paying with a credit card (when possible) because if there’s a problem after the sale, federal law and credit card company policies allow you to dispute a transaction. In our experience, these “chargeback” requests are overwhelmingly approved. BNPL companies may not be as motivated to make you happy.
When Does Using a Buy Now, Pay Later Service Makes Sense?
Anytime you apply for a loan, you need to think about why you’ve decided to borrow.
“Consider how borrowing will impact your overall financial situation, and why your overall financial situation may be impacting your borrowing options,” cautioned Bruce McClary, senior vice president for communications at the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. “Is this a good time, and is there a good reason to go into debt for this purchase?”
As with all loans, you need to read the fine print to avoid costly surprises. You should also think about why you want the loan. Consider:
Can I make the payments? If the money coming in varies from month to month, do you really want to add an extra bill into the mix? What’s the cost of the loan? How does that interest rate compare to other options, such as your credit card? We found that BNPL interest rates for travel are often higher than with many credit cards. What happens if I miss a payment? While some BNPL services don’t have late payment fees, others do. Will a late payment be reported to the credit bureaus? It could be and that will damage your credit scores. How does this compare to other options? Do you have a travel rewards credit card? If you can pay off the bill in full when it arrives, you may be better off going that route. Taking an expensive cruise? Some cruise lines will let you pay in monthly installments—interest free—after you make a deposit.
“There’s a lot of fine print with these offers, and the terms vary widely from company to company,” said CreditCards.com’s Rossman. “It can be confusing and actually a lot more complicated than it might seem on the surface.”
Contributing editor Herb Weisbaum (“The ConsumerMan”) is an Emmy award-winning broadcaster and one of America's top consumer experts. He is also the consumer reporter for KOMO radio in Seattle. You can also find him on Facebook, Twitter, and at ConsumerMan.com. | 10,411 | 4,673 | 21,996.105928 |
warc | 202143 | The Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Program is designed to provide rent and utility assistance to eligible households who have experienced financial hardship due directly or indirectly to COVID-19.
An application for assistance may be submitted by an eligible household. Eligible households must verify they will not duplicate assistance. Eligible landlords may submit a referral for tenants.
Funds will be paid directly to landlords and utility service providers. If a landlord does not wish to participate, funds may be paid directly to the eligible household. If an individual residing in the eligible household is an immediate family member of the landlord, the household may not qualify for the ERA Program, at the discretion of the Chickasaw Nation.
Available assistance includes:
Current, future and/or past due rent
Current, future and/or past due utilities and home energy costs for tenant household
Other expenses related to housing
Eligibility will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Applications are prioritized for:
An individual who has been unemployed for the 90 days prior to submitting the application for assistance.
Eligible households with income at or below 50% of the area median.
The payment of an eligible household’s existing housing-related expenses that could result in eviction.
Please use the corresponding button for more information regarding eligibility, required documentation and to fill out an application.
This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number ERA0453 and ERA0795 awarded to the Chickasaw Nation by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. | 1,635 | 814 | 3,243.888206 |
warc | 202143 | In this first course of the AI Product Management Specialization offered by Duke University's Pratt School of Engineering, you will build a foundational understanding of what machine learning is, how it works and when and why it is applied. To successfully manage an AI team or product and work collaboratively with data scientists, software engineers, and customers you need to understand the basics of machine learning technology. This course provides a non-coding introduction to machine learning, with focus on the process of developing models, ML model evaluation and interpretation, and the intuition behind common ML and deep learning algorithms. The course will conclude with a hands-on project in which you will have a chance to train and optimize a machine learning model on a simple real-world problem.
At the conclusion of this course, you should be able to:1) Explain how machine learning works and the types of machine learning2) Describe the challenges of modeling and strategies to overcome them3) Identify the primary algorithms used for common ML tasks and their use cases4) Explain deep learning and its strengths and challenges relative to other forms of machine learning5) Implement best practices in evaluating and interpreting ML models
Syllabus
What is Machine Learning
In this module we will be introduced to what machine learning is and does. We will build the necessary vocabulary for working with data and models and develop an understanding of the different types of machine learning. We will conclude with a critical discussion of what machine learning can do well and cannot (or should not) do.
The Modeling Process
In this module we will discuss the key steps in the process of building machine learning models. We will learn about the sources of model complexity and how complexity impacts a model's performance. We will wrap up with a discussion of strategies for comparing different models to select the optimal model for production.
Evaluating & Interpreting Models
In this module we will learn how to define appropriate outcome and output metrics for AI projects. We will then discuss key metrics for evaluating regression and classification models and how to select one for use. We will wrap up with a discussion of common sources of error in machine learning projects and how to troubleshoot poor performance.
Linear Models
In this module we will explore the use of linear models for regression and classification. We will begin with introducing linear regression and continue with a discussion on how to make linear regression work better through regularization. We will then switch to classification and introduce the logistic regression model for both binary and multi-class classification problems.
Trees, Ensemble Models and Clustering
We will begin this model with a discussion of tree models and their value in modeling compex non-linear problems. We will then introduce the method of creating ensemble models and their benefits. We will wrap this module up by switching gears to unsupervised learning and discussing clustering and the popular K-Means clustering approach.
Deep Learning & Course Project
Our final module in this course will focus on a hot area of machine learning called deep learning, or the use of multi-layer neural networks. We will develop an understanding of the intuition and key mathematical principles behind how neural networks work. We will then discuss common applications of deep learning in computer vision and natural language processing. We will wrap up the course with our course project, where you will have an opportunity to apply the modeling process and best practices you have learned to create your own machine learning model. | 3,728 | 1,561 | 8,865.045484 |
warc | 202143 | Explained: the compromis de vente
- Credit: Archant
Once a price has been agreed, the buyer and seller of a French property sign a preliminary contract, the compromis de vente. Here is everything you need to know about this legally binding contract
Ann Edmondson guides buyers and sellers through the practical elements of setting up life in France. Contact: ann@auctus.co.uk
What is the compromis de vente?
Of the two contracts that buyers normally sign in the French conveyancing process, the preliminary contract (the compromis de vente) is no doubt the most important. It is in this contract that all the requirements, wishes and needs of the purchaser must be expressed so that both vendor and purchaser understand the time frame within which the conveyance can be completed.
After deciding on a property, you will normally make either a verbal or written offer of purchase. Since the SRU Law of 2000, it is forbidden to hand over payment in any form, including cash, bank transfer or cheque at this stage.
Your offer should contain a succinct description of any specific needs and requirements you may have and, even if accepted by the vendor, the ‘real’ acceptance will usually be the signing by both parties of the preliminary sales contract. These specific needs will be included as clauses suspensives (let-out clauses) in the preliminary sales contact.
Once signed by both the buyer and the seller, the compromis de vente is immediately binding on the vendor and becomes binding on the purchaser after a 10-day period of reflection.
_______________________________________________________________________
Don’t miss
Most Read 1 French Property: 9 Vineyards for sale in France for every budget 2 Stargazing in France: 3 International Dark Sky Reserves to visit 3 8 Instagram accounts all French learners should follow 4 October in France: Event Guide & Map 5 A Year in Provence with Carol Drinkwater – the new Channel 5 series to enjoy this autumn 6 Northern France: 5 places to visit for a short break from the UK 7 Aude: 6 alternative tourist spots in Cathar Country 8 What you need to know about France’s Covid-19 health pass system 9 Bargain beauties: 9 renovated French properties on the market for less than €150,000 10 Visit The Last Duel's French filming locations
_______________________________________________________________________
What are clauses suspensives?
One example of a clause suspensive is the need for attaining planning permission, such as for the building of an extension, installing a pool, changing the use of the property, or creating the use of the property, or creating an easement/right of way across a neighbour’s property. Another example may be the need to make an application for a mortgage. As you will need planning permission or the agreement of your bank to proceed on the property, these conditions must be included in the contract. In the event that your requirements aren’t met, it will be possible for you to pull out of the purchase without any penalties.
Once you have agreed the terms of the contract, it is only with the express agreement of the vendor, if at all, that the purchaser will be able to make any changes. The vendor may request a financial compensation for any changes they agree to, especially if it delays the date on which they will receive their payment of the sale.
Obligations of the vendor
The Alur Law of 2014 introduced and underpinned certain obligations of the vendor. Although vendors had hitherto been under obligation to disclose in good faith all information concerning the property, they now have the obligation to do so prior to the signing of the preliminary sales contract.
For example, if the purchaser intends to acquire a property with a sea view, the vendor is obliged to disclose if they are aware of any construction project that will obstruct that view – although the project will normally be revealed in the town planning searches that are carried out by the notaire after the signing of the preliminary sales contract.
Other examples of the statutory obligation include the disclosure of any building works that have been carried out without required building permission, as well as the provision of documentation concerning any co-ownership rules if the property is situated in a co-ownership.
_______________________________________________________________________
Don’t miss
_______________________________________________________________________
Obligations of the purchaser
Although as a purchaser you have certain rights of protection, you also have certain obligations. You have the obligation to inform the vendor of any applications that will be made so that the vendor has a clear understanding of the timeframe of the completion of the sale – and therefore when they will be paid. The vendor may be in a hurry to sell the property and may not be able to wait for the conditions of the purchaser to be met.
Additional requests
If the purchaser needs to include any additional or omitted desires between the signing of the preliminary sale contact and the completion contract, this will necessitate a modification of the preliminary sales contract – possibly triggering new negotiations with the vendor, rejection by the vendor or the demand of compensation payments if the modifications means that the payment is delayed.
Drafting the contract
In a simple sale where the purchaser has no particular requirements, the preliminary sale contract may be drawn up by the estate agent. However, bear in mind that the agent may be keen to have the sale signed and it’s possible that they won’t have all the necessary skills of knowledge to talk you through the process.
It is highly recommended that you seek advice from either your solicitor who is well versed in French law or the notaire who will be handling your property purchase in France.
Like this? You might enjoy: | 5,977 | 2,556 | 13,738.214006 |
warc | 202143 | Background and Mission
Sustained success in research at universities requires coordination and balance between exploratory research by individual researchers and strategic research focusing on specific themes that reflect the needs of the times. Funding for training and research has traditionally come mainly from management grants allocated to National University Corporations, and competitive grants-in-aid for independent research. To adequately support research from now on, universities will need to acquire funding through both competitive governmental grants and partnerships with industry. While individual researchers will continue to obtain competitive governmental research grants, their interrelationship with the university research system will be increasingly important. To acquire large-scale competitive funds, it is necessary to build a research-support system that simultaneously promotes a top-down, university-wide strategic research system as well as individual research
At Hokkaido University, research organizations (research institutes affiliated with the University, national-level joint-use facilities, and University-wide joint educational and research facilities) have successfully engaged in research following a bottom-up approach. There are, however, limitations to a basic system that acquires funds for strategic research at the scale of individual organizations. Although organizational links are indispensable in undertaking novel strategic research, the University lacked a mechanism for coordinating strategic, University-wide research.
From FY2002 to FY2008, Creative Research Initiative “Sousei” facilitated University-wide collaborative research projects and equipped research facilities through large-scale research grants. To create an even better system for conducting dynamic strategic research, the University linked existing research establishments within its basic infrastructure to establish a new organization, Creative Research Institution (CRIS). CRIS assumed the research-support functions previously executed by Creative Research Initiative “Sousei” to promote research and coordinate and manage University-wide facilities.
Duties and Functions of CRIS Evaluates the performance of its constituent research organizations. Advances research in fields given priority under the University’s research strategy and coordinates cross-departmental research in those fields. Promotes new priority research themes Facilitates commissioned instrumental analyses and maintains the Open Facility system. Conducts collaborative research projects conceived by the CRIS Research Support Office and the Center for Innovation and Business Promotion (related to intellectual property management and industry-university collaborations). | 2,802 | 1,237 | 6,276.751819 |
warc | 202143 | Fast, Friendly, and Available 24/7/365
You may wish to research
Plumber in Kalamazoo MI before you hire one. The internet offers a great deal of details that will certainly help you figure out whether or not the plumber you are going to hire is a reliable professional. A web search will certainly provide you with a great deal of details on different plumbing services in your area. You will have the ability to situate those who are based in that area. You will discover that there are people because area that are professionals in their own right who will certainly have the ability to offer you some valuable info about the local plumbing companies in Kalamazoo.
The location should be a factor to consider when making a decision to pick a plumber. Look up the
local plumbing professionals in Kalamazoo that are reputable as well as knowledgeable. Some are close to your home, while others are hundreds of miles away. It is important to bear in mind that each of these people has a specific design of work.
Be aware of the distinctions between them to ensure that you will have the ability to choose that will certainly be best for you. You should pick a good plumber so that you can delight in the enjoyment of having your plumbing work done by a trusted and seasoned professional.
Emergency Plumbing Services
Do you have a trouble with your drains or your water heater? It’s an emergency that can impact your life, but if you reside in an area that has a 24 hour plumber in Kalamazoo, then there’s no need to stress. You can get in touch with a plumbing maintenance specialist and get them to come to your home and fix your pipes, or you can select to call a plumber that is more than going to most likely to your home as well as get you the help you require. They have the knowledge and also experience to take care of those tough to fix issues for you, and also they likewise have the knowledge to make sure that they do it right the first time.
Find Plumbing Professionals in Kalamazoo IMMEDIATELY.
IMMEDIATELY.
Don’t be reluctant to ask the Kalamazoo plumber for help with a drain line that is backed up. You never ever recognize when it will certainly show up again. There are emergency plumbing services that are only offered 24-hour a day, so call the plumber in Kalamazoo MI today.
Our team can assist you with
a variety of emergency services, including: Freezing showers Flooding Blocked drains Blocked toilets Burst pipes Broken water heater Wet yard Dishwasher leaking or flooding Sewer line stoppages Burst washing machine hose Kitchen and bathroom drains backing up And more… Kalamazoo Residential Plumbing
If you have a home that has plumbing issues, there are a few points that can be done to ensure that your pipes and plumbing fixtures function properly. Homeowners generally do not know just how to maintain the pipes that remain in their residences since they do not have a clear understanding of how to properly check as well as repair a plumbing fixture.
The first thing that you require to do is call a plumber in Kalamazoo. Nevertheless, you need to have a minimum of two plumbers in your area so that you have the services of two individuals when issues occur. Call these plumbers before you make a visit to the plumber to get a quote. A plumber is going to give you an estimate of the repairs that you require to make to your drain system.
Something that you wish to look for in a plumber in Kalamazoo MI is the capability to clear out a sink or bathtub. If the drain is clogged, after that the plumber will certainly have the ability to clean out the plumbing and also see what needs to be done.
Expert Plumbing Pros can provide different services which are listed below. Drain Cleaning Frozen Pipes Clogged Drains Toilet Repair Sewer Line Faucet Installation Faucet Repair & Replacements Sink Repair Tub Repair Sump Pumps Shower Repair Gas lines Water Heater Installation Water Heater Repair & Replacement Pipe Repair & Replacement Residential Plumbing Commercial Plumbing Garbage Disposal Repair Leak Detection Ceiling Leaks Fixture Installation Leak Repair Underground Pipe Repairs Plumbing Inspection Michigan Commercial Plumbing Contractors
There are a couple of issues that you can encounter if your sew
er drainage system is not appropriately functioning. If you are managing the drain in the drain works of a particular company, there are possibilities that a few of the sludge-laden debris would reach the drain as well as may trigger severe illness. Often it is also observed that sewer may end up being obstructed due to overflow, as well as water might get in the pipe. It would suggest that sewage would be blocked, and that might be an extremely unsafe circumstance.
For better
sewer drainage in the commercial drain system, the nature of the drain should be remembered. The pipe should be smooth as well as clean looking. Besides this, the area should be secure for the pipe. If the area is not safe for the drain, the entire procedure of sewer drainage in the city would certainly be made pointless. Nevertheless, in the industrial market, the drain gets flooded with sewage by the overflow of sewage. As a result, the nature of the drain should be born in mind. Speak With a Plumbing Expert Today! How do I know if my garbage disposal needs to be replaced?
When it involves getting a new garbage disposal replacement, one of one of the most crucial points that you need to consider is for how long the old one has actually been made use of. If the disposal has remained in use for a very long time, it may not deserve replacing due to the fact that there is usually an issue with the appliance such as clogging up, high prices, and even the physical damage being caused to the disposal.
The first thing that you require to check if the disposal is still running is if it is making any sound whatsoever. Typically, when trash disposal is made use of for quite a while, it will certainly begin to make a noise. It will certainly after that shut down as soon as it comes to be unused. If this is the case, you might want to think about obtaining brand-new disposal to ensure that you do not have to face the trouble of having noisy disposal.
The following thing that you require to examine if the disposal is functioning correctly is if the bar is not clicking or otherwise working. A significant variety of customers figure out that the disposal does not function due to the fact that the lever is jammed, so attempt altering this up by a number of turns each time you clean the garbage disposal.
Call in Experts at (877) 959-6069 – You Can Rely On 24/7
Please call us today at
(877) 959-6069 for additional information regarding our Plumbing Services as well as prices. | 6,770 | 2,981 | 15,254.642737 |
warc | 202143 | Fast, Friendly, and Available 24/7/365
You could wish to research
Plumber in River Grove IL before you hire one. The internet offers a great deal of information that will certainly help you figure out whether the plumber you are going to work with is a credible professional. A net search will provide you with a great deal of information on numerous plumbing services in your area. You will certainly be able to find those that are based because area. You will certainly learn that there are individuals because area who are professionals in their very own right who will have the ability to offer you some useful info concerning the local plumbing companies in River Grove.
The location needs to be a factor to consider when choosing to select a plumber. Look up the
local plumbing professionals in River Grove who are trusted and also knowledgeable. Some are close to your home, while others are countless miles away. It is necessary to keep in mind that each of these people has an individual design of work.
Be aware of the distinctions between them to ensure that you will certainly be able to determine that will certainly be best for you. You must select a good plumber to make sure that you can appreciate the satisfaction of having your plumbing work done by a reliable and seasoned professional.
Emergency Plumbing Services
Do you have an issue with your drains or your hot water heater? It’s an emergency that can affect your life, however if you live in an area that has a 24 hour plumber in River Grove, after that there’s no need to worry. You can call a plumbing maintenance expert as well as obtain them to find to your home as well as repair your pipes, or you can pick to call a plumber that is more than ready to go to your home and also get you the help you require. They have the expertise and experience to take care of those difficult to repair problems for you, and they also have the experience to make certain that they do it right the first time.
Find Plumbing Professionals in River Grove IMMEDIATELY.
IMMEDIATELY.
Don’t hesitate to ask the River Grove plumber for assist with a drain line that is backed up. You never know when it will certainly show up once more. There are emergency plumbing services that are only available 24 hr a day, so call the plumber in River Grove IL today.
Our team can help you with
a selection of emergency services, consisting of: Freezing showers Flooding Blocked drains Blocked toilets Burst pipes Broken water heater Wet yard Dishwasher leaking or flooding Sewer line stoppages Burst washing machine hose Kitchen and bathroom drains backing up And more… River Grove Residential Plumbing
If you have a home that has plumbing troubles, there are a few things that can be done to see to it that your pipes and also plumbing fixtures function correctly. Homeowners normally do not know how to preserve the pipes that remain in their houses due to the fact that they do not have a clear understanding of how to effectively check as well as repair a plumbing fixture.
The first thing that you need to do is call a plumber in River Grove. However, you should have a minimum of two plumbers in your area to make sure that you have the services of two individuals when troubles happen. Call these plumbers before you make a visit to the plumber to obtain a quote. A plumber is going to provide you a quote of the repairs that you require to make to your drain system.
One point that you want to try to find in a plumber in River Grove IL is the capability to clear out a sink or bathtub. If the drain is clogged, then the plumber will certainly have the ability to clean out the plumbing as well as see what needs to be done.
Expert Plumbing Pros can provide different services which are listed below. Drain Cleaning Frozen Pipes Clogged Drains Toilet Repair Sewer Line Faucet Installation Faucet Repair & Replacements Sink Repair Tub Repair Sump Pumps Shower Repair Gas lines Water Heater Installation Water Heater Repair & Replacement Pipe Repair & Replacement Residential Plumbing Commercial Plumbing Garbage Disposal Repair Leak Detection Ceiling Leaks Fixture Installation Leak Repair Underground Pipe Repairs Plumbing Inspection Illinois Commercial Plumbing Contractors
There are a few issues that you can encounter if your sew
er drainage system is not correctly functioning. If you are managing the drain in the drain works of a certain company, there are opportunities that several of the sludge-laden debris would get to the drain and might trigger significant health problems. Occasionally it is also observed that sewer might become obstructed due to overflow, and water could enter the pipe. It would mean that sewage would certainly be blocked, and that may be an extremely harmful situation.
For better
sewer drainage in the commercial drain system, the nature of the drain should be kept in mind. The pipe must be smooth and clean looking. In addition to this, the locality should be risk-free for the pipe. If the area is not safe for the drain, the whole process of sewer drainage in the city would certainly be made useless. After all, in the industrial sector, the drain obtains flooded with sewage by the overflow of sewage. As a result, the nature of the drain should be kept in mind. Speak With a Plumbing Expert Today! Can a toilet and shower share the same drain?
Is there something as a shared drain for toilets and showers? In the past, it was just about difficult to do because of the layout of the toilet as well as shower. A toilet has to have its drain to accommodate the water flow from the tank right into the storage tank. When this is done, the container can be completely dry, but not both – or a minimum of not at the same time.
Nowadays, nevertheless, there are multiple ways to allow water to be drained from a shower right into the toilet. One can have a secondary drain, which permits the bath to drain right into the toilet as well as the storage tank right into the tub. The pipe is called a combined water storage tank. There is also an additional water tank which can be connected to the main tank and also allow a shower to drain into it, too. It is typically called a “
split toilet” as well as is usually just utilized in apartments where the shower room has restricted space. For large buildings, this is hardly ever made use of since it limits the size of the bathroom as well as the shower bathroom.
It must have two parts, with the main having the storage tanks for the toilet and also the shower. It will certainly maintain the toilets and showers from lacking water as well as damage to the pipes as well as installations. While there are three-point water systems, it is best to utilize a dual-flushing system in these circumstances.
Call in Experts at (877) 959-6069 – You Can Rely On 24/7
Please call us today at
(877) 959-6069 for more details concerning our Plumbing Services and also costs. | 6,974 | 3,038 | 15,851.04345 |
warc | 202143 | Metadata Filtering in Haystack
How to make use of metadata filtering to boost the quality of answers in Haystack.
03.08.21
Andrey A.
This article is the fourth in our series on optimizing Haystack question answering systems. We’ll link to the other articles here as they go online: Parameter-Tweaking Accelerate Your QA System with GPUs Picking The Right Reader Model Metadata Filtering
Language data is tricky. It’s full of redundancies and omissions, which often render it ambiguous. But thanks to Transformer-based language models, computers can now process natural language pretty well. However, these models are rather slow and computationally costly. That’s why it’s crucial to pre-filter large text collections in order to avoid unnecessary computations.
Metadata can greatly assist our deep language models by quickly providing them with a preselected section of the data pool. In this article, we’ll look at how to make use of metadata filtering to boost the quality of your answers in Haystack.
What Is Metadata?
Metadata is literally “data about data.” It has great value in machine learning applications: it helps us structure, filter and make sense of our data. Some metadata is simply a by-product of the data creation process. For instance, when a news article is published online, it invariably comes attached with a timestamp value.
Other types of metadata require more elaborate processes to create. For example, news articles can be manually annotated for topics. But whenever human labor is involved in the metadata creation process, it becomes expensive. That’s one reason why high-quality labeled data is so precious.
Metadata can take on many forms. It can be represented by the Booleans “True” and “False,” continuous values like integers and floating point numbers, or categorical data like the topic that an article belongs to. All of these formats have something in common: they’re all instances of “structured data,” meaning that they present data in a way that’s predefined and easily searchable.
Why Is Metadata Useful in Question Answering?
Language, on the other hand, is a prime example of “unstructured data.” The same idea can be expressed in infinitely many ways, and it’s clearly impossible to predict every single one of them. Transformers do a pretty good job of capturing statistical correlations in language data and estimating meaning. Combine that with the additional signal provided by structured metadata — and you’ve got yourself a powerful QA system.
If our text data comes with metadata, we can easily exploit that fact in a question answering task — by passing a filter to our retriever-reader pipeline. The retriever then only preselects those documents that match our filter. As a result, we greatly reduce the search space for the rest of the pipeline.
A Metadata Filtering Use Case
Metadata filtering is particularly rewarding in a scenario in which we have a large collection of texts and/or know exactly which slice of the data contains our answers. Imagine that your company wants to implement a question answering system that allows it to do competitor analysis. So your team starts collecting reports on your competitors, which are then saved with names and dates attached.
In your analysis, you want to look at one competitor at a time. To that end, you pass a filter to the retriever with a company’s name, and the financial years you’d like to investigate. You can then freely word your questions to the system, without explicitly stating the year and competitor you’re interested in. Not only does this improve your search speed, but it also increases the likelihood of high-quality answers, since we’ve taken the documents that are irrelevant to our search out of the equation.
Metadata Filtering in Haystack: A Practical Example
For our example, we’ll be working with a subset of the Amazon Review Dataset that consists of around 50,000 reviews of items from Amazon’s office supplies category. Each review comes with some metadata, such as the reviewer’s name and ID, the time of publication, and a short review summary.
We’ll be working with the product ID that goes by the name “asin.” To see an example product from the dataset, follow this link. If you want to look at a different product, simply change the ID at the end of the URL.
Each product has multiple reviews, which can be bundled by filtering for a product ID. Thus, even though this is quite a big dataset, filters allow us to really only look at a tiny subset of the data. Let’s read our dataset into an Elasticsearch database (check out this blog post to learn how to set up Haystack with Elasticsearch).
Note: Metadata filtering is only possible in combination with Elasticsearch and Weaviate document stores. import pandas as pd reviews = pd.read_json(‘Office_Products_5.json’, lines=True) texts = reviews.reviewText.values ids = reviews.asin.values
We’ve extracted both the review texts and their ID metadata from the json file using the pandas library. We now have to convert this data into the format that our document store expects. All the data points are turned into dictionaries with a
‘text’ key and a ‘meta’ key. The latter is for our metadata: here, we specify a dictionary which so far contains only the item’s ID. dicts = [{'text': text, 'meta':{'item_id': id_}} for text, id_ in zip(texts, ids)]
To see what the format looks like — and to get a feel for our data — let’s have a look at one of the dictionaries in our list:
import random random.choice(dicts) >>> {'text': "The first set of cartridges worked perfectly...as they should. They aren't shipped in the retail box, but individually sealed in the same air-tight plastic packaging that's in the box when it's opened.Absolutely no complaints. :>)", 'meta': {'item_id': 'B003J9XN76'}}
Since we’re going to work with the dense DPR retrieval method, we let the preprocessor split our reviews into chunks of length 100 and an overlap of five words.
Note: for more information on splitting in the context of DPR, take a look at this article. processor = PreProcessor(split_by='word', split_length=100, split_respect_sentence_boundary=False, split_overlap=5) docs = [processor.process(d) for d in dicts] flattened_docs = [d for list_of_dicts in docs for d in list_of_dicts] Note: The next Haystack release will include an amended process() function which takes in and returns a list of documents, shortening the last two lines to: docs = processor.process(dicts).
How do our documents look now?
random.choice(flattened_docs) >>> {'text': "Done have much to say about it. It work fine. Don't see the different between this and any other mouse pad. It just look and feel like a plastic that is cut into the shape of a mouse pad.", 'meta': {'item_id': 'B0017D5Z40', '_split_id': 0}}
After splitting, the meta dictionary has received another key that specifies the split ID of a document. This is useful if we’re working with long documents that we want to reconstruct from the chunks later on. In general, the
‘meta’ dictionary can hold as much metadata as we think is useful. In the next step, we initialize our document store. We then delete any leftovers from the database and read in our flattened list of document dictionaries. document_store = ElasticsearchDocumentStore(similarity="dot_product") document_store.delete_documents() document_store.write_documents(flattened_docs)
We then start up the retriever, index our database, and load a RoBERTa model fine-tuned on SQuAD as our Reader:
retriever = DensePassageRetriever(document_store=document_store) document_store.update_embeddings(retriever) my_model = "deepset/roberta-base-squad2" reader = FARMReader(model_name_or_path=my_model, use_gpu=True, return_no_answer=True)
Finally, we combine retriever and reader in a pipeline:
pipeline = ExtractiveQAPipeline(reader, retriever)
Now that our pipeline is up and running, let’s ask some questions. Let’s say that we want to learn more about this handy office supply item. We’ve chosen it because it’s the product with the most reviews:
reviews.groupby('asin').size().sort_values(ascending=False).head(1) >>> asin B0010T3QT2 311 dtype: int64
This envelope has 311 reviews — a decent-sized knowledge base. To let our system know that we’re only interested in reviews about this item, we write a filter that closely resembles the meta dictionaries in our database:
filter = {'item_id': ['B0010T3QT2']}
Note that the values in the filter dictionary need to be included in a list. It’s time to ask our question:
q = 'How well does this envelope stick?' answers = pipeline.run(q, top_k_retriever=30, top_k_reader=3, filters=filter)
Our pipeline returns the result in the form of a dictionary which holds a lot of information. We use a custom print function which only prints out the answers and their probability values:
def short_answers(answers): for i, answer in enumerate(answers['answers']): print('Answer no. {}: {}, with {} percent probability'.format(i, answer['answer'], round(answer['probability'] * 100)))
Let’s look at our system’s answers:
short_answers(answers) >>> Answer no. 0: They hold up well, with 66 percent probability >>> Answer no. 1: seal very effectively, with 60 percent probability >>> Answer no. 2: no-lick seal, with 60 percent probability
Even if our question wasn’t perfectly worded, we still got some useful information. If we want to obtain more information about the extracted answers, such as their context, we can use the
print_answers() function. Since the output of that function is quite wordy, let’s just look at the first answer: from haystack.utils import print_answers print_answers(answers, details='all') >>> { 'answers': [ { 'answer': 'They hold up well', 'context': 'As envelopes these are fairly sturdy and ' 'good quality. They hold up well, the flap ' 'stays down, the adhesive stays sticky, and ' "you don't have to lick t", 'document_id': '88614629e0ff8bf2caf56332184cd18b', 'meta': {'_split_id': 0, 'item_id': 'B0010T3QT2'}, 'offset_end': 72, 'offset_end_in_doc': 72, 'offset_start': 55, 'offset_start_in_doc': 55, 'probability': 0.6619654893875122, 'score': 10.91701889038086}, ...
