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warc | 201704 | "When you can measure what you are speaking about, and express it in numbers, you know something about it; but when you cannot measure it, when you cannot express it in numbers, your knowledge is of a meager and unsatisfactory kind."
Lord Kelvin (Sir William Thomson)
British Physicist and Engineer
1824-1907
So what does a nineteenth century British chemist have to do with productivity? Everything! Lord Kelvin succinctly put into the words the very essence of understanding productivity: measurement. Consider how often we are bombarded with pitches about how our lives will be better if we use this soap, or how we can change the world by reading this book, or how much more productive our work life will be if we buy this software? But you need to ask yourself, "Well, how does this guy know what he is talking about?" Good question.
In EDA, productivity is often synonymous with the speed of the tool. Certainly, if the tool does its job faster, we will eke out a few more minutes in the day. What happens though when the speed of the tool pales in comparison to that of the human element, as it does when we are looking at custom and analog engineering tasks? Custom design is not blessed with some of the high-speed tools available to our digital brethren (i.e., synthesis, hardware acceleration, event-driven simulation, behavioral modeling, etc.). Most custom tasks are manual in nature, with the analog engineer relying on "assistance" in developing and verifying the design. Understanding this human element is the most difficult of all because getting the data is time consuming and sometimes impossible without a constant monitoring procedure. So what to do? Well, there are three tactics to consider.
1. A scribe sitting next to the engineer
Although time consuming, this can be the most accurate way to measure the engineer's exact tasks. If you are part of a usability test, most likely you will be given a task and then monitored while you complete it. This observation is often done via video or a two-way mirror. An interesting technique often employed is to videotape the user's face. Our faces reveal much about what we are thinking, even if we are unable to verbalize our thoughts. While this technique is excellent in small settings, it is relatively intensive and can be expensive in terms of time, personnel required, and equipment setup. As such, the observation technique is best used to discover the "big" things that "everyone" might run into. Use it to make sure that the basic design flow and tool representations will have the greatest mass appeal. We aren't fine tuning, just making coarse adjustments to lead us down the right path when presented with a variety of good options. The drawback is that some of the individual "personalization" of analog design is lost by concentrating only on the big rocks. | 2,861 | 1,469 | 0.000686 |
warc | 201704 | Counter-height tables are taller than standard-height tables. Counter- and standard-height tables come in many different designs, materials and styles. They can be purchased from a furniture store, ordered from a website or custom made by a furniture maker. Standard-height tables are more common than counter-height tables. Both kinds of tables offer unique benefits that will help you decide which type of table is best for you and your space.
Other People Are Reading Facts
A counter-height table can be any length or width but measures 34 to 36 inches high. A standard-height table can be any length or width but measures 28 to 30 inches high. Typical materials for both standard- and counter-height tables include wood, metal or plastic. They may be designed with legs, a pedestal base or a trestle base. Counter-height tables may also be referred to as bistro or gathering tables. These names are not standardised, so it is best to ask the height of the table to determine whether it is a standard- or counter-height table.
Benefits of Standard-Height Tables
Standard-height tables are more common and therefore available in more sizes, designs and finishes than counter-height tables. Because of their popularity, more seating options are made to coordinate with standard-height tables. Most people find standard-height tables more comfortable to sit at because their feet touch the ground while they are seated. They are also a better height for disabled people, as a counter-height table is too tall for a person to use who is seated in a wheelchair. Additionally, counter-height seats are difficult for those with infirmaries to lift themselves onto. Standard-height tables are considered more formal than counter-height tables, and are a better solution for a traditional home.
Benefits of Counter-Height Tables
Counter-height tables, although less common, are very useful and appropriate for certain situations. They are often a good solution for a kitchen as they offer additional preparation space and allow those who are seated at this height to easily converse with those standing in the kitchen. Counter-height tables are also useful when it is desirable to see over a wall or railing, such as on a patio with a view. They can be an excellent option for small spaces, as their additional height gives the illusion of taking up less space than a lower, standard-height table. Finally, because they are considered less formal, they create a more casual, relaxed feel for a space.
Considerations
It is recommended to purchase a chair, stool or bench measuring 10 to 12 inches less than the height of your table, whether it is standard or counter height. If you are not purchasing a table set that comes with chairs or stools, it is best to try out your seating selection with your table to make sure the height is comfortable for you. Although an inch or two doesn't seem like a huge increment, it can make a big difference in the comfort of you or your guests. For example, a seat that is on the higher side of average and a table that is on the lower side of average may mean that larger people are unable to slide their seats under the table.
Warning
Standard- and counter-height tables are not the only two types of tables available. Bar-height tables, which measure 40 to 42 inches tall, are also quite common and are often mistaken for counter-height tables. However, counter-height seating and bar-height seating are not interchangeable, and many people make the mistake of ordering the wrong height seating, even designers and contractors. Always measure the height of your table and the seat height of your chairs or stools, and make sure there is a 10- to 12-inch difference. If you are ordering seating, obtain detailed measurements from the manufacturer to determine if you are ordering the appropriate height for your table.
Don't Miss 20 of the funniest online reviews ever 14 Biggest lies people tell in online dating sites Hilarious things Google thinks you're trying to search for | 4,024 | 1,714 | 0.000585 |
warc | 201704 | When building an enclosure for your speakers it is important to calculate the proper airspace inside your box. The proper airspace will allow your speaker to play efficiently and sound the way the manufacture intended. The bigger the speaker, the more airspace it will need to sound right. So a 12-inch speaker will need more airspace than a 10-inch speaker. To build the correct enclosure for your speakers, you must calculate the airspace for your box.
Skill level: Moderate Other People Are Reading Things you need Tape measure Calculator
Show MoreHide
Instructions 1
Determine how much airspace you will need for your particular speaker. Most manufacturers will tell you the airspace needed for their speakers, depending on the size. You can find the recommended airspace in the speaker's owners manual. If that information is not available, here is a list that will get you close.
6 inch drivers: 0.3 to 0.4 cubic feet
8 inch drivers: 0.6 to 0.8 cubic feet
10 inch drivers: 1.0 to 1.5 cubic feet
12 inch drivers: 2.0 to 3.0 cubic feet
15 inch drivers: 5.0 to 9.0 cubic feet
2
Increase the airspace needed for volume displacement. The speaker, braces, ports--anything inside the box--will take up airspace within the enclosure. A good rule of thumb is to increase the volume needed by 20 per cent.
3
Calculate the volume of the enclosure you are building. You can do that by taking the height x width x length. To make it easier, use inches when calculating the volume. If your enclosure is 12 inches in height, 20 inches wide and 15 inches deep you would multiply 12 x 20 x 15 and that would give you your total volume in cubic inches.
4
Divide the number you got from Step 3 by 1728. Why 1728? That is one cubic foot or 12 x 12 x 12. Dividing 1728 for your figure in Step 3 will convert from total cubic inches to total cubic feet. That is the number you want to know for the airspace needed for your speaker.
Don't Miss 20 of the funniest online reviews ever 14 Biggest lies people tell in online dating sites Hilarious things Google thinks you're trying to search for | 2,093 | 997 | 0.001012 |
warc | 201704 | The Nespresso, an espresso machine manufactured by the Nestle company, brews espresso strength coffee by using single-use capsules. This machine requires a regular cleaning each day after the last use to clean away any leftover coffee grounds or residue. One some days, depending on your water hardness or when you notice mineral deposit buildup, Nestle recommends cleaning the machine and then running it through the descaling process.
Things You'll Need Clean, dry towel Lint-free cleaning cloth Liquid detergent Descaling kit Large ceramic cup or container
Pull out and remove the capsule from the unit.
Fill the water tank with fresh water and press the coffee cup graphic button to start a cycle. Run it through with just the water, no capsule, to clear out any coffee ground deposits. Keep a container or coffee cup on the drip tray to catch the water and empty the water from the cup once the cycle stops.
Turn the power switch to "Off." Wait for the unit to cool.
Pull out and remove the container and drip tray from the unit.
Rinse off the capsule, container and drip tray under warm running water. Set aside on a clean towel to dry.
Lift off the water tank and empty any leftover water.
Run warm water into the tank to rinse it. Empty it out and set it aside on the towel to dry.
Wipe the outside of the unit with a clean, lint-free cloth dampened with warm water. Use a drop of a gentle liquid soap, applied to the wet cloth, to remove tough residue.
Fill the water tank with the descaler provided by the manufacturer and the amount of water specified on the descaler packet.
Place a large ceramic cup or other appropriately-sized container securely on the drip tray underneath the coffee outlet.
Lift up the top lever and slide in the filter included with the descaler. Close the lever.
Press both coffee cup graphic buttons at the same time to start the descaling process. After the descaling solution runs through, empty it from the cup. Refill the water tank again with the solution and water and run a second cycle. Empty the solution from the cup again.
Lift up the lever and remove the filter from the machine. Close the lever. Rinse out the water tank with fresh water. Rinse the machine parts. Press the coffee cup buttons again at the same time and hold for three seconds to exit the descaling function.
Tips & Warnings Do not submerge the unit or its power cord in water or other liquid. Do not touch the machine if your hands are wet. Allow the unit to cool before cleaning it. Do not use abrasive cleaners on the machine. Do not wash the appliance in the dishwasher. | 2,609 | 1,152 | 0.000874 |
warc | 201704 | One of the most common problems for designers working in the Web medium is the varying effects that fonts can portray to different end users. Traditionally, Web pages would allow the user to view fonts only available on their machine. This limited the use of any font other than the most common font-types, such as Arial and Times New Roman. This problem has been resolved by embedding fonts into web pages so that the user can see the documents exactly as the web page designer had intended them to be seen. Embedded fonts are not only used in Web pages, but can be incorporated into PDF documents, emails and downloadable applications.
Function
There are several reasons to choose embedded font over the default. When the document contains text that is trademarked or part of a logo, it's essential to maintain the original font. This is also true for documents that are to be sent to a service bureau or similar organization for final output. Other situations that would require the use of embedded font include documents that contain decorative, symbol-based, or graphical fonts. Examples of these include Carta or Zapf Dingbats.
Restrictions
Fonts found online include permissions that are defined by the original publisher. There are certain restrictions set by the publisher that indicate where and how the font can be embedded into a document. Print and Preview fonts can be embedded into documents that are in a "Read Only" status. Editable fonts can be used in documents that are edited by the user. Installable fonts can be permanently installed by the user or by a client application. Fonts that have No Embedding permissions cannot be embedded into a document.
The Facts
Applications should only embed fonts when requested by the user. When an application distributes any type of font in any format, the proprietary permissions of the original owner of the font must be acknowledged. Embedding fonts within a Web page or document guarantees that the font specified will be present on the receiving computer. However, not all fonts can be transferred from computer to computer as most fonts are licensed to only one computer at a time. Only OpenType fonts and TrueType fonts can be embedded.
Considerations
Embedded fonts can give Web designers a desired look and feel, but can have a negative impact on visitors. When embedded fonts are used, visitors must wait for the font to download before the page will display. Visitors may also experience security warnings when attempting to access a web page that contains embedded font. Not only can this be disruptive to visitors, but the security warning pop-ups can scare away visitors not familiar with the site.
Photo Credit Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images | 2,731 | 1,282 | 0.000784 |
warc | 201704 | There was a collective facepalm yesterday after Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella urged women not to ask for raises but to instead sit back, trust the system, and let karma do the rest.
Yes, he really said that. In 2014. At the Grace Hopper Conference—also known as the world's largest gathering of women in technology.
In 2014.
"It's not really about asking for the raise, but knowing, and having faith that the system will actually give you the right raises as you go along....That, I think, might be one of the additional superpowers that, quite frankly, women who don't ask for a raise have. Because that's good karma. It'll come back! Because somebody's gonna know, 'That's the kind of person that I want to trust. That's the kind of person that I want to really give more responsibility to.' And in the long-term efficiency, things catch up!"
Even just writing that made me want to put my fist through a wall.
This is what the CEO of one of the most powerful tech companies in the world—scratch that, one of the most powerful companies in the world—is telling women to do in 2014:
1. Do not advocate for yourself.
2. It will alienate your superiors if you advocate for yourself.
3. These same superiors who will be so offended by your daring to advocate for yourself are the same people who will invariably recognize your greatness...eventually. Why are you so impatient?
Oh, and all of this inaction, waiting and silent, trusting hope amounts to your womanly superpower. Because isn't the height of power really just waiting for someone else to exert power over you?
(Short break while we punch that wall again. Sorry, wall.)
In 2014, we know this is just WRONG. Morally wrong, factually wrong, systemically wrong. WRONG. Let us take this point by point:
1. All evidence shows that women who do not advocate for themselves financially spend the rest of their careers trailing their male peers. This starts early—female college graduates make less than their similarly qualified male counterparts in their first jobs, and are less likely to ask for a raise to even that playing field. Not asking for a raise gets you nothing. Asking for a raise may not always get you that raise, but when it does, your market value goes up immediately and projects into the many marketable years of your working, money-earning life. Knowing the market value of the work you are doing—which includes what dudes doing the same job are getting paid—is essential to making sure you're optimizing for your own income potential and career advancement. So, yes, actually—ADVOCATE FOR YOURSELF.
2. Nadella's comment that the quiet, patient, undemanding ladies are the ones he's most likely to "trust" and "really give more responsibility to" also makes me want to punch a wall (again!). We know that women are hit with a likability penalty when they advocate for themselves—it's true. Lord knows that every successful woman girds for being labeled pushy, aggressive, or—mercy me!—brusque. But actually, the link between waiting quietly for a promotion and getting that promotion is way less clear.
Scratch that. It's pretty damn clear, considering the dearth of female Fortune 500 CEOs—in 2014 that number reached a record high at 24. That's 24 out of 500, or 4.8%. Something tells me those women didn't get those jobs by sitting quietly, waiting. How about the number of women on corporate boards? Wow I bet those patient, competent women just waiting to be noticed are getting these appointments all over the place! Sure—a whopping 16.9% of them! Especially in tech. Why, just look at all the women in leadership at Google! 21% of those patient, silent waiters were rewarded with executive positions, along with their patient, quiet male colleagues who make up the other 79% of top-ranked, highest-paid leadership positions. Twitter's numbers are just as impressive—but if you really want your socks knocked off, check out how well it works for the women of Microsoft! They've got a whopping 17% in executive leadership.
Also, studies show that speaking up forcefully and confidently in the workplace is a factor in propelling women forward. So do not listen to Satya Nadella. Speaking up may ruffle a feather or two, but not speaking up is way worse. Just ask that 17% of women execs at Microsoft. Yep, Satya Nardella sure knows when a system works.
3. Karma! The system will save you, says Satya. Efficiency will catch you up eventually, he promises. Will it be after years of accepting a paycheck that's approximately 78% of what a dude would make? Actually, yes. It's called the gender pay gap—perhaps Nadella missed it being referenced by President Obama and Beyoncé and Sarah Silverman, or maybe he just believes Republicans–and it is systemic and real. It costs women approximately $500,000 over the course of their careers (what Silverman calls a "vagina tax," not to be confused with how much it costs to get that Brazilian). The system that Satya Nadella would have women put their quiet, trusting fate in expects women to offer favors more and be compensated less, stigmatizes ambition, holds women to a higher standard while offering a lower reward, takes longer to advance them, and likes them less the more successful they become. This is not the system we should shut up and support, this is the system we should fight against tooth and nail.
It's also the system that we are changing, day by day. In 2014 that has never been clearer—and now, it's clear to Satya Nadella, who has become the latest poster boy for backward, know-nothing pushers of yesterday's status quo (and this is at a conference where the CEO of GoDaddy spoke, so you KNOW it was bad). Nadella issued a hasty apology backtracking, tweeting "Our industry must close gender pay gap so a raise is not needed because of a bias." We kind of know what he meant but that's no longer the point. The point is, it now falls to him to do better. When you have that kind of platform and make that kind of statement, and in 2014 where by now anyone who's been paying attention must surely know better, and when you, as the CEO of one of the most powerful companies in the world, should have known better and failed miserably in that knowledge, there is no such thing as the benefit of the doubt. Doing better is the only option.