For comparison, we asked the same question on the entire database. The system took slightly longer for the answers, but more importantly, we can’t be sure that they are really about the product we’re interested in:
answers = pipeline.run(q, top_k_retriever=30, top_k_reader=3) short_answers(answers) >>> Answer no. 0: firmly, with 60 percent probability >>> Answer no. 1: quickly and smoothly, with 79 percent probability >>> Answer no. 2: strong enough to adhere to an envelope without worries, with 79 percent probability
Did the system really understand our query? The third answer, for example, doesn’t really seem to answer our question. How does it look in context?
print_answers(answers, details='all') >>> ... { 'answer': 'strong enough to adhere to an envelope ' 'without worries', 'context': 'These have never jammed my printer, are ' 'easy to peal off, and are strong enough to ' 'adhere to an envelope without worries.', 'document_id': 'e86c6890c8ef0a542c48969cba7fd52a', 'meta': {'_split_id': 0, 'item_id': 'B00004Z5SM'}, 'offset_end': 120, 'offset_end_in_doc': 120, 'offset_start': 66, 'offset_start_in_doc': 66, 'probability': 0.7904667854309082, 'score': 10.183916091918945}],
Clearly, that answer was about the adhesive power of a different item. With filtering, we wouldn’t have had to worry about these issues. Now what if we were to ask about a general class of products? As we saw, we can pass our filter conditions as a list within a dictionary. That list can easily be expanded to contain more items. This time, however, let’s look at a different kind of office supply:
filter = {'item_id': ['B00006IBLJ', 'B000GHJM9C', 'B000CS787S']} q = 'Can things still break when they\'re wrapped in bubble wrap?' answers = pipeline.run(q, top_k_retriever=100, top_k_reader=3, filters=filter) >>> Answer no. 0: no breakages, with 81 percent probability >>> Answer no. 1: It tears, with 72 percent probability >>> Answer no. 2: They still managed to break some things somehow, with 34 percent probability
Bad news for bubble wrap fans? As you can see, this is quite a fun dataset. We encourage you to download it and play around with it to keep exploring the possibilities of filtering with Haystack. For instance, why not add the reviewers’ IDs to meta dictionaries, and investigate what particular people had to say about different office supply items?
If you want to learn more about the item and reviewer IDs, there’s even an entire dataset about
that. You can find it on the same page as the review dataset itself . Metadata about metadata! Ask Questions About Your Data with Haystack
If your dataset contains metadata, why not take advantage? It is super easy to do filtering for metadata with Haystack. Check out the Haystack repository on GitHub to start building your own question answering systems. Last but not least, we would greatly appreciate you giving us a star as well :) | 13,430 | 5,883 | 29,745.520993 |
warc | 202143 | May is here, which means Skin Cancer Awareness Month! Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, with 1 in 7 Canadians developing the cancer in their lifetime. Fortunately, skin cancer is also one of the most preventable cancers.
We interviewed
Dr. Mandy Wong, General Practitioner at Dermapure Kelowna who holds a Masters in Medicine in the Field of Skin Cancer and dedicates her practice to skin and vein health. She shares some useful advice to reduce your skin cancer risk, as well as tips to check your body for any signs of skin cancer. Tell us about your experience with skin health
Through medical school, I developed an interest in skin health/disease and realized that I enjoy working with my hands. I started in the practice of phlebology (disease of the veins) 25 years ago, allowing me to work with my hands, and I continue to enjoy this part of my practice to this day.
As my children became older, I had the luxury of time to devote to further training. I started with a Diploma in Dermatology through the University of Cardiff to help understand general skin disease better. I then completed a Masters in Medicine in the Field of Skin Cancer from the University of Queensland.
Before we dive into the prevention of melanoma, or skin cancer, what are some facts we should know about skin health?
Many people do not realize the importance of sunscreen in their youth. The issue is skin damage and cancer is a cumulation of UV radiation-induced injury to DNA of the skin cells over time. There is only so much DNA damage our bodies can repair before the damage is so far gone that it produces a skin cancer. A tan is your body’s defense mechanism to create an umbrella over the skin cell’s DNA. Unfortunately, a deep tan only gives you an SPF of about 3. Tanning beds are a definite health hazard as they give off roughly 12 times more UVA light than natural sunlight.
What can we do to reduce the risk of skin cancer?
There is no doubt that sun exposure increases blood levels of endorphins, the “feel-good hormones”. Skin health does not mean that you need to give this up!
• Make putting on sunscreen part of your everyday routine, summer and winter.
• Make every effort to educate your children on the importance of protection from UV radiation. • Try to enjoy the sun early or late in the day, which in the summer is before 10 am or after 4 pm. • Remember to re-apply your sunscreen every couple of hours, especially if you are in the water. • Examine your skin head to toe every month and the use of a mirror while standing in front of a mirror will help you examine difficult to see areas such as your back. • Any new spots should be monitored for at least 2 – 3 months. If they do not resolve on their own or are growing or changing rapidly, you should see your family doctor for further evaluation. Sunscreen: when, why and how?
A broad-spectrum sunscreen (protects against UVB and UVA) with SPF of at least 30 is recommended. Most skin specialists prefer mineral sunscreens to chemical sunscreens.
Mineral sunscreens with zinc and/or titanium sit on top of your skin and physically reflect the UVR. They work as soon as you apply them and will work so long as you have not washed or wiped them off. Chemical sunscreens absorb the UV radiation but with time their ability to do so declines. They need to be applied 30 minutes prior to going outdoors so they can be absorbed by the skin and reapplied every two hours.
Remember that you are only getting the SPF stated if you apply enough of it. One ounce (about the size of a shot glass) should be used if exposing your entire body, and a nickel sized dollop if only your face is exposed. Sunscreen should be applied directly onto the skin, over other moisturizers or skin care products and underneath makeup. If you are not keen on re-applying sunscreen to your face later in the day over your make-up, consider dry mineral sunscreens that you can apply to our face just like you would apply your face powder for a touch up.
Is there anything important we should be doing that is not common practice?
There are all kinds of SPF protective clothing available. Loose, light colored cotton clothing is great as an alternative to sunscreen on your body. Obviously, a good hat is helpful, just ensure you still have sunscreen on your face to fend off reflected UV rays from water, sand, snow, painted walls, concrete and even grass.
What does a skin analysis at Dermapure Kelowna look like?
Due to the sheer volume of patients with skin cancer in Kelowna, if you have a lesion of concern, we recommend you see your family doctor first. If your doctor is concerned, they will either biopsy the lesion or refer you for further evaluation and treatment. If you are high risk for skin cancer due to the history of many skin cancers or a melanoma, we do offer skin cancer screening with referral from your physician.
If you are not at high risk but would like to have regular screening, we offer yearly skin cancer screening along with digital mole mapping. This service is not covered by MSP and more information can be obtained by calling the office.
If we notice something new on our skin, what do we do?
As we get older, it is expected that we will develop new spots on our skin that are not necessarily cancerous. Common examples are sun spots, red spots, scaly and greasy feeling raised spots that range in color from tan to black. We can also develop spots that will go away in time. Any lesion that persists more than a couple months, is growing or changing should be checked by your family doctor, especially if it bleeds easily. A new pigmented spot that looks different from the rest of the moles on your body may be a sign of melanoma and should be examined.
Any other important facts or information you may know that is relevant for everyone?
Besides causing skin cancer, UV radiation also depletes the collagen in your skin. Enjoy the sun but be smart about it – it will decrease your chances of developing skin cancer and combat wrinkles!
Thank you, Dr. Wong, for sharing your wealth of knowledge about skin cancer and prevention! We are with you every step of the way on your journey to healthy and beautiful skin! Our experienced team of consultants and physicians at Dermapure can help you choose the appropriate treatment plan for your skin concerns. Call us for a free consultation today and rediscover healthy looking skin: 1 877-252-0293 | 6,510 | 3,021 | 13,845.332671 |
warc | 202143 | Iowa’s Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) assemblies will begin next week, giving all Iowans an opportunity to share and discuss their visions for Iowa’s outdoor recreation, soil and water enhancement, historical resources and land management, and more.
The Regional 8 REAP meeting — which includes Jackson, Clinton, Dubuque, Delaware and Cedar counties — will be Oct. 21 at 6:30 p.m. at Hurstville Interpretive Center, 18670 63rd St., Maquoketa.
Everyone living within Region 8 is encouraged to participate. More than 600 attended statewide REAP assemblies in 2019, including about 65 people at the Region 8 meeting.
REAP assemblies are locally led meetings where issues can be brought forth and voted upon. Iowans can discuss the program, recommend changes, and discuss impacts in their area. Delegates also may be selected from the local meeting to attend the REAP congress in January at the State Capitol in Des Moines.
Each assembly represents a region of counties and participants are required to attend the region for the county in which they reside. Meetings are held in the evening and last about 90 minutes.
“REAP assemblies provide Iowans a perfect opportunity to share their views and learn others’ views about parks, trails, museums and other amenities,” said Kayla Lyon, director of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). “It’s critical that community members are engaged in these meetings to help shape the future of and enhance recreational opportunities in our state for the future.”
Each year, REAP provides funding for local projects through a grant process and each year, the requests for city and county grants exceed the amount available by two or three times. Since the program debuted in 1989, more than $365 million has been awarded to more than 15,500 projects.
“REAP benefits every single county, every year, in one way or another, either through improved water quality, by preserving our historical assets or providing outdoor recreation opportunities,” said Michelle Wilson, coordinator for REAP with the Iowa DNR. “REAP significantly impacts the quality of life of all Iowans.”
To date, Jackson County has received REAP allocations topping $5.7 million for 198 projects. Local projects include various recreation trails, land acquisition, and renovation, repair and restoration work.
Clinton County received more than $1.42 million to fund 154 conservation projects, including work at the Clinton Sawmill Museum, county parks, planting native species of plants, forestry projects, etc. | 2,613 | 1,310 | 5,050.470229 |
warc | 202143 | English grammar 7x puncte
categorie:
Engleza
nota:
10.00
nivel: Facultate
Unfortunately, in many of the English classes, grammar is taught for its own sake, not with the purpose of being used in communication. The knowledge of the rules of grammar gives the students only some measure of algebraic "accuracy", which by itself can, and perhaps generally does, help them to pass the examinations in English, but does not give them the ability to communicate meaningfully in re[...]
DOWNLOADREFERAT Preview referat: English grammar
What is needed to remedy the situation is a methodology that can effectively blend "accuracy" and "fluency", a methodology that aims at developing "communicative competence".
Widdowson (1984:59) points out that: "Fluency and accuracy are complementary and interdependent phenomena: the problem is to know how the dependency works in natural language use and how it can best be developed in the process of language learning."
Grammar can be taught in different ways. One of them is when the teacher actually provides the students with grammatical rules and explanations-the information is openly presented, in other words.
Another way is when grammatical facts are hidden from the students-even though they are learning the language.
In other words, the students may be asked to do an information gap activity or read a text where new grammar is practiced or introduced, but their attention will be drawn to the activity or to the text and not to the grammar.Jeremy Harmer, calls the first type of teaching grammar-overt grammar teaching, and the second type-covert grammar teaching.
With overt teaching we are explicit and open about the grammar of the language, but with covert teaching we simply get students to work with new language and hope that they will more or less subconsciously absorb grammatical information which will help them to acquire the language as a whole.The middle way is always the best, so teachers should use both covert and overt grammar teaching during their lessons. Students need to learn how to perform the functions of language, but they need a grammatical base as well. Modern courses often teach a grammatical structure and then get students to use it as part of a functional conversation. « mai multe referate din
Engleza | 2,315 | 1,149 | 4,601.792863 |
warc | 202143 | Regina King is serious about her money. Unlike many entertainers—or for that matter, most folks—the beloved actor, whose latest film
The Harder They Fall (which hits Netflix in November), tells EBONY she has never been in credit card debt. That good fortune she credits to her mother. “My mother has always been financially on top of those types of things; she kind of put the fear of debt in us,” King explains while chuckling that her sister Reina might disagree.
“I’m one of those people if I see an example of what not to do, I am good at living vicariously through you and not making that same mistake. So, I’ve been lucky with that. And, I do recognize that it is lucky. And it’s my fear of not wanting to be in debt. I don’t like to owe somebody anything. I’m one of those people who pays my credit card off at the end of every month, even when I really didn’t have any money.”
That’s why her latest partnership with Wells Fargo for their new Active Cash Card is a big deal for the mother of one. “It’s a card that gives customers two percent cash rewards on their purchases,” she raves. “So often with credit cards that give you cashback or cash rewards, they’re usually specific to a thing that you’re spending. Like if you’re buying groceries or airline tickets or gas, you only get that cash reward when you’re purchasing certain items. With this card, it’s all items—anything. Whether it’s an ice cream cone or a pair of Jimmy Choo, you can get a reward.”
Her various commercial spots for Wells Fargo are a bit more personal and lighthearted than many of the characters King plays, and show show how the cash rewards work. In one spot, she is locked out of her house and uses retail therapy to pass the time until her locksmith arrives. In another, she is swiping her Active Cash Card to rectify the damage her puppy caused at a friend’s home.
For King, one of the most important rewards of her partnership with Wells Fargo is the financial institution’s one-million-dollar donation to Kollab, an innovative private-public program from the Los Angeles County Alliance for Boys & Girls Clubs Workforce Development Program—in partnership with ABC7 and LA County Workforce Development, Aging & Community Services—targeting the area’s most vulnerable youth population from ages 14 to 18. The program helps young people create paths of success that can include college as well as trade school education. Participants are exposed to STEAM opportunities as well as given valuable industry insight by top executives and business leaders. Most importantly, Kollab offers personal achievement training that includes mentoring, life coaching, and financial literacy. Since 2019, over 150 youth have participated, with many obtaining internships as well as enrolling in college programs that feed their career interests. The Wells Fargo donation made on King’s behalf will be used to increase Black student enrollment throughout the Greater Los Angeles area.
For King, it’s a proactive approach to problems that impact many urban communities but touch her even more personally. “I’m born and bred in L.A., and I love my city,” says King. “But one of the things that I feel like we do so often, in just the world, is we look at things from a charity perspective, as opposed to coming into things from the beginning. How do we build financial health? How do we put our young people into spaces where they’re forward-thinking in a way that’s going to expose them to different career opportunities or career opportunities in general? And Kollab is an organization that is doing exactly that. And, as you know, education and opportunity equal success in most cases.” | 3,864 | 1,906 | 7,421.880378 |
warc | 202143 | In a first-person piece we published yesterday, Kyle Redford contends that teachers should give students a grade for oral expression, just as they do for written expression. While “assigning concrete values to conversation is less tidy and more challenging than assessing written work,” she writes, doing so gives students who struggle with writing a chance to demonstrate—and be compensated for—their understanding. In addition, she continues, “much of what students are asked to do once they leave school hinges on their ability to express themselves in conversations. Shouldn’t we give them credit for developing and deploying that skill in school?”
By happy coincidence, teacher Ariel Sacks, who wrote a story in our recent
Teacher PD Sourcebook), has a new post up on her blog about a tool she recently designed to make it easier for her to tabulate student participation. Sacks says that she’s struggled over the years with calculating these kinds of grades. “I have experimented with rubrics for students to fill out for themselves, or ways for them to track their participation grades daily or weekly,” she writes. “I’ve tried ditching it altogether and just grading students for distinct speaking activities.”
Her new tool allows students to use a visual continuum to give themselves a score (0-100) in two main categories—contributions and conduct—and average the numbers. Sacks signs off on the grade or makes adjustments as needed. So far, she’s happy with the results and has found students’ self-evaluations to be “quite honest and accurate.”
Do you agree with Redford and Sacks that it’s important to give grades for oral expression? Why or why not? Do you give such grades? If so, what kind of measurement tool do you use?
A version of this news article first appeared in the Teaching Now blog. | 1,917 | 1,012 | 3,428.626482 |
warc | 202143 | When dissolving a business, the officers of the company should only carry out business to the extent needed to complete any of the company’s outstanding obligations and to liquidate any assets. Other than that, if an officer of a dissolved corporation or limited liability company continues to do business under the company’s name, any liability will fall on that individual officer. In other words, the protection against financial debts or legal claims afforded to the officer by the corporate veil will no longer apply if the company has been dissolved. It is therefore very important to stay up to date on the status of your business.
In Florida, there are three ways a corporation can be dissolved: the first is by the company’s incorporators; the second is by the board of directors or the company’s shareholders; the third, and most relevant here, is an “administrative dissolution,” which is carried out by the Florida Secretary of State, either because the company failed to file its required annual reports or for other insufficient compliance with state corporate guidelines.
In contrast, an LLC is dissolved differently. A properly drafted LLC operating agreement should indicate in which situations the company could dissolve. However, if your LLC does not have an operating agreement, its dissolution would be governed by the Florida Revised Limited Liability Company Act. The Act states the circumstances in which an LLC may dissolve and also specifies that if an LLC goes 90 days without a member, without entry of decree of judicial resolution, or by filing a statement of administrative dissolution, then your LLC may be dissolved by a unanimous consent of its members. The good news is that administrative dissolution is usually temporary until the corporation or LLC takes care of the unfulfilled obligation. Notification of the dissolution will be made on the Secretary of State’s website, www.sunbiz.org, where all Florida enterprises are registered with the State. If a business has been administratively dissolved, the entity’s Sunbiz page will list the “Status” as “INACTIVE,” and the “Last Event” will say something along the lines of “ADMIN DISSOLUTION FOR ANNUAL REPORT.”
If you were not aware that the Secretary of State deactivated your company and you continue to operate while the company is “inactive,” any legal claims brought against the company, including outstanding debts, personal injury, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, etc., can be brought against you personally. That is to say, the corporate veil may be pierced, you may be personally responsible for the business’ debts and liabilities, and business creditors may be able to put liens and encumbrances on your personal assets. In addition, even if the company is eventually re-instated because you corrected the issue that sparked the dissolution, you will still be personally liable for claims incurred during the period between the administrative dissolution and the reinstatement.
Of course, not all officers of the business will be liable for any misconduct during the dissolution period. Rather, only the officer who acts on behalf of the business while it is dissolved will incur personal liability. For example, if that officer signs off on a contract, creating an obligation that is eventually not met, the non-breaching party has a claim against the contract signatory, not all officers of the business or the business itself. A member of a dissolved business may also enter agreements during this period while knowing the risk- for example, if the officer is worried about losing important clients while the company is temporarily inactive, that officer may still choose to incur liability by entering a new contract.
The easiest way to avoid personal liability during an administrative dissolution is to make sure you comply with all of Florida’s corporate requirements to prevent administrative dissolution altogether. Nevertheless, it is good practice to regularly check your business’s status on Sunbiz to ensure your company remains active. If you are tying up your business’s outstanding obligations or liquidating its assets during this inactive period, be sure to avoid incurring any claims against you during this time as it will result in your own, individual and personal liability. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your company’s status, obligations, or dissolution process, it is best to consult with a business attorney. | 4,576 | 1,980 | 10,293.688889 |
warc | 202143 | This page lists organizations that may be helpful to parents of children with feeding tubes. It includes both general organizations and condition-specific organizations, as well as helpful programs. If you would like your organization added, please contact us.
Many children need to travel to larger children’s hospitals in order to receive specialized care and surgery. Travel can be quite expensive, but there are are ways to reduce costs. Here are just a few:
Medicaid will typically pay for some travel costs for medical care. Ambulance or air ambulance is typically covered, but transportation, lodging, and even meals may be covered for your child and one adult as well.
Insurance may also cover some travel expenses, but this varies widely by insurer. Ambulance, including air ambulance, is usually covered.
Income Taxes: Medical travel, including lodging, some meals, and transportation expenses, may be deducted from your taxes or paid tax-free with a flexible spending account.
Charities: Some charities provide transportation assistance, particularly air transportation services. A list is provided below. | 1,128 | 591 | 2,130.030457 |
warc | 202143 | From the moment you start the course and walk into a classroom we will be equipping you with the professional knowledge you need to help your students to flourish and fulfil their potential.
This course will equip you with the knowledge of what the best and most rigorous research tells us about effective teaching. You will begin to understand and be equipped to use in the classroom teaching methods that are practical, effective and informed by the best evidence based research. This will include:
how teachers structure explanations effectively so that students understand,
how effective teachers question students and offer feedback and
how the best teachers get students to practice until they have mastered a topic.
From the beginning of the school year you are placed in a school so you are soon immersed in to how to apply this knowledge to the practice of teaching.
We believe in the importance of a ‘knowledge rich’ curriculum in which students are taught the key content they need to have in order to succeed. You will therefore be tutored and mentored by a subject specialist who knows the most effective ways of, for example:
how to plan specific content,
how to avoid the misconceptions students may have
ensuring students make strong progress.
This means that we will be able to equip you with a deep knowledge of your subject area and how best to teach it.
We also consider it important that every trainee teacher understands what cognitive science tells us about how learning takes place in the human mind. We therefore place great emphasis on teaching our trainees on how children remember and how this can be used to help students retain knowledge in their long term memory. This allows you as a teacher to help your students to learn more and succeed further at school and beyond.
The course should provide you with the strongest of foundations so that you have the best possible start to your teaching career. Trainees are able to complete our course confident with a strong body of professional knowledge. Through their training they have learnt to apply and refine this through their teaching practice throughout the training year.
Our trainees have a very high success rate in securing teaching jobs on completion of their training.
School placements
During your training year we ensure that you teach across the full secondary age range from 11-18. You will therefore be trained to teach years 7-9, GCSE and A level. We consider that this will give you the strongest start to your teaching career.
You will spend most of your training year in one school. In doing so you become an integral part of that school community. You will therefore be able to build a strong relationship with your mentor and other colleagues in the school as well as the students. As your mentor comes to know you they will be able to more effectively support you throughout the course.
You will have a short contrasting placement during January-February in another school before returning to your main placement school from February to July.
In placing a trainee in a school we consider the individual strengths of each trainee and how they can best match the profiles of the schools, mentor and subject heads of department we work with. We also consider the distance a trainee would have to travel and any preference they express at interview about where they would like to train to teach.
Entry requirements
Qualifications needed
An undergraduate degree at class 2:2 or above, or equivalent.
Grade 4 (C) or above in English and maths, or equivalent qualification.
We’ll consider candidates with pending GCSEs.
We’ll consider candidates who need to take a GCSE equivalency test in English or maths.
Equivalency tests are provided by Teach Kent & Sussex and assessed by one of our tutors. Each GCSE paper taken incurs a fee of £30/paper.
Personal qualities
We are looking for candidates who are willing to work hard to help ensure that children get the best possible education. Candidates need to believe that they can, as teachers, make a difference and help children flourish. They will need to be ambitious for the children they teach and be able to show tenacity at times of challenge. They should be able to demonstrate a strong subject knowledge and be open to learning and reflecting upon how they can develop as a teacher.
Candidates will need to have the capacity to teach Latin to GCSE and A level.
Other requirements
Candidates will need to be suitable to work with children and young people. They will be asked questions regarding safeguarding at interview.
Offers to train to teach with us are made on condition of:
Satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) or Disclosure Scotland or overseas equivalent.
Satisfactory clearance of Prohibited teachers checks.
Satisfactory clearance of Children’s Barred checklist.
Satisfactory pre-employment health clearance.
Identify check and verification of entitlement to work in the UK;
Receipt of 2 satisfactory references.
Satisfactory qualifications certification including NARIC or equivalent.
Fees and financial support
The course fees for UK students in 2022 to 2023 are £9,250.
Most of our trainees use a student loan to pay for their fees. However, some do pay privately.
Fees are paid in three installments during the course of the year.
About the training provider
Bennett Memorial Diocesan School is a Church of England School, academically highly successful which sets great store in the development of character and values. Bennett has become one of the highest achieving state schools in the country attracting students from across Sussex and West Kent.
The success of our students is due to the high quality teaching that they receive. By training with us you will learn alongside those expert teachers.
The school has a long track record of training teachers successfully.
Bennett is the designated Teaching School Hub for Kent and is the founding school of Teach Kent & Sussex school centre for initial teacher training (SCITT). We therefore can draw upon considerable teaching and leadership expertise to help you grow and flourish as a new teacher.
As a Teaching School Bennett leads a partnership of secondary schools in Kent & Sussex who work with us to train teachers. Therefore, in applying to us you may also train in one of those schools as well as or instead of Bennett. They include Hillview, Hugh Christie, The Malling School, Beacon Academy (Crowborough), St Gregory’s Catholic School, Skinners’ Kent Academy (both Tunbridge Wells), Trinity School (Sevenoaks), Uplands Community College, Heathfield Community College and Uckfield College.
About the accredited body
Teach Kent & Sussex School Centre for Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) was recognised by Ofsted as an ‘outstanding’ provider of initial teacher training in 2019.
As part of the Kent Teaching School hub Teach Kent & Sussex provide Bennett and its partner schools with their evidence led, research rich professional development curriculum. This ensures that trainees are grounded with strong professional knowledge about the characteristics of effective teaching.
In addition, Teach Kent & Sussex ensure that all mentors are trained, and receive ongoing training, in the principles of instructional coaching and effective mentoring.
Interview process
As part of our selection process we provide you with:
An opportunity to meet one of our admin or leadership team to discuss expectations and practicalities of our course.
You will need to:
Give a short presentation about how you have helped someone or a small group learn something
Read aloud from a self chosen piece of text linked to your subject interest.
Prepare for a formal interview in which you will be asked about why you wish to teach and how you can show you have the capacity, personal characteristics and qualifications to do so.
You will also have a more informal interview with a subject specialist (normally a head of department) who will discuss with you your subject specific qualifications and identify any particular areas of subject knowledge that may need further development before the course begins.
Complete a written task for which no preparation is required.
Complete our safe recruitment checklist and provide appropriate certificates (e.g. your degree certificate).
You do not need a visa if you already have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or if you’re an Irish citizen.
Candidates with qualifications from non-UK institutions may need to provide evidence of comparability by applying for a UK ENIC statement.
Training with disabilities and other needs
We wish to ensure that every candidate can show their potential to become a great teacher. We therefore work closely with candidates who declare a disability or additional need to ensure that reasonable adjustments are made at interview in order to ensure that all candidates have an equal chance to show their potential to teach.
If offered a place to train to teach we agree with you an independent support plan which is reviewed on a termly or more frequent basis if necessary. This helps to ensure that our provision is the best it can be. Such reviews have shown to be helpful and effective in the past and are an integral part of our provision.
Bennett Memorial Diocesan School Culverden Down Tunbridge Wells Kent TN4 9SH
Support and advice
For support and advice, you can speak to a Get Into Teachingadviser for free. They’re all experienced teachers who can help you to prepare your application, book schoolexperience, and access exclusive teaching events.
You can also call Get Into Teaching free of charge on 0800 389 2500, orspeak to an adviser using their online chat serviceMonday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm (except public holidays).
Find out about the differentways to trainif you do not have a degree, or are already an experienced teacher. | 10,019 | 4,262 | 23,225.64993 |
warc | 202143 | How to Calm Emotions Emotional Triggers BY: T. Franklin Murphy | January 2016 (edited 9-24-2021) Successful communication requires calming emotions first, and honest communication second.
Love isn’t one wondrous moment of joy after another. Intimate partners arouse sensitivities. Our close connections are tightly bound to security; fluctuations in behavior signal volatility and painfully poke at vulnerabilities. Trust from repeated loving responses and timely repairs softens the fears. For many, however, a simple event or spoken word triggers strong emotions sending emotions into over-drive; they aggressively lash out, or silently stew in self-righteousness.
Protecting is a Survival Mechnism
All organisms respond to offensive slights and dangerous attacks, protecting from further harm—emotional or physical. Responding to emotions is normal and essential for connection. High-value relationships must be tenderly approached; careless expressions sometimes convey sharp messages that divide rather than connect.
We should express emotions triggered by a partner but carefully, considering how the message will be received.
Authors David Schulz and Stanley Rodgers wrote that "experiencing one's feelings and emotions is quite different from analyzing them or worrying about them. It involves accepting those feelings and emotions for what they are without believing that they have to be expressed in order to be experienced. Such awareness can also lead to more socially appropriate ways of expressing feelings (Schulz & Rodgers, 1980, p. 44).
In relationships, we can experience our emotions. Emotions are very personal. Yet, expressing them with appropriateness is a skill. The underlying goal is not to express our emotions but to achieve intimate closeness and acceptance. This requires sharing our personal experience within the parameters that a loving partner can process.
"High-value relationships must be tenderly approached; careless expressions sometimes convey sharp messages that divide rather than connect." Building Closeness With Our Reactions
Expressions made with care and mediated with personal responsibility create closeness. When expressed in harshness, laced with accusations and blame, our rudeness strangles communication, coaxing a defensive protection.
Emotional expressions are the precious moments that build or destroy security.
Damaging Defensive Reactions
When we are aroused, no matter how serious the triggering behavior, going straight for the jugular with a violent attack, doesn’t resolve the issue. Our swings drive a separating wedge deep into the relationship. Our attack may produce blood but never open the partner’s heart.
Isn’t being felt the goal?
A venomous attack divides partners, inviting further defensiveness, closing the ears we wish would hear our cries. Even when we seemingly "win," the victory is a fantasy, increasing tension, and building resentments.
Slow down! Recognize the bubbling emotions; evaluate the value of the impulsive reaction; we must break this destructive chain. Breathe. Calm the emotional flooding first, reestablishing safety. After you have soothed the primitive aliveness of the emotional brain, remind yourself of the long-term goals, and only then appropriately share feelings in a kind, non-accusing and compassionate way.
Expressing ownership for our emotions is essential first before communicating about specific behaviors and events that triggered those emotions; with care, we can effectively open the door to our hearts, and there in our naked vulnerabilities we can compassionately respond to a lover. Only then can we be felt and accepted in the core emotions of love.
Please support Flourishing Life Society with a social media share or by visiting a link: References:
Schulz, D. A., & Rodgers, S. F. (1980). Marriage, the Family, and Personal Fulfillment. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Other Flourishing Life Society articles of interest on this topic: Other Flourishing Life Society articles of interest on this topic: | 4,079 | 1,960 | 8,384.842347 |
warc | 202143 | In Japan, Nestle has collaborated with Minatoku to develop what they call food loss reduction boxes, mainly selling products that are still edible but may have passed the delivery deadline, and would have been discarded.
Products that will be sold in the vending machines include Nescafe bottled coffee, Nescafe instant coffee, Nestle matcha latte (stick-type), as well as Kit Kat, and these will cost lesser than retail.
“
Nestle Japan aims to build a new channel for selling products that are still edible but face difficulties in ordinary distribution routes to consumers as an initiative that reduces food loss,” said Atsuhi Murata, assistant manager of media relations at Nestle Japan.
There are currently five such boxes located in Hokkaido, Tokyo, Aichi and Hiroshima, at post offices, train stations and office buildings.
“
Nestle Japan will continue to operate five Food Loss Reduction Boxes for the time being, and after confirming and verifying the usage status of our customers and the opinions of the companies where they are installed, we will consider installing more units depending on the situation,” Murata added. Healthy snacks
In Singapore, healthy packaged snack company Boxgreen has also ventured into the vending machine business.
The company makes a range of healthy snacks such as nut mix, mushroom chips, and soy crisps.
Traditional vending machines stock snacks, confectionery and drinks, although these are not necessarily healthy, so Boxgreen hopes its healthy snacks can offer an alternative.
“
Boxgreen’s mission is to make snacking easy, fun and most importantly, easily accessible. So vending machines are something that we thought are in line with our mission, making our range of quirky and healthy snacks available on demand to new and current customers,” co-founder Andrew Lim said.
Boxgreen rolled out its first vending machine in 2017, and this year, deployed an additional 10 machines. Currently 10% of its total revenue is contributed by vending machine sales.
Most of the vending machines are deployed in corporate offices where the firm see a demand for healthier snacks in offices.
“
Eating the right snacks does help to increase productivity level by keeping employees energised all day. Having them readily available means that employees are more likely to partake in the healthy eating trend,” Lim told FoodNavigator-Asia.
There are some machines located in tertiary institutions, gyms and country clubs.
Lim said the COVID-19 pandemic affected sales from vending machines since most people were working from home, “
so we work with some of the companies to convert the vending machines budget into care packages that can be sent directly to employees’ homes.” Frozen meat and seafood
In Singapore, there are also vending machines dispensing frozen meat and seafood.
EasyMeat is one company selling frozen and vacuum-packed Australian wagyu beef from its six vending machines across the city state.
Co-founder Mervin Tham said: “
Singaporeans are generally tech savvy and have a sophisticated taste, so you not only see a wider range of products in vending machines, the value of the products is also increasing.
“
They don’t just sell drinks and snacks, you can now buy clothes and high-priced items like chilli crabs. This suggests that people are willing to pay and have greater trust in buying from a metal box when sometimes they cannot even see the product. We saw that potential.
“
There’s also the novelty factor of buying from vending machines, which is popular in Japan or Korea, so you get that overseas experience. In focus groups, we have found that people are receptive to this business concept,” said Tham.
Also in Singapore, Norwegian Salmon Pte Ltd which retails a range of seafood products in local supermarkets has deployed vending machines dispensing these products.
There are more than 100 machines or what it calls ‘ATMs’ located across the city, selling salmon fillet, smoked salmon, salmon sashimi and mackerel.
The vending machines are located primarily in neighbourhoods, and the company is exploring a global franchising option. | 4,233 | 1,987 | 8,738.684449 |
warc | 202143 | Article content
CALGARY, Alberta, Sept. 20, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EDP Renewables SA (EDPR), through its fully owned subsidiary EDP Renewables Canada Ltd. (EDPR Canada), and TC Energy Corporation (TSX, NYSX:TRP) (TC Energy or the Company) have executed a 15-year power purchase agreement (PPA) for 100 percent of the output of the 297-megawatt (MW) Sharp Hills Wind Farm, located in the Special Areas municipality near the hamlets of Sedalia and New Bridgen, in the province of Alberta. The PPA will enable the continued development and eventual construction and operations of the wind farm, subject to customary regulatory approvals and conditions.
The 297-MW Sharp Hills Wind Farm is anticipated to be operational in 2023 and will deliver economic benefits to the local project communities and the province of Alberta in the form of payments to local landowners and property tax revenue to the Special Area Board. Sharp Hills will also contribute to the increase in money spent at businesses in the vicinity of the wind farm. The project will create jobs with approximately 300 employment opportunities during the wind farm’s construction and 15-20 permanent, local jobs during the project’s operational life. The Sharp Hills Wind Farm will also generate enough electricity to annually power the equivalent of more than 164,000 average Alberta homes and will save approximately two billion litres of water per year.
“I want to commend TC Energy and EDP Renewables for their commitment to diversifying Alberta’s energy mix. Our province continues to experience significant investment growth in market-based renewable energy as a result of our commitment to an openly competitive electricity market. As a result, Albertans can count on new investments to power our economy while lowering emissions for decades to come,” said Dale Nally, Associate Minister of Natural Gas and Electricity.
In addition to all the power produced by the Sharp Hills Wind Farm, TC Energy will receive rights to all environmental attributes. The Company is committed to finding solutions for the sustainable energy future and, the investment in the Sharp Hills Wind Farm contributes to its goal of shaping and contributing meaningful advancement toward the energy industry at-large.
“This agreement, which is Alberta’s largest power purchase agreement for wind, is an important step as TC Energy continues to build its renewable energy portfolio,” said Corey Hessen, TC Energy’s Senior Vice President and President, Power and Storage. “This wind project, added to recent agreements in East Strathmore and Claresholm, gives us the capability to offer a variety of renewable energy solutions to Alberta customers. TC Energy is focused on our own decarbonization efforts as well as being the provider of choice for carbon-free energy to the North America industrial, oil, and natural gas sectors.”
The Sharp Hills Wind Farm is EDP Renewables’ third wind farm in Canada, joining its 30-MW South Branch Wind Farm and 100-MW Nation Rise Wind Farm, both of which are operational and located in Ontario.
“Sharp Hills has been thoughtfully developed for a number of years, and I am pleased that with the execution of this contract, we will soon commence construction of the project and supply cost-effective, reliable energy to Albertans for decades to come,” said Miguel Prado, EDP Renewables North America CEO. “We appreciate our relationship with TC Energy and commend the company on its mission to increase investment in zero carbon emission renewable energy projects.”
About EDP Renewables North America
EDP Renewables North America LLC (EDPR NA), its affiliates, and its subsidiaries develop, construct, own, and operate wind farms and solar parks throughout North America. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, with 58 wind farms, eight solar parks, and seven regional offices across North America, EDPR NA has developed more than 8,300 megawatts (MW) and operates more than 8,000 MW of onshore utility-scale renewable energy projects. With more than 800 employees, EDPR NA’s highly qualified team has a proven capacity to execute projects across the continent.
For more information, visit www.edpr.com/north-america.
About EDP Renewables
EDP Renewables (Euronext: EDPR), is a global leader in the renewable energy sector and the world’s fourth-largest renewable energy producer. With a sound development pipeline, first class assets, and market-leading operating capacity, EDPR has undergone exceptional development in recent years and is currently present in 17 international markets (Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Greece, Italy, Mexico, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Hungary, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Vietnam).
EDPR is committed to furthering social advances in terms of sustainability and integration. This is reflected by the inclusion of the company in the Bloomberg Gender Equality index and the fact that it has been certified as a Top Employer 2020 in Europe (Spain, Italy, France, Romania, Portugal, and the United Kingdom) and a Top Workplace 2020 in the United States, both of which recognize its employee-driven policies.
Energias de Portugal, S.A. (EDP), the principal shareholder of EDPR, is a global energy company and a leader in value creation, innovation, and sustainability. EDP has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for 13 consecutive years.
About TC Energy
We are a vital part of everyday life – delivering the energy millions of people rely on to power their lives in a sustainable way. Thanks to a safe, reliable network of natural gas and crude oil pipelines, along with power generation and storage facilities, wherever life happens — we’re there. Guided by our core values of safety, responsibility, collaboration and integrity, our 7,500 people make a positive difference in the communities where we operate across Canada, the U.S. and Mexico.
TC Energy’s common shares trade on the Toronto (TSX) and New York (NYSE) stock exchanges under the symbol TRP. To learn more, visit us at TCEnergy.com.
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION This release contains certain information that is forward-looking and is subject to important risks and uncertainties (such statements are usually accompanied by words such as “anticipate”, “expect”, “believe”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “estimate”, “intend” or other similar words). Forward-looking statements in this document are intended to provide TC Energy security holders and potential investors with information regarding TC Energy and its subsidiaries, including management’s assessment of TC Energy’s and its subsidiaries’ future plans and financial outlook. All forward-looking statements reflect TC Energy’s beliefs and assumptions based on information available at the time the statements were made and as such are not guarantees of future performance. As actual results could vary significantly from the forward-looking information, you should not put undue reliance on forward-looking information and should not use future-oriented information or financial outlooks for anything other than their intended purpose. We do not update our forward-looking information due to new information or future events, unless we are required to by law. For additional information on the assumptions made, and the risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ from the anticipated results, refer to the most recent Quarterly Report to Shareholders and Annual Report filed under TC Energy’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov. Media Contacts EDP Renewables North America Media Inquiries Blair Matocha, Senior Communications Manager blair.matocha@edpr.com (281) 414-7589
TC Energy Media Inquiries
Jaimie Harding / Jennifer Link media@tcenergy.com (403) 920-7859 or (800) 608-7859
TC Energy Investor & Analyst Inquiries
David Moneta / Hunter Mau investor_relations@tcenergy.com (403) 920-7911 or (800) 361-6522 | 8,219 | 3,678 | 17,821.241164 |
warc | 202143 | Loyal customer appreciation gifts are a staple of retailer and major brand customer retention and new customer acquisition strategies, but, in tough times, are corporations learning from what the kings of consumerism do? A recent Demandware webinar called “Amazon is Eating Everyone’s Lunch: How to Not Be the Main Course!”, uncovered how Amazon’s customer experience and loyalty program have stolen critical mass shopper market-share, not only by beating all other retailers on price, but also by learning from their customers via surveys and creating a loyalty program that other retailers dream of. What can companies and corporations learn from Amazon? Think about your customer loyalty program. Don’t have one? Create one before your competitors eat your lunch. Think about offering “thank you’s” for repeated purchase of product or services. Declare August or September “Loyalty Month” and offer a
gift card in return for completing a customer satisfaction and learnings survey. Give gift cards to repeat customers who refer new customers to you. Are you ensuring that your customers are not only happy, but incented to keep coming back? Read on in the GCP eBook . 2012 Incentives in the Workplace to discover how companies of all shapes, sizes, and industries use incentives to drive their desired results. | 1,366 | 726 | 2,470.465565 |
warc | 202143 | When you’ve been searching for a cure for Alzheimer’s, and you haven’t seen a single success for nearly 20 years, maybe you should try something different. Really different. That makes sense to Dr. Jeffrey T. Apter. It’s why he and other researchers are looking to enroll people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s in clinical …
Treatments
Did you know that lower back pain is the #1 leading cause of disability worldwide? According to the American Chiropractic Association, about 31 million Americans are currently suffering from lower back pains. Though many other options are available, at GMI we would like to offer something that is more beneficial to you. Participating in one …
Depression affects approximately 14.8 million American adults each year, being more prevalent in women than in men. Depression can be caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. There are a number of risk factors for depression such as family history, major life changes, trauma, or certain physical illnesses and medications. There …
Clinical trials are part of clinical studies that involve using human volunteers to test specific interventions, such as drugs, devices, vaccines, or changes in diet. The participants receive these interventions according to the protocol that is developed by the investigators. The protocol provides the research coordinators with information about what is being tested, who is … | 1,494 | 810 | 2,661.533333 |
warc | 202143 | Green Lithium is an innovative development company with plans to construct, commission and operate a large-scale lithium refinery in the UK, and provide high-purity lithium hydroxide to UK and European markets
OVERVIEW:
The company will harness industry-leading process technology enabling clean, low-carbon processing of high volumes of lithium ore
There is currently no large-scale refining capability in Europe despite a significant market opportunity. Working with key strategic partners to address the need to improve the European battery-metal supply chain, Green Lithium will support the ‘net-zero’ ambitions of society to transition to the future green economy.
Green Lithium’s refinery will be a cornerstone UK green-infrastructure asset, enabling UK-based cathode, battery cell and EV manufacture, ushering in an era of decarbonisation and green jobs, and supporting long-term economic prosperity.
HISTORY:
The project started when founders Richard Taylor and Guy Hatcher identified a critical gap in the future UK and European battery supply chain
This led them to undertake extensive work mapping hard-rock lithium resources and, in the process, gain deep understanding of the lithium mineral ecosystem. Four years later, Green Lithium has secured over £2m in funding through private investment and government grants, established a detailed programme of delivery, assembled a core project delivery team comprising 60+ in-house and third-party team members, and formed commercial partnerships with key suppliers and offtakers.
LATEST NEWS:
July 2021
June 2021
September 2021
Green Lithium secures grant funding from UK Government automotive grant funder the Automotive Transformation Fundlondonstockexchange.com | 1,756 | 950 | 3,182.981053 |
warc | 202143 | News SEPA Issues Water Scarcity Warning
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has issued a warning that parts of north-west Scotland, Ayrshire, Clyde, Orkney and the Western Isles are moving to a water scarcity Alert level, with businesses that abstract water all year now being called upon to reduce their water usage.
Below average rainfall was seen around Scotland during June, with ground conditions continuing to dry rapidly over the last few weeks. With a relatively dry spring seen in north and south-western areas, many rivers in the country have had prolonged low flows, as well as depleted water resources.
River levels are low across eastern parts of the country as well, which isn’t unusual for this time of year – but forecasts for low rainfall in the short term means this could well continue, potentially affecting water supplies.
Key industries across Scotland are underpinned by water resources, covering everything from farming and golf course management to food and drink production.
Businesses reliant on private water supplies are already starting to feel the effects of water stress and scarcity, with nearly 4,000 private water supplies providing water to domestic properties or companies.
To help mitigate the impacts of depleted local resources, businesses in the agriculture sector should stagger their abstractions with other operators, as well as reducing the volume of water being abstracted and either switching to other supplies or suspending abstractions where possible.
Chief executive at the SEPA Terry A’Hearn said: “The severity of the water scarcity picture in part of Scotland is further evidence that water scarcity will become more and more prevalent – and is just one of the many consequences of climate change the country faces.
“SEPA’s strategy for tackling this definitive challenge of our time is called ‘one planet prosperity’, focused on helping our communities and businesses thrive within the resources of our one planet.”
The SEPA is now keen to see businesses plan ahead to decide on what actions can be taken to minimise water use and protect supplies in their catchment areas. WHen irrigating land, make sure that equipment isn’t leaking and use trickle irrigation where possible.
All organisations have a role to play in managing the local water environment and being more efficient with water can help save you money, as well as increasing your business’s resilience to the impacts of climate change.
Global warming will bring with it more uncertainty throughout the year, putting pressure on water resources around the country that may not have experienced stress and scarcity before.
Keeping up with the SEPA’s weekly water report (which is published between May and September) could prove particularly useful and you can work alongside the organisation to help reduce the possible impacts for your business.
Do you want to find out more about sustainable water development? Get in touch with the team here at H2o Building Services today. | 3,087 | 1,497 | 6,200.807615 |
warc | 202143 | In former Covid-19 hot spots of Mumbai, over 40% residents have antibodies, revealed data from private lab
Of the 8,376 samples collected across the city between July 3 and August 7 by a private lab, 2,420 or 28.89% were detected with Covid-19 antibodies.
A high ratio of the antibodies was developed among citizens from Govandi (57%), Dharavi (54%), Worli (42%), Chembur Extension (48%) and Mazagaon (40%) – all of which were earlier the city’s Covid-19 hotspots
The prevalence of Covid-19 antibodies was relatively lower in certain areas of suburbs and south Mumbai, varying between 20-40%, data from Thyrocare Technologies Limited revealed.
According to data, the antibody presence was above 30% in areas within Bandra-Kurla Complex (30%), Ghatkopar West (34.59%), Mulund East (38%), Tilak Nagar (36%), Charkop (31%), Kandivli East (37%), Jogeshwari West (36%), Vikhroli (33%) and Kurla (32%).
In central and south Mumbai, 38% of Sewri residents and 37% of residents from Colaba had Covid-19 antibodies, while 30% of Prabhadevi residents had antibodies.
Dr A Velumani, founder and managing director of Thyrocare, said, “The virus is active in a small number of population at every geographical area regardless of the presence or absence of antibodies. The spread of the virus, however, becomes slow when the antibodies are present in around 25% of the population and the virus becomes ineffective or less effective when 50% or more citizens develop antibodies. For instance, in the case of Dharavi, our results say that over 50% of the residents who were tested, developed the antibodies, and this could be one reason for the lower number of cases which are being reported now from Dharavi as compared to what was being reported earlier.”
According to Velumani, the government can give more relaxations to areas where more than 25% of the population develops antibodies.
“If a body develops antibodies, it is considered to be a good sign, and based on the data on the presence of antibodies, the government can also take decisions on imposing the lockdown or easing it. I guess people develop more immunity if they are exposed more. Also, having antibodies does not mean one should not take precautions. Wherever more than 25% population has developed immunity or antibodies, I feel the government can give more relaxations. We may not open schools and colleges, but industries and services can be opened up to boost economy,” Velumani said.
Commenting on the findings, Daksha Shah, deputy health officer of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) public health department, said, “I can’t comment on the findings of a private laboratory as I am not aware of the methodology it used for the tests. However, generally if a particular area has a higher number of individuals who have developed antibodies, then the spread of the virus may slow down. We have seen the same trend in the city with our findings. The slum areas are now witnessing fewer cases, as they are more individuals developing antibodies as compared to residents from non-slum areas. Currently, the maximum number of cases is from non-slum areas. Hence, when the non-slum areas start having higher presence of antibodies, the pattern of spread may change.”
Earlier, the BMC also tested more than 6,900 people in its sero surveillance, in which 57% residents from slums were detected with antibodies, while 16% of residents from non-slum areas were found with the antibodies.
Private health consultant, Siddarth Paliwal, said, “Our track record of conducting sero surveillance test has been poor. The BMC has conducted tests on less than 10,000 samples. We should aim to cover around 1% of the total population of the city to understand the spread of the virus. If the BMC cannot test that many people, it should tie up with private labs for the purpose.”
Meanwhile on Sunday, Mumbai recorded 1,066 cases and 48 deaths, taking the city’s total case count to 123,382 and death toll to 6,799 (5.51 fatality rate).
The total number of patients discharged after recovery stands at 96,586, and the city recorded a recovery rate of 78.2%. Currently, total active cases stand at 19,700.
Dharavi, a former hot spot which is showing drastic improvement, recorded only five cases on Sunday, after which its total case count stands at 2,617, of which 2,271 have recovered.
On Saturday, Mumbai conducted 7,561 tests. The total tests undertaken in the city surged to 5.99 lakh with an overall positivity rate of 20.4%. | 4,558 | 2,132 | 9,569.234522 |
warc | 202143 | Everything posted by Sledgehead Your implied definition of "a few" needs a li'l reworking. 23 died at the Manchester Arena. covid's already had more than 3400. Even so I can't see you walking up to a Mancunian, gesturing at the Arena and asking "Isn't that where a few people died?" wasn't there some person on here that said "orientals" were genetically predisposed to having more serious symptoms. bald cfr for Italians is now 4.2%. So that turned out to be wishful thinking. Or maybe just good ol' fashioned racism? ? The WHO says 3.4%. That is higher than Spanish Flu (2.5%), which killed 50 to 100 million. There are now two questions you have to ask yourself whenconsidering the seriousness of covid-19's cfr: 1) are 50 million deaths acceptable? 2) are the number of missed benign infections likely to be any greater for covid-19 than the missed benign infections of Spanish flu? I note John Snow was in Tehran reporting on the elections there w/o a care in the world. And jeremy Vine returned from hols in Oman, who today reported infection # 1 (00 or ,000 or 0,000 - pick your own sequence of trailing zeros ). That was based on them claiming 18 cases and 4 deaths. MP in Qom thinks deaths in Qom are now >50 and that Gov is covering up extent. My suspicion is the cfr is kinda similar to anywhere, maybe double. The key here is that Iran haven't a scoobie how many infections they have. In this case we should count the deaths and work backwards. Scary numbers. Can I just add that sardine cans aren't made of ferrous metal and so will not 'rust'. They are anodized aluminium. I tell you this with some trpidation as I fear on this info the world's supply is about to be bought up by a handful of thread contributors! I use the word "panic" because when you impose sensible measures "early", that is what people understand them to be. And by "people", I naturally include you. So an example. A fortnight ago a relative had the 'opportunity' to travel to Thailand on business (tourism industry). They viewed this as their employer expressing confidence in them (young, recently employed). I expressed my view: that they should decline the offer and accept any consequences. I was told this view represented panic. They are still in the Far East, having extended their stay with a week long bout of R&R with their partner. With the news coming out of S Korea and Italy, I can only imagine how 'impressed' their friends will be when they return home. "Mug" is probably the expression they will use, rather than being impressed. As for their parents, well ... Actually common sense and mobile app data gathered during the "Contagion!" experiment shows infections and fatalities can be slowed and reduced in exactly that way. Knocking out journeys from the datasets unsurprisingly reduces points of contact and thus spread. What you are effectively saying is that quarantining Albert Gitchell would have done nothing to save the 50-100m victims of Spanish flu. Forgive me for contradicting you, but it was entirely your immune system. Nothing you did helped one jot ... unless you managed to perform some randomized blind test on yourself w/ and w/o these measures that would prove otherwise ....? Taking temperatures? And that does what exactly? Temperature has been totally trashed as a method of diagnosis. America have given up on that one. As for BAU being a "good thing", really? Have you seen what is happening in Italy? Do you really believe you can effectively self-isolate off the bat when the authorities fire the starting gun on general panic? I too just love this notion that there is some trick we can perform to change the consequences of infection. It's laughable. You might as well be picking up the old "plenty of garlic" baton. Keeping active? Do people really believe they can outsprint this thing? ? Take your point. It is also interesting to note how blasse people are about the covid19 back-of-fag-pack CFR of ~2.5%. "Is that all?" they say blithely. Yep. Same as 1918 Spanish Flu. And that killed 100million. A similar CFR was deployed by the BBC4 'Contagion!' app-based experiment, using a mean infection rate of a similar figure (1:1.8 - well short of the 1:11 achieved by Steve Walsh for covid19). They used a vaccine-induced outbreak terminus of 4 months (forget the WHO's 18 months). With those figures they showed IIRR that 43 million Brits would be infected and 800,000 would die. If those figs aren't alarming enough, just imagine the effect on society. Defo no cause for concern. I'm concerned this may be genie-out-of-bottle moment. People talk about CFR as if it's the be-all-and-end-all. But it just exposes an I'm-alright-Jack-pull-up-the-ladder-attitude that is both unattractive and short-sighted. This is pretty clearly a zoonotic virus and that means we are dealing with antigenic shift, not drift. That makes it completely different from common flu: we simply have no immunity whatsoever. "So what?" say the young and stupid, "I'll be okay. Look at the CFR." And if it mutates? And how does mutation to something deadlier become more likely? Just innoculate a huge number of hosts ofcourse. Yep, just keep spreading this thing andsomething you really don't want could pop up. Au contraire; Innoculation is merely the introduction of an infectious agent into an organism, which I think we can agree, is what happened. Also, I don't know why you think it has anything to do with conspiracies. As for the name of the location, sure, what's in a name? But of all the places! Can somebody explain to me how the Brighton 'super-spreader' appears to have innoculated his co-hosts at the French Alpine resort of ..... Contamines-Montjoie Correct me if I'm wrong here, but a literal translation of this resort's name is: Contaminated Mountain Joy Like, wtf is going on here? I'm a total atheist and sceptic, but sh!t like that makes me feel some higher power is twisting my melon! | 5,946 | 3,100 | 11,351.105806 |
warc | 202143 | Full Departmental Outsourcing Raises Standards and Lowers Costs
A recovering hospitality industry is challenged to meet higher expectations from guests while working with reduced levels of staff and management. One solution for many hospitality organizations is full departmental outsourcing. These programs fully manage housekeeping departments from recruiting and training, to equipment and chemicals. HSS controls costs and drives quality so that the properties can focus on guest service and occupancy. HSS Outsourcing raises guest satisfaction scores while lowering costs by as much as 30%.
Is Outsourcing a Solution for COVID Recover?
For many properties, the impact of COVID came in layers. First came the extreme drop in occupancy and loss of revenue. This was followed by a loss of talent at all levels of the industry due to lay-offs, early retirements, and migration to other industries. The third wave came as occupancy levels rose and guests began to return amid a labor shortage. There is another component related to guests having a higher expectation of cleanliness. For many properties, full departmental outsourcing can be a solution to these challenges and may be the key to succeeding in coming months and years of recovery.
How Hospitality Outsourcing Works
Our outsourcing programs manage the entire operations of a department from the executive housekeeper down to the hourly employees, but it is important that these programs are fully tailored to the needs of a property to match quality standards. We start by identifying some of the key gaps and operation elements that HSS Outsourcing can offer. We combine cultural standards into our best practices to create exceptional service experiences and consistently train to the 10/5 rule, property knowledge and standards of greeting. To ensure that standards are consistently applied, we have a dedicated person that oversees our training as well as a director of quality control to make sure the cleaning staff is keeping up with the standards set.
Delivering Quality Results
Integrating your service brand culture with our business culture is standard operation procedure. We’ve adopted Forbes Three, Four, and Five diamond service standards as well as Quality Audit standards, all of which contribute to the excellent service we offer on a consistent basis.
Putting Concerns to Rest
Some hotel, resort, and casino operations leaders might feel reluctant about outsourcing fearing that they could lose quality control among their properties and even a sense of pride and ownership. But ownership, brand standards, and a tailored experience are are essential to our outsourcing model. We developed our training to match the brand of the current client and ensure that the outsourcing employees will follow just that, as well as meet the performance standards set by the client. Obviously, with the outsourcing model, we structure and build a model to fit the client’s needs. We develop and carry that through our division and have the resources to create that.
Building strong partnerships to overcome post-pandemic challenges
Hospitality Staffing Solutions was recently featured in Hotel Management International in reference to their recent partnership with Aimbridge Hospitality to overcome the challenges facing labor shortages caused by the pandemic.
Aimbridge Hospitality, a hotel management company, who has done business with HSS in the past, was looking for assistance when it came to staffing their hotels post pandemic. With the rise in travel, they needed to be able to staff their hotels on a moment’s notice. And that’s where HSS, the hospitality division of KBS, came to play. HSS can provide a national reach to meet to the staffing needs of Aimbridge properties. Together the team has produced strategic ideas and innovated ways to reach the needs of the hotels. HSS has assembled a “mobile team” of hotel room attends to travel to the designated areas to fulfil the hospitality needs of those hotels that require this additional assistance.
Understandably, now more than ever, Aimbridge is centered on guest satisfaction with the cleanliness of the public areas as well as the guest rooms. With that comes great focus on choosing the highest quality staff for their properties. Through HSS’ national recruiting network, they can place the best staff in the roles needed. HSS and Aimbridge Hospitality provide multiple extensive trainings to their employees to be sure they can meet the needs of the property in cleanliness and safety.
“There has always been a high expectation for cleanliness in hospitality,” says Burke. “Moving forward, these expectations are going to be even higher. Beyond guest rooms there will be more attention paid to the cleanliness of public areas, fitness centers, swimming pools, and food and beverage operations.” ED Burke, VP of rooms and engineering operations, Aimbridge Hospitality
Together in partnership, HSS and Aimbridge Hospitality are rising above the challenges to provide a clean and safe stay for all their guests. While serving over 220 properties, Aimbridge realized it is taking more than just housekeepers to keep their properties afloat, but with the bundled HSS and KBS family, they can help provide the hotels solutions to the challenges faced inside and outside of the property.
Aimbridge is grateful to finally have a partnership with the “[same scale reach and passion that we have.
After more than a year, some key areas of hospitality facilities may need attention
As organizations navigate this challenging period of the pandemic, many general managers in the hospitality industry are examining how to pivot their maintenance programs. While it is still important to reduce the spread of harmful pathogens through strategic cleaning and disinfecting, now is an ideal time to examine programs that may have been ignored or deemphasized at the height of the pandemic in favor of intense cleaning and disinfecting activities. This includes cleaning programs that are essential to preserving valuable infrastructure investments in hotels, resorts, and casinos, including:
Floor Care
Carpet Cleaning
Parking Lot Maintenance
High Dusting of Exposed Ductwork
While asset preservation programs have always been critical in the hospitality industry, now is the right time to focus on these activities as cleaning and maintenance programs are rebalanced during the transition to the “Next Normal.” Taking these steps builds trust with customers and employees while also adding to the health of overall hotel operations.
Extending Asset Lifespan
The main goal of asset preservation in hospitality has traditionally been to extend the service lifespan of areas like floors, carpets, parking lots, and HVAC systems.
For example, carpets and floors that appear to be clean can quickly degrade without regular and professional maintenance. The average lifespan of commercial-grade carpeting ranges from 12-15 years. Considering the amount of foot traffic in a hotel or the quality and type of carpet fiber, our experts have found that quarterly care protocols can maintain optimal appearance and meet or exceed their range of service.
Similarly, regular maintenance keeps floors looking better longer. After assessing individual use instances, a standard protocol of quarterly, biannual, or annual stripping and buffing can extend their lifespan, prevent permanent damage, and improve their overall appearance.
When considering the upkeep of parking lots, minor pavement fixes and the regular removal of weeds can defer more expensive repairs and significantly improve appearance.
Floors, carpets, and parking lots may have seen lighter use throughout COVID and required less maintenance for hotels and resorts that have been shut down or seen reduced use. However, deferred maintenance through this period can only last so long before permanent damage can occur.
Building Employee and Consumer Trust
Asset protection is always a sound strategy, but there is another reason to implement these programs today: the change in employee and guest expectations around the operational health of hotels.
Because of COVID, people have a heightened awareness and sensitivity to cleaning. While strategic cleaning and disinfecting programs should still be employed, people will also evaluate hotels based on appearance. Employees and guests are now better educated on air quality and filtration systems and cleaning and disinfection practices. Dirty, dusty, or worn-down resorts leave the impression that a hotel isn’t well managed – and even impact someone’s view regarding the overall safety of the building. These perceptions can affect customer and employee satisfaction and retention.
Maintaining Healthier Interior Environments
High dusting of HVAC vents and air intakes is another important asset preservation measure that helps extend the life of expensive HVAC systems. Today, there’s another reason why this particular cleaning measure is essential: airflow.
Optimized and efficient HVAC systems and superior airflow are top-of-mind due to COVID-19 guidance issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other global agencies. The regular high dusting of these areas by specialized teams with the proper equipment ensures a healthier space for employees and guests alike.
Preservation Means Healthy Operations – When Operations Resume
During the recovery, asset preservation should be part of an overall pivot to long-term healthy operations in the hospitality industry. General managers need to implement maintenance programs to account for the higher expectation of cleaning, while also moving toward more sustained programs that consider the needs of a resort over months, years, and even decades. Implementing asset preservation into a hotel maintenance program is a way to address both short and long terms needs for healthy operations.