It's the only option for Nadella—and it's the only option for your boss. So ladies, take an hour to figure out what you're making, what you're producing, what your market value is, and—importantly!—what increased results you expect to deliver in the future. We know that men are promoted based on potential and women are promoted based on accomplishments, and we know that that goes double for how we promote ourselves. One more thing: we also know that every boss in America has seen this story, and the backlash that has come with it. Your bosses have to do better, too, and today, they know that.
So, go forth and make your case. I have a good feeling it'll work out for you. Call it karma. | 7,103 | 3,371 | 0.000302 |
warc | 201704 | Gennady Kravetsky/PhotoSpin
Peanut allergies are common among children and they are on the rise.
According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology’s statistics on allergies, peanuts are the prevailing allergens for children with food allergies.
One study showed that from 1997 to 2002, peanut allergies in children doubled, said Foodallergy.org. The rise in dominance of allergic diseases has continued for more than 50 years worldwide.
Peanut allergy symptoms can range from a minor irritation to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction. Peanut allergy is one of the most common causes of severe allergy attacks, according to Mayoclinic.com.
An allergic reaction to peanuts usually occurs within minutes of exposure.
There's still a risk of a more serious reaction later on, even for a child who had a mild reaction in the past. And even a minor reaction to peanuts should be assessed by a doctor, said Mayoclinic.com.
Symptoms include:
• Itching or tingling in or around the mouth and throat
• Diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea or vomiting
• Tightened throat
• Shortness of breath or wheezing
• Runny nose
• Hives, redness or swelling
A severe reaction to peanuts should be treated with an epinephrine injector known as an EpiPen or Twinject, which inject adrenaline, and medical attention should be sought.
Anaphylaxis signs or symptoms can include airway constriction, difficulty breathing from throat swelling, shock, rapid pulse, dizziness, lightheadedness or loss of consciousness, said Mayoclinic.com.
Be aware of the unexpected sources of peanuts: egg rolls, pet food, specialty pizzas, pudding and salad dressing, may contain the allergen.
To ensure the absence of peanuts, always read the label and ask questions about ingredients before eating a pre-prepared food, Foodallergy.org warned.
People allergic to peanuts may develop allergies to other foods such as tree nuts. It is best to avoid ice cream shops and nut butters if you're unsure about ingredients, or call the manufacturer for further explanation.
Recent studies, however; indicate that up to 20 percent of children outgrow their peanut allergy, said Foodallergy.org. | 2,214 | 1,120 | 0.000916 |
warc | 201704 | Property owners have the right to appeal to the Appraisal Review Board (ARB) any actions taken by EPCAD concerning their property tax appraisals at no cost. Typically, these actions would be concerning the value of the property, exemptions, taxable status and ownership issues. However, any action taken by EPCAD applies to or adversely impacts your property may be protested. After you file a Notice of Protest by mail, or in person, you will receive an appointment letter that will include information on how to prepare your case and guidelines for submitting evidence.
You may wish to discuss your issues with one of our trained staff when you arrive for your appointment. If you are still unable to resolve the matter in this informal hearing with the CAD staff, you may have your case heard by the ARB. The ARB is an independent board of citizens that reviews appraisals and other issues. They will hear your evidence and the evidence from EPCAD and make a ruling in the form of a Board Order sent by certified mail.
The Order will include the information about your right to appeal the decision if you are still not satisfied with the decision. You may appeal by completing a Request for Binding Arbitration and enclose a check for $500 payable to the Comptroller of Public Accounts. This will be refunded to you less $50 if your position is upheld by the arbitrator. Another option is to file suit in district court or in certain cases to the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH).
If you wish to appeal the appraised value of your property, you must file a Notice of Protest within the time allotted. The deadline to file is May 31st or 30 days from the date on your Notice of Appraised Value.
You may file your protest electronically, the appeal must be based on the property’s appraised value. You will need the instructions and the PIN enclosed with your Notice. Any protest that is filed online will receive all of the communications from the appraisal district via email.
You may also file a protest by mail or in person by completing the Notice of Protest attached to your Notice of Appraised Value. This form may include disputes for non-value topics.
A rendition is a confidential report that lists business personal property (BPP) assets that are used for the production of income. Each year in early January, as a courtesy to property owners, the El Paso Central Appraisal District (CAD) mails a rendition form to most businesses. The rendition must be submitted to the CAD by April 15. However, on written request the deadline will be extended to May 15. Failure to file the rendition on time will result in a ten percent penalty that will be applied to your total tax amount. Note that you must render each year, rendering your business personal property is not a one time thing. Please mail, fax or submit your completed rendition report by the applicable deadline. General instructions for submitting electronically follow.
An exemption reduces the taxable value of a property. The reduction can be partial either a percentage or a dollar value and some are full exemptions as with religious or charitable organizations. Some exemptions are mandated by law to certain taxing entities while others are optional. Some taxing entities are not required to offer any exemptions.
The homestead application for home owners, disabled persons, the over 65 years and 100% disabled veterans and the surviving spouses must only be applied for once a property ownera qualifies for the exemption. The disabled veteran’s application is a different form and also a one-time application but the level of disability must be updated annually.
Other exemptions must be applied for annually. The EPCAD sends a reminder notice to property owners who previously had an exemption or if a residential property has changed ownership. EPCAD maintains a list of the different taxing entities and the exemptions offered here.
If you are not sure which form to complete, by all means contact our office at (915) 780-2131.
For information regarding Disabled Veteran's exemptions, click here. | 4,114 | 1,888 | 0.000533 |
warc | 201704 | Douglas
Vakoch and Interstellar Message-Making
If we receive a message or signal from another civilization,
our response will set the tone for interstellar dialogue
for thousands of years, says Douglas Vakoch. Vakoch
holds the fascinating position of Director of Interstellar
Message Composition at the SETI Institute.
There are lots of factors to consider while crafting
our message, including how much information we should
share and what kind of languages and symbols we should
use. Vakoch believes a variety of people from different
disciplines should have a hand in composing this message.
He's gathered scientists, artists, and others to contribute
their expertise. Andrew Kaiser, a composer who has
worked with Vakoch, believes that there is something
in music that conveys a sense of being human. Concepts
like rhythm, repetition, and silence reflect physical
events in our bodies and aspects of the structure
of our societies.
Music is largely rooted in math, a quality that makes
it a good candidate as a form of interstellar communication.
Aesthetically, humans seem to seek patterns, and many
of the melodies we find pleasing often contain some
sort of mathematical pattern. For this reason, Vakoch
has worked with Kaiser to compose draft messages based
on a series of numbers called a "Fibonacci sequence."
In the sequence, every third number is the sum of
the two preceding numbers. The result is 0, 1, 1,
2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21
. This sequence is related
to many natural phenomena, such as the distinctive
shapes of spiral galaxies and the nautilus seashell,
and has applications as diverse as the architecture
of the Parthenon and the musical compositions of Bartok.
Vakoch believes that many natural sounds have an
underlying mathematical logic, and that through evolution,
humans may have become particularly sensitive and
attuned to the audio patterns that result. These mathematical
relationships, like the Fibonacci sequence, could
help another civilization understand not only what
kinds of sounds we live with and make, but also a
sense of aesthetic that goes to the very core of our
experience as humans.
You can listen to draft messages composed by Douglas
Vakoch and Andrew Kaiser. These sounds may someday
be the basis for messages we send via radio transmitter
to another civilization.
In this clip, you can hear the Fibonacci series in
the number of pulses, and also in the duration between
silences when the file is played backward.
Listen to the
clip | See
an image of the pulse pattern
In this clip, you can hear the Fibonacci series in
the changing duration of pulses.
Listen to the
clip | See
an image of the pulse pattern
To learn more about the Fibonacci series:
"An Introduction to the Fibonacci Series":
http://library.thinkquest.org/~27890/theSeries1.html
"Fibonacci Numbers in Art, Architecture, and
Music":
http://www.mcs.surrey.ac.uk/Personal/R.Knott/Fibonacci/fibInArt.html
More information about Vakochs composing work
with Kaiser:
http://www.space.com/searchforlife/seti_music_vakoch_020912.html
"The View from a Distant Star: Challenges of
Interstellar Message-Making,"
(A paper by Vakoch about the history and design of
interstellar messages):
http://208.55.253.100/mercury/mercury/9902/vakoch2.html | 3,323 | 1,630 | 0.000629 |
warc | 201704 | Contents
- Previous - Next Kenya
1. The national soil and water conservation project - Mackakos District 2. Lokitaung pastoral development project - Turkana district Kenya
is favoured by having high-altitude areas of good agricultural
potential where most of the population lives. Nevertheless Kenya
suffers occasional food shortages. One of the reasons for this is
that over three quarters of the country is, in fact, arid or
semi-arid. These areas are home to an increasing number of people
as the country's population rises at about 4% per year - one of
the fastest growth rates in Africa. Agricultural
production is threatened in many parts of the country by soil
erosion. Soil conservation techniques for the highland areas are
well developed and the conservation activities of self-help
groups in Machakos District in eastern Kenya are particularly
effective. In the more arid areas, such as Turkana district in
the far north-west, water harvesting is needed for dryland
cropping to be possible. There are several projects testing
systems of water harvesting, which is a new technique for Kenya. We
have taken one project from each of these two contrasting
districts and looked at their different approaches to soil and
water conservation. They are:
the National Soil and Water Conservation Project in Machakos District the Lokitaung Pastoral Development Project, based at Lokitaung in Turkana District KENYA
1. The national soil and water
conservation project - Mackakos District SUMMARY
Machakos has the reputation for being the District with the best soil and water conservation record in Kenya. Over 70% of the arable land has been terraced. However during colonial days there was strong resistance to soil conservation within Machakos. The change in attitude has been the result of campaigns and support from the National Soil and Water Conservation Project. Success has also depended on the strength of the groups which implement much of the conservation. The farmers, many of whom are women, have recognised the benefits of terracing.
Conservation of moisture and also soil has led to better and more reliable crop yields.
Name: National Soil and Water Conservation Project (Machakos District)
Contact: The District Soil Conservation Officer, Machakos
Address: The District Agricultural Office, Machakos, Kenya
Status: Government Project
Sponsor/Donor: Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA)
Date
of Start: 1974 project initiated; 1979 field work began
in Machakos District; 1989 expanded to whole country
BACKGROUND
Machakos District in eastern Kenya has a large and growing population, which has to support itself on limited agricultural land. With an average of 72 people per square kilometre (census of 1979), most land which can be cropped is already in use. Much of the district has a marginal or semi-arid climate, and crop yields are commonly affected by lack of rainfall.
Annual
Average Rainfall
Figure
Machakos is hilly, and erosion has become increasingly widespread over the last twenty years as more land is cleared for cultivation. Much newly cultivated land is to be found on the hillsides, where erosion rates are higher. Pressure for more agricultural land has meant that livestock are steadily being squeezed on to smaller and smaller areas of land, which are then overgrazed and more prone to erosion.
Over most of the District, families depend on home-grown food for their daily diet. Maize has become the most popular cereal during this century, replacing the more drought-resistant crops of sorghum and millet. Though the average rainfall figures for Machakos are quite high, there are regular periods of drought during the rainfall seasons. Lack of adequate rainfall for maize, and an ever decreasing supply of productive land has made the farmers appreciate the need for soil and water conservation.
Soil conservation was first introduced to the District by the colonial government in the 1940s. Some of the techniques developed during this period were effective, but the fact that they were based on enforced communal work meant that soil conservation was bitterly resented by the people, and it developed a bad name.
Little happened immediately after Independence in 1963, until a new soil and water conservation campaign began in the 1970s. This campaign started up just at the time when the people were becoming increasingly concerned about the future of their farm land. People were now anxious to listen to advice, and were ready to participate in conservation activities.
NSWCP'S
APPROACH AND OBJECTIVES
The National Soil and Water Conservation Project (NSWCP), supported by the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA), began in 1974. Machakos was chosen to be a pilot district, and a full soil and water conservation campaign was launched there in 1979. This became a national campaign with support from local government as well as the Ministry of Agriculture.
The overall objective of NSWCP is:
"to contribute to food security and to raise the standard of living of the rural population - through suitable conservation practices."
In the early days, some of the work was paid, but the policy quickly became one of voluntary participation, supported by:
technical advice
tools.
Machakos was an excellent choice of district to begin operations. This was because:
1. Erosion was a serious problem, and as we have seen, the people themselves were concerned about the effect on their crop yields.
2. A suitable soil and water conservation technique -
fanya-juuterracing - was already well established in the district.
3. Strong and active self-help
mwethyagroups already existed and they were ready and willing to work on conservation projects. ACTIVITIES
AND TECHNIQUES "Fanya-juu"
terracing
The focus of the soil and water conservation project has been on improving arable land. It is in the cropped fields where erosion has had the most damaging effect on productivity and farmers' income.
MWETHYA
CROUP CREATING FANYA-JUU TERRACES
The basis
of the system is the development of bench terraces over a period
of time. The main technique used is
fanya-juu terracing.
This means, in Kiswahili, "do-up" and it refers to the
way that soil is thrown up the slope from a ditch to form an
earth embankment or bund. Several of these terrace banks are made
across a field, on the contour, and over time the land between
the bunds levels off. The field then develops the characteristic
"steps" of bench terraces (see technical section). Soil
and rainwater are conserved between the fanya-juu bunds.
The technical objective is two-fold:
to keep rainfall where it falls;
to keep soil in the field.
The end result is better growing conditions for the crop, both immediately, because of an increase in the amount of moisture available, and in the long term, because the soil is conserved.
Each farm is surveyed to see whether it requires a cutoff drain to protect it from surplus rainfall runoff. the cutoff drain is usually designed to hold all the runoff which flows into it, and therefore it is sometimes known as an "infiltration ditch".
The alignment of the terraces is surveyed along the contour using a simple line level. The spacing between the terraces depends on the slope of the land. (For details see technical section.)
"DEVELOPED"
TERRACES WITH FODDER GRASSES PLANTED ON THE BANK TO HOLD THE SOIL
IN PLACE
Fodder grasses can be planted on the top of the terrace bank to hold the earth together. The farmer benefits from this source of valuable cattle feed, and land which might otherwise be wasted is put to good use. Likewise, the trenches are often used for growing bananas, which do well because of the extra water which collects there.
Fanya-juu
terracing uses a considerable amount of labour but it is well
understood by the people in eastern Kenya, and has been proved to
be effective.
Since the
mid-1980s the District has achieved an average of 1,000
kilometres of new
fanya-juu terraces constructed each
year, as well as several hundred kilometres of cutoff drains. The
campaign has been so effective that it is estimated that 70% of
all the cultivated land has now been terraced. From a hillside
above Machakos town it is easy to believe these figures! The
remaining unterraced plots are mainly in the lower, drier areas. 70%
OF ALL CULTIVATED LAND HAS NOW BEEN TERRACED
Terracing is not the only technical component of the project in Machakos. Also recommended and used, though on a smaller scale, are:
grass strips along the contour
contour ploughing simple gully control measures tree planting protection of riverbanks grazing control PROJECT
MANAGEMENT AND ORGANISATION OF WORK Management
of the Project:
NSWCP falls under the Ministry of Agriculture's Soil and Water Conservation Branch. In Machakos it is supervised by the District Soil Conservation Officer. Representatives of local farmers participate in planning through the District Agricultural Committee.
Organisation
of Conservation Work:
The Ministry of Agriculture in Machakos holds soil conservation campaigns each year, but everyday conservation activities are organised and carried out by the people themselves.