Solutions for Hospitality Labor Challenges in 2021
The HSS team is working closely with its parent company, KBS, to offer hotels, resorts, casinos, and restaurants a truly comprehensive set of facility services solutions. This combination can help properties address shortages in labor during this critical time of recovery for the hospitality industry. KBS has just published Five Solutions for the Labor Shortages in Hospitality. The piece looks at how the combination of services can be combined to address labor shortages with:
Supplemental Staffing
Outsourced Cleaning
Recruiting Assistance
Full Departmental Outsourcing
Bundled Facility Services
From the post:
As hospitality venues re-open and see increased demand from customers and guests, it’s clear: labor shortages could slow the recovery, hampering businesses trying to capitalize on the booming consumer demand. From kitchen staff to waitstaff to housekeepers to front desk managers, the hospitality industry is faced with one of the tightest labor markets in years amid an economic recovery from one of the worst crises in living memory.
As the hotels, resorts, and restaurants recover from what was arguably one of its worst years for hospitality, the labor shortage brings an additional challenge. With tight budgets coming out of a catastrophic 2020, it may be tempting to reduce outsource solutions. But this strategy will worsen the problem. Now is the time to bring new solutions to bear on tight labor markets that may ultimately lead to long term changes to how the industry addresses healthy operations. The industry may have been hit hard by the pandemic, but, with the right partnerships, there are strong opportunities ahead.
Survey of More Than 10,000 HSS Workers Shows Impact of COVID-19 and Eagerness to Return to Hospitality
Hospitality Staffing Solutions (HSS), the largest hospitality staffing firm in the United States, has released the initial 2020 results of its annual Survey of Hospitality Staff. The survey includes key findings around the impact of COVID and workforce inclination to returning to work safely during a long recovery ahead.
The survey was initially conducted among deployed HSS staff prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, and then updated in October 2020 to measure the impact of COVID-19. The survey includes responses from more than 10,000 back-of-house HSS employees surveyed across North America — primarily housekeepers, food service employees and janitorial staff.
Survey of More Than 10,000 HSS Workers Shows Impact of COVID-19 and Eagerness to Return to Hospitality
ATLANTA (November 20, 2020) — Hospitality Staffing Solutions (HSS), the largest hospitality staffing firm in the United States, has released the initial 2020 results of its annual Survey of Hospitality Staff. The survey includes key findings around the impact of COVID and workforce inclination to returning to work safely during a long recovery ahead. The survey was initially conducted among deployed HSS staff prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, and then updated in October 2020 to measure the impact of COVID-19. The survey includes responses from more than 10,000 back-of-house HSS employees surveyed across North America — primarily housekeepers, food service employees and janitorial staff.
“This survey reveals both the resilience of the hospitality workforce and their stated desire to return to the industry during the recovery period,” said Tim McPherson, President of HSS. “Throughout the pandemic, HSS has maintained and even grown its pool of workers and continues to employ people through a mix of hospitality and other sectors. Listening closely to this team and answering their needs will be an important factor moving ahead as the hotel industry continues its recovery in 2021.”
Some of the key findings from the report related to the huge impact that the global pandemic has had on the hospitality industry:
● 68% said that they saw a reduction or elimination of hours ● 45% said they found work in other industry sectors
The survey also shows that hospitality workers strongly align their career aspirations with the hotel industry and are very much looking forward to returning to work:
● 87% of respondents said they would like to return to work in a hotel or resort ● 81% said they would feel safe returning to work in a hotel HSS workers still employed in hospitality, generally feel safe in their day-to-day work at hotels and resorts: ● 91% said that they have received adequate training to work safely. ● 90% said they have the supplies needed to perform their jobs safely and effectively
HSS worked with with ClearlyRated to compile the data for this study. ClearlyRated (formerly known as Inavero) administers more staffing agency client and talent satisfaction surveys than any other firm in the world, reporting on more than 1.2 million satisfaction surveys from staffing agency clients and job seekers each year. The complete survey and analysis covering job satisfaction, pay, and other factors will be will be made available later in Q4 of 2020. # # # About Hospitality Staffing Solutions Founded in 1990 in Atlanta, Hospitality Staffing Solutions, LLC (“HSS”) proudly claims a leading market share at the world’s leading hotel brands and management companies, and looks to continue its expansion into new geographies through organic expansion of its branch office network, strategic acquisitions, and further development of its service capabilities. Hospitality Staffing Solutions earned the 2019 & 2020 Best of Staffing Client Award for service excellence based on client ratings. Learn more about Hospitality Staffing Solutions at www.hssstaffing.com.
HSS was acquired in 2020 by Kellermeyer Bergensons Services, LLC (“KBS”) KBS is a trusted partner to leading operations and facility managers across 75,000 client locations throughout North America. We provide essential facility services that deliver healthy operations to businesses through scalable solutions customized to meet client-specific requirements. Our expertise and technology enable our teams to anticipate issues, ensure quality, and maximize efficiency. With decades of experience in facility hygiene, including being on the front lines throughout the COVID-19 crisis, KBS is committed to partnering with clients to Stay Ahead of the Curve™ with the latest advances for maintaining healthy operations. For more information, visit www.kbs-services.com. | 16,574 | 6,506 | 41,570.017215 |
warc | 202143 | The COVID 19 pandemic has revealed and accelerated what has long been apparent: Inner cities and public spaces are changing comprehensively. Multifunctionality is playing an increasingly important role. Rigid concepts are giving way to "elastic spaces". Using the #elasticity study, the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO, together with panel guests, is giving citizens a democratic, playful and experimental look at inner city development. | 461 | 317 | 664.596215 |
warc | 202143 | By Sruthi Shankar and Susan Mathew
(Reuters) -European stocks closed at all-time highs on Friday as optimism about the earnings season and the European Central Bank's pledge of continued monetary support outweighed risks of a resurgence in COVID-19 cases.
The pan-European STOXX 600 index rallied 1.1% to hit a record high of 461.75, and marked a 1.5% weekly rise - its biggest weekly gain since early May.
Automakers were the top gainers, up 2.5%.
Mercedes-Benz maker Daimler (OTC:DDAIF) gained 5.5% after Kepler Cheuvreux upgraded its stock to "buy", saying its growth is not properly reflected in the share price.
French car parts maker Valeo (PA:VLOF) jumped 6% after it posted higher first-half sales and profit, and said it expected the shortage of key technology chips to ease.
Peers Faurecia and Continental AG (OTC:CTTAY) rose more than 3% each.
A bout of selling hit financial markets on Monday as investors grew nervous about the fast-spreading Delta variant of COVID-19 hampering a global economic recovery.
However, strong earnings reports and the ECB's commitment keep interest rates at record lows for even longer pushed the benchmark STOXX 600 higher every day since then.
"The Monday selloff seems like a moment of brief panic, and ... was enough, it appears, to reset sentiment and activity and prompt a resurgence of bullish momentum. Central bank(s) have done their bit to allay fears, most notably the ECB this week," said Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at online trader IG.
The focus next week will be on the U.S. Federal Reserve's two-day meeting. Chair Jerome Powell's dovish stance so far has helped markets stay on an upward trajectory.
Rafale jets maker Dassault Aviation climbed 4.5% on reporting higher sales and profits in the first half, while UK's Vodafone (NASDAQ:VOD) rose 2.4% after a service revenue beat.
Chip equipment maker ASML hit a fresh record high as strong earnings forecast earlier this week prompted brokerages to hike their price target.
"We believe that European markets will benefit from the growth recovery in the second half of the year," said Esty Dwek, head of global market strategy at Natixis Investment Managers.
Euro zone business activity expanded at its fastest monthly pace in over two decades in July, IHS Markit's flash survey showed, but fears of another wave of infections hit business confidence.
German Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) hit its highest level in nearly a quarter of a century, creating inflationary bottlenecks.
Danske Bank slid 4.3% on dismal return on equity declined in the first quarter, while Norwegian solar energy company Scatec slumped 16.2% after a core profit miss.
(Reuters) -NASA launched a first-of-its kind mission on Saturday to study Jupiter's Trojan asteroids, two large clusters of space rocks that scientists believe are remnants of...
By Eric M. Johnson EVERETT, Wash. (Reuters) -Waving signs like "coercion is not consent," and "stop the mandate," some 200 Boeing (NYSE:BA) Co employees and others staged a...
SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Representatives from 10 Chinese property companies met government regulators to ask for an "appropriate loosening" on policy restrictions, financial news...
Add a Comment
Are you sure you want to block %USER_NAME%?
By doing so, you and %USER_NAME% will not be able to see any of each other's Investing.com's posts.
%USER_NAME% was successfully added to your Block List
Since you’ve just unblocked this person, you must wait 48 hours before renewing the block. | 3,543 | 1,995 | 6,215.789474 |
warc | 202143 | Dáil debates Wednesday, 13 October 2021 Financial Resolutions 2021 - Financial Resolution No. 2: General (Resumed)
6:20 pm
Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
I am delighted to take up where my colleague left off and comment on the budget for our Department. By any yardstick, since its inception, this new Department has hit the ground running and made an impact. It has mattered most to students, who are the most important stakeholders that we strive to serve within this new Department. The total spend of €374 million is a significant investment in people's lives and livelihoods to help us work our way out of the pandemic and deliver better labour market skills and upskilling right across the sectors, which is our core function.
I refer to the remarks of the Minister regarding improvements in SUSI that have been announced. These changes, the first for ten years, will significantly help people in my part of Limerick, for example, where there are now two universities, namely, Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest and the University of Limerick. Many people in my constituency of Limerick County will benefit significantly from the change in the non-adjacent rate, with the applicable distance being reduced from 45 km back to 30 km, as well as, the increase in the income threshold and the increase of €200in the maintenance grant.
I refer to the area of skills and apprenticeships. We have a €34 million package to support and develop apprenticeships. That includes a €17 million spend to address the backlog in apprenticeships, an issue that we have raised and discussed in the House on many occasions. Significant funding has been made available to address that. We will introduce a new employer grant for apprentices to drive increased employer participation in apprenticeships, as outlined in the apprenticeship action plan. We are establishing the new national apprenticeship office, which will lead the reforms envisioned in that plan. The director of that office will be appointed shortly. As Members will be aware, we have 62 formal apprenticeships up and running, 18 in development and a further 19 at the exploratory stage. These are all new and exciting areas.
In the areas of reskilling and upskilling, we have a package of €78 million. Of that, €22 million is for a green skills action programme supported by the EU national recovery and response programme to build the workforce requirement for the shift to a zero-carbon economy, to support those most negatively impacted by the effects of the pandemic, and to develop new skills through the skills to compete initiative. We have continued investment in supporting businesses through Skillnet Ireland and the ETB skills to advance programme. We will also maintain the higher education springboard+ programme.
I wish to flag that we have €9 million for the delivery of key strategic priorities in the further education and training areas. As the Minister alluded to, we are abolishing the €200 PLC levy, which will benefit more than 10,000 learners. We will be implementing the new ten-year adult literacy for life strategy, which includes the establishment of a programme office, recruitment of literacy co-ordinators in every ETB and a new collaboration and innovation fund. We are also establishing and progressing the Irish Prison Service and SOLAS building bridges programme to support improved pathways and outcomes for learners and prisoners. | 3,510 | 1,690 | 7,177.846154 |
warc | 202143 | A pioneering project has been offering expert advice and support to doctors and nurses fighting COVID-19 in India.
A roundup of our partnership in the media over the past two weeks.
New research has found that there is a common, overlapping environment in the gut bacteria of people living with mental illnesses.
Find out more about the support offered to NHS health and social care staff by Keeping Well in South East London.
Learn more about the vast range of roles available in biomedical research from the team at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Biomedical Research Centre.
New research has found UK wide COVID-19 policies may have disproportionately impacted people from ethnic minority groups at the end of life.
Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust has announced the appointment of Prof Ian Abbs as its substantive Chief Executive.
Students praise their experiences of an advanced therapies course delivered by King’s Health Partners and the University of Pennsylvania.
Maudsley Hospital and King’s College London’s National Addiction Centre lit up to mark International Overdose Awareness Day.
How the South East London Coalition for Better Health and Equity is working collaboratively to tackle the burden of hypertension.
A study of over 13,000 people has found exposure to traffic-related air pollution is associated with increased mental health service-use.
Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust taking part in the COVID-NURSE trial. | 1,501 | 813 | 2,664.136531 |
warc | 202143 | The playful sounds of my children doing their chaotic dance in the early morning permeates my house. Joyful screams, siblings yelling, crying, laughing. I transition from a deep dreaming state to being more lucid, aware I was dreaming. This noise and stimulus likely influenced me to shift brain wave frequency. In this moment, I’m awake but still dreaming. Aware of some complex narrative I have been entwined in while also aware of my waking life and the tsunami of meaning I’ve created. Like overwhelmingly powerful waves I must surrender to.
So let’s get some context to this dream…
At this point in the dream I’m in a room but I can’t see the walls. I’m engaged in drawing out ideas on a whiteboard. Doing some type of brainstorming session with another man. His stature is slim, he’s maybe a little older than me, blue casual jacket and light brown hair. He’s listening and I’m talking through sketched out ideas. I don’t know what this is all about. I’m here for a reason but I don’t quite know what it is. There’s also a woman present, but at this stage I only know of her presence. I can’t see her. The dreamscape now transforms and I’m opening a wooden gate about chest high. I walk through into what seems like an enormously expansive room. Filled with golden light. But it then transforms into an enormous park. Like I’m outside but not. Large old trees abound. Wide trunks with winding roots, golden sunlight beams shining through the branches. There are people around but they are not the in focus.
I’m now standing at the beginning of a browny green asphalt path. Lined with flowers that make up all the colours of the rainbow. I start walking down this path with the man and woman from the brainstorming session towards a large round wooden table. As I’m walking down the path towards this table, the people start to coalesce around us.
The woman I am walking alongside says
“I didn’t realise all of you were here, I thought it was a game, let’s get started”
I cannot recall anything but mumbling sounds coming from this group of people, although I had a sense they were talking and acknowledging the situation. We proceed to all sit down at this table while the man I had walked in with was still standing up, poised in observation with a seemingly anxious energy. A point fluidly and suddenly morphs out from the table in front of me, to my right as if it was a spike, then goes back in. I felt like it separated the person beside me, then went away. I turned and looked at the person to my right, they just smiled at me in silence.
At this stage I’m lucid. Trying to grasp the narrative history of the dream while at the same time acknowledging my intent to shape it. To create a bridge between the tsunami of stories from my waking reality that bombarded me when I became aware I was dreaming. My sentiment is that the group of people that joined us are a sports team. But a narrative connection from my waking life stuck to my conscious thought as being meaningful. I latched onto it wanting to shape this lucid dream to help me integrate it’s purpose before I wake. This story (
meaningful memory set) from my waking life was recent, encoded but likely still being processed…
The waking life theme relates to a set of conversations I had during an event at a lifestyle entrepreneurs college in Sydney. People pursuing a sense of purpose. So the conversation naturally flowed in this direction. I’d been talking to a family friend and a delightful French woman about life, purpose and meaningful work. Particularly as it related to the approach used at the college. The dualities of life came up throughout which is not uncommon in these types of deeper conversations about life. I made an attempt (using props at hand) to tie the principle of wave-particle duality and concepts of phase, frequency and amplitude into stories of life, dealing with ambiguity, taking a leap of faith and developing clarity of purpose.
This family friend is in what might be considered the encore stage of life. Having walked the corporate path and now a kundalini yoga teacher. She talked of a desire to share the learnings that come from the gamma frequency induced aha moments of meditative practice. To help others experience the bliss that comes when all meaning and ego is stripped away.
Through our conversation we came to a shared view that there is always an exchange. A reciprocal exchange by helping people around you who in turn help you. “Helping others helps you” we concluded.
Maybe the college’s approach could help her find more clarity on the next chapter in her life story? A way to share the gifts from her life experiences. Help her overcome the internal conflict she has about building a business aligned to her values of selfless service. She said she see these things as contradictory. We shall see…
Everyone had left the event so it’s just three of us now. My family friend and the founder of the college. We’d all had a few drinks and now transitioned to whiskey. I’m sure many can relate to those deep and meaningful conversations in those contexts. Partially unencumbered by fear of judgement. I know some brain research has shown a suppression of the amygdala’s function when we’ve consumed alcohol. So it makes sense that people let their guard down a little. Sometimes even strangers do.
Life stories from an inebriated stranger. Ever had that experience?
So we’re having this D&M, tears and all. Sharing life experiences. Stories that have deep meaning. Burrowing down to concepts and feelings of trust, shame, loss and forgiveness. It evolves to unconditional love and the many historical figures alluding to this idea that LOVE 🌏🌀❤️ is the answer.
The three of us all relate to this.
I then talked of imagining all humans getting to this realisation. Or if I could be doing the work I do and get to that aha moment with decision makers in business. Maybe even global leaders at Davos expressing this sentiment. We all laughed dismissively. Skeptical it is even possible. Maybe with the help of an entheogen…
The back and forth quickly turned to rational pragmatism. The conversation faded as we did. It’s early morning so we all get on our way.
The themes of these conversations stuck with me after leaving. Weaving themselves into my unconscious narrative.
Now back to this dream…
By this stage I’m feeling I can influence the direction of this dream. To integrate this sense of realisation that came from the recent waking life story. A sense of realisation I’ve encountered in various ways throughout the last decade.
Love is the answer
All of the group, maybe 20 or so people are now sitting at this round table. The woman addresses the the group, explaining I was here to help them on the journey. Whatever journey they’re on isn’t made explicit. I then standup with the intent to talk about love, human connection, behaviour change, coopetition and trust. As I start to speak, the man and woman get up and walk back towards the gate we came in through. She returns alone, then explains that he’d left because it is up to us to solve it all now.
Now I’m in bed in a semi wakeful state having this dream. I feel a wack on my back… Pain. My awareness is immediately taken to the body. It’s my chaos monkey son.
Wack again. It’s time to wake up. I put my arms out to share some love with my son. Our hands touch. We both smile.
My back had been sore from a workout session the day before (old back injury playing up) so I stayed in bed. I’d been up late reading about complex systems (
great bedtime reading 🤦♂️) because my back pain was keeping me from sleeping.
My kids jump on the bed like it was a trambampoline and I cringe again in pain. I say in that familiar pain muffled tone.
“Please stop..stop jumping, daddy’s back is sore”
The kids realise their jumping is causing me pain so they stop jumping suddenly. I then put my arms out to indicate for them to come lay down with me to cuddle.
After cuddles the kids run off to get back to their playful dance with Shiva.
Knowing I am well awake, and not getting out of bed anytime soon I decide to get my phone and start typing. Feeling the sentiment that this was something to share, maybe blog about.
My wonderful wife came back a short while later and listened to me unpack my dream. She only commented once. Saying it seemed as though the man leaving was like God leaving people on earth to sort their shit out and focus on what truly matters. This was relatable and symbolic. I then listened to my wife explain a story about a Japanese man and a journey of sorrow, forgiveness and attempts at redemption. This resonated and she then left me to continue to write my thoughts.
I’ve dream journaled before and know that talking and writing can sometimes help you derive meaning from these symbolic narrative structures of the mind. Reflecting on this now I can sense meaning in the metaphor and symbolism. Meaningfulness to me and my untold stories. We are meaning making machines deeply aligned to identify with narrative. I have had a propensity from a young age to create lots of meaning where others see none.
A gift and a curse if you will (and many diagnoses from psychiatrists)
However this blog is not really about the dream itself. It’s about integration of the dream and connection to my waking life. My creative and intellectual energy that I channel into shaping who I am, what I do and how I be. My sense of purpose. My human experience. My contribution in this life-cycle my ego identifies with. The stories I tell myself.
Over the years I have also developed a consistent mental habit of waking with the intent to express gratitude. Mentally note it, touch my wife, think of or touch my children, my able body, social and historical privilege. Gratitude brings me into this waking reality, my body. It helps me relate to my life in a positive way. This sentiment was intertwined with the feeling I had from the dream. I was grateful that my wife listened to me. It triggered me to write this blog and kick start something I’d been wanting to explore through research and writing for a while. I might even start a podcast by first up looking at this theme, see where it takes me.
If ‘love is the answer’ how do we know we know when we know?
I’ve been aiming to kickstart my personal writing for a while. This feels like a good point to start from.
Love ❤️ and gratitude 🙏. And thanks for reading 🙂
Originally posted on steemit. | 10,858 | 4,946 | 22,908.052972 |
warc | 202143 | Abstract : Background
Help-seeking behavior for female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is affected by cultural and religious factors. Our objective was to evaluate the factors impacting FSD in premenopausal women from Basrah.
Methods
From (Sep2018-Jan2021), we conducted a cross-sectional study on 673 married premenopausal women with sexually-related complaints for >6 months.
Initial visit involved relevant history and examination using non-judgmental patient-centered approaches to diagnose FSD in 219 women, for whom a couple-interview session was scheduled, involved intimacy assessment, use of Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) Scoring and Decreased Sexual Desire Screener (DSDS) for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) diagnosis.
Relevant hormonal and biochemical tests were evaluated. The ultimately enrolled women were 166 women. Pearson's correlational analysis and Mann-Whitney U tests were used.
Results
FSD prevalence was 24.67%, mean duration (8±2months). Intercourse frequency prior to complaint (3±1 weekly), compared to (2±1 monthly) in the latest month before presentation. All FSFI domains scores were reduced. DSDS diagnosed generalized and secondary acquired-HSDD in 31 and 57 women, respectively. The hormonal investigation did not aid FSD diagnosis. Pearson's correlational analysis showed no significant correlation between test variables and FSD.
Conclusion
No significant correlation between FSD and any psychosexual, physical, and biochemical parameters could be seen. Longitudin | 1,533 | 870 | 2,655.437931 |
warc | 202143 | Primary-care doctors and health system reformers are predicting that using medical homes should provide better, cheaper results. To be fully implemented, the plans would require use of electronic medical records. Computers would automatically comb through the records, tracking how well patients were doing and seeing whether they needed tests.
Read more (registration may be required). | 389 | 266 | 564.488722 |
warc | 202143 | Rural healthcare providers cheered the Health and Human Services Department's announcement earlier this month that it was sending $8.5 billion in COVID-19 stimulus funding their way.
But large health systems with more than 100 hospitals and billions of dollars in revenue are also eligible for the money as standalone, rural hospitals, and they intend to get their share.
The grants are part of the American Rescue Plan, a sweeping, $1.9 trillion pandemic relief package Congress approved earlier this year. HHS combined its September 10 news about the rural ARP grants with its decision to release another $17 billion in highly anticipated Provider Relief Fund grants, the fourth distribution under that package.
Eligibility for ARP's rural fund is based on whether the patients are rural, not the providers. Providers must either be located in or serve patients who live in rural areas and have billed Medicare, Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program between January 1, 2019 and September 30, 2020. Rural health clinics, critical access hospitals and in-home health, hospice or long-term service providers are also eligible.
The distinction between "providers who serve rural patients" and "rural providers" is important because it opens eligibility to large, urban providers that also treat rural patients, said Brock Slabach, chief operations officer for the National Rural Health Association, a trade group for rural providers.
The NRHA would have preferred the money be reserved specifically for rural providers, not rural patients, although it's better than nothing, Slabach said.
"It's not that we are against urban hospitals having access to these funds, but it just changes the dynamic in where that $8.5 billion may end up," he said.
CommonSpirit Health, a 140-hospital system that brought in north of $33 billion in revenue in the year ended June 30, is among the large systems that plans to apply for the ARP's rural fund. Dan Morissette, CommonSpirit's chief financial officer, said on an investor call last week that the Chicago-based system plans to apply for a portion of the ARP rural distribution "as soon as possible." CommonSpirit will also apply for the fourth phase of PRF grants.
Morissette said CommonSpirit typically receives about 1% of total distributions. The not-for-profit system also received more than $110 million from the PRF distribution targeted specifically for rural hospitals, a small portion of the total $1.5 billion in total PRF grants it has recognized under the program.
CommonSpirit on Thursday said they have 45 rural hospitals.
"Being a big system doesn't make you ineligible for this rural distribution," said Nathan Baugh, director of government affairs for the National Association of Rural Health Clinics. "It's not reserved for small systems that are solely based in rural areas. I'm sure those systems would prefer this funding was just for them and not everyone who serves rural patients."
HHS has said the amounts providers get from the ARP will be based on the amount of Medicaid, CHIP and/or Medicare services they provided to patients who live in rural areas. The ARP rural payments will generally be based on Medicare reimbursement rates.
"The funding will be distributed with an eye towards equity, to ensure providers who serve our most vulnerable communities will receive the support they need," HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a statement when the ARP rural fund was announced.
Rural Americans are dying of COVID-19 at more than twice the rate of their urban counterparts, new data from the Rural Policy Research Institute show. Rural areas were largely spared from the pandemic's initial surge, but that's changed in recent months with the delta variant.
Applying for the ARP rural fund means simply checking 'yes' in a box on the application for PRF's fourth phase, Baugh said. Since it's such a low barrier to entry, Baugh said he thinks almost every provider will opt in.
"I suspect a lot of the big systems, because they're applying for phase four, will go ahead and check 'yes' and let the government figure out if they have enough patients to let the government pay them some of the funding from that rural bucket," he said.
The text of the ARP includes a provision that defines a rural provider as being located in a metropolitan statistical area with fewer than 500,000 residents, but the Health Resources and Services Administration has taken a different approach to implementing the law, focusing the rural designation on the patient, not the provider.
It's not surprising that large, multi-hospital systems would apply for the rural relief funds, said Gregory Etzel, a partner in the law firm Morgan Lewis' healthcare practice group.
"Congress appears to have sought to make the reach of those funds broad enough to encompass the rural communities served by such hospitals whether or not the hospital itself is situated in a rural area," he said. | 4,978 | 2,294 | 10,719.843069 |
warc | 202143 | Modern Kitchen
A modern kitchen design can incorporate so many different details and dimensions that it’s difficult, if not impossible, to manage it by yourself. Find a kitchen designer who listens to your ideas, takes careful account of your available space and finds the materials to support your vision. Whether you’re building new or seeking a kitchen remodel, the expert Italian-inspired designers at Muretti in New York City can make your unique perspective come to life. From mid-century modern kitchens to 21st century modern black kitchens, Muretti craftsmen create custom modern wood kitchen cabinets and components to suit your modern kitchen design. Call today for an in-house consultation.
What Is a Modern Kitchen Design?
A modern kitchen is sometimes described as less traditional and more contemporary. Modern kitchen design refers to a specific time frame starting around World War I and extending to the middle of the 20th century. It’s a precursor to contemporary design. Some of the key elements of a modern kitchen include:
A simple design Little or no hardware Flat surfaces Geometric shapes Lack of ornamentation Plenty of function and storage
Modern kitchen design evolved into mid-century modern kitchen design, which began in the 1950s and 60s. This style added warmth and personality by incorporating bold colors, patterned countertops and retro accessories. The custom design team at Muretti help you create a modern kitchen style that reflects your individual taste and personality.
What Materials and Colors Are in Modern Kitchens?
Modern kitchens typically feature a greater variety of materials than other kitchen styles. They can be created using natural wood plus man-made materials. This affords you almost unlimited style possibilities. Some of the materials used in modern kitchens include:
Modern kitchens have timeless appeal. Using this kitchen design can help to enliven and brighten the appearance of your kitchen space. Try a modern black kitchen, a white kitchen or something bold and colorful — such as a yellow kitchen or a high gloss kitchen. A modern kitchen design can project the unique look and tone that you want, with style to spare.
What Do Modern Kitchen Cabinets Look Like?
Modern kitchen cabinets are characterized by simplicity. They often use a sleek, angular design or a curved look. While traditional kitchen cabinets are usually designed around one type of wood, modern kitchen cabinets may be combined with other materials for a unique appearance. Combined materials used may include:
Metal Laminates Semi-opaque or frosted glass
Contrast is a defining feature of modern kitchens. If you prefer to stick with wood, a modern wood kitchen can be designed in many ways, such as dark wood cabinetry contrasted against white walls. Modern white kitchen cabinets can be contrasted with black countertops. Color can set the tone for your kitchen space. There are many options of kitchen colors you can use, and the color combinations can be as unique as you are.
Where Can I Get Modern Kitchen Ideas?
Modern kitchen designs provide clean lines and a minimalist décor, which work for you whether you have a small, medium size or large kitchen space. The simplicity of this design style gives your kitchen a spacious feel regardless of its size. These designs focus on the proper use of space for a highly functional kitchen. If you’re looking for modern kitchen ideas that fit your personal preferences while staying within your budget, contact Muretti for a consultation. Custom designs, founded in a true Italian modern aesthetic, are a signature hallmark of Muretti kitchens. The company has been a leader in kitchen design since 1995. Their craftsmen are proven experts in the field of design. Because what you want is as different as your unique personality and preferences, the talented and dedicated group of craftspeople and designers work diligently to find a look that’s perfect for you. At Muretti, everything is custom designed, built with perfection and installed by experts. | 4,094 | 1,843 | 8,981.032013 |
warc | 202143 | If you want to improve your GRE score, you have many options at your disposal. You can self-study using free or extremely low-cost GRE prep materials from ETS, invest in a slightly more expensive self-paced GRE course, or enroll in a more expensive live in-person or online GRE course. Most people would agree though, that if you have the financial means, the most efficient and effective way to improve your GRE score is to enlist the help of a private GRE coach.Read More
GRE/MAT & Graduate School Blog
To save your time, we've compiled all the essential formulas to know for the GRE, so you could just jump right at it and start your GRE prep.Read More
If you are thinking about how to study for the GRE, perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind is that proper planning will lead to a higher GRE score. The GRE is not like an IQ test. The more you study for the GRE, in general, the higher you will score. One basic mental mistake students often make is to keep toxic thoughts in their head about being “bad at math” (or verbal) and thus viewing GRE prep as a process they must endure, but which probably won’t help
that much. That’s wrong. While perhaps not a completely linear relationship, the more you prepare, the better you’ll do. Yes, how you prepare matters a lot too (more on that below). But just showing up and putting in the time is certainly an important part of the battle here. all A high GRE Analytical Writing score won’t help you get admitted to a top graduate program, but a below average score can keep you out of one.
The Analytical Writing measure assesses critical thinking and analytical writing capabilities. It evaluates your ability to communicate and support complicated ideas, design and test arguments, and engage in a clear and intelligible discussion of an issue. It doesn’t assess how much you know about a specific topic.Read More
Should I take the GRE or the GMAT?
It’s an increasingly common question given the growing acceptance of the GRE. 10 years ago, very few MBA programs accepted the GRE as part of their admissions requirements. 5 years ago, a growing number of schools accepted the GRE in theory, but it was still a clear minority of students who were in fact applying to MBA programs with a GRE score instead of a GMAT score.Read More
There are two games you must win if you want to score well on the GRE. The first is what I call the “outer” game. It consists of the how-to’s for getting right answers — the x’s and o’s, if you will — including math concepts, vocabulary, formulas, strategic elimination strategies, time management, and other such tangible applications. The outer game is where GRE students spend most of their time, and it’s what our online GRE prep courses do such a great job of teaching.Read More | 2,865 | 1,418 | 5,606.752468 |
warc | 202143 | Everyone wants to get the best prices on whatever they’re renting, and dumpsters are no different. Many homeowners in Beaufort are seeking to start new renovation project, but tend not to think ahead to the vast amount of waste they’ll be producing, and the need they will have to dispose of it. No matter what type of project you’re working on you’ll be able to find a dumpster rental that will fit your weight, material and size desires.
Whenever you’re looking to dispose of waste yourself you’ll need to take several factors into consideration. Fuel costs, disposal locations and even permits depending on the materials can all be huge factors in your rental decision. You should carefully consider the materials you’ll be disposing of in Beaufort first, so that you don’t run into unforeseen expenses down the road.
Although dumpster sizes aren’t standardized, the most common options will be 10, 20, 30 or 40 cubic yards. A 20 cubic yard dumpster would be sufficient for an average job, such as clearing out a garage or doing some spring cleaning. A big job such as home remodeling or roof replacement in Beaufort will likely need a larger dumpster size such as a 40 cubic yard option. Try to overestimate your dumpster size a little, since going over weight restrictions could result in you having to pay overage fees.
In order to keep costs as low as possible it’s a good idea to keep an eye on any weight restrictions on your dumpster prior to renting it. Dumpster weight can play an important role in your decision, as you can risk harming your property if it becomes too heavy, which could even end up cracking your driveway. Things like landfill fees can also play a part in your overall cost, so it’s a good idea to check on regulations in Beaufort before renting a dumpster, that way you’ll know what to budget for your project. Larger objects in particular can effect environmental or disposal fees. To decide what size and variety of dumpster you need, you’ll want to first think about the types of trash you’ll be putting in it. Junk removal services may end up being a more efficient choice if you only have a few large items. A 10 cubic yard dumpster is ideal for basement or garage cleanouts with a limited amount of trash. Finding out exactly what types of garbage is acceptable to be thrown in your dumpster in Beaufort is another important point to think about. Ask your dumpster vendor on prohibited items like batteries, food waste, grease or large appliances like refrigerators that are usually not accepted. Estimating your dumpster rental cost will involve several different factors. Although most service providers offer free estimates, it’s still to your benefit to know how they figure out their rates. Despite the weight in your dumpster, the bigger it is the more it will cost. The reason for this is because larger dumpsters require a higher dumping fee at the landfill, higher transportation costs and more manpower to manage. Going with a local dumpster rental company in Beaufort will probably be a good. You can save a good amount of time and hassle by renting from a business that is already established, and has relationships with local waste disposal and dumping companies. The disposal process can be easier with a company that knows the local environmental laws. By giving your dumpster company as much information as possible about your waste materials, you can ensure you get the best deal and correct sized container. | 3,543 | 1,650 | 7,436.005455 |
warc | 202143 | A university has defended its research that has been criticized by a group opposing taxpayer-funded animal testing.
The White Coat Waste Project said documents it obtained showed the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) had directed $424,455 to the University of Georgia in September 2020 to infect 28 beagles with disease-causing parasites.
The group's criticism centred on NIAID and its director Dr. Anthony Fauci. The group told
Newsweek it didn't know if Fauci had personally ordered the experiment, but said that "it was ordered by his NIH (National Institutes of Health) division."
Documents that White Coat Waste obtained under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), also reviewed by the right-wing news outlet
The Daily Caller, found that the animals were to be allowed to develop infections for three months and that then they would be euthanized for blood collection.
The documents said the animals "vocalized in pain" during the experiments. The story, which was also reported by Fox News, was based on redacted documents that outlined a study starting on November 12, 2020 in which the beagles were to be euthanized after 196 days.
In a statement to
Newsweek, the White Coat Waste Project said that the experiments were related to treatment for a tropical disease called lymphatic filariasis, and that tests had already been conducted on other animals.
White Coat Waste Project research manager Daniel Lopez said that the documents showed Fauci, "needs to be held accountable for his wasteful and cruel spending."
Newsweek has contacted NIAID for comment.
Greg Trevor, associate vice president for marketing and communications at the University of Georgia said the research was for a potential vaccine, developed at another institution, that would protect against a disease affecting 120 million people.
He said in an emailed statement that under federal rules, a vaccine must be tested in two animal species before it can be cleared for human clinical trials. When NIAID decided to fund this research, the agency determined that the research needed to be conducted on a dog model.
"According to researchers at the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine, beagles are the standard dog model used in this type of research," the statement said.
"Because this disease currently has no cure, unfortunately the animals that are part of this trial must be euthanized. We do not take lightly the decision to use such animals in some of our research."
The university followed the humane standards of the Animal Welfare Act, the Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animal and the National Research Council Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, and other guidelines, Trevor said.
"Nearly every advancement in medicine, medical devices and surgical procedures has depended on research involving animal subjects," the statement added.
Animal Experiments in the U.S.
The international advocacy group Speaking of Research (SR) has been critical of White Coat Waste Project and its broader claims that animal experimentation takes place in the U.S. without accountability at great expense to taxpayers.
Speaking of Research said that despite what the group says, "animal studies are highly regulated and vast amounts of information are available to the public."
White Coat Waste Project has also joined those criticizing Fauci over questions of "gain of function" experimentation at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, the lab in China that some have linked to the COVID pandemic.
The group, along with Kentucky Senator Rand Paul, is exploring claims that the NIH funded "gain of function" research in Wuhan, in which a virus is enhanced in a lab to study its impact in the real world.
The NIH and NIAID said they supported funding for research into viruses in bats and mammals, but had never approved grants for gain-of-function research on coronaviruses.
Fauci himself dismissed Paul's claims, telling lawmakers last month that the research Paul referred to "was judged by qualified staff up and down the chain as not being gain-of-function." | 4,145 | 1,979 | 8,587.417888 |
warc | 202143 | NICKBALER has passed the ISO9001-2016 quality management system certification, and strictly manages and controls in accordance with the requirements during the production and processing; professional technical production staff team, advanced process flow, and international quality control system.
With an attitude of striving for perfection, we ensure that every part, every component, and every product provided to customers is a high-quality product.
What we deliver to our customers is not only products, but also fast, efficient and complete product services.
Free design and planning of the
hydraulic baler operating site, effective and reasonable installation, 24 hours a day after-sales service and technical support to ensure worry-free use.
We will spare no effort to combine the hydraulic packaging machinery technology we have mastered and the research on automation systems, and continue to create classics of the hydraulic packaging system, realize unmanned, free people from the heavy packaging production line, and let the machine Instead of manual work.
NICKBALER has insisted on striving for survival by quality and development by prestige for many years, enhancing its service consciousness, and continuously producing new products.
www.nickbaler.net
The common failures of the
automatic straw baler are related to the maintenance standards of hydraulic machinery.
If the application and maintenance are good, the full-automatic straw baler will have a long service life. Taking certain effective measures to improve the normal maintenance of the hydraulic transmission system will benefit the increase in the service life of the straw baler.
Raising the usual maintenance of the
straw balers is a fundamental way to prevent common failures of the fully automatic straw balers.
Prediction and analysis of the abnormality of the
straw baler system Carry out regular execution or continuous detection of the operation of the hydraulic machinery of the fully automatic straw baler to identify its technical conditions or common failures of the hydraulic press, so that the common straw baler can be cleared before the failure of the straw baler occurs. The possibility of failure.
With the development trend of the failure detection technology of
straw balers, the use of failure detection methods to predict, analyze and monitor the common failures of the hydraulic system of the straw balers in operation will further improve the credibility of the operation of the fully automatic straw balers.
If we want to choose a high-quality and low-cost equipment, it is not so easy, and we need to make an inspection and judgment on the company.
Generally speaking, investigating a hydraulic baler company can evaluate their market reputation, equipment safety and after-sales service guarantee.
Market reputation is the performance of the company's comprehensive strength. The safety of hydraulic baler equipment is the guarantee of quality, and the after-sales service guarantee is the degree of recognition of the company's
hydraulic baler products.
1. Pay attention to the market reputation and market brand of hydraulic Baler manufacturers.
A mature manufacturer of
hydraulic balers must have a lot of use sites and a certain customer group. The feedback from these customers is true proof.
2. Security.
All production must be based on safety, which is one of the indicators of the quality of
hydraulic baler equipment. When purchasing hydraulic baler equipment, you can consult the manufacturer about some related issues of safety technology.
3. After-sales service.
For hydraulic baler, there will be some problems in the long-term production process. These problems are more difficult for some customers, but it is easy to solve for manufacturers of hydraulic baler.
At this time, if the manufacturer of the
hydraulic baler can solve the problem in time, it can reduce the loss caused by the customer's downtime.
Perfect after-sales service is the guarantee for safe use in the later period. NICKBALER has a very good quality assurance system and a complete after-sales service team.
www.nickbaler.net
In the hydraulic system, due to some reasons, such as rapid steering or sudden closing of various valves, shock loads, etc., the oil speed or direction will change sharply, resulting in a high pressure several times higher than usual to form a hydraulic shock.
The hydraulic system of the
cotton baler is no exception.
Generally, we can divide hydraulic shock into two categories.
The first category is the hydraulic shock caused by the action of the hydraulic control element, such as the hydraulic shock caused by the reversing or closing of the valve;
The second category is the hydraulic shock caused by the speed change of the external load, such as a pressure shock caused by a moving part that is suddenly stopped by a brake during rapid movement.
For any
hydraulic system, the first type of shock is inevitable and can only be controlled by optimizing the system configuration.
The change of external load during the feeding process of the hydraulic cotton baler will cause the system pressure to fluctuate.
The reason for the impact of the hydraulic system of the
cotton baler should belong to the second category, which is the hydraulic impact caused by the speed change of the external load.
The basic measure of
cotton baler to control hydraulic shock is to avoid the rapid change of oil speed, and absorb hydraulic shock by controlling the oil circuit or using appropriate energy storage. www.nickbaler.net
When recycling all kinds of old clothes and other materials, in order to better pack these materials, special
clothing balers are used.
This is a very practical packaging equipment, which can quickly compress various fluffy materials effectively and quickly, resulting in better packaging efficiency.
A good
clothing Baler machine manufacturer can bring people a very good quality of service.
Many devices are similar in function and usage, but there is a slight difference in service, which will bring completely different feelings.
For example, when a customer consults some questions about the baler, some manufacturers ignore them after selling the equipment, and high-quality
clothing baler manufacturers will provide a very complete and comprehensive after-sales service after the customer purchases the baler.
Buying NICKBALER
garment Baler machine can also enjoy a good quality assurance service. The purchased equipment has a longer quality after-sales guarantee, which makes people have a better sense of use when using the NICKBALER garment Baler machine.
You don't have to worry about various problems in the process of using the
NICKBALER garment Baler machine, because the NICKBALER after-sales staff will solve it for you in the first time. www.nickbaler.net
Now there are so many different
cloth Baler machine manufacturers, which manufacturer can we rest assured to cooperate and buy the equipment they produce?
When choosing this type of manufacturer, the first thing you need to pay attention to is to look at the brand's reputation of the manufacturer. It is good to choose the old brands or the new and powerful brands.
In addition, everyone should pay attention to whether this manufacturer has technical advantages, that is to say, whether these manufacturers have their own unique patented technology for the production of various Balers.
If you have a good performance in these aspects, then everyone can have a better effect when choosing a
cloth Baler.
These are some of the conditions that people can refer to when choosing a fabric Baler manufacturer, so that people can make a good choice among such manufacturers, so that they can also find the best cloth for themselves. Baler.
NICKBALER garment Baler machine manufacturers have always attached great importance to technological innovation and R&D investment, and insisted on vigorously promoting new product development and technological improvement. www.nickbaler.net | 8,058 | 3,171 | 20,306.363292 |
warc | 202143 | Acclaimed authors have often said that it’s not plot that matters, but rather
story. Yet knowing how to create a plot that uses universal storytelling elements such as action and reaction, incident and coincidence, helps you grab and keep your reader’s attention. Learn how to come up with a plot for a better story: How to create plots: 5 ideas: Create plot ideas promising change Drive plot with GMC Brainstorm incidents and coincidence Chain cause and effect Surprise using turning points
Let’s explore these plotting ideas further:
Create plot ideas promising change
Plot is described in many ways, often disparagingly as a concept. Ray Bradbury calls it ‘no more than footprints left in the snow after your characters have run by on their way to incredible destinations’ (in
Zen in the Art of Writing).
In
On Writing, Stephen King describes plot as ‘shifty’, comparing it to ‘honorable and trustworthy’ story.
Whatever your views on plot, there’s one thing all great plot ideas and summaries have in common:
The promise of interesting and suspenseful change in a sequence of events. Examples of plot ideas that promise intriguing change
Take a successful story like Roald Dahl’s beloved classic
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, for example. It’s spawned multiple film adaptations due, in part, to its effective plot.
‘Charlie buys chocolate bar’ is not a plot. It’s a simple, commonplace action.
What about: ‘Underprivileged Charlie buys a chocolate bar that contains one of five tickets to tour a mysterious, reopened chocolate factory that is owned by an eccentric recluse who is secretly planning to bequeath his empire to one of the tickets’ lucky winners’?
This is a plot. Plot connects events to create a web of meaning and possibility. Signs, incidents, and their connections. Mystery and suspense.
A two-line plot summary of a story should tease intriguing, possible change.
Maggie Dawes, a renowned travel photographer, struggles with a medical diagnosis over Christmas ( The Wishby Nicholas Sparks). The Delaney siblings suspect their father of causing the disappearance of their mother ( Apples Never Fallby Liane Moriarty). Ray Carney, a family man who sells furniture on 125th street, gets a new clientele made up of vicious and unsavoury characters ( Harlem Shuffleby Colson Whitehead).
Each of these summaries clearly promises change.
There is clear potential emotional impact implied for central characters (difficult diagnoses, familial betrayal, or challenges that come with ‘unsavoury’ clients for a business owner).
Each implies a before and after, helping us to start imagining incidents, actions, reactions and coincidences that will make these lives real.
Drive plot with GMC
Learning how to create a plot requires understanding a vital trinity: GMC. Goal, motivation, and conflict.
Bradbury may have said that plot is nothing but footprints left by your characters, yet there would be no footprints without that initial goal – your characters
wanting to leave in the first place.
Or their motivations:
Why your characters want to go to a specific destination, the root desire propelling their adventures.
Plus, perhaps most importantly for plot, the conflicts characters might encounter along the way.
Examples of how to create plot using GMC
Let’s take one of the three examples above of plot ideas that promise change:
The Delaney siblings suspect their father of causing the disappearance of their mother.
Next, we might brainstorm the siblings’
shared goal: Finding out what happened to their mother.
Then, we could brainstorm individual goals. Maybe the direct, headstrong sibling wants to confront their father outright and ask hard questions.
Their non-confrontational younger sibling wants to look through their mom’s correspondence for signs or clues about their mother’s frame of mind at the time of her disappearance.
These differences in
personal goals could spin off their own conflicts, as the siblings argue about the correct course of action. Or the narrative might branch as each conducts their own investigation. Tie characters’ goals back to what you’ve brainstormed or imagined about their personalities. What are they like? Given the exact same circumstances, how might three siblings respond or react differently based on what they know, believe or value?
To find character motivations to drive your plot, ask
why your characters have the goals they do. Maybe the sibling who wants to go through her mother’s things for clues remembers her mother writing a letter in a secretive manner, and covering up what she was writing when interrupted.
Brainstorm incidents that show and suggest goals, motivations, and conflicts. As well as mysterious unknowns, secrets and lies.
Create a Plot in Easy Steps
Answer simple prompts and develop your plot in an outline you can download or import to Google Docs.LEARN MORE
Brainstorm incidents and coincidence
‘Incidents’ and ‘coincidence’ are two valuable building blocks of plot.
An incident is something that happens (or has happened) that is significant. It casts a net of meaning over a day, or a life, like the Delaney sisters’ mother disappearing.
Any successful story will
keep core incidents fairly connected to the root idea (such as a disappearance) given in the book’s blurb. Plot requires connectedness or cohesion.
Coincidence is valuable for creating plot, because it weaves in the accidental or unexpected. The mysterious or unpredictable ‘meanwhiles’ that also occur while something else is unfolding.
An ‘incident’ is the Delaney siblings’ mother going missing.
A coincidence could be a family friend saying they saw the Delaney siblings’ father filling up at a gas station a little out of town, around the time their mother went missing.
It creates the question (for the siblings and the reader), ‘Is it possible that this other incident, this coincidence, is connected?’ Or, if the connection is clear,
it supplies a further important detail that drives the story forward. Example of creating plot via incident and coincidence: Crime and Punishment
In Fyodor Dostoevsky’s classic novel
Crime & Punishment, the main character Rodion is a penniless student who murders a pawnbroker.
This murder
is the incident that sets the story in motion, occurring early in the novel. Rodion manages to convince himself he is committing a noble act due to the way (in his eyes) the pawnbroker exploits others’ suffering and need. The coincidence that adds further tragic depth to the story is that the pawnbroker’s half-sister returns to the pawnbroker’s flat, catching Rodion in the act. As she is witness to his crime, Rodion kills her too in panic, and this means his ‘code’ rationalizing his crime to himself falls apart.
Lizaveta, the sister, is an innocent person who Dostoevsky shows us is caring and kind (in contrast to the pawnbroker), and not someone Rodion ever wished harm.
Dostoevsky takes an already damaging and dramatic situation and uses the coincidence of Lizaveta’s presence to complicate Rodion’s goals, motives and internal conflict further. This in turn leads to even more internal conflict and angst for the protagonist, his guilt now compounded.
Chain cause and effect
To learn how to create a plot, you have to befriend ‘because’.
Why does Odysseus take so long to return home that his wife barely recognizes him in Homer’s
Odyssey? Because the God Poseidon is furious Odysseus blinded his cyclops son. So Poseidon creates obstacles, creates trouble. And as Odysseus sails homeward, trouble generates further trouble. In other words, good plot links action and reaction.
As Now Novel coach Romy shared in our writing webinar on structuring action and reaction in your story:
It doesn’t matter if you’re a plotter or a pantser, ask yourself how each scene contributes to the cause-and-effect forward motion of the story.Romy Sommer, ‘Action and reaction: Structuring scenes and chapters’
Plot builds via a
sequence of events that connect cause and effect. Your reader asks ‘why?’; plot answers ‘because’ (and carries on creating burning questions).
So how do you find cause and effect ideas to come up with a plot?
Write down a mid-point or end-point incident or scenario (e.g. ‘Maggie Dawes, a renowned travel photographer, struggles with a medical diagnosis over Christmas’). Go digging in ‘who’, ‘what’, ‘why, ‘where’ or ‘when’ to imagine a cause preceding this incident (‘Maggie went to the doctor as she was experiencing troubling symptoms after returning from a travel assignment’). Keep searching backwards from events to find a chain of cause and effect (for example, the reason Maggie left it until Christmas to see the doctor; what elseis going on that complicates the situation). Example: Chaining cause and effect in A Game of Thrones
In
A Game of Thrones, the first in George R. R. Martin’s series that became the hit TV show, three storylines unfold simultaneously.
One storyline involves Jon Snow, who joins the Night’s Watch but finds it is not what he expected.
To summarize this chain of cause and effect: First Cause: Jon Snow, inspired by his uncle Benjen, joins the Night’s Watch which patrols the border north of the Seven Kingdoms. First effect: Jon is disillusioned when he discovers that the Night’s Watch functions as a harsh penal colony. Second effect: Jon unites other recruits against their sadistic instructor and protects another vulnerable recruit, Samwell.
The
effect of Jon joining the Night’s Watch is that he learns its true, unpleasant nature, and makes new choices based on this revelation.
Making new choices due to a revelation is typical of a turning point:
Surprise using turning points
Turning points make stories intriguing because they often serve us what we
don’t expect. We see a cause, and we expect one effect, but what follows zigs and zags.
In the example above, Jon Snow’s discovery of the Night Watch’s true nature is a turning point. He must set aside what he
thought to be true and choose an altered path given the new awareness he has gained.
In learning how to create a plot, familiarize yourself with the types of turning point common in your genre.
In romance, for example, turning points arise due to situations and assumptions affecting intimacy. Characters may be suddenly separated by war or a less dramatic intervention. The love interest not being exactly who the main character thought might send them scuttling for safety.
In a murder mystery, by contrast, turning points will arise most commonly in the investigation of the case. Sudden turns in who is a suspect or who is given a last-minute alibi. Innocent bystanders suddenly seem not as innocent as evidence adds up.
Turning points may arise from your characters’ goals changing unexpectedly due to new circumstances (like Katniss’ sacrifice in the example below). Or they may occur due to collision between characters and their goals.
For example, a detective is close to cracking a case but then their interfering department head recalls them due to a rookie mistake.
Turning point example: Katniss’ initial sacrifice in The Hunger Games
In a helpful article on creating turning points, C.S. Lakin describes how early the first major turning point occurs in Suzanne Collins’ adventure/sci-fi series:
Writers often ask me: Where should I start my story? Easy-peasy. Start right before the inciting incident. Next question?
You don’t need to take all that much time for setup, even in a fantasy novel. You just need enough to introduce the protagonist, her core need, the stakes and conflict for the story (personal and public), and the other key players in the story.
The Hunger Games is a great example. We have the opening scenes showing Katniss with her family, showing the world situation, showing her skill at hunting, showing the two key male characters that will be her love interests. And, boom! The reaping takes place, her sister is chosen for the deadly games, and Katniss volunteers as Tribute in Prim’s place.C.S. Lakin, ‘The 5 Turning Point in Your Novel’, March 29 2021.
Now that we’ve explored some basic concepts for how to create a plot, read ten ways to develop your plot into a substantial, enthralling story. Learn more about ways you can use Now Novel to outline your plot, too.
Get an organized plotting process plus weekly writing feedback and monthly webinars with coach Q&As when you become a premium Now Novel member. | 12,934 | 5,744 | 27,892.315111 |
warc | 202143 | Knowing the differences between cruise control and autopilot might be a good way to think about dog training and how you interact with your dog. Stay with me now; here’s what I mean:
Autopilot – When setting an airplane to autopilot, the pilot inputs some crucial data and then the systems of the airplane continue to ensure that the plane is on task, moving in the correct direction, and maintaining appropriate altitude. Whenever the pilot is on autopilot, the pilot is free to monitor other systems (weather, hydraulics, etc.) and the plane will remain on task.
Cruise control – When a driver uses the Cruise Control in a car a desired speed is reached and hits a button to make the car maintain this speed without the need to continue pressing the gas pedal. With cruise control, the driver still needs to be vigilant as there will be the need to steer, change lanes and avoid obstacles.
Think of your dog and his training as a more distant representation of cruise control. You still have to be alert to your dog as they may need to be returned on track if a cat runs out in front of you on your walk. Your dog may still try to cheat and attempt to leave their place board before being released. Your dog may still need to be interrupted if he is tempted by the pot roast sitting on the kitchen counter.
As time passes and the skill of your dog improves, you may start aiming more like an autopilot situation. So instead of kicking at the cat on your walk, your dog has learnt some impulse control and can pass on without incident, calmly passing by. Instead of constantly having to monitor while on a place board, you will be able to leave the room and your dog will stay on the spot. Finally, rather than pushing the pot roast back on the counter to the fullest extent possible, your dog will not attempt to take it, because you have not allowed it to be something that your dog has trained. | 1,919 | 931 | 3,912.204082 |
warc | 202143 | By a quirk of language, the term “threat landscape” is currently used to refer specifically to cyber-threats. These threats alone already keep business continuity professionals on their toes, even if the nitty-gritty of protecting a company in this area is often the direct responsibility of the IT department. However, considering that threats were confined to…Details
Want to know what’s on the radar screen for economic and technological risks? Or is your interest more in societal and environmental threats? The Global Risks 2012 report from the World Economic Forum has something for everything. It breaks risks out into five global categories – the four we’ve just mentioned, plus a fifth, geopolitical…Details
In the world of disaster recovery, one of the challenges is getting people to approve budget for having the right DR capabilities in place. Unless you are dealing with enlightened senior management, it’s not always easy to get people to sign off for events that may or may not come about, at some indeterminate time…Details
There was a time when the safest place for your money was reckoned to be under your mattress. Paper money didn’t exist. The gold and silver coins in use were resistant against flood and a certain degree of fire, as well as theft if you were lying on the mattress at the time: in other…Details
One of the challenges to business continuity planning in 2013 will be the trend to share supply chain facilities between two or more companies. The logic is that to keep logistics and distribution running smoothly but at acceptable cost, the overhead of facilities such as distribution centres or delivery can be shared. It is even…Details
One of the challenges for the business continuity manager is to get his or her colleagues to think about BCM too. People who remain unaware of business continuity plans and requirements, even in their simplest form, may be unable to continue their work when an incident or a problem arises. So getting a minimum of…Details | 2,068 | 1,066 | 3,872.165103 |
warc | 202143 | One article on PainSci cites Amanzio 2001: Placebo Power Hype PainSci notes on Amanzio 2001:
This study tested the effects of pain-killing drugs with and without the patients knowing they were being medicated. They also blocked neurotransmitters to stop the brain from doing any of its
own pain-killing, which we know can happen when people believe they are being medicated (placebo effect). The results showed that the effects of drugs are strongly affected by awareness. “We found that the hidden injections [of pain killer] were significantly less effective and less variable compared with open injections.”
On the one hand, this seems profound and seems to show the “power” of placebo and the mind. On the other, it’s merely a good demonstration of what we already know: that
meaning and expectation are an important factors in every therapeutic equation. original abstract †Abstracts here may not perfectly match originals, for a variety of technical and practical reasons. Some abstacts are truncated for my purposes here, if they are particularly long-winded and unhelpful. I occasionally add clarifying notes. And I make some minor corrections.
Individual differences in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, the type of pain and the method of drug administration can account for the response variability to analgesics. By integrating a clinical and an experimental approach, we report here that another important source of variability is represented by individual differences in non-specific (placebo) activation of endogenous opioid systems. In the first part of this study, we analyzed the effectiveness of buprenorphine, tramadol, ketorolac and metamizol in the clinical setting, where the placebo effect was completely eliminated by means of hidden infusions. We found that the hidden injections were significantly less effective and less variable compared with open injections (in full view of the subject), suggesting that part of the response variability was due to non-specific factors (placebo). Since we could not administer the opioid antagonist, naloxone, to these patients, in the second part of this study, we induced experimental ischemic arm pain in healthy volunteers and found that, as occurred in clinical pain, the analgesic response to a hidden injection of the non-opioid ketorolac was less effective and less variable than an open injection. Most importantly, we obtained the same effects by adding naloxone to an open injection of ketorolac, thus blocking the opioid-mediated placebo component of analgesia. These findings indicate that both the psychological (hidden injection) and pharmacological (naloxone) blockade of the placebo response reduce the effectiveness of, and the response variability to, analgesic drugs. Therefore, an important source of response variability to analgesics appears to be due to differences in non-specific activation of endogenous opioid systems.
This page is part of the PainScience BIBLIOGRAPHY, which contains plain language summaries of thousands of scientific papers & others sources. It’s like a highly specialized blog. A few highlights:
Is Neck Posture Subgroup in Late Adolescence a Risk Factor for Persistent Neck Pain in Young Adults? A Prospective Study. Richards 2021 Phys Ther. Photobiomodulation therapy is not better than placebo in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain: a randomised placebo-controlled trial. Guimarães 2021 Pain. No effect of creatine monohydrate supplementation on inflammatory and cartilage degradation biomarkers in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Cornish 2018 Nutr Res. The CANBACK trial: a randomised, controlled clinical trial of oral cannabidiol for people presenting to the emergency department with acute low back pain. Bebee 2021 Med J Aust. Relationships Between Sleep Quality and Pain-Related Factors for People with Chronic Low Back Pain: Tests of Reciprocal and Time of Day Effects. Gerhart 2017 Ann Behav Med. | 3,992 | 1,896 | 8,301.92827 |
warc | 202143 | Two articles on PainSci cite Luedke 2015: 1. Shin Splints Treatment, The Complete Guide 2. Strength Training for Pain & Injury Rehab original abstract †Abstracts here may not perfectly match originals, for a variety of technical and practical reasons. Some abstacts are truncated for my purposes here, if they are particularly long-winded and unhelpful. I occasionally add clarifying notes. And I make some minor corrections. BACKGROUND: High school cross country runners have a high incidence of overuse injuries, particularly to the knee and shin. As lower extremity strength is modifiable, identification of strength attributes that contribute to anterior knee pain (AKP) and shin injuries may influence prevention and management of these injuries. PURPOSE: To determine if a relationship existed between isometric hip abductor, knee extensor and flexor strength and the incidence of AKP and shin injury in high school cross country runners. MATERIALS/METHODS: Sixty-eight high school cross country runners (47 girls, 21 boys) participated in the study. Isometric strength tests of hip abductors, knee extensors and flexors were performed with a handheld dynamometer. Runners were prospectively followed during the 2014 interscholastic cross country season for occurrences of AKP and shin injury. Bivariate logistic regression was used to examine risk relationships between strength values and occurrence of AKP and shin injury. RESULTS: During the season, three (4.4%) runners experienced AKP and 13 (19.1%) runners incurred a shin injury. Runners in the tertiles indicating weakest hip abductor (chi-square = 6.140; p=0.046), knee extensor (chi-square = 6.562; p=0.038), and knee flexor (chi-square = 6.140; p=0.046) muscle strength had a significantly higher incidence of AKP. Hip and knee muscle strength was not significantly associated with shin injury. CONCLUSIONS: High school cross country runners with weaker hip abductor, knee extensor and flexor muscle strength had a higher incidence of AKP. Increasing hip and knee muscle strength may reduce the likelihood of AKP in high school cross country runners. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2b. related content “Factors Contributing to Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome in Runners: A Prospective Study,” James Becker, Mimi Nakajima, and Will F W Wu, Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 2018. “Incidence and risk factors for medial tibial stress syndrome and tibial stress fracture in high school runners,” Shigenori Yagi, Takeshi Muneta, and Ichiro Sekiya, Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy, 2013.