Soil
conservation work is normally undertaken by self-help
mwethya groups.
A group decides which member's land is to be terraced on which
day, and then the members meet and work collectively.
Some individuals, who are wage earners, sometimes decide to employ people to carry out the work for them since family labour on its own is not enough.
Incentives:
Farmers are not paid for any soil conservation work on their own land in Machakos.
HAND
TOOLS WAITING FOR DISTRIBUTION
Some incentives however are given to assist them with the work. This help is in the form of hand tools, which wear out very quickly in the hard soils of the District. During 1988 over 4,000 tools were distributed for soil conservation work - these included shovels, hoes, pangas (machetes), mattocks, pickaxes, crowbars and wheelbarrows.
Tools are allocated according to availability, and the demand for tools is far greater than the number available. Most of the conservation work is done with the farmer's own tools.
Participation:
The people
of Machakos participate fully in the whole conservation
programme. This participation is largely through the self-help
mwethya
groups. Mwethya groups are traditional in the area,
though nowadays the majority are registered with the Ministry of
Culture and Social Services. There are over 3,000 registered
groups in Machakos District, with group membership ranging
between 20 and 150. The vast majority of the members are women.
These well
organised groups count soil conservation as one of their main
activities.
Mwethya groups have been the backbone of the
soil conservation success story in Machakos. The sight of a
hundred or so people digging a terrace together and singing at
the same time is impressive! KYUNGU
MWETHYA GROUP MEETING
The Kyungu Mwethya Group is active in an area some 5 kilometres to the south of Machakos town. There are 78 members of this group, which was founded in 1986. All the members are women. Very few are unmarried or younger than 25 years old. Some of their menfolk are away in Machakos or Nairobi earning wages, others are unemployed.
The chairperson, Munyira Maleve, explains how the membership fee is KSh 100 (about $5) and if anyone misses the weekly afternoon work-meeting on Wednesdays they pay a fine of KSh 10. The funds raised are used for a variety of purposes, including buying tools.
Each
week the group meets on someone's farm to carry out soil
conservation work or other related activities. Each
member is given a fixed amount of work to do. For digging
a
By 1990 each member has had at least a portion of her farm terraced. This group also has a communal one-acre plot of onions and beans. Other groups in the area undertake income-generating activities such as shop-keeping, operating maize mills, or poultry keeping.
Munyira
Maleve tells how the
TRAINING
AND EXTENSION
Extension work is carried out in the same way as for crop and animal production. The Ministry of Agriculture has a well-organised system of advising farmers called the "training and visit" system. This consists of regular visits by extension agents to "contact farmers", carrying specific recommendations each time. The contact farmers then relay the recommendations to the rest of the community. Although the system is rather inflexible, it generally works well.
Before delivering messages, the Ministry's extension staff are trained through a system of monthly workshops. These workshops cover all aspects of agricultural production, and concentrate on soil conservation during certain periods of the year - for example after crops have been harvested in January. The soil and water conservation programme fits neatly into the extension workers' calendar. The main seasonal campaign takes place after the crops have been harvested, when there are no other "crop production messages" to give out.
In Machakos District the contact farmers for extension visits are groups rather than individuals since self-help groups in Machakos meet on a regular basis.
YIELDS
AND BENEFITS
The main reason that terracing has been so successful in Machakos is the effect it has had on crop yields. Farmers can clearly see that terraced land produces better crops year after year than I neglected land. The reasons for this are many, but the most important one is that rainfall is kept where it falls.
Only a few detailed studies have been carried out to measure the effect of terracing on crop yields in Machakos, but a recent report shows that on average terraced fields yield 400 kg more maize per hectare than unterraced ones. This is an increase of 50% or more.
There are other important benefits of terracing:
Where a whole catchment area has been conserved, there is an improvement in stream flow - very important for village water supply.
Terracing is sometimes viewed as a "proof of occupancy" or a claim of ownership.
Some farmers take great pride in the appearance of a well-terraced "shamba" (farm) and this leads to an overall improvement in the standard of farming.
Not
everyone, however, has benefited, and there is still a
significant proportion of crop land unterraced. There are a
number of very poor, female-headed households where the women
cannot find the time or the money to join in
mwethya activities.
Their land will remain prone to erosion and the poor crop yields
which result. PROBLEMS
OUTSTANDING: WHERE NOW? ERODED
GRAZING LAND Erosion
of Grazing Land:
Although most of the cropped land is well conserved, there is a serious problem with erosion of grazing land. An appropriate approach to this problem needs to be developed.
Alternative
Techniques: Fanya-juu
terracing is costly in terms of the considerable labour it
requires. The project recognises this and has recently begun to
work with cheaper alternatives such as vegetative strips and
agro-forestry techniques. In drier areas, some sort of water
harvesting system would be more appropriate. Vegetation
of Terrace Banks:
The Ministry recommends that terrace banks should be planted with fodder species, such as bane grass. So far this has been poorly adopted by farmers, with the result that the banks are prone to erosion. Part of the problem is an inadequate supply of planting material and a lack of transport.
Shortage
of Tools:
There is a shortage of hand tools in Machakos. Tools wear out quickly in the hard soil, and some groups are hindered by a lack of implements to work with.
Monitoring:
Although this is one of the best examples of soil conservation in sub-Saharan Africa, there is little information on the effect of conservation on crop yields or farm incomes. The project accepts that monitoring needs to be improved.
The
Poorest Households:
The poorest households, which are often headed by women, frequently miss out on the benefits of soil conservation. A way of assisting poorer households in the community needs to be found.
Other
Districts:
Machakos and neighbouring Kitui have an especially good record for soil conservation. But the programme has not yet been as effective elsewhere in Kenya. Where self-help groups are not part of the local tradition, and where returns from conservation are not so immediate, the techniques and approach need to be modified.
LESSONS
AND CONCLUSIONS
1. Machakos has a serious problem of soil erosion because of the steep slopes and the expanding area under cultivation.
2. Terracing in Machakos is popular due largely to the rapid benefits it gives in terms of improved crop performance.
3. The existence of well developed self-help groups is one of the main reasons for the success of conservation activities in Machakos. Elsewhere experience has shown that it is very difficult to form effective groups if they do not already exist.
4. The conservation technique used is not new to the area. It is technically sound, and because people have had experience of it for a number of years they accept it more readily. New ideas are much more difficult to introduce.
5. In Machakos, where the level of participation from the people is good, the most important support on offer from NSWCP is in the form of technical guidance and tools, which are an effective and suitable incentive.
6. The project has benefited from being integrated into the Ministry of Agriculture's well-established extension system.
7. Another factor in the success of the programme in Machakos has been the well-publicised campaigns for conservation.
8. Machakos is an example of a site-specific success story where a combination of factors has created favourable conditions for the programme. Reproducing the results in districts where conditions differ is not proving easy.
9. There are still problems to overcome. These include the lack of an effective conservation approach for the grazing areas, the need for suitable techniques in the driest zones, and the difficulty of involving the poorest households in community conservation activities.
Mukethe Mbithi is a member of
the Kyungu Mwethya group Contents
- Previous - Next | 18,340 | 7,753 | 0.000131 |
warc | 201704 | PETERSBURG, Pa. — Doug Wentzel can count the number of little brown bats at Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center on one hand. Wentzel, a naturalist and program director at Penn State’s nature center, has been observing the flying creatures for years and in the past, he’s seen thousands make their summer homes in central Pennsylvania.
At last check, the bat boxes at Shaver’s Creek house only three bats.
“I don’t think we’ll ever see the colony return as it was in my lifetime,” said Wentzel. “These bats have been ripped from the fabric of the landscape with an unprecedented collapse of a population.”
Wentzel said white-nose syndrome is decimating bat populations across the Northeast. Recent estimates indicate the fungal disease has killed more than 6 million bats since 2006. In Pennsylvania, all cave-dwelling bat species are vulnerable to the disease.
Effects
“I’ve never worn insect repellent in Stone Valley because bats were part of the natural insect control,” he said. “I don’t know what is going to happen going forward because we are missing the top predator of night-flying insects that used to be here.”
The declining bat population can have a direct effect on both people’s health and the food we eat. Bats can eat between 300 to 3,000 insects a night so large-scale bat deaths have Wentzel concerned.
Food prices
Experts also worry about the multi-million dollar impact of insect control on farms. Michael Gannon, professor of biology and ecology, and senior faculty member at Penn State Altoona, said farmers may need to increase their use of pesticides, which would lead to higher food prices for consumers.
“We’re going to be spending a lot on food. We might not notice it immediately but we are going to start seeing major problems with insects,” Gannon said.
“Bats are the only biological control agents for these night-flying insects and if they are not there, we have to control them in some other way and it will be with pesticides.”
Study
According to a recent study, farmers in Huntingdon County, home to Shaver’s Creek, would have to spend approximately $4,067,201 in pesticides to kill insects bats were eating for free.
In Centre County, the estimate rises to $5,307,709. Bats with White-Nose Syndrome may have a white-colored fungus, known as Geomyces destructans, on their noses or other parts of their bodies. It affects hibernating bats found in and around caves.
“It’s taken a lot of people by surprise,” Wentzel said. “The bats have just about disappeared.”
Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center is part of Penn State Outreach, which serves more than 5 million people each year, in all 67 Pennsylvania counties, all 50 states and more than 100 countries worldwide. | 2,868 | 1,447 | 0.000734 |
warc | 201704 | This is a guest post by Laurie and Debbie. Debbie Notkin is a body image activist, a feminist science fiction advocate, and a publishing professional. She is chair of the motherboard of the Tiptree Award and will be one of the two guests of honor at the next WisCon in May 2012. Laurie is a photographer whose photos make up the books Women En Large: Images of Fat Nudes (edited and text by Debbie Notkin) and Familiar Men: A Book of Nudes (edited by Debbie Notkin, text by Debbie Notkin and Richard F. Dutcher). Her photographs have been exhibited in many cities, including New York, Tokyo, Kyoto, Toronto, Boston, London, Shanghai and San Francisco. Her solo exhibition “Meditations on the Body” at the National Museum of Art in Osaka featured 100 photographs. Her most recent project is Women of Japan, clothed portraits of women from many cultures and backgrounds. Laurie and Debbie blog together at Body Impolitic, talking about body image, photography, art and related issues. This post originally appeared on Body Impolitic. Debbie says:
Dear Mrs. Obama,
I wrote to you several years ago when you first announced your anti-childhood-obesity campaign, stating my opinion that opposition to childhood obesity both focuses on a red herring instead of a problem
and encourages low self-esteem in all children (and people) who perceive themselves to be fat. I was sorry never to get an answer.
Last week, I was lucky enough to get to visit the Women’s Rights National Historic Park in Seneca Falls, NY. I was struck by the opening of the Declaration of Sentiments which came out of the first U.S. Women’s Rights Convention, held in Seneca Falls in 1848. The Declaration begins:
When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one portion of the family of man to assume among the people of the earth a position different from that which they have hitherto occupied, but one to which the laws of nature and of nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes that impel them to such a course. We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men and women are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; that to secure these rights governments are instituted, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of those who suffer from it to refuse allegiance to it, and to insist upon the institution of a new government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness.
I thoroughly enjoyed the museum, though I was sorry to see that it has apparently run out of money. Many of the computerized exhibits were not working, and the display of women’s history from 1993 onward was ironically blank. As a person concerned with body image, I was especially pleased to note some mentions of the way in which focus on appearance has been a hurdle for women trying to find our own strength.
One of my companions, a recovering anorexic, was triggered as well as horrified when she was buying something in the shop and found a handout from the museum entitled in large letters Burn While You Learn (.pdf at the link). I found its focus on calories disturbing and its presence in a women’s rights museum offensive. My friend, on the other hand, experienced it as a direct criticism of herself for having escaped from the near-death state that obsessively counting calories in and calories out caused her some decades passed.
When I challenged the flyer’s presence in a woman’s-rights museum, the woman behind the counter basically shifted the responsibility onto you, which seems fair since the flyer credits your “Let’s Move Outside!” program. I was able to find at least one other flyer in an identical design on the Internet, which supports her claim. The Let’s Move Outside website, on the other hand, while it mentions calories and obesity in a few places, seems much more focused on what I believe to be the real issues: exercise for every body, healthy food for every body, and positive self image
for every body.
Just to be clear about my objections:
1) No one can calculate to any reliable degree the number of calories a person burns while walking a certain distance, even if you know that person’s weight and the speed at which they walk.
2) To the very limited extent that calorie burning is correlated to weight loss (if you haven’t already, please read the incomparably useful David Berreby article on this topic) these numbers are absolutely trivial, which anyone who has ever counted calorie
intake is completely aware of.
3) As my friend’s reaction shows, this campaign is basically shaming; it’s designed to hit people’s–usually women’s–internalized oppression buttons and make us feel like we aren’t moving enough, walking enough, burning enough calories, paying enough attention. Basically, there’s no way this kind of message makes anyone feel better, stronger, or more capable, all of which are markers of both emotional and physical health.
4) It is a travesty to put this kind of message in front of women in one of the few places where focusing on our rights and our power is supposed to take center stage.
A body image rights convention would be well justified in “refusing allegiance to” a campaign with the goal of making us hate ourselves.Please rethink the entire “Burn While You Learn” campaign, and while you are doing so, please have your staff remove the flyer from the Seneca Falls and Waterloo sites.
Thank you for your consideration.
Similar Posts (automatically generated): Laurie’s Work Featured in the Huffington Post: 30 LGBT Artists You Should Know by Guest Blogger June 29, 2012 Photographs in International Feminist Exhibition in Korea by Guest Blogger October 23, 2012 Vagina Drama, and Why It Matters by Guest Blogger July 6, 2012 Nude Photos as a Revolutionary Act by Guest Blogger April 5, 2012 “Racism Still Exists”: The Power of Art by Guest Blogger January 25, 2013 | 6,366 | 3,103 | 0.000331 |
warc | 201704 | What do you get when you stare very intently into the fog? Frustrated, no doubt. When the fog rolls in, or a huge rainstorm hits, visibility is decimated.
This summer, investors have been forced to endure lots of fog and repeated storms, creating unprecedented volatility. And that's when the job of financial advisor becomes so vital. Weather forecasters on TV aren't going to take your call when the sky turns soupy or the clouds collide. But as every advisor knows, a crucial part of the job is to guide clients during frightening times, to show them the way when they may feel lost at sea. To be the lighthouse.
That doesn't mean offering false hope or downplaying serious situations. It means sharing the wisdom gained from experience by shining a light in the darkness.
"I'm telling people that it's a good time to buy, and in fact, I'm doing that with my own funds-buying great, good-quality, large-cap U.S. and international companies, oriented toward those that pay dividends," Rhonda Arnett, a senior financial advisor with PrimeVest in Tacoma, Wash., told a Financial Planning writer during the August swoon.
Denis Fatovic, an advisor with Financial Network Investment Corp., in Teaneck, N.J., told us, "The phones were ringing off the hook. People wanted explanations and answers. Some were in a panic and felt they had to sell something out of their portfolios. I told people that they needed to separate emotion from real practical investment issues and that I could help with those issues, but not with the emotions." Alejandro Murguia, a principal at McLean Asset Management Corp., in McLean, Va., also was a lighthouse: "If you become an event-driven investor, you're going to be lacking the foundation that helps guide you toward your objectives," he told an FP writer.
Kevin McDermott, a senior financial advisor at Citadel Federal Credit Union in Downingtown, Pa., wanted his clients to know they'd be safe, telling them to "sit tight." At the same time, he did not advocate venturing any further out to sea. "I've had some clients buy assets, but I'm not actively going out and saying, 'This is a buying opportunity,e_SSRq" he told FP.
A man who's a lighthouse to the masses, Warren Buffett, quipped, "I like buying on sale." He told Charlie Rose that, "Last Monday," referring to the first trading day after S&P downgraded U.S. government debt, "we spent more money in the stock market buying than any day this year."