This page is part of the PainScience BIBLIOGRAPHY, which contains plain language summaries of thousands of scientific papers & others sources. It’s like a highly specialized blog. A few highlights:
Is Neck Posture Subgroup in Late Adolescence a Risk Factor for Persistent Neck Pain in Young Adults? A Prospective Study. Richards 2021 Phys Ther. Photobiomodulation therapy is not better than placebo in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain: a randomised placebo-controlled trial. Guimarães 2021 Pain. No effect of creatine monohydrate supplementation on inflammatory and cartilage degradation biomarkers in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Cornish 2018 Nutr Res. The CANBACK trial: a randomised, controlled clinical trial of oral cannabidiol for people presenting to the emergency department with acute low back pain. Bebee 2021 Med J Aust. Relationships Between Sleep Quality and Pain-Related Factors for People with Chronic Low Back Pain: Tests of Reciprocal and Time of Day Effects. Gerhart 2017 Ann Behav Med. | 3,626 | 1,831 | 7,103.474604 |
warc | 202143 | Bright Start: Supporting Social-Emotional Development
As professionals, we often focus on children’s physical growth and learning milestones. But what about mental health? It’s a topic that often gets overlooked – especially in very young children.
Mental health can be a sensitive topic, but it’s important to talk about. That’s because everyone has mental health – even babies – and the foundation for lifelong mental health is set in the early years.
Children’s social-emotional development begins at birth with the relationships and experiences they have right from the beginning. With secure and loving relationships and positive experiences, children develop a foundation of mental health that supports them throughout their lives.
Social-emotional skills allow children to make friends, care for others, manage their emotions and resolve conflict peacefully. Actively supporting children to develop these skills will not only reduce challenging behavior but will help you build stronger relationships with families.
The information on this webpage will help you understand how to nurture a child’s mental health by supporting their social-emotional development.
Videos:These short educational videos build professionals’ knowledge of social-emotional development and early childhood mental health. Print Materials:Customizable brochures for families to help parents and caregivers support social-emotional development from birth to age 8. Communication Tools:Ready-to-use social media content, posters, a fact sheet for policymakers, and more. Tools are designed to support outreach and communication to parents and others about social-emotional development. Messages:These messages can help deepen your understanding of social-emotional development and help you have more effective conversations with families. Early Childhood Mental Health Specialists/Consultants:Professionals who provide free and confidential supports for children’s social-emotional development.
These educational videos build professionals’ knowledge about social-emotional development and early childhood mental health.
The videos are tools to increase your own understanding and in the description each video provides more information, including a summary of key points. The videos can also help you have more effective conversations with parents about these sometimes-sensitive topics.
An Important but Sensitive Topic | Watch on YouTube (youtu.be/JFr-F4NX3qs) The Foundations of Mental Health | Watch on YouTube (youtu.be/ZbyptHZ1TNI) Tips for Professionals | Watch on YouTube (youtu.be/PsXL1jn1KBw) Conversations About Children’s Mental Health | Watch on YouTube (youtu.be/synZCXALZQM) Key Messages for Parents and Caregivers | Watch on YouTube (youtu.be/AQi5m62ZXf0)
Even as we work to increase our own knowledge of how to support social-emotional development in our program, we can also help families support healthy development at home.
To educate families, there are handouts based on a child’s age, that include developmentally appropriate tips, ideas and activities.
Introducing the Materials
These materials are meant to be a conversation starter. They are not meant to be left in your lobby or given to parents without an introduction.
Parents may have concerns about their child’s behavior. You can start the conversation – and introduce the materials – by recognizing that it’s completely normal to have these concerns and many parents do.
Make sure parents understand that by increasing our support of a child’s social-emotional development, we can make a positive difference in their mental health, behavior and overall well-being.
Give parents a copy of the appropriate handout (based on the age of their child) and walk them through it. Point out how each handout includes age-specific tips and ideas for parents to try at home.
Make sure you tell parents that there are resources in our community to support families if there is a behavioral or mental health concern and that they should reach out if they are worried.
Infant-Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) on the Pennsylvania Key PA Taskforce on Child Protection ZERO TO THREE Center on the Social Emotional Foundations for Early Learning Technical Assistance Center on Social Emotional Interventions Pennsylvania Association for Infant Mental Health Center for Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation | 4,477 | 1,854 | 10,533.265372 |
warc | 202143 | This week sees the Chancellor's latest Spending Review, with public-sector employers set for more budget cuts. Cath Everett finds out how one police force has used technology to manage redeployment and reduce the number of compulsory redundancies.With yet more austerity-related funding cuts in the offing, public-sector organisations are constantly on the lookout for fresh ways to reduce their expenditure. The police are no exception, not least because the Chancellor George Osborne is reported to be considering budget cuts to forces of up to 20% in this week's Spending Review. [pullquote]Leaders need to look at innovative ways of coping with these changes and achieving more with less." Danny Wilks, West Yorkshire Police[/pullquote] However, the cutbacks first started making themselves felt as early as 2010. In a bid to deal with the challenge, West Yorkshire Police (WYP), the fourth largest force in England and Wales, introduced a number of organisational change projects, which resulted in high numbers of support staff being informed they were at risk of redundancy. To make it easier for them to find potential new positions within the organisation and ensure that the most experienced and valued staff were retained, West Yorkshire added a redeployment module to its existing e-recruitment offering from software company WCN. The vendor estimates that redeployment can lead to cost savings of up to £30,000 for every position filled. West Yorkshire had first introduced the e-recruitment system in 2006 in order to replace its original paper-based hiring procedures. | 1,591 | 860 | 2,928.55 |
warc | 202143 | The primer/sealers are perfect for painted drywall, bare drywall, paneling, and even existing walls that already have wallpaper on them. The products look just like paint and apply the same way. What's more, some brands are tintable. You can colorize the primer to match the background color of the wallpaper. This feature comes in very handy if a paper seam spreads apart in the future.【Get Price】
The paper is different on the back -- rougher texture -- but will hold paint OK, if you're in a thrifty mood and don't mind a slightly different texture. When you nail up the rock, use special sheetrock nails with cupped heads -- they hold the finish mud better, and they won't rust. Drive them in well -- should make a hammerhead size dent in the rock about 1/16 inch deep.【Get Price】
Of course, for the chemicals or steam to get to the adhesive beneath the paint/paper collage, you must somehow mechanically pierce the paint film. One old-time method is to use a stiff wire brush to abrade the surface of the paint and paper. Fast forward to the 20th Century… there is a retail product called the Paper Tiger that does this a little more neatly and easily. The Paper Tiger is a ...【Get Price】
Are you sure it's the 'back' - brand skins have changed over time. . . certain older drywall sheeting had a brown paper - but it's not the 'back' of it. . . but would be treated like any other wall-surface: prime first.【Get Price】
Drywall has a paper coating designed to create a uniform, smooth surface. If you hang drywall backwards, the rougher backing material will be visible through paint. Also, drywall has beveled edges that ease the process of drywall finishing. Drywall finishers embed paper drywall tape along the seams, so installing the tape within the bevel makes the taped seam rest below a flush level ...【Get Price】
Painting drywall in a smooth, clean way can take a bit of effort, but the final product is well worth it. It’s best to start by repairing any cracks or holes in the wall. Sand and wipe the entire wall down. Apply a coat of drywall primer and allow it to dry. Roll and brush on 2-4 coats of paint. Sand in between coats for an even better finish ...【Get Price】
Lining Paper is a quick and easy way to create a flat and smooth base on walls and ceilings, ready for either painting or wallpapering. Lining paper is a really effective and budget-friendly way to create a professional finish, without the cost of hiring a professional.【Get Price】 | 2,556 | 1,259 | 5,010.490866 |
warc | 202143 | PE and Sports Premium at Plumpton School Department for Education Vision for Primary PE and Sports Premium ALL pupils leaving primary school physically literate and with the knowledge, skills and motivation to equip them for a healthy, active lifestyle and lifelong participation in physical activities and sport.
The government has been providing additional funding for schools since 2013 to improve the provision of physical education (PE) and sport in primary schools. This funding – provided jointly by the Department for Education, Health and Culture, Media and Sport – is ring fenced and therefore can only be spent on the provision of PE and Sport in schools.
Schools must spend the additional funding on improving their provision of PE and Sports but have the freedom to choose how they do this.
2020-2021
Total Funding for 2020/2021 academic year – £16600
(September, 2020 to March, 2021 – £9683 & April, 2021 to August, 2021 – £6917 )
Below is an overview of how we have used the funding for the academic year 2020/2021:
£2959 to carry forward
Impact of PE and Sports Premium on pupils
At Plumpton School we greatly value the importance that PE and Sport have in the National Curriculum. Our outdoor curriculum is supported by our fantastic local environment, and with the Lake District National Park on our doorstep we are in an enviable position. However, we always search for ways to enhance our provision for the children at Plumpton School, which is why we measure the impact our spending of the PE and Sports Premium to ensure improvements to the curriculum are made.
Below is a list of improvements made to our provision of PE and Sports since the Premium has been available: | 1,749 | 846 | 3,498 |
warc | 202143 | Hindustan Times ST (Jaipur)
Toxic foam shrouds Yamuna
pute,” Kejriwal said.
He said the scheme would have finished the powerful ration mafia in Delhi. “If you stand with the ration mafia, who will stand with the poor people” the chief minister said, adding that the scheme was intended to benefit 7.2 million people in the national capital.
Delhi currently has around 1.78 million ration card holder households, which according to government records, translate to 7.2 million beneficiaries. Ration is currently distributed to them through a network of 2,000-odd fair price shops.
“The proposal has been turned down citing no approval from the Central government. It is untrue. We have written to the Central government five times, seeking their approval in this regard. Going by the law, we do not need any approval from the Central government in this regard. State governments are capable of implementing such schemes. In March, you asked us to remove Mukhyamantri (chief minister) from the name of the scheme, we obliged. We followed all your conditions,” said Kejriwal.
The Bharatiya Janata Party said the Centre has forestalled a “big scam” that the Delhi’s AAP government would have committed by “diverting” subsidised food grains, as it hit back at Kejriwal for targeting the central government for stopping the scheme.
BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said the Delhi government is free to run such a scheme by purchasing grains at a notified rate, but it has no right to tweak or stop a national programme of subsidised ration distribution under the Food Security Act to launch its own plan.
Speaking at a virtual press conference, Patra said there is no Aadhaar card authentication in Delhi against the national average of 80% and that the Kejriwal government earlier stopped the operation of POS machines, which allow biometric verification.
“We will never know to whom Arvind Kejriwal is giving ration to. He wanted to launch a ration diverting system. He wanted to start a big scam as the ration would not reach the right person and nobody knows where it might have gone... The Centre has prevented a big scam from taking place,” the BJP spokesperson said.
The same grains might have been sold at a highly inflated price, he said.
This is the second time this year that the scheme has been stalled due to differences between the Delhi government and the Centre. The scheme was to be launched on March 25, but the Union food and consumer affairs ministry wrote to the Delhi government on March 19 raising two objections— the use of the term “mukhyamantri (chief minister)” for a scheme involving the distribution of food grains allocated under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), and that any change in the delivery mechanism requires an amendment in NSFA that can be done only by Parliament.
sions recently, according to police, while officials estimated that the death toll could go up to 100 as autopsy reports of another 50 hooch consumers were awaited. The district police chief said so far 17 FIRS have been filed and 61 accused arrested in connection with the case.
The spurious liquor was allegedly dumped in canals and remote places by those possessing it after police began raids.
The irrigation department was asked to stop water flow in the Upper Ganga canal to search for liquor bottles and police of nearby districts were sounded out. cific categories.
In a notification issued on Friday night, the Maharashtra government said local trains will remain available for “medical, few essentials and women”, but authorised the civic administrations to put additional restrictions they deem fit.
The lockdown-like restrictions in Maharashtra were imposed in April this year when the second wave of the pandemic intensified.
The Uttar Pradesh government announced relaxations in the “corona curfew” in Bareilly and Bulandshahr districts from Monday, allowing shops and markets outside the containment zones to open for five days a week.
With this, the number of districts where the restrictions have eased as the count of active cases has fallen below the 600-mark has reached 67, out of the 75 districts.
Public health experts, meanwhile, have stressed on avoiding complacency but added that the governments needs to plan the unlock process and keep in mind particular activities that can trigger crowding and close contacts. | 4,459 | 2,147 | 9,019.76572 |
warc | 202143 | Heliocare 360º Mineral Tolerance Fluid SPF50, 50ml Heliocare 360º Mineral Tolerance Fluid is a light, breathable fluid with mineral-only filters that absorbs quickly into the skin with a nice silky finish. This fragrance-free fluid is tested on the most sensitive skin. Meets the highest photoprotection standard. With Fernblock®+, specific filters and repairing and antioxidant active ingredients, it protects against the 4 types of radiation (UVB, UVA, Visible and Infrared), neutralises and repairs sun damage. Tested under dermatological and ophthalmological control. It dries completely clear and so it is the perfect choice for those with a skin of colour, as well as being a popular choice for men. SPF50 and PA++++ High-tolerance formula with mineral-only filters Light texture that allows for an invisible finish even in dark skin tones Perfect for sensitive, reactive and intolerant skin types Protects against the four types of radiation (UVB/UVA, visible and infrared) Neutralises and repairs sun damage Supercharged anti-oxidant Fernblock® protects skin health DNA repair enzymes Additional anti-oxidants Vitamins C & E plus green tea extract
Key Technologies Fernblock® Every Heliocare product contains Fernblock®, a powerful natural ingredient that is unique to the Heliocare® range.
Fernblock® comes from the fern Polypodium Leucotomos. Over time, this plant has developed a protective mechanism from the sun. Fernblock® harnesses this natural plant power to benefit the skin in so many ways, including defending skin cells from damage caused by the sun and protecting our skin cell DNA.
It’s the result of years of research and is backed by significant clinical data.
Daylight protection Many of us reach for sunscreen when it’s sunny, but did you know that UVA, visible light and infrared-A can damage your skin all year round? All these rays are emitted by the sun and are powerful enough to penetrate cloud and glass - so even on the cloudiest days, our skin is still at risk. Visible light and infrared-A protection Visible light and infrared-A have also been shown to cause damage to the skin and lead to premature skin ageing. Heliocare 360° contains a Biosheild system that protects skin against visible light - like our own melanin, but much more powerful - and combats damage specifically caused by infrared-A.' UV protection Heliocare 360° products contain a combination of mineral and non-mineral filters to absorb and scatter the sun’s rays. This combination allows high levels of protection in a range of beautiful formulations.
The Heliocare 360° Mineral Tolerance Fluid is the only exception to this, as it contains only mineral filters. Its advanced formulation means that it feels light and silky and leaves no white residue on the skin, a common issue with many mineral-only products.
DNA repair enzymes DNA damage is a core component of sun damage, rendering the affected cells ineffective and, in the worst cases, causing mutations. Every Heliocare 360° product contains powerful DNA repair enzymes that not only help to repair damage, but prevent additional damage from happening. Anti-oxidants As well as the unique and powerful Fernblock®, Heliocare 360° also contains additional anti-oxidants to help boost the health of the skin, including green tea extract, vitamin C and E. DIRECTIONS
Shake before use. Apply approximately a full finger length of product to the face ensuring that you apply product evenly. Make sure you get full coverage up to the hairline and around the eyes, taking care not to get product into the eyes.
Reapply every 2 hours during periods of high exposure, after sweating, swimming or towelling the skin.
INGREDIENTS Aqua; Dimethicone; Isododecane; C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate; Hydrogenated Polydecene; Titanium Dioxide(nano); Zinc Oxide(nano); Butyloctyl Salicylate; Alumina; Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer; Phenethyl Benzoate; PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone; Nylon-12; Polypodium leucotomos Leaf Extract; Ferulic Acid; Caffeic Acid; Physalis angulata Extract; Caprylyl Glycol; Melanin; Camellia sinensis Extract; Plankton Extract; 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid; Isohexadecane; Hydrogen Dimethicone; Phenylpropanol; Polyhydroxystearic Acid; Magnesium Sulfate; Tocopheryl Acetate; Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer; Propanediol; Triethoxycaprylylsilane; Propylene Carbonate; Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride; Panthenyl Triacetate; Butylene Glycol; Propylene Glycol; Arginine; Ethyl Linoleate; Oleyl Alcohol; Pentylene Glycol; Oxothiazolidine; Dipropylene Glycol; Sodium Citrate; Palmitoyl Hydroxypropyltrimonium Amylopectin/Glycerin Crosspolymer; 1,2-Hexanediol; Lecithin; Sodium Benzoate; Tocopherol; Hydrogenated Lecithin; Phenoxyethanol; CI 77492; CI 77491; CI 77499. Write Your Own Review Customer Questions We found other products you might like! Heliocare Oral Ultra D Capsules (30 caps) - exp 07/23S$46.90 List Price: S$69.90 Heliocare Ultra 90 Cream SPF50+ (50ml) - exp 03/24S$26.90 List Price: S$61.00 Heliocare Color Compact SPF 50 - Light - exp 02/23S$37.90 List Price: S$61.00 Heliocare 360° Mineral Fluid SPF 50+ (50ml)S$37.90 List Price: S$69.00 Heliocare Advanced Cream SPF 50 (50ml) - exp 12/23S$25.90 List Price: S$54.55 Heliocare Purewhite Radiance Oral - 60 caps - Exp 04/24S$65.00 List Price: S$105.90 Heliocare Advanced XF Gel SPF50 (50ml) - exp 07/22S$35.00 List Price: S$54.55 Heliocare Ultra 90 Gel SPF50+ (50ml)S$27.90 List Price: S$58.00 | 5,529 | 2,519 | 11,903.043668 |
warc | 202143 | Home -- Substitute Of Sand For Construction
Our leading products have crushing equipment, sand making equipment, mobile crusher;The products includes five series: crusher, sand making machine, powder grinding mill, mineral processing equipment and building materials equipment.
These alternate building materials can be used when it meets the respective specifications in the code of practice here some new materials and technology is discussed as well and a list many alternate materials for foundation roof and walls are presented with details of each.
If you have any problems about our product and service,please feel free to give your inquiry in the form below. We will reply you within 24 hours as soon as possible.Thank you!
Feb 21 2020&0183;&32;explore alternatives of sand with free download of seminar report and ppt in pdf and doc format also explore the seminar topics paper on alternatives of sand with abstract or synopsis documentation on advantages and disadvantages base paper presentation slides for ieee final year civil engineering ce or ieee civil construction btech be mtech students for the year 2017 2018.
Dec 14 2013&0183;&32;silt in m-sand should not be more than 2% and the permissible limit of fines below 75 microns shall not exceed15% the artificial sand produced by the machines can be thus a better substitute to the river sand such sand will be more economical and demand for such type shall be increasing day by day if we advocate it and recommend the same.
Sometime construction debris can be used after dressing! cite 1 recommendation 15th feb 2014 pragyan bhattarai you can also use crushed glass as a substitute for sand just take care .
Once the technique developed at the university of arizona is applied in industrial practice it will substantially substitute concrete in the construction industry zhang says it will save the impoundment space for fly ash and reduce co2 emission during the production of cement.
Since sand dredging occurs primarily for construction purposes miners target river and coastal ecosystems where the sand is ideal river sand is particularly perfect for concrete because it is .
Mar 24 2018&0183;&32;a team of scientists in the uk have developed a low-carbon construction material using desert sand that could take pressure off increasingly scarce natural resources.
Desert sand: sourced from desert areas and not suitable for construction uses due to grains being too fine and overly smoothed at present although some are developing concrete substitutes using desert sand; biogenic bio-organic sand: sand whos makeup .
Mar 26 2018&0183;&32;sand is worldwide in high demand and heavily used in many industries especially construction with deserts full of it one can easily be fooled into thinking that sand is an almost infinite resource however desert sand has little use; the grains are too smooth and fine to bind together so it is not suitable for the making of for instance concrete.
Apr 09 2018&0183;&32;the town grinds up the bottles and jars that residents drop off and uses the resulting material as a substitute for gravel or sand after the glass is crushed it looks surprisingly drab and is sometimes given the punning name glassphalt in various construction projects.
Manufactured sand (m-sand) is a substitute of river sand for concrete construction manufactured sand is produced from hard granite stone by crushing the crushed sand is of cubical shape with grounded edges washed and graded to as a construction material .
This change could lead to an environmental friendly solution in construction industry concrete is the most consumed material after fresh water as more than 20 billion tons are produced each year worldwide the mixture of concrete consists of 30% of sand.
Potting soil alternatives are made from a variety of blended materials such ingredients include mosses like peat or sphagnum moss rocks and minerals like calcined clay vermiculite sand or perlite.
Jul 17 2019&0183;&32;the congress government in rajasthan is considering formulating a policy on manufactured sand (m-sand) as a substitute of bajri (riverbed sand) used for construction of buildings in view of .
Jun 12 2019&0183;&32;he said: "this research provides the evidence the construction industry needs to see the potential of glass as a substitute for sand when making polymer concrete and potentially concrete".
Jun 12 2019&0183;&32;this research provides the evidence the construction industry needs to see the potential of glass as a substitute for sand when making polymer concrete and potentially concrete.
Jun 21 2019&0183;&32;sand is a natural material that may seem abundant but it is being depleted quicker than it is formed by the environment leading engineering firms and contractors are exploring sand alternatives for use as aggregates in concrete these efforts are minimising sand depletion and enabling existing sand to be recycled for other construction projects.
Find sand at lowes today shop sand and a variety of building supplies products online at lowescom.
Introduction sand and gravel are used extensively in construction in the preparation of concrete for each tonne of cement the building industry needs about six to seven times more tonnes of sand and gravel (usgs 2013b) thus the worlds use of aggregates for concrete can be estimated at 259 billion to 296 billion tonnes a year for 2012 alone.
Function of sand in mortar 6 tests conducted for sand 7 substitutes for sand natural sources of sand: the sand particles consist of small grains of silica (sio 2) it is formed by the decomposition of sandstones due to various effects of weather according to the natural sources from which the sand is obtained it is of the following three .
Options for reducing the construction industrys dependence on sand mining identified through a literature review included to rivers will require the construction industry to be weaned off river sourced aggregate either through the substitution being heavy and expensive to transport ( ) get price.
Substitute of sand in construction is also available that is what is the uses of sand in building construction is there a substitute for sand in construction homes pedia 592018 there is substitute for sand in construction blast furnace slag bottom ash quarry dust artificial sand copper slag why sand and substitutes for sand - chestofbooks.
Looking at substitutes - the hindu aug 11 2013 sand is an ubiquitous raw material in construction it is a cheap and an essential ingredient to create workable mortar and strong concrete.
Substitute of sand in building construction cement sand and aggregate are essential needs for any construction industry sand is a major material used for preparation of mortar and concrete and plays a most important role in mix design in general consumption of natural sand is high due to the large use of concrete and mortar hence the demand .
Aug 10 2017&0183;&32;re: substitute material for construction sand firstly i think someone is confusing super pure silica sands that are used a raw materials for fiber optic strands and making the silicon wafers that are essential for every denser circuit design and economic successful cell .
May 23 20170183;32;substitute for natural river sand needed vietnamnet bridge viet nams total sand resources are an estimated 23 billion cubic metres with the current pace of construction experts warn that the sand supply will likely be exhausted in.
Can someone suggest an alternative of sand as a fineyou can also use crushed glass as a substitute for sand just take care about the alkali silica reaction using a mitigator addition such as a metakaolin etc or even glass powder itself citesubstitute of sand in building constructionsubstitute of sand in building construction for each project scheme design we will use professional knowledge .
The best substitute of sand for construction substitute of sand in building construction substitute for sand in construction find the right and the top substitute of sand in building construction diamond m-sand 2016-8-16 183 manufactured sand is crushed fine aggregate produced from hard granite stone which is washed and graded with consistency to be used as a substitute of river sand.
Waste plastic could be used to partially replace sand in concrete to make construction more sustainable according to research by the university of bath the research said it was possible to replace 10% of the sand in a concrete mix with waste plastic which had been ground down to similar sized granules as sand.
The percentage passing 150 microns of manufactured sand is relaxed to 20% (while that of natural sand is limited to 10%) as per design and economics crushed sand can be used to partially or fully replace river sand from a concrete mix the availability of crushed sand is not a concern as it can be manufactured from rocks in any season.
Sand is a mixture of small grains of rock and granular materials which is mainly defined by size being finer than gravel and coarser than silt and ranging in size from 006 mm to 2 mmparticles which are larger than 00078125 mm but smaller than 00625 mm are termed silt sand is made by erosion or broken pebbles and weathering of rocks which is carried by seas or rivers.
Dec 10 2019&0183;&32;horticultural sand for plants is often known as sharp sand coarse sand or quartz sand usually when used for plants sand consists of both large and small particles if you have difficulty finding horticultural sand you can substitute horticultural grit or builders sand.
High and New Industrial Zone, Kexue Revenue, Zhengzhou, China[email protected] | 9,655 | 4,027 | 23,054.998758 |
warc | 202143 | Summary reuters://realtime/verb=Open/url=cpurl://apps.cp./Apps/econ-polls?RIC=GBGDPAP economic poll data reuters://realtime/verb=Open/url=cpurl://apps.cp./Apps/cb-polls?RIC=GBBOEI%3DECI BOE poll Reuters poll graphics on UK economy and the Bank of England's policy outlook: https://tmsnrt.rs/3E3abw4 Reuters poll graphics on the UK inflation, monetary policy and economic growth outlook: https://tmsnrt.rs/2YwscT2
LONDON, Sept 10 (Reuters) - The Bank of England will raise borrowing costs by end-2022, earlier than previously thought, and there is a chance it comes even sooner as a solid economic recovery from the pandemic and high inflation may tip its hand, a Reuters poll found.
Like central banks across the world, the BoE slashed borrowing costs at the height of the coronavirus pandemic and also restarted its quantitative easing programme. But as daily deaths from COVID-19 have fallen thanks to extensive vaccination, much of life in Britain has returned to normal.
Bank Rate was seen rising to 0.25% in the fourth quarter of 2022 from its current record low of 0.10%, according to the Sept. 6-9 poll. In an August poll no change was expected until 2023.
Such a move would put the BoE ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve, which is not forecast to raise interest rates until 2023, although the Fed is expected to announce a plan to taper its asset purchases this month, a separate Reuters poll found.
And when asked if the risk was that first hike from the BoE came earlier or later than expected, over 80% of respondents to an extra question said sooner.
"Despite persisting COVID-19 uncertainties and severe global supply-side dislocations which will temporarily restrain real output growth, the overarching narrative for the UK – as part of a broader advanced world story – is decidedly positive," said Kallum Pickering at Berenberg.
"Healthy fundamentals and a renewed confidence in policymakers' abilities to stimulate demand will see to that."
Policymakers were evenly split last month between those who felt the minimum conditions for considering an interest rate hike had been met and those who thought the recovery was not strong enough, BoE Governor Andrew Bailey said on Wednesday. read more
Bailey said he was among officials who thought the minimum conditions had been reached, but they were not yet sufficient to justify a hike as Britain's economy continued to recover from its nearly 10% pandemic crash in 2020.
INFLATION RISING
With most of Britain now reopened, thanks in large part to a mass vaccination drive, the economy was expected to expand 2.5% this quarter and 1.5% next, little changed from last month.
On an annual basis, medians in the poll of 56 economists put growth this year at 6.8% - unchanged from last month - and at 5.5% in 2022, a tad better than the previous 5.4% forecast.
But when asked how the risks to their outlook was skewed, 60% said it was to the downside rather than the upside.
"The COVID-19 and Brexit shocks were blurred together, and as COVID-19 gradually affects the economy less and less, Brexit scarring will become increasingly apparent," said James Rossiter at TD Securities. "Structural adjustments due to Brexit have yet to fully reveal themselves."
Britain has suffered massive supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic, like the rest of the world, but they have been exacerbated by its exit from the European Union, which has wrought border disruptions and delays as well as a shortage of European labour.
Those disruptions have driven up prices. Inflation did fall to the Bank's 2.0% target in July but economists have said that was most likely a blip and the poll forecast it to average 2.6% this quarter, 3.5% next and 3.4% in early 2022.
Meanwhile, British employers are facing the most severe shortage of job candidates on record due to the post-lockdown surge in the economy as well as Brexit, pushing up starting pay for permanent staff at an unprecedented pace, a recruiters' body said on Thursday. read more
Unemployment was seen averaging 4.9% this year and 4.7% in 2022.
(For other stories from the Reuters global economic poll )
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. | 4,206 | 2,123 | 8,253.507301 |
warc | 202143 | Intelligent traffic, PCB will be welcomed
, the report said global wisdom city the size of the market for $308 billion in 2018, by 2023 the number will increase to $717. 2 billion, 2018 -
In 2023, the compound annual growth rate of 18 forecast period.
4%.
The overall trend is certainly rise, many related industry vertical industry company are linked in cities and wisdom.
In addition, the public security needs, the urban population increasing, the government action, will become the three big impetus to the development of intelligent city.
How to understand?
Small make up that security has been the important part of city construction, AI security began to rise, face recognition, biological recognition technology began to embrace traditional safety such as black;
Immigration, and to promote the urbanization process, urban expansion is the inevitable phenomenon, city boundary, but need reasonable control;
The government in urban construction, pay more attention to scientific and reasonable planning, 'clearly put every inch of land planning starts again after', has become a recent 'hebei male Ann new city master plan (
2018 -
2035)
'In the most bright eye in a word, this is, of course, also reflects the policy began to pay attention to the wisdom of the city from the top level design is scientific.
Intelligent transportation sector estimates of 2018 largest market scale, according to a report is expected in the forecast period,
That is 2018 -
2023).
, intelligent traffic will increase at an alarming compound annual growth rate.
Intelligent traffic solutions for existing and new transportation infrastructure project provides an important driving force.
MarketsandMarkets, however, have to remind is: the urban population explosion and the environment is becoming more and more serious.
Intelligent traffic pull PCB fast-growing car has been completely mechanism by the past evolution becomes a combination of mechanical and electronic, automotive electronic accounted for in the automobile manufacturing costs rising, automotive electronic market size is also growing.
Automobile industrial machinery and electronic combination because of the complicated working environment, auto car PCB requirement for reliability is extremely high, followed by the auto industry recall system, manufacturers need to assume the risk of product error, small manufacturers cannot afford, so will be excluded.
And
automotive PCB high barriers to entry, have to pass a series of verification test, certification cycle is long, and once through the authentication, the manufacturers generally will not easily change suppliers, orders are relatively stable.
Intelligent driving cars for economic opened more imagination space, improve permeability in the car market at present.
ADAS system (
Advanced driving assistance systems)
To the rapid growth of the market from the original high-end market gradually penetrate into the mid-market, a new type of sensor technology is also improved in creating new opportunities for system deployment.