The advice differed, naturally, because clients have different objectives, but Arnett, Fatovic, Murguia, McDermott and Buffett each helped investors battered by the extraordinary waves to see clearly that they need a strategy they're comfortable with-whether it's riding out crises, buying on the dips or rebalancing their portfolios so market storms don't leave them panicked. Because another storm is coming, and your clients will need you to be their lighthouse. | 2,930 | 1,524 | 0.000662 |
warc | 201704 | With 40 million decks in the United States that are more than 20 years old, there are plenty of families whose outdoor fun is resting on a shaky foundation. At least 30 people died as a direct result of deck collapses between 2000 and 2008, according to the North American Deck and Railing Association, and every year, many more are injured in deck-related accidents, many of which could be prevented. An annual deck inspection takes less than an hour and could head off a catastrophe. Here’s what to look for.
You must be a member to access this story.
Become a member today and get instant access to all Fine Homebuilding content! | 641 | 412 | 0.002462 |
warc | 201704 | The 97-year-old Empire Fish Company got its start selling fish from the Great Lakes to Milwaukee area restaurants.
Today it processes vacuum-packed cold-smoked salmon, bonito, mahi-mahi, tuna, wahoo, mackerel, jobfish, jack or crevalle, trevally, escolar, clams, cockles, mussels, oysters, scallops, and air-packed, and hot-smoked salmon for both wholesale and retail markets.
And all those fish or fishery products “are adulterated in that they have been prepared, packed or held under insanitary conditions whereby they may have been rendered injurious to health,” says W. Charles Becoat, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) Minneapolis District Director.
Becoat’s comments are found in a Jan. 25 “Warning Letter” to Wauwatosa, WI-based Meyer Food Services LLC, which has owned Empire Fish Company since 1994. FDA released the letter on Feb. 9.
During an Oct. 1-7, 2009 inspection of the seafood processing facility in Wauwatosa, FDA found significant violations of food safety laws and regulations, including the seafood Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) requirements.
FDA found Empire Fish Co. lacks a HACCP plan for its vacuum-packed cold-smoked salmon “to control the food safety hazards of Clostridium botulinum growth and toxin formation.”
Empire’s HACCP plans for clams, cockles, mussels, oysters and scallops do not provide sufficient monitoring of temperatures during refrigeration to adequately control pathogen growth.
FDA recommends monitoring equipment temperatures with equipment that provide 24/7 coverage and recording.
Empire has a similar problem with its HACCP plan for its air-packed, hot-smoked fish.
Empire Fish Company has 15 working days to respond to FDA’s “Warning Letter.” Its response must provide specifics on how it plans to correct the violations.
Empire today is Milwaukee’s largest distributor of fresh and frozen seafood. It serves hotels, restaurants, grocers, and consumers “with the highest quality seafood, meats, and food service items available,” according to its website.© Food Safety News | 2,158 | 1,109 | 0.000944 |
warc | 201704 | Let's talk disconnects.
Approximately 75% of Baby Boomers expect they will be happier after they retire, yet 40% aren't sure they'll have enough money to live comfortably when they get there -- and a quarter of Boomers doubt they'll be able to retire at all.
How's your retirement plan looking now? Have you saved enough?
According to a recent study of the Baby Boom generation conducted by Del Webb, the active adult division of
Pulte Homes, there's a major disconnect between Americans' expected and realized retirements. Reality checkHere's what you can do today to make sure your retirement is the one you've worked so hard to achieve.
First, save early, save often, and save as much as you can. A common piece of Foolish wisdom around here is that it's never too late to start. If your employer offers a 401(k), that's a great way to start. Or maybe you're more of the money-under-the-mattress type. Whatever the method, just get started today.
Once you've started saving -- or if you're well on your way already -- determine when you'd like to retire and what you'll need when you get there. Then, assess how much risk you can stomach along the way. More risk-tolerant investors who are approaching retirement might consider plopping their money in a mutual fund with some equity holdings. Robert Brokamp, who heads up The Motley Fool's
Rule Your Retirement service, believes large-cap stocks may be the most undervalued class and offer the best downside protection in the event of an economic slump.
Recently, he profiled
Oakmark Select (OAKLX) -- a mutual fund with large-cap holdings such as McDonald's Washington Mutual Xerox You want me to do what?If you're not really the do-it-yourself type, perhaps a target retirement fund -- a mix of stocks and bonds -- is right for you. Here's how it works: You invest your retirement savings in the fund closest to your desired retirement date, and the fund manager provides a suitable asset allocation and gradually ratchets down the percentage of stocks as the retirement date nears.
At retirement, you can still follow a one-fund strategy by switching to a balanced fund. Examples include
Fidelity Balanced (FBALX) -- with treasury notes held alongside large caps such as AT&T Bank of America Vanguard Balanced (VBINX), which is anchored by blue chips such as Johnson & Johnson Connecting the dotsPerhaps you scoff at all this. After all, your retirement plan is rock-solid and you know your golden years will be everything you imagined, right?
But if you need help erasing the disconnects between planning for retirement and being able to enjoy it when you get there, let Robert and his
Rule Your Retirement team help. A 30-day free trial grants you access to all of the retirement resources, including the DirectAdvice Planning Tool, which will definitively answer whether you're saving enough to have the retirement of your dreams.
So take a peek today. Your happiness may just depend on it.
Foolish editor Jill Ralph owns shares of Johnson & Johnson. Washington Mutual, Bank of America, and Johnson & Johnson areMotley Fool Income Investor recommendations. The Fool has a disclosure policy. | 3,166 | 1,628 | 0.000618 |
warc | 201704 | Full profile →'">
The author is a Forbes contributor. The opinions expressed are those of the writer.
Some of the world’s largest companies have launched initiatives to hire individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). For many businesses, it may have begun as a philanthropic project or public relations effort to repair their images in the community.
But these employers, large and small, are amazed to find that hiring these individuals amounts to far more than a feel-good gesture. It amounts to a smart business decision with enormous dividends.
Companies are rewarded with loyal employees with resilient work ethics and positive attitudes that are instilled into the entire team. The work environment becomes more inclusive and customers who frequent these businesses even report higher levels of satisfaction.
In 2013, $47.9 billion in Supplemental Security Income (SSI) cash benefits was paid out to recipients with disabilities in the United States. In 2012, Medicaid payments for services for 9.7 million disabled, who represented 17% of beneficiaries, totaled $162.8 billion. On average, recipients with disabilities incurred the largest average Medicaid payment per person ($16,781) of any group of recipients in 2012. That same year, the SSI Federal Benefit Rate for people with disabilities was $8,376 per person, yielding an average of $25,157 per person with a disability from Federal SSI and Medicaid alone.
On the flip side, when individuals with IDD are employed with a paid job in the community, they no longer depend on the government for assistance. Instead, these individuals draw an annual salary as high as $40,000, pay taxes, and contribute to the overall economy. Employing people with IDD has the potential to save the U.S government hundreds of billions of dollars on an annual basis. Isn’t that good business?
Reaching a Goal of One Million
We are calling on employers large and small, across all industries, to commit to hire individuals with IDD to help us reach our goal of getting one million unemployed individuals with IDD off the sidelines and into the workforce over the next 10 years. We cannot achieve this goal without a global team effort.
Since officially launching the “I’m In to Hire” campaign on October 7, we are proud to share that more than 100,000 pledges have been made, spreading awareness and recognizing the contributions that all of us can bring to a more inclusive workplace. Business leaders, celebrity champions and elected officials from across the nation have pledged their support, while employers, employees, friends, family members, and individuals with IDD have also shown their support on social media and by taking the pledge.
More than 8 out of 10 working-age adults with developmental disabilities do not have a paid job in the community. This is shameful and unacceptable. The impact these individuals have made on our society is beyond exceptional and the workplace should be no different.
A Smart Business Decision {{article.article.page + 1}}/ {{article.article.pages.length}}Continue | 3,123 | 1,567 | 0.000647 |
warc | 201704 | Full profile →'">
The author is a Forbes contributor. The opinions expressed are those of the writer.
Today, the Congressional Budget Office published its annual update of its Long-Term Budget Outlook. "Under current law," writes the CBO, "an aging population and rapidly rising health care costs...would cause federal debt to grow to unsustainable levels." Sometimes I wonder if such pronouncements sound like the "Wawww wawww wawww" of adults speaking in a Charlie Brown special, but I'm not sure what else they could do.
I'll have more commentary once I've had a chance to read the 108-page report, but for starters, I've updated two charts using the CBO's "Alternative Fiscal Scenario," which despite the name is actually its more realistic forecast of future spending. The first chart shows various categories of spending, excluding interest payments on the national debt, as a percentage of GDP:
The second chart contains the same data but also includes annual interest payments on the national debt:
There simply is no way to avoid a fiscal collapse of the United States without significant reform of health-care entitlement spending. Get to work, everybody.
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warc | 201704 | Contact FreedomWorks
400 North Capitol Street, NW
Suite 765 Washington, DC 20001 Toll Free1.888.564.6273 Local202.783.3870 Single Payer Health Care – As Seen by Its Advocates ETHAN ALLEN INSTITUTE POLICY BRIEF 017 March 24, 2005
The Vermont advocates of single payer health care argue for changing our present health care system into one in which all health care expenses (less minor co-payments) are paid and controlled by the government, and raised from taxpayers. The leading advocacy organization is Vermont Health Care for All, headed by Deborah Richter MD of Montpelier. Its conception of the workings of a universal, single-payer health care system is explained in detail in its document “Health Care From a Different Perspective”, found on the organization’s web site at www.vthca.org/NewPerspective. (the following quotations are from this document, with
emphasis added.)
The VHCA document posits a cost and affordability crisis. “The majority of what we spend on health care goes to infrastructure costs (that) are largely fixed. Therefore, the single effective way to control total health care costs is to
control the size of the health care infrastructure itself and not by controlling utilization. Payment for health care is a collective investment in the health care infrastructure… The important question is exactly how much we are willing to invest in our health care infrastructure. Decisions cannot be left to chance.” As the proposal makes clear, decisions will largely be left to the government.
A major problem, says the document, is oversupply of services, and “the importance of matching supply to need, not demand…Stability [in health care] comes by looking at the health infrastructure as a whole, determining its
reasonable costs, and implementing an overall budget in a fiscally responsible manner.” Demand, initiated by patients who may not understand what they really need, will be replaced by government-controlled allocation of services on the basis of what patients are determined to reasonably need.
“The only efficient way, in fact the only feasible way, to modify and control long-term costs is to
impose a budget across the entire infrastructure. Such a budget’s main functions would be to allocate annual hospital budgets based on available financing for the coming year, negotiate uniform reimbursement rates within specialized sectors of medical care, and engage in planning and distribution of health care services… Explicit public policy rationing should take into consideration the available money for a certain service, the benefit of the treatment, and the expense of the treatment.”
“A universal health care system pays for all
necessary medical care for everyone, is largely publicly financed, employs an overall budget across the system, manages health planning, and is accountable to the public.”
Thus, some all-powerful entity must have complete control over the infrastructure (hospitals, nursing homes, physician and nursing services). This entity, and not consumer demand, must determine what “investments” are “reasonable” and what services are “necessary”. This entity must establish and enforce overall budgets, ration services to patients, fix reimbursement rates for all doctors and nurses, and be “fiscally responsible”.
That entity – a monopoly Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) - can only be the Government.
The document says that the government will not
run the health care system, only coordinate it. “Medical decisions are determined by doctor and patient without bureaucratic interference.” It is hard to believe that a doctor working for a cost-conscious HMO, and subject to utilization pre-approval and an end-of-year drawback for overprescribing tests and medications, would believe this. The report says that “physicians’ worst fears about bureaucracy, interference, and erratic reimbursement rates already are here in the form of managed care.” Why the proposed single payer system, funded by taxation and required to be “fiscally responsible”, will be any sort of improvement over an HMO is not explained.
The document claims that such a system will be affordable for taxpayers by citing the 2001 Lewin Report. This report claims that installing a single payer system in Vermont would cause an initial cost increase of $63 million, but this would be more than offset by $153 million in administrative savings (health insurers and premiums would disappear, and providers would no longer bill for services) and $30 million in drug formulary savings (all prescription drugs would be purchased at Medicaid prices.) The total projected savings of $118 million was about 5% of Vermont’s 2001 health care expenditures. To pay for the benefits, employers would pay an additional payroll tax of 5.8 percentage points, and employees an additional 2.9 points.
Whether a state health care authority could purchase prescription drugs for all patients within the state, regardless of their incomes, at Medicaid prices is legally very doubtful.
The single payer backers have not shied away from their goal: complete government control of all health care facilities and providers, explicit government rationing, and full taxpayer financing.
#####
: Richter, Deborah, Marilyn Rothwell, Terry Doran, “Health Care from a Different Perspective” (2004) (Posted at www.vthca.org.) References | 5,541 | 2,545 | 0.000407 |
warc | 201704 | Jobs have useful perks photo by unk’s dumptruck
Finding a job can be tough. If you’ve been laid off, are looking for a part-time primary or second job, or are returning to the workforce after being a stay-at-home parent, it can feel as if there aren’t any jobs out there. One thing to consider is that many jobs don’t seem appealing at first glance. For example, maybe the pay is far less than you’re hoping for, but there might be perks that make the job worth taking. Some companies such as Starbucks, Kroger and United Parcel Service offer healthcare benefits to part-time staff. You can ask whether the position has any extra perks, such as free or discounted cell phone, gas or parking allowance, flexible spending accounts, adoption or tuition assistance, fitness incentives, community discounts, restaurants, etc.
What jobs have you done that had useful perks?
Here are a few additional jobs with budget-friendly perks.
CARE PROVIDER: If you’re working at a child-care center, you might get discounted child care for your kids. This can be a great advantage. There isn’t any extra transportation, and you can check in on your children to see how they’re doing. You wouldn’t think an adult care-provider position would have many perks. Kita in New Jersey shares: “My part-time job is taking care of mentally handicapped adults. We take them out into the community. Fairs, restaurant meals and movies are all free for staff. They also pay for me to take the defensive-driving course, which reduces my insurance. And flu shots, too.” MOVIE-THEATER EMPLOYEE: Work at a local movie theater, and many companies will let you see new releases and/or provide free concession food. Along the same lines, video-rental stores will often let you rent free movies and games. MUSEUM EMPLOYEE: Employees often are given free passes to exhibits and discounts for the gift shop. UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEE: Many universities offer free tuition for their employees. Some even extend it to immediate family members of the employee, too. That’s a huge perk that can really pay off. Some universities offer season passes to athletic events, local gardens and the planetarium. RETAIL CLOTHING: There are generous discounts (10 percent to 50 percent) given at many retail-clothing stores. Plus, you’re first to see when items are clearanced, too. FLORISTS: Many florists will let you take home older flowers and plants or provide a discount on merchandise, such as balloons, gift baskets or giftware. Because holidays are so busy, some florists will buy food for their employees, too. BAKERIES: Work in a bakery, and there’s a chance you can get many bakery goods free or discounted. This can be especially nice for special occasions. Another reader, Jill in New Jersey, shares: “I used to work at a bakery and could take home as much bread/muffins/bagels as I wanted when I was closing. (Food we didn’t take got donated to a soup kitchen.) Tuesdays, we got to take home cakes that didn’t sell. Holidays, we could take home unsold pies. Believe me, my family and friends did not go hungry. I’m talking big black garbage bags full of stuff.” COMMUNITY CENTER OR GYM: Some have on-site child care. A great way to stay fit. Often, family members are given deep discounts, too. SALON: While not every salon gives free haircuts, nails or waxing, some do offer these perks. Most offer a discount on products and services. Often, stylists simply swap their time and service. HOTEL WORKER: Work at a hotel, and get free or discounted rooms. This often will include hotels in the chain. This can be a wonderful perk when planning a vacation or getaway. | 3,720 | 1,894 | 0.000543 |
warc | 201704 | Attention Animal-Loving Holiday Shoppers
Animal shelters take in six to eight million pets each year and the problem of homeless animals has worsened in today’s challenging economy. Most shelters operate close to the bone and depend on donations. But fewer dollars are being donated now, at a time when financially strapped people are dropping off more pets at shelters. Animal lovers, even those who have to curb their own charitable giving this holiday season, can still provide meaningful help.
Shop online to generate a donation. Shoppers who visit BringPetsHome.org to access a favorite retailer will earn a donation for animal shelters. The partnering retailers make the donation based on a percentage of the purchase total. There’s no additional cost to the shopper and you are still eligible for retailer promotions, sales, etc. For example, Nordstrom.com donates as much as five percent of all purchases when shoppers access its site through the Bring Pets Home Web site, meaning a $200 purchase made through the Bring Pets Home link automatically generates a $10 donation courtesy of Nordstrom. Want to support a specific animal shelter? Shoppers can personalize their experience by registering with BringPetsHome.org and selecting a specific animal shelter to benefit from their earnings.
Donate your time and items. Volunteering time and donating items all animal shelters need are two inexpensive ways to help fight the problem of homeless animals. Visit your local animal shelter and offer to volunteer a couple of hours per week. Shelters are often understaffed, and volunteering might involve simply walking the dogs or playing with the cats. Before visiting, call ahead and ask if the shelter needs anything, such as food or old blankets or towels.
Spread the word. Spreading the word about the plight of the nation’s homeless animals is another way those looking to help can make a significant difference. Inform fellow pet lovers about the local animal shelter’s services and needs. What’s more, inform friends and families about BringPetsHome.org. Many people do the bulk of their shopping online, so why not make each Amazon purchase go a little fur- ther by shopping through the Bring Pets Home link? One hundred percent of all money raised goes to helping animal shelters across the country, enabling pet lovers to do their part even if the economy is limiting what they can directly donate.
Promote pet adoption. Perhaps no helping hand can mean more than promoting pet adoption. Animal shelters across the country are currently home to millions of wonderful dogs and cats that come in all shapes and sizes and are just waiting for a permanent and loving home. Animal lovers can really help by promoting pet adoption and finding their next special friend at their nearby homeless animal shelter.
For more information, visit www.BringPetsHome.org. | 2,903 | 1,351 | 0.000749 |
warc | 201704 | ARPDAUPosted 4 years ago What’s an impressive conversion rate? And other stats updatesPosted 4 years ago Your quick guide to metricsPosted 5 years ago Social proof – how one granny can persuade a crowd to take on armed robbers
I was recently talked to a social games client about how important Social Proof is to creating successful social games.
He listened to my exposition of Social Proof and said, “Oh, you mean like that granny who tackled those armed robbers?”
Now that I have seen the video he meant, I have to agree. Go and watch the video, then come back for me to tell you how it is a perfect example of social proof in action.
(Note to ITV: you might get more traffic by not allowing me to embed videos, but I very nearly didn’t bother to write this post because of that decision).
Social proof
Social proof is the way in which we, as a species, determine what is the appropriate course of action. We look to other people around us to see what is the best way to behave in a given set of circumstances. If they get involved, we get involved; if they do nothing, we do the same.
It’s why Kitty Genovese died despite 12 (some reports said 38) people hearing her screams for help over a two hour period in a crowded city block.
In the video, you can see or hear the process of social proof moving from “INACTION” to “ACTION” in barely a minute. It shows how big a difference a single person can make.
0.00: Six men on mopeds and armed with sledge hammers start smashing the windows of a jeweller in Northampton. Someone chooses to film it on their mobile. 0.07: Man walks in front of the camera, does nothing about the crime 0.12: A old lady in a red coat starts running across the road. 0.16: We hear someone asking to speak to the police, presumably on their mobile. 0.22: Old lady hits man on moped with her handbag. He guns his engine and flees, and she turns to hit another robber. 0.34 She has them on the run, and suddenly the crowd are moving. Our camera person runs, so do other bystanders. 0.49 One of the six robbers is knocked off his scooter. Bystanders jump on him and hold him down.
With help from bystanders, police were able to arrest four of the six thieves with an hour of the attempted robbery.
What happened?
What happened is that the social proof changed. At first, everyone looked around to see how they should respond to an armed robber. The clear answer was “stand around and watch”.
One person, a little old lady, stood up to the robbers. And suddenly everything changed. “If she can take them on, so can I” became the new thought.
Social proof went into reverse. The right thing to do switched from “Stand around and watch” to “Get ‘em!”
If the bystanders had reacted a little quicker, they’d have caught them all.
Why does this matter for social games?
Social games are social. That means we can look for clues amongst our friends to see what they are doing. If they come back frequently, then so should we. If they buy stuff, then so should we. If they send messages to their friends, so should we.
And social game designers should show players what their friends are doing, particularly if you want the player to perform a similar action.
Used well, Social Proof is a hugely powerful way of motivating groups of people to do what you would like them to do. This video is a reminder of quite how powerful it will be.
I will shortly be writing a series of blog posts on social proof and other ways of using psychological and social triggers in game design. In the meantime, if you are interested, I urge you to check out Robert Cialdini’s Influence. | 3,712 | 1,851 | 0.000559 |
warc | 201704 | Overview
The Thuja 'Green Giant' (Thuja standishii x plicata) is a fast-growing, pyramid-shaped tree in the cypress family that makes a striking specimen planting in the large residential landscape. The United States Arboretum calls it an "evergreen sentinel in the landscape." Considered a replacement for the disease-prone Leyland cypress, Thuja Green Giant is easy to care for and is disease-resistant.
Step 1
Water the Thuja Green Giant only during periods of drought. Water it out to the drip line (the farthest reaches of its branches) until the soil is saturated, and then allow it to dry completely.
Step 2
Fertilize the Thuja Green Giant with a slow-release 10-10-10 fertilizer at the rate suggested on the package twice a month in spring and once a month in the summer. Withhold fertilizer from October through February. Always water after fertilizing.
Step 3
Maintain a weed and turf-free area within a 3-foot radius of the tree. These plants will compete with the Thuja for water and nutrients.
Step 4
Prune the Thuja Green Giant to keep it to the size you desire. That is the only pruning that is required for this easy-care tree. | 1,156 | 637 | 0.001588 |
warc | 201704 | Houseplants are a terrific way to add beauty to any indoor room, whether the room is an office, living room, or even a guest bath. Not only are houseplants attractive, but they also add oxygen to the air. Many filter out harmful toxins. Red flowering houseplants are especially attractive during the holidays, or in a room that needs a cheerful splash of color.
Anthuriums
Anthuriums are exotic, tropical plants desirable for their highly glossy and colorful bracts. The bracts surround the spadix, which is a tall "tail" covered with tiny flowers. Anthuriums come in shades of pink and white, but the showiest are a rich, bright red. They are usually grown as houseplants because of their warm-temperature requirements, ability to survive periods of drought, and tolerance for low light. These showy flowers will flower continuously if given proper care, according to the University of Florida.
Hippeastrums
Hippeastrums are flowering bulbs, the most popular of which is the giant amaryllis. These flowers are most commonly grown in containers. The bulb should be placed in an 8-inch container, with half the bulb (neck up) protruding above the surface of the soil. If the soil is kept moist, the flower will bloom about five weeks later. Morning sun exposure is best for these flowers, according to the Missouri Botanical Garden. Hippeastrums come in shades of red, pink and white. The "Red Lion" variety is especially popular around Christmas.
Guzmanias
Guzmania is a genus of bromeliads, which make excellent indoor plants, according to the University of Florida. These plants need very little care in order to thrive, and will grow in low-light conditions. Guzmanias have thin, shiny, slender leaves that wrap around to form a rosette. This rosette holds water, allowing the plant to tolerate long periods of drought. Guzmanias bloom with red, yellow or orange flowers clustered on a spike and surrounded by bracts in the same color. G. lingulata, or "Scarlet Star," is a popular red variety. | 2,011 | 1,012 | 0.000995 |
warc | 201704 | Overview
The Japanese privet is a shrub available in dwarf varieties for use as a low-growing hedge. The privet shrub is native to Japan but will grow in USDA growing Zones 8 to 10 as it will grow in areas with mild winters. Japanese privet is easily propagated through softwood cuttings taken from new growth in the months of June and July.
Step 1
Take a softwood cutting that is 4 to 6 inches in length from the current season of growth. Use a clean, sharp knife and make a slanted cut below a leaf node.
Step 2
Place the cutting in a plastic bag to retain stem moisture before potting.
Step 3
Create a rooting medium by mixing equal quantities of perlite, vermiculite and peat moss. Lightly moisten the mixture with water. Fill a rooting tray or 3-inch-diameter plastic potting container with the mixture.
Step 4
Remove the leaves from the lower 1/3 to 1/2 of the cutting.
Step 5
Dip the cut end into the rooting hormone and gently tap the cutting to remove excess hormone.
Step 6
Stick the cut end 1/3 to 1/2 the length into the rooting medium. Gently firm the medium around the cutting to hold it in place.
Step 7
Place a clear plastic cover or plastic bag over the cutting and container to hold moisture and humidity in the rooting area.
Step 8
Place the cutting in an indoor area with indirect sunlight.
Step 9
Monitor the cuttings to prevent drying of the medium during the rooting process. Mist the medium with water if required.
Step 10
Gently pull on the cutting to see if there is resistance from root growth. Transplant the cuttings to a larger potting container filled with growing medium if roots are established. The potting container should be large enough to accommodate additional root growth. | 1,735 | 852 | 0.001189 |
warc | 201704 | Any hurricane can produce wind, surge and inland flood impacts. The severity and scope of impacts is not always consistent with rating on the Saffir-Simpson scale, particularly for surge as we have seen with Katrina (2005) and Sandy (2012).
Wind:For a typical wood frame structure, damage usually starts from the top of the structure and most often with the roof (trees notwithstanding). These effects can become noticeable with sustained wind speeds as low as 40 mph. For more severe wind events, wind damage will affect the walls, and in extreme cases such as Andrew (1992) or Charley (2004), many structures will be barely recognizable following the event. Downed trees and powerlines are commonly found with any tropical cyclone. Storm surge:Storm surge is related to many factors including wind speed over water, the area of water affected by wind, bathymetry and coastline shape. Water intrusion will ruin the interior of any coastal property. Water velocity and particularly wave activity can cause severe to complete structural damage, since water weighs about one ton per cubic yard. Water damage usually begins at the bottom of a structure and becomes more severe with increasing water levels and wave height. With excessive water velocity or wave activity, the foundation itself can be dislodged, resulting in structural failure. In extreme cases the property can be scoured from the foundation such as Katrina (2005) in the Mississippi Gulf coast area. Our most recent reminder of U.S. surge impacts is from Sandy (2012). While Sandy was a post-tropical cyclone at landfall, the size of the wind field and angle of landfall near Brigantine, New Jersey drove a historic surge event for the area as far north as Massachusetts. The severity of surge impacts was equivalent to a typical Category 3 hurricane, yet the wind speeds alone did not suggest the potential for such damage. Freshwater flooding:Freshwater flooding is affected by factors such as excessive rainfall, storm motion, the capacity of local storm-water management infrastructure and local geography. The freshwater impacts of Irene (2011) and Fay (2008) were quite severe in the New England and North Florida areas, respectively. Floodwaters can ruin any structure they affect, and can even cause structural damage if water velocity is sufficient. Flood damage starts at the bottom of the structure and increases in severity with increasing inundation height.
Preparation for each of these impacts and the resulting disruption to infrastructure is an ongoing and essential process for homeowners, businesses, government agencies including NOAA and FEMA, and of course the (re)insurance industry. The landfall of one or two hurricanes cannot be ruled out for any season.
Conclusion
Hurricane activity for the Atlantic Basin is projected by seasonal outlook providers to be below average for the 2015 season, but these providers all stress preparation for a landfalling hurricane, as with any season. Cool sea-surface temperatures (SSTs) and a probable El Niño would indeed indicate reduced basin activity, although a closer look implies that these suppressing effects will be confined to the East Atlantic and deep tropics. Warm SSTs in the northern Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico warrant some caution. Hurricane landfall is a threat for any hurricane season, irrespective of basin activity, as history has shown more than once. | 3,412 | 1,647 | 0.000609 |
warc | 201704 | The universe is a staggeringly big place, but astronomers using the National Science Foundation’s Green Bank Telescope (GBT) have just succeeded in adding some context to the scale of the universe. They have determined that our own Milky Way galaxy is part of a single supercluster of more than 100,000 individual galaxies dubbed “Laniakea,” which means “immense heaven” in Hawaiian.
Superclusters like Laniakea are the most massive structures in the known universe — Laniakea has a mass of about one hundred million billion suns and is 500 million light years across. That might not be a terribly helpful metric, but it’s the closest we can get. We’re talking about such gigantic numbers that there simply isn’t a way for our squishy ape brains to even conceive of them. Superclusters are composed of multiple groups of galaxies (like our own Local Group) bound together into long filaments by gravity.
The team painstakingly mapped the full scope of Laniakea by using the GBT to calculate the velocities of galaxies throughout the observable universe. The detailed analysis was only possible because the GBT is situated in the National Radio Quiet Zone where radio telescopes can observe the sky with no interference. This revealed the gravitational borders of various superclusters like Laniakea. The Milky Way was found to be on the outskirts of our supercluster, far away from the central hub, which is being called the Great Attractor. That’s the focal point of gravity for the supercluster (and an awesome name).
It’s amazing to think that Laniakea is just one of many superclusters, and not even a particularly special one. It contains (literally) quadrillions of stars and an unknowable number of planets. Maybe somewhere out there is another intelligent species looking out into space and mapping the same supercluster from the other side. | 1,909 | 997 | 0.001036 |
warc | 201704 | Judy Citko gave me a heads up about an article in the pediatric literature titled, "The Darkening Veil of 'Do Everything.'" (PediPal, where are you? An opportunity waiting to happen! www.PediPal.org is available...)
I'm sure each of us has heard the phrase, "Do everything." As in a clinician saying, "Do you want us to do everything?" Or a surrogate decision maker saying "I want you to do everything for him!"
In the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Chris Feudtner and Wynne Morrison from Children's Hospital in Philadelphia authored a nice thought piece about the dangers of "do everything." Among the arguments:
We can't do everything. "One simply cannot simultaneously cradle a grievously ill infant in one's arms and at the same time insert vascular cannulas for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation; nor can one hold a loved one's hand while they are dying at the same moment that the code team yells "clear" and attempts to defibrillate the patient's heart." The term is not specific. What the heck does "do everything" mean, exactly? Does it include high quality high intensity palliative care? Families don't know the whole range of medical options. This term cuts off meaningful discussion between clinicians and family. "We already know what they want." This term is a cry of distress. W should attempt to puzzle out the specifics of what type of care are most appropriate to the patient's goals and circumstances. But when we do so, responding to emotion is often forgotten, considered outside of our role, or not prioritized. Make sure to respond to the affect behind the statement as much as the content. As the pace of the technological imperative accelerates - extending life by seconds or minutes with medicines, devices, and machines - the "veil of 'do everything' grows darker."
The authors conclude by arguing that the phrase "do everything" is dangerous nonsense, and call for a moratorium on using the phrase. I prefer a "ban" to a "moratorium," as a moratorium is temporary, and I don't see any reason for a second life for this particular phrase.
This is an actionable item. Let's all, in each of our healthcare settings, use reasoned arguments to promote a ban on the use of the phrase "do everything."
How would we accomplish this ban?