Permeability of ADAS is less than 5% at present, with further expansion of functions, as well as the policy to encourage and mandatory requirements, the future is expected to increase at a speed of more than 20%, the size of the market is expected to be close to $30 billion by 2020.
Determined in a variety of operation control, safety control and ADAS surrounding need PCB to implement control functions, is expected in the future to achieve fully automated driving cars will be more PCB assembly to meet the demand of driving.
China intelligent driving market scale and prediction of new energy automobile demand for PCB also has huge potential.
With the support of industrial policy, the domestic new energy automobile market keep rapid growth since 2014.
BMS is one of the core parts of new energy vehicles, and as the basis of BMS is one of the parts, PCB will also benefit from the development of new energy vehicles. | 3,999 | 1,860 | 8,526.9 |
warc | 202143 | This allergy season, practice simple self care. Check your tongue for coating. Coating on the tongue is known as
ama, a toxic byproduct of incomplete or improper digestion, poor food combining, unseasonable eating, and stress. (1)
To help combat
ama, improve digestion, and fight inflammation leading to hypersensitivities including seasonal, environmental, and other food allergies, use turmeric in hot water with a pinch of freshly ground black pepper. While recent studies have shown that the digestive system has a difficult time absorbing curcumin, the bioactive flavonoid found in turmeric (2), Ayurveda has recommended for millennia that turmeric, known as haridra in Sanskrit, be taken with an anupan or delivery mechanism to improve bioavailability. (3)
Depending on your constitution and the season, turmeric may be ingested along with
maricha (black pepper) or pippali (Indian long pepper) in hot water , added to warm cow’s milk (known locally as golden milk), or mixed in honey to improve efficacy and delivery to deep tissues of the body.
Original post 5/15/15
Updated 9/23/15
Sources
1. Sumantran, V. Tillu G. Cancer, Inflammation and Insights from Ayurveda. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012; 2012: 306346. Free full text available online at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3398688/#sec6title
2. Douglass, B and Clouatre. D. Beyond Yellow Curry: Assessing Commercial Curcumin Absorption Technologies. J Am Coll Nutr. 2015 Apr 9. doi: 10.1080/07315724.2014.950392. Free full text available online at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4536942/ | 1,603 | 937 | 2,713.295624 |
warc | 202143 | The sales funnel can help to understand how buyers think and act at each stage of their buying process. These insights help you invest in the appropriate marketing activities and channels, make the most of your marketing dollars and turn even more prospects into buying customers. It is crucial to understand your audience, your business objectives, and sales funnel design in order to design a sales funnel that maximizes your return on sales. This will allow you to keep your customers coming back. In this article we will introduce you to some of the key elements of a sales funnel – how to define them, how to build them and use them to strengthen and grow your sales.
In sales, the sales funnel is a critical component because it takes you through the stages of selling and what makes those stages distinct from one another. The sales funnel begins with lead generation, ends with sales, and continues through all stages of selling with customer satisfaction with the sales process. These are the essential building blocks of a sales funnel and how to create them.
Lead generation is the first step in the sales funnel. This is the process by which you identify qualified prospects before they become customers or loyal buyers. Lead generation is the process of identifying prospects’ needs and opportunities. Next, develop a conversation to understand their perspective and identify their urgency. Asking questions about the prospect’s current problem, what they want, why they want it, how they see the future, what drives them to take action, and other pertinent information can help you do this. You have to gather a treasure trove of information from each prospect on every level of the sales process to ensure that they are not only potential leads but also prepared to become qualified leads or ready to buy.
After you have identified leads, the next stage in the sales funnel is to develop those leads into qualified leads. The sales funnel training is all about guiding those leads through the sales process. The process requires that you learn how to talk to each of these prospects in-depth. This is a very difficult skill set to acquire and must be done with care and diligence. It is not possible to just throw your sales process at prospects hoping for the best.
Out-of-the box sales funnel coaching teaches you how to improve your traditional sales skills and move from the prospect stage to sales funnel. This stage of any sales funnel is the most difficult and requires the highest level in attention, detail, and coaching. This is also the stage where the sales funnel really helps companies sell to potential customers.
You have the ability to offer more personalized services to each lead in your sales funnel. This means that each of these customer’s needs and wants are considered equally during the sales process. If one sales prospect doesn’t feel that your product/service is right for him or her, then they won’t purchase. If your product or service is perfect for the potential customer, they’ll be more likely to purchase in the future.
This stage of your sales funnel will show that customers are willing and able to pay more for what your product or service has to offer. They will recognize your expertise and be willing to pay a premium for your product or service. To get past this stage, you need a strong sales funnel coaching program. You need to be able recognize every potential customer and customize your sales approach based on their needs.
There are many ways to train salespeople. There are many stages in a sales funnel, each with its own purpose. A well-designed sales funnel will allow you to identify prospects so that you can effectively sell your products and/or services. It will also help you build a long-term relationship with your prospects so that you can do business with them over again in the future. The sales funnel is a great sales tool and one that can greatly improve your sales process. | 3,999 | 1,713 | 9,232.950963 |
warc | 202143 | It hasn’t been long since the last update but we have just had a farm consultant visit so we thought we would make this available. Calving was slow to start with but is going well – only just over 100 to calve in the spring so we are feeling very relaxed, most of the time.
On the Farm
There are 345 cows on farm grazing 1.5 ha/day = 50-day round.
270 milkers are grazing 1.5 ha (paddock/day), plus each cow is getting 6 kg meal, ½ litre molasses (mixed with water), 5 kg DM maize silage and 1 wrapped bale at night. 17 colostrum/sick cows, 58 springers, and 3 bulls are also on farm.
Production to date is 28,190 kg MS (compared with 19,333 kg MS at the same time last year). Current production is 6 – 6.1 kg MS/ha/day and 1.6 – 1.7 kg MS/cow/day. The milkers’ cow condition is 5+.
Minerals
General multi minerals are going through the water and triple mix is going on the maize silage for the milkers – but causmag has dropped back to 35 g/cow/day and this seems to be working better. The colostrum cows are getting a good dose of magnesium and calcium after calving.
Winter mating
AI started for the cows on 13
th June and finished on 13 th July and then the bulls went in. Most cows were mated to AI, and all but one look like they have been mated in total.
The heifers were all CIDR’ed and then mated on 5
th June, followed by bulls being put in.
The bulls will come out of the heifers and the cows around the 20
th August. Feed budget
The average pasture cover is 2,297 kg DM/ha. The pasture cover targets for the next two months are 1,950 – 2,000 kg DM/ha in late August, and 2,100 – 2,200 kg DM/ha in late September.
Fertiliser
PhaSed N was applied to the last three paddocks in early July. Then the early paddocks that were given this fertiliser too light were topped up in late July.
Urea (SustaiN) was applied over the first two full grazing rounds (starting the week before last), we will follow the cows with an application of nitrogen over paddocks that do not get effluent over this time.
Grazing round
The 1.5 ha/day through the winter has done a really nice job of protecting the pasture cover, we will hold this round through until late August – early September when it will open up to 1½ paddocks/day.
We aim to leave 1,300 – 1,500 kg DM/ha residuals behind the milkers through the next 6 – 8 weeks. As spring growth really takes off in September, we would like to see these residuals lift towards 1,500 – 1,700 kg DM/ha where they will hold through the spring. If/when residuals start to go above this level in spring, surplus paddocks will be dropped out for silage.
The dry cows will be used as needed to help clean up behind the milkers over the next two months, with the aim to leave around 1,200 – 1,300 kg DM/ha after this group, whether they are following the milkers or grazing on their own allocated grazing area.
Spring mating
We have been talking about going to all autumn calving but now are thinking of have a smaller spring calving. What spring mating will look like is still in discussion, but we are considering a PG programme on the cycling cows so that everything that was cycling has 1 shot of getting in calf – over a 10 – 20-day period.
Cropping plan
Eight paddocks to go into chicory this year. These paddocks will be sprayed out just before, or after, grazing through September so they can be sown into 10 kg/ha of Choice chicory by late September.
Five paddocks to go into turnips this year. These paddocks will be sprayed out in early October so they can be sown in turnips by the 20
th October for the early paddocks, and no later than 10 th November for the late paddocks.
Twenty-four ha of maize has been penciled in again for this season. These paddocks are going to be sprayed out before the silage is cut, so they can be sown in October.
RUN OFF
There are 20 dry cows, 1 beef cow, 4 beef autumn 2020 steers, 47 autumn 2020 heifers, 90 spring 2020 heifers and 61 autumn 2021 calves on the run off.
Fertiliser
The PhaSed N was finished on 15
th July, and a round of SustaiN has started now at 85 kg/ha that will continue over the next 6 weeks.
There is still around 70 – 80 t DM of maize left on the runoff. This will be closed up over the next week or so.
There is one paddock that hasn’t been grazed so this will either be made into some early bales, or grazed off and other paddocks will be shut for silage instead, depending on the upcoming weather. | 4,539 | 2,085 | 9,583.058993 |
warc | 202143 | Southern Regional Ranks in Top 2.5% in Nation on Social Responsibility Category:News Posted On:
Southern Regional Medical Center has ranked in the top 2.5% of all hospitals nationally on the Lown Hospitals Index for Social Responsibility, the only ranking to include equity as a major category. Out of more than 3,000 hospitals, only 75 achieved Honor Roll status by earning “A” grades in equity, value, and outcomes, the three metrics used to determine overall social responsibility – and Southern Regional is one of them.
"For more than 50 years, Southern Regional has worked to provide exceptional healthcare to the communities we serve," stated Charlotte W. Dupré, President and CEO of Southern Regional Medical Center. "We are honored to be recognized among the leading hospitals in the U.S. for our commitment to social responsibility.”
Health equity has become a top priority for American hospitals amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and movements for racial justice. Yet relatively few hospitals earn top scores across the Lown Hospitals Index for Social Responsibility – the only ranking to include equity as a major category. Major teaching hospitals and hospitals in urban locations stand out on the Lown list, which was first published last year. The Index includes 54 metrics across the equity, value, and outcomes categories. The index is the first ranking to assess the social responsibility of U.S. hospitals by applying measures never used before like racial inclusivity, avoidance of overuse, and pay equity.
The organization noted that half of the hospitals that appeared on this year's U.S. News and World Report Best Hospitals list failed to place within the top third of the Lown list. While US News and World Report’s Best hospitals generally achieved high grades on outcomes and value, the Institute noted, every hospital with the exception of Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore received a “C” or “D” grade on equity.
“It’s not enough for hospitals to say they’re committed to social responsibility. They need to put their commitment into action,” said Dr. Vikas Saini, president of the Lown Institute, a nonpartisan think tank advocating for changes in the healthcare system. “Doing well on the Lown Index is one way they can demonstrate progress.”
Factored into the ranking this year is a new measure of cost efficiency that evaluates how well hospitals achieve low mortality rates at a low cost. Performance varies widely, even among similar-sized hospitals in the same cities.
Southern Regional ranked 2
nd in the state of Georgia for social responsibility.
“Our hospital is dedicated to delivering the highest-quality, most advanced healthcare available to our patients as we continue to be a committed partner within the communities we serve," Dupré said. | 2,890 | 1,322 | 6,077.30711 |
warc | 202143 | Custom Shutters In Gainesville For Your Home
Plantation shutters in Gainesville are an excellent window treatment for your home because they’re excellently designed - both outside and in! Their thick louvers give your window a clean, modern feel. And we construct our plantation shutters to provide you with energy savings and durability so your beautiful investment ensures huge savings and added value.
Plantation shutters are extremely adjustable, too. By merely tilting the louvers up and down, plantation shutters let in all the sunlight and view you wish. Louvers are the horizontal panels that you can adjust to increase – or decrease – the light you let into the room. They can be shifted by using a mounted tilt rod.
No matter what your specific needs may be, from special window shapes and matching colors to frame design, we have the best interior shutters in Gainesville to complement your interior.
Common Plantation Shutter Questions Where did the name plantation shutters come from?
Plantation shutters are called that due to their regular usage in expansive mansions and plantations, mostly in the American south, where they were desired for their classy aesthetics in addition to their capacity to block heat from coming inside.
Which kind of shutter do you recommend for my sunroom or dining room?
Any space will have its own special needs. For that reason, we've created the Total Room Window Treatment Guide
to make it easier to find the best option for each room in Gainesville homes.
Where are plantation shutters built?
Polywood plantation shutters are one of the only shutters that are 100% made and put together in the U.S.A.
Reasons To Choose Plantation Shutters For Gainesville Houses
The different louver sizes of plantation shutters provide you with the most unimpeded view of your Gainesville neighborhood while adding beauty to your home. Plantation shutters give you the ultimate light, privacy, and temperature control of any window treatment.
Differing louver sizes can also mean less louvers on your window. That’s why large louvers give plantation shutters their fresh finish. A modern look and easy control of light and temperature make plantation shutters the favored choice of interior shutters in Gainesville.
As a result of the way they’re installed on your window, plantation shutters act as a permanent fixture.
When your residence is assessed for resale, plantation shutters add to its estimated market price. You get to enjoy your shutters right now – and gain back your investment when you sell it later. It’s a win-win for everyone.
We craft plantation shutters that enhance your window and your decor seamlessly. That’s why we carry these premium brands of custom plantation shutters.
Composed of a composite wood substitute, Polywood® plantation shutters won’t chip, warp, crack, or split. On top of that, the color on Polywood shutters
won’t fade or yellow. Our colors last because we bake on our first-grade paint finish and pair it with UV stabilizers that make the premium synthetic resilient to sunlight. So, no matter how long the Gainesville sun shines, your shutters look as beautiful as the day they were first installed!
Polywood plantation shutters are also the gold standard among insulating shutters, making your home more energy efficient than ever. Read about the Polywood Insulating System® to find out about the energy efficiency boost Polywood shutters can give you.
We custom craft all our Polywood shutters so they look beautiful on your Gainesville windows – and work smoothly when you open and close them.
If you’re looking for a premium wood plantation shutter, you’ve found it. Ovation® hardwood shutters are made from solid teak so you won’t have any doubt that they are built for durability. A
five-star wood shutter, Ovation shutters come in an array of louver sizes that are built with furniture-grade hardwood.
Have you got a distinct hue picked out to match your decor? Ovation plantation shutters can be customized in 28 stunning wood stains and 11 unique paints, so it's possible to perfectly match your previous window trim or complement the color scheme of your home.
We craft all of our Ovation plantation shutters to fit your Gainesville windows perfectly and work flawlessly.
Bring a modern touch to your residence with reclaimed wood shutters. Every shutter louver is a one-of-a-kind mix of color and finish, crafted by Mother Nature herself. We custom build these shutters to complement any window in your home.
Studio shutters are the latest offering from Sunburst Shutters Gainesville. Uniquely engineered to provide both the stunning looks of plantation shutters in addition to unrivaled value, Studio shutters are a smart, streamlined window covering.
Schedule a free in-home consultation today by calling 813-602-5966 or filling out the form below! | 4,955 | 2,198 | 10,913.173339 |
warc | 202143 | Not since the likes of Martin Luther King Jr. and Fanny Lou Hammer touched the American conscience and led a movement that began to erase more than 250 years of slavery have we as Americans been blessed with effective leadership.
I was reminded of this recently as I plowed my way through Doris Kearns Goodwin’s “Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln.” Goodwin’s almost 900-page opus is a careful study in the art and science of effective leadership in what was decidedly the most critical time in the history of the republic. The republic was almost lost in the bloodiest war we have ever fought. Through it all, the wisdom of Lincoln was a calming and guiding hand. He brought to the task a remarkable mix of common sense nurtured on the prairie among the common folk and a sophisticated understanding of history and letters that gave him a profound understanding of the human condition. He interacted with people with relish, and read books with abandon.
Lincoln set high standards. Speaking to a group in Illinois in the early 1850s, he lamented that the founding fathers had left a “meager yield after their ‘field of glory.’ While there was no shortage of good men, whose ambition would aspire to nothing beyond a seat in Congress, a gubernatorial or presidential chair; but such belong not to the family of the lion, or the tribe of the eagle.” Lincoln goes on to say that “such modest aspirations … would never satisfy men of towering genius who scorned a beaten path.” Lincoln was too modest to consider himself a “towering genius,” but he always believed that public service called people to reach for that level in leadership. All aspirants to political office in this election year would do well to read Goodwin’s study, if they can take time away from raising money for their campaigns. There is much about effective and wise leadership that can be garnered. One of the key points that comes through is that Lincoln appreciated diversity of opinion around him. He did not suffer “yes men” lightly. Indeed, he brought into his Cabinet all of his major opponents. He engaged them all constantly in discussions that led to his decisions. He was not afraid of being challenged and proven wrong. He believed that the public had the right to a government that represented the diverse opinion that was present in the country. And he was a master of managing that diversity. It is remarkable to read of the ways in which those strongly opposed to him came to appreciate his understanding of complex issues. Indeed, sworn enemies became great admirers. He always treated his Cabinet with respect and dignity, particularly when they disagreed. Salmon Chase cavorted against him, tried to resign a number of times and was always trying to stir up opposition in the country. But he was a very good secretary of the Treasury. Lincoln believed the nation needed him. He continued to engage Chase and treat him well, even though he knew he was plotting against him often. When he finally accepted his resignation, he appointed him to the Supreme Court, a gesture of respect and support. Haven’t you noticed how tolerant the current administration is of divergent views? George Bush just loves to have a “Team of Rivals” around him! Lincoln had a fundamental confidence about himself, distinct from arrogance. He worked hard at the policy decisions he made. He was sure a variety of divergent voices were heard. He never lost his faith in himself. And he had reason to do so. The Confederates were very close to Washington on a number of occasions, and the war did not go well for many years. Yet he never wavered. He knew that he was about the supremely important business of saving the Union. And never did his confidence descend to arrogance. Wouldn’t it be nice if our leaders today understood the difference between arrogance and self-confidence? There was no swagger in Lincoln. Lincoln’s leadership was direct and hands-on. He wrote his own speeches. He walked to the War Department almost every night to receive word directly from the fronts of the war. He talked with the telegraph operators late into the night as he weighed the reports. He made himself directly available to the people. He saw those who wanted to see him. There was no pre-screening for partisan agreement. He knew the difference between campaigning and governing. All knew that Lincoln was directly involved in all major decisions. This hands-on approach gained him great respect and contributed in major ways to victories in the Congress and with the American people in the second-term election. Would that Mr. Bush understood that governing is more than giving speeches he has not written to carefully selected audiences to produce a news clip for the evening news. I was very much impressed with Lincoln’s grasp of the classics. He was constantly quoting Shakespeare. He read poets of his own time as well as the classics. Literature and history were his windows into the human spirit, and he understood it much better than most occupants of the White House, surely in a different league that Bush in this regard. Three quick final points. He was a man of great humor. He loved to tell stories, usually humorous, but with a message. He also had a great sense of timing. His issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation was delayed until it would have the maximum effect on the war and would be welcomed by citizens of the North. His handling of a civil liberties incident is revealing, notwithstanding his limited suspension of habeas corpus. The Copperhead Clement Vallandingham was arrested and charged with treason by General Burnside. When the Chicago Times stirred the pot with its coverage, Burnside unwisely suspended the newspaper. There was uproar. Lincoln resolved it by commuting the sentence on Vallandingham and reinstating the Times, while at the same time comforting Burnside. In response to a plea that he suspend the Chicago Times permanently for its subversive writing, he said, “I fear you do not fully comprehend the danger abridging the liberties of the people. … A government had better go to the very extreme of toleration, than to do aught that could be construed into an interference with, or to jeopardize in any degree, the common rights of its citizens.” Leadership – American style. There is precedent for something much better than we have today. It is up to us to create the modern Lincolns.
Jim Carignan is a retired educator who lives in Harpswell and is chairman of the state Board of Education. His e-mail address is [email protected] | 6,710 | 3,166 | 13,913.818699 |
warc | 202143 | Companies with a positive work culture have employees who can work to the best of their abilities. It is vital for your business operations both in terms of staff-to-staff interaction as well as staff-to-customer interaction. At the same time, it is important for employee hiring, retention, and productivity.
The global workforce is not the same as before, with more and more companies employing remote workers since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. This is why building
positive company culture with a remote team is a challenge most companies are trying to overcome.
Below we share some important tips on how you can build a positive culture with
remote team. Make Everyone Aware Of The Company’s Mission And Vision
It is necessary to let every team member of different
remote teams know what the vision and mission of the company are. Once they learn about it, you will see from their behavior whether they have faith in the company’s mission. Responsible workers are those whose views are in agreement with the company’s vision and mission.
This is why they work with greater passion and belief. Identifying these workers and giving them leadership roles will help foster a positive company culture as the passion and belief of these employees will also motivate other workers to give their best.
Create a Stress-Free Virtual Environment
Every office has a room where employees come together to sit and chat; for some, it is the lunchroom, whereas, for others, it can be a balcony or an empty conference room.
However, with the onset of remote work, employees cannot get the same break from work; this is why it is important to create a stress-free virtual environment. Moreover, with employees regularly attending work, video calls back-to-back can decrease their productivity.
A stress-free virtual environment where remote workers can talk about anything will boost employee morale and create special bonds within teammates. It can be a link that anyone can access during work hours and invite their teammates after checking their availability.
Whenever employees feel that their brain needs a break, they will access the link to share what they are going through with their colleagues, thereby forming stronger bonds and eliminating their stress.
Recognize Employee Contributions And Appreciate Them
Every person who puts their effort into the company’s progress must be given timely appreciation and recognition. A lot of studies have shown that the performance of employees gets a massive boost when they are given appreciation and rewards for their past efforts. With employees not working from the office, the onus is on managers and leaders to appreciate them in front of their colleagues.
Inviting all the team members on a group call and giving a shoutout to the month’s top performers is a healthy practice that all organizations should encourage. This will boost their confidence and loyalty towards the company and create a sense of belonging, which is important for creating a positive company culture.
Encourage Skills Training After Overall Evaluation
It is a common instance with most remote workers that they tend to feel they are not growing in their current job role after a certain time. This is where having an honest evaluation of the past performance of the employee can help. Every remote-first company must conduct one-on-one sessions to help employees revisit their past contributions and address new and upcoming challenges that they feel confident about.
At the same time, you must speak to your employees about their other interests. This can help them contribute to a different vertical within the company.
Identifying the skills employees are interested in acquiring and giving them time and support to pursue that skill will surely make them more loyal towards your company.
Conclusion Positive work culture is important for the sustainability and growth of any company as it helps you achieve success and creates an atmosphere that is healthy for everyone. Here are some tips to keep in mind when taking care of your remote workforce. | 4,131 | 1,865 | 9,046.114745 |
warc | 202143 | We all are aware of what an important role our dentist plays in our overall oral health. He or she is your “go-to” clinician for routine procedures that include teeth cleanings, cavity fillings, sealants, crowns and other restorations. To become a dentist, each has completed a post-graduate, four-year doctorate degree in dentistry. For procedures outside the scope of their training, a dentist will generally refer patients and coordinate treatment with a specialist.
For nearly 35 years, I have been a specialist, more specifically, an oral surgeon. After five years of post-graduate education, I graduated from The University of Texas Health Science Center. In 1983, I joined Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, earned my board-certification, and pursued my commitment to providing the best oral surgical care for my patients. I can honestly tell you that I think I have seen it all. I’ve seen patients in my office who have had remarkable dental work, including beautiful restorations and perfectly aligned teeth. And, on the flip side, I have seen some very scary conditions as a result of inadequate dental care. Unfortunately, these abominable dental cases are usually a result of patients trusting their care to general dentists who have become known as “super-generalists,” or super-general dentists.
Have you encountered a super-general dentist? His or her office promotes itself as capable of handling all dental issues for the sake of time and convenience. Before you agree to allow your general dentist to perform procedures, find out a few things:
Does your general dentist rightfully possess the necessary qualifications to perform the prescribed procedure? Has your general dentist had post-graduate training to perform the procedure? Is there a specialist in your community that specializes in the procedure that has been prescribed? Does your general dentist have the right equipment and trained staff to perform the procedure? Has your dentist enrolled in legitimate continuing education courses? What is the motivation behind offering procedures beyond his or her training?
If you are not comfortable with the answers to the questions above, there are many dental specialists that are properly trained and prepared to treat you:
Oral Surgeon: Experts in mouth, face and jaw surgery Periodontist: Experts in treating periodontal disease (gums) Orthodontist: Experts in the treatment of improper bite and crooked teeth Pediatric Dentist: Experts dedicated to the oral health of children from infancy through 16 years old Prosthodontist: Experts in the esthetic restoration and replacement of teeth
When your general dentist refers you to a specialist, you can feel confident that he or she has your best interest at heart. He acknowledges the limitations of his training and appreciates the expertise of a specialist. So, before agreeing to advanced dental procedures in your general dentist’s office, consider consulting with a specialist. Beware of the dentists that claim to do it all. As an oral surgeon, I want all of my patients, family and neighbors to have the best treatment possible. Seek second opinions and seek specialists. And, if you have any doubts, feel free to contact me directly at referral@nwoms.net.
__________________________________________________________________
Dr. M. James Clark is a board-certified oral surgeon specializing in wisdom teeth extractions, implant dentistry and the treatment of other conditions of the mouth, face and jaw. Dr. Clark practices at the Technology Forest office of Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. | 3,625 | 1,677 | 7,749.329159 |
warc | 202143 | It is one of the best choices for those of you who live near or out in the woods. But it doesn’t mean that people who live away from the woods can not own a log-end fence. There are a lot of different ways to build a stack wood fence all depending on your lo ion budget and design.【Get Price】
The typical fence installation costs between $1641 and $3972 according to HomeAdvisor a home improvement marketplace. While you might be able to budget for this on your own you can utilize plenty of financing options. Read on to find the best fence financing option for you. 5 ways to finance a fence installation project【Get Price】
Diy backyard privacy fence ideas on a budget 59 For example you can utilize to recreate the majority of the ideas mentioned previously. You might have found a few of these ideas way from the box but they’re definitely worth a shot. Thus if you’re waiting to learn what these patio ideas could be keep reading and discover out. 【Get Price】
Build this Fence. Well that is all 30 inspiring fencing options we have for you. Some are more budget-friendly than others while others are easier to install or build. Regardless of what you choose we hope that these options have helped inspire you in your own fence building pursuits.【Get Price】
The best way to make sure you don& 39;t fall victim to sky-high prices and hidden charges is by conducting thorough research in advance. When you have a plan it& 39;s much easier to predict and manage the costs. Read on to find out everything you need to know about how to build a fence on a budget.【Get Price】
The pathway out should use the best lay of the land for concealment vehicle speed and safety. If you are on a tight budget and are not going to bug out you can still protect your property by constructing an outer perimeter wall from thorny bushes. Start now so they will be grown to a good defensive height when the time comes.【Get Price】
There are some common materials which are used to build a fence like wood concrete vinyl iron and so on. However sometimes the price of those materials can be so pricey especially for you who have a very tight budget.【Get Price】
Building Our Vegetable Garden Fence Country Basket – Nice photo essay of fence and garden gate construction featuring 18 inches of chicken wire then 4 feet of wire mesh topped by two strands of electric wire. Using a combination of materials is a good way to build a tall fence without too much cost.【Get Price】
Split Rail Fence with Mesh. This is an affordable fence you can make yourself. It works well for keeping pets and kids in your yard and it doesn’t look bad either. It& 39;s also a simple and effective way to keep predators and other pesky animals off your property. Pallet Fence . Recycled pallets are an amazing budget option.【Get Price】
For neighbours this design is the perfect way to have a fence that looks good from both sides of the property. The staggered design also allows more light and air through so while it does add privacy it isn’t as closed off as a privacy fence. Picket One of the best-known fence designs is the picket fence.【Get Price】
When building your goats’ fence you should not only consider keeping them in but also keeping predators out. I’m very fortunate that we don’t have many predators in our areas. I’m not sure why but I sure am thankful. However if you go up from our house a mile or two it is coyote central according to what all of our neighbors say.【Get Price】
Cheap Ways to Build a Fence Without Surveillance Cameras or Other Electronic Equipment. Use naturally growing barriers. These must not be well trimmed. Let the grass grow high have brown spots and lots of weeds or as much as you can within town codes.【Get Price】
While it is possible to use bottles of all shapes and sizes this project works best with bottles that have a uniform shape. Stack the bottles in the desired lo ion for your privacy fence and cement the rows together by applying a layer of mortar or quick-dry cement to the top of each row of bottles before stacking the next row on top.【Get Price】
Obviously if your fence is to keep animals in or out you will need a different sort of fence than if you just want to mark your boundary. Budget is not the only consideration to take into account when choosing a fence. You should also think about your reasons for building it in the first place. For example you might be building your fence to:【Get Price】
Putting up a fence in your backyard can be a great way to keep your pets and your children a whole lot safer. You don’t have to worry about them wandering off out of the yard. You also don’t have to worry as much about someone coming into the yard that you don’t want there.【Get Price】
I don’t have the budget to replace it but I would like to rebuild it inexpensively like you did. The methods you used of recycling old materials from other people seems like the best way to save money on such a project. You used your sister’s 12 foot gate for the fence and I was wondering if you like that height.【Get Price】
May 7 2020 - There are many ways you can give a unique character to your home. Aside from landscaping your yard building an equally-stunning fence can complement the【Get Price】
Over time you don’t need to worry about the fence deteriorating. The maintenance is minimal and you can save money on repairs. As far as your budget is concerned vinyl could be the way to go. 4. Work with a Reputable Company. One of the best ways for you get a fence that is affordable is to work with a reputable company.【Get Price】
* Wood fencing material cost is based on the national average for 6′-0 high wood fencing material only . Material cost is an estimate for fence pickets posts and cross-rails stringers and does not include building materials such as gates cement fasteners rental equipment etc. ** To get an accurate price for your project we recommend contacting a local building supply store to 【Get Price】
If you are looking for some great do it yourself fence ideas you have come to the right place. Here are some of the best fence design concepts to modernize your property’s fencing. 15 Unique Do It Yourself Fence Ideas and Concepts 1. Classic picket fence【Get Price】
Field fence is best for low impact animals or if you need a secure full fence for a large area. It is great for keeping deer out of a garden or for fencing a dog run. The Bottom Line: Field fence is an economical way to fence a large area. It is readily available online through your local farm supply store or from large chain stores.【Get Price】 | 6,868 | 3,020 | 14,886.731126 |
warc | 202143 | Head of Faculty
Mrs V Lloyd (v.lloyd@temac.co.uk)
Science Curriculum Intent
Science uses testable hypotheses to acquire, organise and revise knowledge of the natural world and this approach underpins our ambitious and challenging curriculum for science students at TEMA.