Education. Many of us teach trainees - students, residents, nurses, fellows, or faculty. Make it a point to encourage your trainees to stop using the phrase, and ask them to stop others from using it. Speak up when you hear the phrase. Even in the heat of the clinical encounter, you can gently say something like, "I know Dr. Smith just used the term "do everything," but I worry that that term may not be specific enough. Let's talk about how we might help your mother." The article provides some terrific suggestions for language. Give feedback to trainees who you hear use the phrase, and encourage them to spread the ban. Make the message go viral! Spread the word via twitter, facebook, and your favorite social media sites. Mine is currently Strava (OK, maybe not Strava).
by: Alex Smith | 3,112 | 1,621 | 0.000625 |
warc | 201704 | All About ADHD Usually, someone with ADHD will have several of the following symptoms: * Constantly fidgeting, can't sit still for long * Trouble taking turns * Doesn't finish things * Easily distracted * Gets bored easily * Daydreams often * Interrupts people * Gets easily frustrated with school work * Acts and speaks quickly without thinking * Often sidetracked by what's going on around her * Loses and forgets things * Disorganized * Low self-esteem * Trouble with friendships * Poor grades MORE ABOUT ADHD While ADHD is more prevalent in boys--for every girl diagnosed, at least three boys are also diagnosed--experts agree that girls with ADHD are harder to identify. It is believed that this is because boys with ADHD are more likely than girls to have behavior problems. Girls often have less noticeable symptoms, such as inattentiveness and depression. Check out the following Web sites for great info on teens with ADHD: * National Resource Center on ADHD at help4adhd.org * Children and Adults with ADHD at chadd.org * ADDvance, a site for girls and women who have ADD and ADHD, at addvance.com * National Institute of Mental Heath at nimh.nih.gov | 1,162 | 670 | 0.001495 |
warc | 201704 | Solar power has an efficiency problem. When the electrons move from the solar panel to the battery that stores them, about 20 per cent of the energy is lost. But now, thanks to new type of solar cell, nearly 100 per cent of the energy is stored. That's because the solar cell itself is the battery.
Researchers at Ohio State just announced a breakthrough in solar energy technology that stands to revolutionise the industry. It comes in the form of a mesh solar cell that can also store electricity. The new hybrid device runs on light and oxygen, storing electricity with the help of a simple chemical reaction. The best part is that it brings down the cost of a standard solar cell by 25 per cent.
So let's review. The new solar cell does away with bulky batteries, is significantly more efficient than existing solar technology, and costs a lot less. Better still? Researchers are already selling the technology to manufacturers, so it might not be long before we actually see it in the real world. [Ohio State] | 1,018 | 559 | 0.001796 |
warc | 201704 | You do this move already, I'll bet--during yoga, in the shower, on the phone--but you probably don't realize you're doing it. Your challenge now? To do it more often. The move I'm talking about, of course, is...
...holding a flower pot in the air.
No, not really. Silly! The
real move: stand on one leg. When it comes to calories, standing burns more than sitting--about 30 to 50 more per hour. Standing on one leg ("unipedal standing," if you're fancy) ups the ante, burning another 20 to 30 more calories on top of that--while also engaging your core muscles and improving your balance.
Just lifting one foot a few inches off the ground causes the rest of your body to work to center itself. If you want to work your body a little harder, try this: raise your foot and pull up your knee,
Karate Kid-style, so it looks like you're about to climb a huge step. Do it while doing things like brushing your teeth, putting on makeup, washing the dishes, pouring a bowl of cereal, and switch legs with every new task.
If you want to challenge yourself even more, slowly straighten your leg in front of you, then swivel it to the back. Standing on one leg in 10 to 12 five-minute increments can add up to an extra 200 calories per day--not bad at all!
Have you ever tried this super-easy move? What do you think? More little health tips: | 1,342 | 765 | 0.001318 |
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warc | 201704 | In my last posting, “Are Girls Smarter than Boys?” I pondered statistics from China and the United States that suggested that girls were smarter than boys. After all, how do you account for so many more females than males attending and graduating from US colleges (57% female and 43% male) and for a major Chinese politician asking that standards for male students be lowered so they can compete with females?
I did some research on the subject and found that, despite the above,
males and females score pretty much the same on IQ tests. One article I found, “ Gender Differences in IQ Smaller than Believed,” referred to a meta-study by researcher Adrian Furnham, a psychologist at the University of London. His research showed “… that in all actuality, men and women are fairly equal in terms of IQ. … Men tend to score higher on spatial tests, and women score a bit higher in language development and emotional intelligence. Neither of these things seems to make for a real difference when it comes to intelligence and gender.”
So, at least according to various studies of intelligence and gender, all things are equal.
If all things are equal in intelligence (assuming that IQ tests are reliable) why is there a difference? Is it because women are more confident?”
Well,
no, the funny thing is that Furnham’s studies show the exact opposite. Here is how Furnham puts it: There certainly is a greater male ego…Men are more confident about their IQ. These studies show that on average, women underestimate their IQ scores by about five points while men overestimate their own IQs. … The results were essentially the same whether women were from Argentina, America, Britain, Japan or Zimbabwe.”
So, what is going on?
Here is what I think is happening. Is it possible that today’s females are like the children of newly arrived immigrants? First generation Americans tend to excel in school because they have been held back in whatever country they came from. Is it possible, that these females today are like those immigrants in that there access to the professions and even the boardrooms (though still powerfully underrepresented) causes them to simply work harder and take it all more seriously than those who might think they have an entitlement?
It’s great that girls are excelling but the world needs everyone to work hard and smart. So what can we do about boys? Do they need a kick start?
Can we in the toy industry do something to help? What do you think about all of this? | 2,570 | 1,316 | 0.000787 |
warc | 201704 | The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has established that most African countries in sub-Saharan Africa experienced declines in per capita incomes during the past decade as a result of HIV/AIDS. In many African countries, HIV/AIDS has already had a devastating impact on many development sectors, such as agriculture, health and education. Of the world's 36 million people living with HIV/AIDS, more than 23 million, or 64 per cent of them, are in sub-Saharan Africa (UN 2000). It has been estimated that, by 2010, there could be 40 million orphans in sub-Saharan Africa as a result of HIV/AIDS.
Poverty encompasses a range of deprivations, including: lack of access to natural resources, health care and education; inability to access the political process; vulnerability to catastrophes; and the denial of opportunities and choices that are basic to human development. An estimated 40 per cent of people in sub-Saharan Africa live below the poverty line, and both income and human poverty are increasing (UNDP 1997). Poverty is a major factor in accelerating environmental degradation in the region. This is because the majority of the poor are heavily dependent on land and its resources for livelihood. The poor are forced to overexploit resources, such as fisheries, forests and water, in a desperate struggle to survive. Environmental degradation contributes markedly to many health threats, including: air and water pollution; poor sanitation; and diseases, such as malaria.
The Human Development Index (HDI) is a way of measuring quality of life, defined by the UNDP. It is clear from Table 1.5 that, in 2000, there were no African countries in the high (HDI) group. A number of countries were in the medium HDI group, while the majority were ranked in the low HDI group.
African governments now generally acknowledge that the overriding objective of development hinges on poverty reduction in the short term, and on its complete eradication in the long term. In reducing poverty, there is a need for strong political commitment combined with specific policy instruments targeting the poorest segments of society. To achieve average growth rates of 7 per cent per year-which estimates suggest would resuscitate Africa's economic performance and put the region on a path of sustainable development-an additional investment of 33 per cent of GDP is required.
Table 1.5 HDI ranking of African countries in 2000
Source: UNDP 2000 (Figures in brackets refer to world HDI rankings, from the highest ranking of 1, for Canada, to the lowest of 174, for Sierra Leone) | 2,583 | 1,303 | 0.00077 |
warc | 201704 | Seminar Paper, 1998, 11 Pages
Seminar Paper
1
Introduction
The term ‘postmodern’ has been used in different areas of study to describe similar phenomena. However, one must differentiate between postmodernism as a historical period, a cultural theory and an aesthetic category. The latter two uses will be the most important ones for my essay. It is essential for my discussion to include theories on postmodern culture, because the relationship between the real and its representation, and the
zeitgeist as presented in film, is of vital importance for postmodern film.
I will not define the term postmodernism here, on the one hand because the brevity of this essay does not allow my entering this ongoing debate, and, on the other hand, because the term itself escapes any fixed definition - it is rather a set of different tendencies.
The terms ‘postmodernism’ or ‘the postmodern’ are less precise categories than different versions of an all-embracing gesture which sums up a spirit of the times, an atmosphere.
[1]
However, to be able to discuss whether or not Jim Jarmusch’s and David Lynch’s films are postmodern, I must first find a definition for ‘postmodern film’. One would expect a postmodern film to tackle the postmodern condition, life in postmodernity, as its subject matter. Since the differences in class, gender and ethnicity are central to the discussion of postmodernism,
[2] one can assume that these categories are equally important for the plot of a postmodern film. However, Down and Out in Beverly Hills is a film about life in the postmodern city and deals with questions of class and gender, but it is conventional in its style and structure, and obviously far from being a postmodern film. Thus not only the subject matter, but also the audio-visual style and narrative structure of a film should display postmodern characteristics.
One of those characteristics would be the film’s awareness of its own part in a visual culture, expressing ‘an intense preoccupation with the real and its representations’ (Denzin, p. vii). In other words, a postmodern film is aware of its being a film, of the history of films, film genres and conventions, and of the fact that films and television produce, rather than represent, reality.
[3] This idea usually interacts with another tendency of postmodern film; the fact that it tends to incorporate earlier film styles or references to television programs, rock songs and other forms of popular culture in an eclectic manner, eclecticism being ‘the degree zero of contemporary general culture’. [4] The result is often referred to as ‘pastiche’.
Pastiche is, like parody, the imitation of a peculiar or unique style, the wearing of a stylistic mask, speech in a dead language: but it is a neutral practice of such mimicry, without parody’s ulterior motive, without the satiric impulse, without laughter, without that still latent feeling that there exists something normal compared to which what is being imitated is rather comic.
[5]
The effect of this technique is a loss of depth; the different references and other signifiers of the film text interact with each other and popular culture on the surface level of the text rather than referring to signifieds in some deep structure. Another central issue of postmodernism is the critique of master-narratives, or unified, totalizing discourses (cf. Lyotard). The structure of a postmodern film, therefore, can be expected to be fragmented rather than unified.
The above does not amount to a clear definition of postmodern film, but my discussion is about tendencies rather than fixed notions of how things have to be. The latter approach would not possibly cover all the different films and directors who have been called postmodern. In my opinion, it is because of the fact that different postmodern tendencies can be discovered in different aspects of a film (style, narrative structure, subject matter) that ‘postmodern film’ is such a protean phenomenon. It does make sense, then, to discuss two filmmakers as different as Jim Jarmusch and David Lynch in the same context of postmodernism. Yet my discussion will tackle one after the other, rather than generalizing about both from the start.
Jim Jarmusch
One main postmodern characteristic of Jim Jarmusch’s films is their fragmentation. Jarmusch’s narrative structures and visual style are directed against Hollywood’s master-narrative, the ideal of the unified, perfectly coherent plot and visual illusion of reality through continuity cutting. Jarmusch, most radically in his second feature
Stranger Than Paradise, believes in the long take. He creates single take sequences, often consisting of a full or long shot.
My vignettes are tableaus [sic] or proscenia, although we tried to avoid theatricality in terms of choreographing. [...] The viewer is allowed to choose what he wants to look at in the shot, just as he would pick out and concentrate on a character or a situation in a staged play. There are no reaction shots, over-the-shoulder shots, or dramatic close-ups. There is none of the image language that tells you exactly what is an important moment and what is not. You choose yourself.
[6]
These sequences are separated from each other through fades to black. There is no coherence between these sequences in the sense of classical Hollywood plotting. Jarmusch rather confronts the viewers with bits and pieces of his characters’ lives. The effect is that the viewer must judge the importance and relevance of each sequence for him or herself, just like he or she is free to look at different parts of the tableau. This anti-hierarchical tendency is also mirrored in the larger structures of the stories in Jarmusch’s film. Almost all of his features consist of different episodes, which are united into a whole by some parallels: The stories of
Mystery Train happen at the same place at the same time; simultaneity and thematic as well as structural parallels [7] unite the episodes of Night on Earth. Furthermore, along with the main episodes, Jarmusch insinuates parts of other, equally interesting stories that are never fully told in the film: How did the Italian lady’s husband die in Mystery Train ? What does the man with his Elvis ghost story really want? How did the newsagents’ clerk learn his extraordinary skill of selling useless magazines? All these stories are not subplots in a conventional sense; rather, they are on the same level like the main episodes, which are not fully told, either. [...] [1] Elizabeth Wilson, Hallucinations: Life in the Postmodern City (London: Radius, 1988), p. 191. [2] cf. Norman K. Denzin, Images of Postmodern Society: Social Theory and Contemporary Cinema (London and Newbury Park, CA: Sage, 1992), p.1. [3] cf. Jean Baudrillard’s concept of the hyperreal in: Jean Baudrillard, Simulations, transl. Paul Foss, Paul Patton and Philip Beitchman (New York: Semiotext(e), 1983). [4] cf. Jean François Lyotard, ‘Answering the Question: What is Postmodernism?’ in: Patricia Waugh (ed.), Postmodernism: A Reader (London etc.: Edward Arnold, 1992), p. 120. [5] Frederic Jameson, ‘Postmodernism and Consumer Society.’ in: Hal Foster (ed.), Postmodern Culture (London: Pluto Press, 1983), p. 114. [6] Jim Jarmusch, quoted in Richard Linnett, ‘As American as You Are: Jim Jarmusch and ‘Stranger Than Paradise’ in: Cineaste 14.1 (1985), p.26. [7] For instance, in all the episodes of Night on Earth, the taxi drivers and their costumers share something: chainsmoking in Los Angeles, stupid hats in New York, blindness in Paris (‘Ivoirien - y voit rien’), Catholicism in Rome and sadness in Helsinki.
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warc | 201704 | The new fiscal year has been weak for
Aeropostale (ARO). The apparel retailer declined after posting a greater than expected loss, and a horrifying outlook for the ongoing quarter depicts that investors must stay away from Aeropostale. Aeropostale is seen as the worst performer for the year so far in comparison to its peers American Eagle (AEO) and Abercrombie & Fitch (ANF). It seems like the trend will continue until and unless its turnaround strategies show results. The problem
There’s a shift in buying preference for the teen apparel space, with new brands like H&M and Forever 21 gaining popularity over the established retailers. Aeropostale has suffered from this change. Its revenue in the first quarter dropped 12% year-over-year to $396 million and the net loss increased from $12.2 million in the last year to $77 million a quarter earlier. However, still the management has expressed confidence regarding a turnaround, but none of the investors seems to be interested in buying any of it, and the stock is trading at the lower end of its 52-week low.
A study has shown that this age group does not need malls to socialize and their apparel preference has shifted towards individuality and uniqueness. That’s why the sales of Aeropostale have taken a hit and the company is keen on adopting to the change. Aeropostale is making several relevant changes to its operations. These changes are believed to play critical role in its turnaround.
Will these work?
Aeropostale is witnessing strength in its sub-labels such as Bethany Mota. The company has plans to expand into additional sub-labels throughout the year for providing differentiation and uniqueness to customers.
Aeropostale is also focused on closing approximately 125 mall-based locations. As an alternative, it plans to now focus on the P.S. brand through other means.
A new brand campaign being launched by Aeropostale is believed to highlight it in an entirely new way. The go-to-market strategy of Aeropostale for back-to-school customers is expected to reposition the brand across all stores and digital channels. According to the management, this new campaign is expected to highlight the changes that Aeropostale has made to its brand, and finally attract new customers, mainly the teens.