The science curriculum aims to nurture scientifically literate citizens who have the knowledge and skills to be able to formalise their curiosity into rigorous scientific methodology. This will empower all students to be active participants in global scientific discussions in the rapidly changing world of science and make critically informed decisions that will affect their futures. Students will have the opportunity to apply the scientific knowledge they have learnt by capitalising on the cross-curricular links between science and different subjects so that they are prepared to use their scientific knowledge in future careers, both in and out of science.
Curriculum Implementation
Using guidance from the Educational Endowment Fund (‘Improving Secondary Science’, 2018), the Gatsby Practical Guide and research-led pedagogical science (‘Rosenshine’s Principles in action’, 2019) we have created a curriculum that:
Identifies powerful knowledge and builds this knowledge sequentially with careful consideration for where this knowledge leads next Uses expert models to elucidate scientific concepts Provides opportunities for daily, weekly and monthly review Incorporates regular low stakes formative assessment with personalised feedback tailored to individual student and class needs Identifies powerful language and provides regular opportunities to apply this language to new contexts Supplements taught content with at least 50% practical science and demonstrations Explicitly links science to other academic disciplines and the wider world | 1,858 | 966 | 3,508.273292 |
warc | 202143 | My 7-year-old’s second-grade teacher often teases him about his tendency to “traipse through the tulips,” as she puts it.
He is the most distracted child I’ve ever known.
Last year at the end of the year school picnic, my son was whipping around with friends on a merry-go-round at the park. He simply let go, he would later tell us as we were cleaning up his scraped knees and elbow, because he noticed a caterpillar on the ground. He wanted to get off and take a look at it.
It can be infuriating, this absentmindedness of his. I can send him to clean his room and 45 minutes later find him, still in the midst of a mess, creating an elaborate design on his dresser top with toys and knick-knacks.
He’s the last one ready for school in the morning and the last one out of the bathroom at night.
But despite my frustration, I also admire this quality in my little boy. He does exactly what so many people regret not doing later in life: he stops to smell the roses.
Life has been a little crazy in our household lately. My husband is taking on more work, my boys have started softball and the summer calendar is already starting to fill up with obligations and invitations. I’ve been running around like a crazy woman trying to juggle it all and get my garden planted.
When I talk with other moms, this always seems to be the case in the summer months. We wait anxiously all year for these three months of warm weather and no school.
Then when it arrives, we pack it so full of “stuff” we don’t really take the time to enjoy it.
Perhaps my best summer memories from childhood are the weeks we spent at my parents’ cabin in northern Wisconsin. No one had to go to work. No one fretted about laundry or dentist appointments.
Our biggest concern was what to have for dinner.
My parents taught us growing up that it was important to work hard, but equally important to take a vacation from work every year – even if just for a few days.
And we do.
I can’t wait to go up north this summer and spend time swinging in the hammock with my kids, going out on the lake, swimming, fishing or just sitting on the deck playing cards.
It’s the highlight of their summer too.
It’s when we all can be a little more like my 7-year-old. When we stop to appreciate the sound of the birds instead of the TV, look up at the stars instead of bending our heads over our cell phones and talk to each other instead of our Facebook friends.
We stop to smell the pine trees and restore ourselves.
Maybe, I think to myself sometimes, my 7-year-old has it right. Not that I’m advocating for anyone to let go of a moving merry-go-round to see a caterpillar. But maybe just slowing it down a little for a better look every once in a while might not be such a bad thing.
• Mommy Talk is written by reporter Marci Laehr Tenuta. Reporter Mike Moore writes Daddy Talk. Their columns run in a rotation and can be found online at www.journaltimes.com/mom. Laehr Tenuta has three children, two boys and a girl. Moore has a son. | 3,090 | 1,590 | 5,810.754717 |
warc | 202143 | Ethan R. Okura Hawai‘i Herald Columnist
At the time of this writing, it has been only six weeks since Governor Ige’s stay-at-home order went into effect. And yet, somehow, it feels like it has been going on for months. The world feels like a different place. Daily life has been disrupted for most people, and even when they eventually get back to normal, I suspect things won’t really be “back to normal.”
Having lived through this experience has changed the how we look at and experience the world. For example, the Okura & Associates law firm has started offering client meetings by video-conference over the internet, as have many other businesses. Some of our employees have transitioned to mostly work from home.
Some other things that have changed include what an appropriate estate plan should be and how your estate planning documents should read. Here are the four most important estate planning update considerations in the post-coronavirus world:
1) Everyone should have a plan. Before COVID-19 took center stage, estate planning was something that young people almost never thought about, certainly not those in college or just out of high school. We’ve been fortunate in Hawai‘i that we’ve not had as serious a problem as other parts of the U.S. such as New York City. Indeed, the U.S. has seen COVID-19 deaths of babies less than a year old, all the way to seniors topping a century on the earth. Life is unpredictable and fragile. Everyone should at least have a basic estate plan consisting of a Last Will and Testament, a Power of Attorney, Advance Health-Care Directives, and HIPAA Authorization. By “everyone,” I mean everyone over the age of 18. What if your college-aged child or grandchild were to fall ill during this or even the next pandemic? Would the family be able to legally make medical decisions on his or her behalf? Would the family be able to access the bank accounts and pay their bills? What if he or she were to pass away? A very basic estate plan with a Will, Power of Attorney, and Advance Health-Care Directives can be prepared relatively inexpensively, so encourage everyone in your family to have a plan in place. 2) Prepare a medical “bug-out” bag or an emergency envelope. Normally a bug-out bag is a backpack with enough basic supplies to survive for 72 hours in the event of an emergency such as a natural disaster. I suppose a better name for what I’m talking about would be an “emergency envelope.” It should contain a photocopy of your AHCD, POA, and health insurance card, together with a list of any medications and vitamin supplements you take, or things you’re allergic to. If you had to be rushed to the hospital, this information would be critical for the emergency first responders to have. It should be stored in a place where it can be quickly grabbed in the event of an emergency.
Another alternative is a secure, online vault where digital copies of these documents can be stored. You can keep a card in your wallet or purse with the URL or website location — just don’t write your password on it if you want to maintain privacy, or if you upload even more sensitive documents than those suggested — just in case your wallet is stolen. A simpler cheaper version of this would be to have those documents scanned and uploaded to a Dropbox or Google Drive account online.
3) Review and Revise Beneficiary Designations. In my February column a couple of months ago, I wrote about the SECURE Act — or the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act — that was passed in December 2019. This legislation had a huge effect on how much tax our retirement account beneficiaries will pay. I won’t go into too much detail here, but we should all reconsider our beneficiary designations as the traditional “wisdom” on this point might result in the worst tax outcome going forward. Besides reviewing these beneficiary designations with a tax-planning expert who is familiar with the effects that the SECURE Act will have, you should also consider getting rid of any “Conduit Trusts,” and instead use a version of an “Accumulation Trust” designed to protect your heirs’ inheritance in light of the SECURE Act and other recent changes in the law. 4) Review Incapacity Language in POA and Trust. Many trusts and Power of Attorney documents that I review have a requirement that your attending physician — or sometimes two doctors — must certify in writing that you are incapacitated before your spouse, child or trusted agent can step in as successor trustee or before they can use your Power of Attorney. In these times, it’s almost impossible to get an appointment for a doctor to see you, let alone two physicians. Your family might not be able to access your assets for a long time if that’s what your documents say. Here are two workarounds: (i) You can change that requirement so a majority of family members, or an independent person such as your estate planning attorney or financial advisor, approves the successor agent stepping in; or (ii) You can have most or all of your bills on automatic bill-pay and your income on direct-deposit, so that even if it takes a little while for your family to get access to your accounts through your trust or POA, you don’t have any late bills or credit problems in the meantime.
The key takeaway from today’s column is that estate planning is constantly evolving. It’s not a one-time event. It’s a process. And you get to be actively involved in that process on a regular basis for the protection of your loved ones in this wild and crazy world. Stay safe out there!
© OKURA & ASSOCIATES, 2020 Honolulu Office (808) 593-8885 Hilo Office (808) 935-3344 Kauai Office (808) 241-7500 Ethan R. Okura received his doctor of jurisprudence degree from Columbia University in 2002. He specializes in estate planning to protect assets from nursing home costs, probate, estate taxes and creditors. This column is for general information only and is not tax or legal advice. The facts of your case may change the advice given. Do not rely on the information in this column without consulting an estate planning specialist. | 6,317 | 3,019 | 12,799.300762 |
warc | 202143 | It is not easy to expand a small business. There are multiple facets that involve risk, and it is a difficult decision to make. Your small business’s success is dependent on your efforts to increase profits through various methods. Every aspect of your business, from employee training to marketing, deserves constant innovation.
A business’s expansion does not happen overnight, but there are many steps that you can take to keep your company moving forward. It requires time and effort. However, once you begin to reap the benefits, you will realize that your efforts were well worth it. One of the best ways to expand your small business is by taking a loan for SME. It will help you invest in the crucial parts of your business. Let’s take a look at how you can use a loan for SME to expand your business.
With the pandemic slowing down and the economy starting to rebound, now is the perfect time for small businesses to plan their growth. So, whether you are thinking of buying new equipment, hiring new people, or renovating, taking a loan for SME can be just the thing you need.
Below are a few strategies you can use to expand your small business using a loan for SME quickly:
1. Know Your Customers
Recognize your customers’ needs and create products and services to meet those needs. You can learn more about your customers by personalizing your services and encouraging them to give you feedback. Make sure your customer service is outstanding, and go the extra mile whenever possible. Your customers will not only remember your excellent service, but they will also be more likely to recommend you to others. Along with this, look for ways to get more work and expand your customer base.
Make sure you strike the right balance between nurturing existing customers and acquiring new ones.
2. Diversify Your Product
Expanding a company’s product line is heavily reliant on the existing customer base and what they need. Therefore, i’s important to make an effort to diversify your product offering. However, you must conduct extensive market research to determine what new products customers are looking for before doing so. Then, investigate whether you can produce these products at a low cost. Create some fresh ideas and present them to your target customers. This is a good way to get some useful feedback.
3. Go Digital
India is one of the most sought-after regions in Asia for e-commerce sellers because it is in the early stages of digital growth and has a massive potential consumer base. Because of convenience, more and more people are turning to online shopping. Customers should be enticed and engaged by your digital presence in a meaningful way. Take measures, such as focusing on creating a website, google map location and social media marketing. Going digital doesn’t only imply marketing, you should use digital accounting apps, B2B sales websites (such as IndiaMart and Udaan), inventory management apps and more technology to ensure smooth operations.
Without a doubt, social media is a highly effective tool. It reaches hundreds of thousands of people all at once. So ascertain that your company is active on social media. This allows you to remain relevant.
4. Hire the Right People
Before you can even consider your company’s growth trajectory, you must have a solid team to help you achieve your objectives. Your company will be better equipped for future growth if it has hardworking employees who are dedicated to its success. Furthermore, delegating tasks to focus on important work frees up your time and energy, allowing you to perform at your best and foster a collaborative work culture.
Make It All Possible with Loan for SME
Today, there are ample financing options for SMEs, including taking a business loan. Financial institutions like Kinara Capital support small businesses by extending easy and collateral-free loans. Moreover, their process is entirely online, including their 1-minute eligibility check. After you clear the eligibility check, you can either proceed to apply for the loan online, or have one of Kinara Capital’s loan officers contact you for further guidance. You can avail of a loan for SME in as little as 24 hours.
Subscribe for Updates 10 Easy Ways to Keep Your Money and Credit Card Secured Entrepreneurs In 2021-22: What Will Make Their Life Successful 6 Ways a CMS Can Help You Build Your Business Website How to Make Money with Video Production What to Look For in an Inventory Management Software Program 5 Things You Must Remember To Succeed At Anything Project Pioneer Unbiased Review – Can It Help You Make Money? 4 Things an Entrepreneur Can Learn From the Pandemic 4 Tips to Tackle Working from Home 7 Things To Remember When Buying A Home Theatre System 82 Motivational Quotes for Students 67 The Secret Quotes by Rhonda Byrne Top 50 Motivational and Inspirational Picture Quotes Top 10 Walt Disney Quotes to Inspire You 48 Bob Proctor Quotes About Money and Success A Complete Guide on the Muscle Pain Treatment Business Ideas in 2021 for Sustainable Entrepreneurs 7 Amazing Health Benefits Of Fast Metabolism & Ways To Improve It 41 Earl Nightingale Quotes on Success Is Your Mindset Holding You Back From Financial Success? Trending Health3 years ago
Health is Wealth | Top 10 Health Quotes (Images) to Inspire You to Live a Healthier Life
Quotes6 years ago
50 of the Most Powerful Quotes of All Time
Quotes6 years ago
50 Zig Ziglar Quotes that Will Inspire You to Succeed
Quotes3 years ago
83 Motivational Chinese Proverbs, Quotes & Sayings on Life and Success
Quotes6 years ago
33 Inspirational Quotes about Strength and Courage
Quotes6 years ago
Top 50 Buddha Quotes to Enlighten Your Mind
Quotes6 years ago
37 Awesome Quotes That Will Inspire You To Take Risk
Quotes6 years ago
50 Life Changing Robin Sharma Quotes | 5,887 | 2,794 | 12,229.115247 |
warc | 202143 | What You Should Know:
– The American Nurses Association (ANA), representing the interests of the nation’s 4.2 million nurses, urges the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to declare the current and unsustainable nurse staffing shortage facing our country a national crisis.
– In a letter to HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, ANA calls for the Administration to acknowledge and take concrete action to address the current crisis-level nurse staffing shortage that puts nurses’ ability to care for patients in jeopardy.
ANA calls on the Administration to deploy these recommended five policy solutions to address the dire nurse staffing shortage crisis:
1. Convene stakeholders to identify short- and long-term solutions to staffing challenges to face the demand of the COVID-19 pandemic response, ensure the nation’s health care delivery system is best equipped to provide quality care for patients, and be prepared for future challenges.
2. Work with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on methodologies and approaches to promote payment equity for nursing services and remove unnecessary regulatory barriers to APRN practice.
3. Educate the nation on the importance of the COVID-19 vaccine to provide resources for the widespread administration of the COVID-19 vaccine and any subsequent boosters.
4. Sustain a nursing workforce that meets current and future staffing demands to ensure access to care for patients and prioritize the mental health of nurses and other health professionals.
5. Provide additional resources including recruitment and retention incentives that will attract students to the nursing profession and retain skilled nurses to the demands of patient care.
The nation’s health care delivery systems are overwhelmed, and nurses are tired and frustrated as this persistent pandemic rages on with no end in sight. Nurses alone cannot solve this longstanding issue and it is not our burden to carry,” said ANA President Ernest Grant, PhD, RN, FAAN. “If we truly value the immeasurable contributions of the nursing workforce, then it is imperative that HHS utilize all available authorities to address this issue.”
Disclaimers and Denial of responsibility..! Denial of responsibility!TheTopMag.com is an automatic aggregator of all media around the world. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, all materials to their authors. If you are the owner of the content and do not want us to publish your materials, please contact us by email – jamesonline999@gmail.com . The content will be deleted within 72 hours. | 2,693 | 1,355 | 5,228.991144 |
warc | 202143 | From the County of Lacombe Lacombe County under new COVID-19 measures
Lacombe County has moved to Enhanced Status on the Provincial Relaunch Status Map. The Province of Alberta has implemented a number of voluntary and mandated public health measures for our community to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
The Lacombe County Enhanced Status applies to the Town of Blackfalds, Town of Bentley, Town of Eckville, Village of Alix, Village of Clive, as well as ALL hamlets and summer villages within our municipal boundaries and the remainder of Lacombe County.
Hamlets include: Mirror, Haynes, Joffre, Tees, Morningside, Rosedale, Hespero Summer Villages include: Gull Lake, Sunbreaker Cove, Birchcliff, Half Moon Bay
Lacombe County currently has 11 active cases, for a case rate of 50.5 per 100,000 people.
We are actively monitoring the situation and continue to monitor Alberta Health Services (AHS) instructions. The health, safety and well-being of County residents, businesses and employees and maintaining essential services for the public are the County’s top priorities.
Lacombe County is under the following Public Health Measures as directed by AHS:
MANDATORY MEASURES (As of November 17, 2020)
15-person limit on social and family gatherings – indoors and outdoors – where people are mixing and mingling. Restaurants, bars, lounges and pubs must stop liquor sales by 10pm and close by 11pm – applies to Class A, B or C licenses (Nov 13-27). 50-person limit on indoor and outdoor wedding ceremonies and funeral services. VOLUNTARY MEASURES Faith-based gatherings limited to 1/3 capacity at one time. Limit your cohorts to no more than 3: your core household, your school, and one other sport or
social cohort. Young children who attend child care could be part of 4 cohorts, given that child
care settings have not been a high risk for spread.
Wear a mask in all indoor work settings, except when alone in a workspace, like an office or
cubicle, where you are safely distanced from others, or an appropriate barrier is in place.
No social gatherings inside your home or outside of your community. Instead, socialize
outdoors or in structured settings, like restaurants or other businesses that are subject to legal
limits and take steps to prevent transmission.
Employers in office settings should implement measures to reduce the number of employees in the workplace at one time.
WHY THESE MEASURES ARE NEEDED
We must take action now to help slow the virus’s spread and make sure the health system can continue supporting patients with COVID-19, influenza and many other needs. There is a time lag between when people get infected and when new cases are identified. This means the cases we see today were infected up to 2 weeks ago. By following provincial recommendations, staying home and reducing close contacts, you can lower the chance of spreading the virus to others.
We must work together to protect each other. These measures will help protect our health care system, keep schools and businesses open, and protect vulnerable Albertans by limiting the spread of the virus.
WHAT ELSE YOU CAN DO
We must continue following existing public health measures to keep ourselves and others safe:
Keep two metres apart when you can, wear a mask when you can’t Practice good hygiene: wash your hands often and cover coughs and sneezes Monitor your symptoms every day If sick, stay home, get tested, and follow mandatory isolation requirements while waiting for
results:
o if positive, isolate from others for 10 days or until symptoms are gone, whichever is
longer
o if negative, stay home until you’re better Avoid non-essential travel Get the flu shot to keep influenza cases low so health workers can focus on the COVID-19
pandemic
Stay informed: Stay up to date on the situation and get your information from reliable sources,
such as this webpage: www.alberta.ca/COVID19.
Train Derailment south of Lacombe: 1 rail car leaked liquid asphalt News Release from Blackfalds RCMP Blackfalds RCMP advise of train derailment – Update
Blackfalds, Alta. – On July 2, 2021, at 8:15 p.m., Blackfalds RCMP received a 911 call of a train derailment along Highway 2A in Lacombe County.
Initial reports suggested a number of oil cars were leaking oil and possibly on fire. A nearby residence was evacuated as a precaution, and multiple emergency crews responded.
Emergency crews were able to determine that 23 train cars had derailed, four of which were carrying Tar Oil (liquid asphalt). Upon further inspection, only one of the cars was found to have a leak while the remaining were intact. No fires had started.
No injuries were reported and those evacuated were able to return home.
CP Rail and Lacombe County Emergency Management remain on scene and Highway 2A is expected to be blocked to traffic for several more hours while crews investigate and cleanup.
CP Rail Police has taken over this investigation.
$100,000 to the winning community – Come on Red Deer – we can do this! The Red Deer Wellness Network is excited to announce that Red Deer will be participating in the ParticipACTION Community Better Challenge from June 1st – June 30th, as we strive to be named Canada’s Most Active Community. The ParticipACTION Community Better Challengeis helping strengthen communities through physical activity and sport because everything gets better when you get active. ParticipACTION is awarding $100,000 to the community who rallies the most participants and accumulates the most active minutes during the challenge. There is also a new this year, Provincial Prize. Participants can also win individual prizes through the ParticipACTION app when activity minutes are logged. We are encouraging all residents aged 17 and older to download the app and track their activity to support our Community Better challenge! You can also track it on the website. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!
3. Invite your friends to do the same! You can also create a team on the app to encourage one another along the way and win team prizes.
Schools, Sport Organizations, Workplaces and Gyms are encouraged to track their activities as a group on the ParticipACTION website. Families can track for their whole family on the website and groups can track for large group participation. Steps to log as a group: Step 1: Go to www.participaction.com/
or scan this QR Code.
Step 2: Sign up as a group organization or as a family with a name and e-mail
Step 3: Start tracking activity minutes from June 1-June 30th. You may enter daily or all at once. Example: School Name, 500 students, 60 minutes of activity/day, 10 days Step 4: Deadline to enter all minutes is July 1st at midnight The Red Deer Wellness Network is an umbrella organization for a variety of non profit groups in the city that have a focus on wellness, active living and healthy nutrition. Trending Community17 hours ago
Looking After Myself
Community2 days ago
Changes Coming to Red Deer Festival of Trees
Also Interesting1 day ago
Wild TV launches streaming app for hunting enthusiasts
Alberta12 hours ago
Red Deer: Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit investigate homicide of 2-year-old
RDPolytech Athletics1 day ago
Queens and Kings both hosting playoff games this weekend!
Alberta1 day ago
Child stroller, writing book, burnt clothing found near bodies of mother, daughter
Top Story CP2 days ago
Davies leads the way as Canada downs Panama in full-blooded World Cup qualifier
Top Story CP2 days ago
Canada leads world with pledge to curb methane leaks from oil and gas sector | 7,639 | 3,629 | 15,808.456875 |
warc | 202143 | According to one recent report, as many as 100,000 people might be Bitcoin millionaires. Are you looking to join their ranks?
Arguably the most popular and well-known type of cryptocurrency, Bitcoin came on the scene in 2008. In the years since its inception, it’s taken the financial world by storm, and continues to grow.
Today, we’re taking a look back at the history of Bitcoin. Where did it originate and how did it get to this point? The answers can help shed light on where this coin is going and how you can get on board.
Way Back in 2008: Bitcoin’s Humble Beginnings
To understand Bitcoin’s impressive track record, it helps to go all the way back to the beginning. Its name first appeared on October 31, 2008. At this time, the U.S. was smack in the middle of what’s now known as the Global Financial Crisis, or the Great Recession.
Using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto, a poster made an entry on an online cryptography mailing list. In the message, Nakamoto linked to a white paper, titled “Bitcoin P2P e-cash Paper”. It was this file that would change the face of the financial industry forever.
With a simple title (“Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System”), the paper laid out how Bitcoin would work.
It also detailed the problems that it was designed to solve, namely those related to third-party involvement in online payment transfers. Bitcoin was meant to be a decentralized digital currency that would allow users to bypass traditional banking institutions when conducting monetary exchanges. Instead, transaction details would be stored in an online ledger, accessible and editable by anyone.
The white paper is still available, in its entirety, on the Bitcoin website.
The Early Months: Mining and Validating
Before it ramped up, Bitcoin was primarily accessed and used by sophisticated miners, who were able to solve complex algorithms to validate the blockchain.
As they solved these complicated math problems, those miners would unlock new Bitcoin “tokens”. They would also verify that previous blockchain transactions were valid and accurate.
From there, they could simply trade those tokens among their community, mostly for fun. It wasn’t until later that Bitcoin would amass real monetary value, though that shift was on the horizon.
First Transactions
Although miners uncovered and shared Bitcoins in those first few months, the world’s first recognized Bitcoin transaction officially took place on January 12, 2009. During this time, programmer and early adopter Hal Finney received 10 Bitcoin directly from Nakamoto himself.
They were available to give because Nakamoto was mining the coin alongside others. In fact, it’s estimated that he mined roughly 1 million Bitcoin before essentially disappearing from the scene. In 2011, programmer and developer Gavin Andresen became the face of the cryptocurrency when he became the Lead Developer at The Bitcoin Foundation.
While the exchange between Nakamoto and Finney was an official transaction, it was considered a private one. The first public transaction occurred on May 22, 2010. On that day, a man from Florida named Laszlo Hanyecz managed to purchase two Papa John’s pizzas with the Bitcoin that he’d mined.
The pies were valued at a total of $25, and Hanyecz paid for them with 10,000 Bitcoin. The transaction helped to establish the real-world monetary value of Bitcoin: four coins to one penny.
Now, hundreds of thousands of Bitcoin transactions occur every day. You can even wager Bitcoin in online casinos! To discover where to safely place your bets, be sure to check out the best Bitcoin casino reviews online, first.
Initial Hiccups and Lessons Learned
For the most part, Bitcoin has become known as a highly secure and regulated network. However, its history does include one instance of vulnerability. This issue occurred in August 2010.
On August 15, 2010, regulators discovered that some transactions weren’t being properly verified on the Bitcoin blockchain. As a result of the breach, some users managed to create more than 184 million Bitcoin in a single transaction. The currency was sent to two network addresses.
Although programmers fixed the bug in hours, the fraudulent activity highlighted the need for updates on the Bitcoin protocol. Those updates eradicated the problem and the network has remained secure since.
The Fluctuating History of Bitcoin Prices
In the early days, the value of Bitcoin was mostly arbitrary. People would log into forums and exchange the cryptocurrency for goods or services, deciding among themselves how many should be exchanged.
Before long, other competitors joined the club, and the Bitcoin price became much more important. In 2011, networks like Ethereum and Litecoin emerged, and interest around the cryptocurrency community started to surge. It was this rise in popularity that contributed to the rise in Bitcoin value.
After all, this is and has always been, a type of currency whose value is in perception. If the public is interested in Bitcoin and perceives it to be a valuable investment, then the price surges. Likewise, it dips when interest is down.
As more crypto networks joined the scene, perception rose. Some major retailers and brands even began accepting cryptocurrency as a valid form of payment.
Between 2011 and 2017, the price of Bitcoin continued to ebb and flow. It hit a major high in December 2017, when each coin was valued at around $20,000. Within a few months, the pendulum was swinging in the opposite direction.
By February 2018, the currency’s value dropped 51%. Over the next few years, the currency earned a reputation for being very volatile, often fluctuating by thousands of dollars over the course of one day. In April 2021, the value skyrocketed to around $65,000 per coin.
Will You Join the Bitcoin Movement?
For all of of its volatility, Bitcoin remains an intriguing and hugely popular form of alternative currency. Whether you want to invest so you can sell and trade, or simply make e-commerce purchases without touching your bank account, it’s worth a look.
The history of Bitcoin reveals the initial challenges that the network had to overcome. There were also many instances that contributed to its inevitable price fluctuations. As you learn more about it, be sure to take these variations into account.
In the meantime, we’re here with all of the trusted news and lifestyle updates you need. Be sure to check back often for more of our helpful guides! | 6,585 | 3,114 | 13,639.450867 |
warc | 202143 | When Is an Ignition Interlock Device Required in a Wisconsin OWI Case?
An arrest for drunk or intoxicated driving can result in multiple consequences. If a person is convicted of operating while intoxicated (OWI), they may be required to pay fines, they may be sentenced to time in prison, and their driver’s license may be revoked. In some cases, a person may lose their driver’s license even if they are not convicted of OWI. Because most people need to be able to drive regularly, it is important for a person to understand their options for regaining their driving privileges, including whether they can receive an occupational driver’s license. For these types of licenses, a person will be required to use an ignition interlock device (IID), and these devices may also be required in other OWI cases. When using a vehicle with an IID, a person will be required to provide a breath sample before starting the vehicle and at regular intervals while driving.
IID Requirements in Wisconsin
For a first-time OWI offense, a person’s driver’s license may be revoked for six to nine months, and after their license is restored, they will only need to use an IID if a chemical test showed that they had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of at least .15 percent. An IID will also be required if a person is convicted of OWI for a second or subsequent time or if they refused to submit to chemical testing of their BAC. In most of these cases, the requirement to use an IID will last for one year.
A person who has had their driver’s license suspended or revoked may apply to receive an occupational license, which will allow them to drive for employment purposes, to travel to and from school, or to complete essential household activities. This type of license will require a person to use an IID. Before a person can receive an occupational license, a waiting period may apply, and the length of this period will depend on their specific charges. For a first-time OWI, an occupational license will be available immediately, but a second or subsequent conviction will have a 45-day waiting period. A 30-day waiting period will apply in cases where a person refused to take a chemical BAC test, and this period is extended to 90 days for a second offense or 120 days for a third offense.
If a person is required to use an IID, they will need to have a device installed in every vehicle they own, including those that are primarily operated by other members of their household. They will also be restricted to only driving vehicles with an IID, which means that they usually will not be able to borrow vehicles from friends or family members or drive rental cars. If other people drive vehicles that a person owns, they will be required to use the installed IID to provide a breath sample when driving.
Contact Our Waukesha, WI OWI Lawyers
At Wolff & Sonderhouse, LLP, we can provide you with legal representation in cases involving drunk driving or OWI charges. We will help you determine your best options for defense while working to ensure that you will be able to minimize your potential consequences and regain your driving privileges as soon as possible. Contact our Milwaukee County OWI defense attorneys at
262-232-6699 to schedule a free consultation today.
Sources:
https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/license-drvs/susp-or-rvkd/IID.aspx
https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/343/iii/301
https://wisconsindot.gov/Documents/about-wisdot/who-we-are/dsp/iid-faq.pdf | 3,525 | 1,586 | 7,736.774905 |
warc | 202143 | For National Geographic
29 April, 2018
Josiah Olemaun, a young whaler, takes a break from stacking whale meat in the family ice cellar in Utqiaġvik, Alaska, USA. A single whale can feed a community for nearly a year, if the meat is properly stored.
The Arctic permafrost is thawing at a faster rate than climatologists predicted, releasing carbon gases that could speed up global heating. Permafrost is carbon-rich frozen soil that covers 24% of the Northern Hemisphere land mass, encompassing vast stretches of territory across Alaska, Canada, Siberia and Greenland. It is a combination of soil, rocks and sand held together by ice and containing large amounts of organic carbon—frozen plant material that doesn’t decompose. As permafrost thaws, this material rots, releasing carbon dioxide and shorter-lived methane. Methane can be between 25 and 86 times more potent than CO2 as a greenhouse gas, depending on the timeframe of measurement. The thaw impacts people living in the region—particularly indigenous communities following centuries-old lifestyles. Thawing permafrost undermines house foundations, makes the landscape more difficult to navigate and causes ice cellars (homemade freezers dug into the permafrost) to flood and provisions to spoil.
Katie Orlinsky
Katie Orlinsky was born and raised in New York City, USA and began her career as a photographer in 2007. Orlinsky has photographed all over the world, documenting everyt...
Our annual contest recognizes and rewards the best in photojournalism.
Our exhibitions showcase stories that make people stop, feel, think and act to a worldwide audience.
Through our education programs, the World Press Photo Foundation encourages diverse accounts of the world that present stories with different perspectives. | 1,802 | 1,008 | 3,167.801587 |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.