Aeropostale is keen on managing its expenses efficiently. The savings for 2014 are expected to be around $5 million to $10 million, and the savings for 2015 are anticipated to be around $30 million to $35 million. Going forward, these savings are believed to help the company improve its bottom line performance.
Competition
The strategies of Aeropostale sound impressive, but still they haven't led to a solid turnaround yet. Contrastingly, American Eagle and Abercrombie are performing robustly. For instance, American Eagle is executing a buy online and ship-from-store pilot program, which has gained popularity. The company is also dedicated to bring down inventories and is focused on improving its pricing strategy by running selected promotions, improving product assortment, and eyeing on appropriate marketing events.
Additionally, American Eagle is refining its operations and is restructuring the business to remove redundancies in the sales channel. It has also highlighted its online site by including improved product displays and better navigation.
In the meantime, Abercrombie is adopting even better techniques by reducing the use of its logo in its merchandize to a large extent. Abercrombie is currently testing all of its product categories without using its logo to analyze the demand patterns accurately. Moreover, going forward Abercrombie has plans to sell its merchandize through online retailers while continuing to improve.
Conclusion
The shares of Aeropostale declined more than 60% as of now in 2014 and this fall is expected to continue. However, its peers are in a better position and are expected to keep pressurizing Aeropostale with their strategies. | 3,982 | 1,853 | 0.000543 |
warc | 201704 | WATER SCARCITY: LOCATION MATTERS
The latest Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite data, combined with long-term meteorological data such as precipitation, temperature, and solar radiation paints a dry picture for California, Nevada, Utah and Arizona
1, with significant portions of these areas being in the 2nd percentile. This means that since 1948, only 2 percent of the groundwater measurements for these areas have been drier than they are today. On the other hand, other areas are seeing only sporadic indications of drought. These large spatial overviews can, however, mask the reality of how water availability is affecting individuals.
One such example is Texas. GRACE data suggests that Texas is wetter in some areas and drier in others, however the representation at this scale does not do justice to the reality on the ground. In fact, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) indicates that 1,169 of the state’s 4,631 public water systems – over 25% of them – are experiencing mandatory or voluntary water restrictions, affecting a population of over 16 million people.
2 In 49 water systems, the projected water supply is less than 180 days. The majority of these systems in trouble, however, are small systems serving less than 50,000 people.
The condition in Texas is simply a reflection of the state of the water sector in the United States. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) records show more than 52,000 community water systems serve over 300 million people exist within the United States, resulting in a highly fragmented industry. This in turn results in tremendous diseconomies of scale and a lack of adoption of technology.
WATER IS A LOCAL BUSINESS
The reason for this fragmentation is obvious: water is extremely heavy and costly to transport, precluding the physical interconnection that could lead to system consolidation and greater economies of scale. This physical nature of water precludes many of the benefits that electric, gas and other utilities have with dealing with resource supply and delivery efficiency and ultimately defines why the Smart Grid for Water differs so significantly from the Electric Smart Grid.
The discrepancy between large and small scale also highlights the reality that water remains intensely local and that our water systems often are isolated entities. Coupled with the fact that water is very massive and that utilities are extremely infrastructure intensive, the opportunities to achieve economies of scale and consolidation to properly manage resources are most likely to come from data than from drops.
That is, we are more likely to use information about how we use water, when we use it and where we use it to operate our fragmented systems in a more efficient manner. Rather than building more supply, we will get more from our existing systems and do more with less.
“Understanding the role of information and the household consumer is integral for transforming a ‘Water Supply City’ where the focus is on infrastructure alone to a ‘Water Sensitive City’ where infrastructure, users and the environment are integrated.”
3
However, with 92 percent of community water systems serving less than 10,000 people
4, the solutions that are developed must be scalable, deployable without integration, inexpensive and easy to operate to achieve maximum penetration in the market. TRANSFORMING THE INDUSTRY
As with other industries, the transformative change in water utilities must begin with maximizing the use of data across the entire utility ecosystem. This convergence of data will not only allow for our utilities to operate more effectively, but will be a key driver in maintaining our infrastructure, meeting our current and future demands, and assuring the revenue stability of our utilities.
Consolidation in the water industry, then, will be achieved through data connections, not piping connections.
FATHOM addresses these needs by exploiting the significant reductions in the cost of data storage and analysis resources that are available as a result of cloud-based computational power, storage, and networking infrastructure and software-as-a-service (SaaS) deployment methodologies.
Using these mechanisms, highly functional, state-of-the-art technologies are available to utilities of all sizes. Systems for sophisticated water scarcity management are now available at very low costs and without the need for investments in hardware, data systems, IT integration and support and software management. Further, by utilizing industry best practices, and incentivizing conformity across data platforms and business practices, FATHOM offers rapid deployment and adoption.
FATHOM brings economies of scale to the fragmented water market by modernizing the data and business processes associated with billing, customer service, asset management and operations through integrating utility data into a geo-temporal data model. With advanced data analysis and presentment, customers and utility staff are afforded greater insight into consumption use and patterns, allowing sustained resource protection, and increased customer service levels. FATHOM de-fragments the industry, and allows for the democratization of data, enabling small, mid-size and large systems to adopt advanced technologies to manage resources volatility at a low, sustainable cost.
REFERENCES
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1http://drought.unl.edu/nasa_grace/GRACE_GWS.png 2https://www.tceq.texas.gov/drinkingwater/trot/droughtw.html 3Damien P. Giurco , Stuart B. White and Rodney A. Stewart, “Smart Metering and Water End-Use Data: Conservation Benefits and Privacy Risks” Water 2010, 2, 461-467 4USEPA, “National Characteristics of Drinking Water Systems Serving Populations Under 10,000”, July 2011 | 5,864 | 2,795 | 0.000363 |
warc | 201704 | Netanyahu Ahead of Trump Phone Call: I Am Willing to Give Palestinians a 'State-minus'
At a dramatic meeting last week, which was closely followed by hundreds of demonstrators, the National Planning and Construction Council decided to reject a huge plan for the erection of 20,000 housing units at the edges of Jerusalem. An announcement the Interior Ministry issued after the decision was made stated that what has become known as the "Safdie Plan" is no longer necessary and will harm the development of the city center. The cancellation of this plan can be added to many other decisions the local authorities have been promoting in recent years - with a single aim: To bring life back to the veteran and dying city centers.
As is the case elsewhere, with regard to urban planning, Israel chose to follow in the footsteps of the United States and started separating residential, employment and entertainment areas. This decision resulted in the neglect of downtown areas in favor of expanding into new locales and the creation of suburbs. It has also changed consumption patterns in favor of huge, closed malls that are alienated from their environment. As in every other area, here too it has taken Israelis time to realize - lagging behind by 15 or 20 years - that these processes have been detrimental to Israel's cities, are biting into open spaces and are responsible for increasing the rot in the veteran city centers. Recently, this awakening has resulted in massive investments in infrastructures in city centers, popular high-rise construction, an emerging prestige market in buildings earmarked for preservation and also in surprising changes in perception. "The only way to bring people downtown is to look for what connects them to the city center: Culture, nostalgia and soul," says City Engineers' Association head and Netanya City Engineer Paul Vital. "People aren't looking for malls on a Thursday evening or on a Friday morning. Rather, they want to stroll, to meet people and to purchase unique products that appeal to their soul. Bringing culture and art into the city center and restoring the sense of community is what has revived Tel Aviv and this will happen in the whole country in the end. Netanya will also bring the soul back into town."
City engineers are looking for soul, mayors are fantasizing about employment zones, the treasurers are designating budgets for renovation grants and rent subsidies and the municipal directors general are learning about the increasing importance of sidewalks for pedestrians. It would seem t hat the revival of city centers is currently the popular mantra among the decision-makers in the local authorities, and this trend can also be felt in the real estate prices in the city centers.
The city of Jerusalem is a good example of governmental and municipal intervention aimed at strengthening the city center. According to the city's municipal engineer, Osnat Post, the resurrection of Jerusalem's city center has started with the development and nurturing of public space: renovation of building facades, widening sidewalks for pedestrians and a concern for a multipurpose use to keep the downtown active during all hours of the day.
However, according to Post, the planning of physical developments is not enough to revive the city center - it is also necessary to relate to the city's image and its social and economic characteristics. To this end, five years ago the Eden company, a subsidiary of the Jerusalem Development Authority, was established to promote the development and revival of the downtown area.
"The main idea is to make the city center competitive," says company CEO Assaf Vitman. According to him, to achieve this aim it is necessary to improve accessibility, especially for public transportation (like the light railway project, along with increasing the number of parking lots), and for pedestrians (by widening sidewalks, through more lighting and by planting 3,000 trees). After that, it is necessary to create anchors that will establish the trend of demand. At Eden, they singled out three elements that are important to develop: population, cultural activity and employment.
Jerusalem's municipal policy decided to focus on attracting the student population to the downtown area. The company grants NIS 450 a month to everyone who rents an apartment in the city center and has thus increased the number of tenants in the area from 150 to 1,050 in two years. An important contribution to the revival of the city center is the new campus of the Bezalel Academy of Art and Design in the Russian Compound area. The municipality is also aiming to develop cultural life by means of establishing other institutions, including a museum and a theater center. With regard to employment, the municipality is pinning its hopes on the construction of a court center downtown - 60,000 square meters that will house Jerusalem's courts and will bring law offices and various service providers in their wake.
According to Vitman, the Eden company is also examining the implementation of plans in cooperation with the Community Administration, in the framework of which benefits will be given to property owners (like funding for the costs of cleaning facades) and incentives to entrepreneurs (a grant of $200 for every square meter built for employment or hotel facilities).
"The results are already evident," says Vitman. According to him, if five years ago the betterment taxes the municipality collected in the city center amounted to NIS 1.3 million a year, in 2007 they are expecting an income of NIS 70 million and more.
During the past two years, the expected increase in development the light railway will bring to the city center has already led to a rise of about 30 percent in the proceeds of shops in the Jaffa Road - King George Street - Ben Yehuda Street triangle, through which about 100,000 people pass daily. The expected impetus in the downtown area also affects adjacent areas like the former Foreign Ministry compound on Shazar Boulevard, where building plots for the construction of 466 dwelling units were recently marketed at record process: The land cost up to $280,000 per unit.
Tel Aviv was the first city to understand the importance of looking inward. Back in the 1980s, the municipality realized the price it was paying for disrupting the balance of building uses in the veteran city center. Back then the blame was cast on the proliferation of offices in the area and their negative effect on their immediate environment, among other things because of the lack of maintenance and because they are only used during daytime hours. "At the initiative of Shlomo Lahat, the mayor at the time, the municipality initiated an evacuation of the offices," relates City Engineer Danny Kaiser. "Permits for exceptional use were no longer handed out, evacuation orders for offices were issued and the approval of the Lev Ha'Ir [Heart of the City] plan granted additional rights for the construction of more residential floors, in return for renovating the aging buildings," he says.
Parallel to that, emphasis was placed on clearing parked vehicles off the sidewalks and on carrying out extensive infrastructure works. "Most of the money is invested beneath the surface; otherwise it's just cosmetics," says Municipality Director General Menahem Leibe, who talks about the face-lift Ibn Gvirol Street is currently undergoing, with an investment of NIS 120 million. The street's renovation will include a massive rehabilitation of infrastructures, aesthetic development, a widening of the sidewalks and the paving of bicycle paths.
Among the building plans expected to be realized in the city center in the future, mention can be made of the wholesale market project, in the framework of which a residential neighborhood of 1,600 dwelling units is slated for construction. Other projects include the Habas Group's residential high-rise and Arcadi Gaydamak's office high-rise - slated for construction on Rothschild Boulevard.
Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Haifa are joined by many other cities that are working hard on developing their city centers. About two years ago, Herzliya began to formulate a policy of renewing its city center and Mayor Yael German has declared that she does not want to see offices in the renewed Herzliya downtown (the Sokolov Street area). The public space has been renewed (at the cost of NIS 27 million), the roads have been narrowed (from four lanes to a single one-way lane), the width of the sidewalks will range from 8 to 20 meters, emphasis will be placed on an aesthetic appearance (by planting plane trees that do not scatter fruit, afford shade in the summer and do not shed leaves), along with an investment of about NIS 16 million in the establishment of cultural institutions and a public park.
In Netanya there is a plan to renew Herzl Street, which is prompted by the demand of foreign investors; in Rishon Letzion development is concentrating on the winery area; in Zichron Yaakov the pedestrian mall has been renovated; in Carmiel there is a plan to "restore the heart to the center" and in Safed, which is still licking the wounds of last year's war, plans for the development of the downtown area have already been prepared.
"The planning method has to change and start from the bottom, with the public being fully involved in the planning process," says architect Irit Solzi, the chair of Merhav (MIU - The Movement for Israeli Urbanism). In the second phase, she says, every authority needs to restore public space - only this can provide leverage for future private investments. "The correct economic model depends on taking public responsibility, and not on waiting for market forces," sums up Assaf Vitman, adding, "The moment the municipality demonstrates determined action, seriousness and above all consistency, the private sector will also come."
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warc | 201704 | How to Accomplish More
Whatever you’re doing- or not doing- this summer, you’re doing something. At least you should be or could be. Even if you’re doing nothing, you’re being you, and you should be the best you that you can be. With that said, summers tend to slip away. Follow these tips to enjoy yours more.
1: Set Rules
You have freedom this summer? Fantastic. Get rid of it.
See, without getting too philosophical, freedom is a temptress that looks best from a distance. When you are busy, it’s all you want. When you have it…now what? That’s when people fall in ruts over winter break. Diets and gyms are forgotten and people revert to sloth.
Relax, unwind, and party: but do it on terms of your own. Are people drinking every night? Probably; but not everyone is drinking every night. Even if you can, limit yourself. Don’t drink on Tuesdays, Sundays, or Thursdays. Or do, I’m not your mom. But set an alarm in the morning- 11:00 A.M. maybe, but any alarm- or don’t, whatever. But the days that leave you the happiest are the days you accomplish things. Not the days stuck to Netflix.
2: Talk Incessantly about your Plans.
Your friends don’t care. Fine. But they’ll keep you honest. If you truly mean to go the gym five times a week, tell all your gym-friends. They’ll be
sure not to let you get away with slacking. Are you going to be a cook? Buy ingredients and invite friends. You’ll have a tougher time ordering pizza when friends are waiting for you to cook for them. Make your plans social and bam! Game over. 3: Remove your Internet
I spent maybe six hours in the past two days reading
Game of Thrones stuff online. I don’t even watch the show- I just was distracting myself from writing, and I love to write. When did I get my most writing done? Bored, in a class with no internet, with the only other option paying attention to French tax rates. I’m not going back to class but I can simulate it. Internet isn’t your friend. No celebrity is re-tweeting you. Chill. 4: Momentum
I hate push-ups. I don’t do them, ever. But lately, I have. And it’s because I tell myself- “just one” I say. Not even one set- one push-up. I’m lying of course- who does just one? But I’m also an idiot so I believe me. So I do one and I do a set. Sometimes I don’t. Sometimes I actually do just one, or two, or six, and go “screw it.” But usually I do them. And that’s because I forced myself to get started. Do the same and see where momentum takes you. You might like it. | 2,615 | 1,336 | 0.000793 |
warc | 201704 | Oceanside has a total population of 161,029 and a student population of 13,660. Of these students, 13,537 are enrolled in schools that offer health science programs.
Oceanside's largest health science school is MiraCosta College. In 2010, approximately 4 students graduated from the Health Science program at MiraCosta College.
A total of 4 students graduated with credentials in health science from health science schools in Oceanside in 2010. In 2009 tuition at health science schools in Oceanside was $668 per year, on average.
In addition to tuition costs, you should plan on spending an average of $1,638 for books and supplies each year, while enrolled in a health science program in Oceanside.
If you decide to work as a health science professional in Oceanside, your job prospects are good. In 2010, of the 236,400 health science professionals in California, 21,100 were working in the greater Oceanside area. By the year 2018, the number of health science professionals is expected to increase by 25% in Oceanside. This anticipated change is faster than the projected nationwide trend for health science professionals.
The average salary you can expect to earn as a health science professional in Oceanside is $83,560 per year, which is higher than the average for health science professionals state-wide.
Address:
One Barnard Drive, Oceanside, California 92056-3899
Awards Offered:
Less than 1 year certificate 1-2 years certificate Associate's degree 2-4 years certificate | 1,494 | 696 | 0.001447 |
warc | 201704 | Hair Transplant Graft Dissection Hair Graft Dissection
Hair Graft dissection refers to the stage during hair restoration in which the harvested donor hair from the back of the head are trimmed and cut into individual grafts to be later inserted into the recipient sites. Excellent graft dissection is an integral part to the overall success of every hair restoration procedure. This tutorial is intended to underscore the salient points necessary to achieve consistently excellent dissected graft quality.
Three major objectives during hair graft dissection: Preservation of follicular-unit integrity: Follicular units refer to the natural groupings of 1 to 5 hairs that occur on one’s head. Preserving these natural groupings of hair can increase the survivability of the transplanted hair. As the distribution and spacing of different follicular units are random, proper training is needed to examine actual scalp and donor tissue to visualize the appropriate path of dissection. It takes time and practice for someone to recognize individual follicular units. The accompanying video in this section shows these follicular units with close-up macro photography. Preservation of graft viability through proper handling:Grafts that are traumatically handled or left out to dessicate will invariably lead to poor or unnatural growth of transplanted hair. Proper graft handling is discussed both in this section and in the graft placement section. Maintain consistency in graft size and shape:Although dissecting along the natural cleavage planes that divide follicular units is important, deciding how much surrounding tissue for each graft is equally so. Depending on the end objective, grafts can be trimmed with little surrounding tissue (“skinny”) or with additional tissue (“chubby”). Each dissected graft must be made to conform to a consistent shape and size that will accommodate a specifically created recipient site. Without consistency in graft dissection, the dissected grafts simply will not fit into the created recipient site. For example, if the grafts are made too small relative to the created recipient site, they will fall into the site and create pitting. If they are made too large, they will be inserted traumatically and cause kinky hair growth, poor growth, or no growth at all if the grafts remain too high relative to the surrounding scalp.
Dr. Lam maintains quality control by keeping his hair-transplant dissection team with him full time. He does not outsource or use agency help. In the past when he did, he recognized that outside help simply could not deliver the quality of graft dissection that his own team who have been trained by his hair-transplant coordinator, Emina Karamanovski, could offer. Furthermore, all dissection is carried out in the immediate vicinity of Dr. Lam’s site creation (i.e., adjacent to the patient) not in another room where the hair-transplant team leader would have no guidance on the successful dissection of grafts. Every time that Dr. Lam creates a new type of recipient site, the site is checked for graft to site fit before continuing with the procedure. Therefore, quality control is continually monitored at every step of the procedure. | 3,242 | 1,481 | 0.000683 |
warc | 201704 | A Headstar Publication. http://www.headstar.com/eab/ .
Sponsored by: Ford Motor Company ( http://www.ford.co.uk ).
Please forward this free bulletin to others (subscription details at the
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++Issue 102 Contents. 01:Accessibility Deadlines Set For UK Government Websites - But warning on non-compliance watered down from draft. 02:Major Employers Launch Accessibility Taskforce. - Corporations urged to cater for all employees and customers. 03:Charity Embraces Social Networks and Second Life - Contact a Family looks to support parents online. News in Brief: 04:September Draft - BSI web standard update; 05:European Prize - inclusion wards; 06: 06:Queen's Speech - talking newspapers win royal recognition. Section Two: 'The Inbox' - Readers' Forum. 07:Editor's note: Inbox missing this month due to technical difficulties. Section Three: Organisation in the Spotlight - The Employers' Forum 08:on Disability. 09:Blue Chip Access: Since 1991 the EFD, the largest organisation of its kind in the world, has campaigned for more inclusive, accessible workplaces. Dan Jellinek and James Scott report on the body's ultimate goal for its members - 'disability confidence'. Section Four: Opinion - Web Accessibility. 10:Life In the Post-Guideline Age: When people hear the term 'accessibility' they tend to think of technical standards, but true equality of access means much more than that, says Julie Howell. Disabled people should be able to have the same experience as anyone else, and access the same services in the same time.
[Contents ends].
++Special Notice: Designing for all: an inclusive approach to web, print and electronic publishing
- A practical, one-day training course and document clinic
- Tuesday 24 June, Central London
http://www.headstar-training.com/dfa/
Trainer: Katie Grant, former publications manager, Disability Rights Commission.
'Designing for all' is a practical seminar designed to introduce organisations to the importance of designing accessible, easy to read information for a range of different audiences including older people, people with disabilities and people for whom English is not their first language.
It will help you assess current design and content of information - please bring examples to our document clinic - and follow an inclusive model to improve accessibility across your communications mix.
The course will be of interest to anyone who is involved in the design and delivery of information in print, electronic and web formats including web content managers; content teams; marketing and communications officers; and publications staff. To book a place see: http://www.headstar-training.com/dfa/
[Special Notice ends].
++Section One: News.
+01: Accessibility Deadlines Set For Uk Government Websites.
All new UK public sector websites must conform to at least 'AA' accessibility standards as specified by the W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, according to guidance published this month by the Cabinet Office.
Existing central government department websites must conform to 'AA' by December 2009 and all other government agencies and non- departmental bodies by March 2011, according to the guidance, 'Delivering inclusive websites' ( http://www.coi.gov.uk/guidance.php?page=129 ).
The guidance allows public bodies a little more breathing space than was proposed in a draft published last autumn (see http://www.headstar.com/egblive/?p=55 ). This had called for compliance for all sites by December 2008.
The final guidance - which is not mandated by law - also tones down the severity of its warning of repercussions for non-compliant bodies, compared with last year's draft.
The draft had threatened to switch off non-compliant websites altogether, warning: "websites which fail to meet the mandated level of conformance shall be subject to the withdrawal process for .gov.uk domain names". The final guidance issues a similar warning, but using the softer formula 'may be at risk' instead of 'shall be subject to': "Government website owners are reminded to follow the conditions of use for a .gov.uk name (Registering .gov.uk domain names (TG114)). Websites which fail to meet the .gov.uk accessibility requirements may be at risk of having their domain name withdrawn".
The conditions of use for .gov.uk domains referenced here, document TG114, do not spell out in clear terms what precise actions government websites need to take to be accessible. Instead they state in general terms: "Applications (web, email, etc) using a .gov.uk domain name must comply with current UK legislation and support channels that provide accessibility for disabled people.Abuse of [sic] will result in the name being withdrawn" (see http://fastlink.headstar.com/caboff1 ).
Other areas covered by the new guidance includes a requirement for bodies to produce website accessibility policies; and advice on assessment of accessibility through the use of user testing and other methods.
+02: Major Employers Launch Accessibility Taskforce.
A taskforce to help businesses provide accessible technology to employees and customers has been launched by the UK's Employers' Forum on Disability (EFD - http://www.efd.org.uk ), a body whose members include some of the country's largest corporations and public agencies.
The aim of the forum's Business Taskforce on Accessible Technology is to "make accessibility and usability as fundamental to IT as security
is now," said Steve Lamey, Chief Operating Officer of HM Revenue & Customs and chair of the new group.
Some parts of the business community are still failing to see the benefits of improving accessibility, the forum says. Accordingly, one of the most important jobs of the new taskforce will be to promote awareness of the strong business case for engaging with disabled people as both colleagues and customers.
Accessibility adjustment can be simple and inexpensive, such as making better use of accessibility options in MS Office, and can lead to
major benefits, the forum says. For example, accessible recruitment would open the door to another 1.3 million potential employees in the UK, it says. And accessible websites can be up to 75 per cent smaller, making them quicker to load and reducing infrastructure demand. Legal and General's new accessible website increased online sales by 90,000 pounds and reduced costs by over 200,000 per annum, the forum says.
Taskforce members include representatives of leading global brands such as Goldman Sachs and Sainsbury's. It will help members share tips and advice; encourage suppliers to deliver more accessible products; and try to improve training in the provision of accessible IT solutions.
NOTE: For a full background report on the Employers' Forum on Disability see 'Organisation in the Spotlight', Section Four, this issue.
+03: Charity Embraces Social Networks And Second Life.
A leading charity is using a wide range of social networking and multimedia sites - Facebook, MySpace, Bebo, YouTube and iTunes - to provide support and information to parents of disabled children and help them contact each other.
Contact a Family (http://www.cafamily.org.uk/ ), which runs a parent networking website called Making Contact (http://www.makingcontact.org/ ), says parents of disabled children often feel isolated because they don't know anybody in the same situation. But mothers, who are often the primary carers for children with disabilities, are now among the biggest users of social networking sites, it says.
Srabani Sen, Chief Executive of Contact a Family says: "Mums exhausted by night after night of broken sleep and restricted from leaving the house because of their intensive caring roles are turning to
social networking sites for emotional support and information about their child's condition."
The charity has also set up a 'virtual library' in the online world Second Life, which has welcomed around 100 visitors since its launch in May. The virtual library is manned every Wednesday from 10am - 4pm when 'Advisor Somerflek', the charity's avatar or virtual persona, is on hand to talk to visitors courtesy of a real-world parent adviser. For those in the know, the office is located at the co-ordinates Aloft Island 19.40.22 .
The charity is by no means the first to set up in Second Life and the virtual world's owners, Linden Labs, offer special discounts to non- profit bodies (http://secondlifegrid.net/programs/nonprofit ). A notable example is Save the Children who collected money to provide animals for Tibetan peasants by selling virtual Yaks.
++ News in Brief:
+04: September Draft:
The British Standards Institution is to issue a draft of its planned standard for accessible website development in September, E-Access Bulletin has learned. Julie Howell, chair of the BSi's technical committee IST45/Web Accessibility which is responsible for drawing up the new standard, said the group is currently finalising the structure of the document and drafting will follow for September consultation. The standard itself, which has now been allocated the number BS8878, is expected to be published in April 2009: http://www.bsi-global.com .
+05: European Prize:
A set of awards aimed at inspiring progress towards fighting digital exclusion has been announced by the European Commission. The European e-Inclusion Awards will be awarded to individuals, organisations and companies in seven categories including e-accessibility. Entries close on 12 September, with winners announced in December, and a special briefing session on the project will be held in Brussels on 27 June: http://www.e-inclusionawards.eu/ .
Queen's Speech: National Talking Newspapers and Magazines, a Sussex-based charity making newspapers available in accessible formats for blind and print-disabled people, has won the prestigious Queen's Award for Voluntary Service. Since 1984 the charity has been providing newspapers and magazines in a variety of formats including tape, audio CD, DAISY format talking book CD and audio download. The charity produces more than 200 newspaper and magazine titles each year and delivers 1 million tapes and CDs: http://www.queensawardvoluntary.gov.uk/
[Section One ends].
++Sponsored Notice: Fortune Cookie- Web Sites That Really Work.
Fortune Cookie's dedicated web accessibility team makes sure that everyone finds the web sites we design easy to use. As well as being accessible, Fortune Cookie sites are beautiful and deliver stunning return-on-investment. They're award-winning too. In 2007, our work was nominated for major web design awards 11 times.
Legal & General, Kuoni, Diabetes UK, FT Business - just some of the big name brands on Fortune Cookie's client list.
Every business can benefit from making its web site more accessible. If you'd like to know what accessibility can do for your business, talk to Fortune Cookie.
Visit our web site at: http://www.fortunecookie.co.uk
Julie Howell is our Director of Accessibility. Email Julie at: Julie.Howell@fortunecookie.co.uk .
[Sponsored Notice ends].
++Section Two: Inbox- Readers' Forum.
Please email all contributions or responses to: inbox@headstar.com .
++07: Editor's Note - Technical Problems: Owing to technical problems, we have unfortunately lost some of our email including the
most recent submissions to our Inbox section.
We apologise for this, which has never happened before, and will do our best to ensure it never happens again. In the meantime, if you have sent in a message or response to Inbox since last month's issue, we would appreciate it if you could resend it to the usual address - inbox@headstar.com - and we will publish the missing messages next month.
Do also send in any new queries or comments you may have on our coverage or on any issue relating to access to technology by all, and we
will also publish any new messages.
Best regards, Dan Jellinek, Editor, E-Access Bulletin.
[Section Two ends].
++Section Three: Organisation in the Spotlight- The Employers' Forum on Disability.
+08: Blue Chip Accessby Dan Jellinek And James Scott.
The creation of the Employers' Forum on Disability (EFD) Business Taskforce on Accessible Technology (see News, this issue) is a sign that the UK's and the world's largest companies and organisations are beginning to take accessibility seriously.
The taskforce aims to help global ICT suppliers and regulators understand what organisations need from IT products and standards if they are to employ and do business with disabled people.
So what kind of body is the EFD?
The forum claims to be the largest and most active organisation of its kind in the world. It has campaigned since 1991 for more accessible and inclusive workplaces, collaborating with disabled people, government and businesses to help make it easier for firms to employ disabled people and serve disabled customers.
It has published numerous guidelines advising its members on how to improve provisions for the disabled, on topics such as employment, customer care, IT, e-commerce, e-recruitment, the built environment, product development, corporate responsibility, procurement, health and safety, occupational health, marketing and communications.
Among its highest profile projects is the Disability Standard, which the
EFD claims is the only management tool available that allows organisations to accurately measure their performance on disability, including access to IT. In 2007, some 116 UK and global private and public sector employers used the standard.
The forum also sponsors the Great Place to Work Institute's Disability Excellence Award, which has been won three times in a row by the investment bank Lehman Brothers. The bank's exemplary measures include some innovation with technology such as an intranet sites for disabled employees and a scheme whereby hearing-impaired employees are given a Blackberry portable email device to carry at work, which is activated via pre-set alert information in case of emergency evacuation from a lift or building.
The EFD says it has been promoting the benefits of accessible IT in several ways for many years prior to the establishment of its new taskforce, including the publication of a practical guide to accessible web design and the delivery of accessibility training events. Despite these services, however, the body acknowledges that poor practice does continue among UK businesses.
"Poor practice relating to access to technology has been well publicised, such as the 2004 Disability Rights Commission report on Access and Inclusion for Disabled People," EFD spokesperson Liz Nightingale told E-Access Bulletin. "Since this report was published a number of organisations including EFD members like Legal and General and Lloyds TSB, have been working hard to demonstrate best practice around accessible IT."
Despite the progress, the forum knows there is still plenty of work to be done if it is to achieve its ultimate stated goal of completely outlawing discrimination in the workplace. Nevertheless, its founder and chief executive Susan Scott-Parker is determined that this objective will be achieved.
Scott-Parker, a Canadian who has lived in Britain for 25 years, established the forum in 1991. Since then it has grown rapidly to its current size of 400 members including 120 global companies, which between them employ eight million people, or some 20 per cent of the UK's workforce. Members include Barclays, whose group CEO John Varley is current EFD president; and Royal Mail Group, whose CEO Adam Crozier is chair. And the forum's prestigious 'President's group' read like a who's who of British business, from Tesco CEO Sir Terry Leahy to BT's chief Ben Verwaayen. The purpose of such a senior grouping is to signal to colleagues, customers, and government that disability is a strategic business and societal priority, the forum says.
Scott-Parker has also been involved in many international projects in the disability arena including helping the International Labour Organisation ILO establish the Sri Lankan employers' network on disability and pioneering the world's first leadership program for people with disabilities, in partnership with consultants The Coverdale Organisation. In 2000 she was honoured with an OBE.
It is a sign of how seriously the forum now takes accessibility therefore that Scott-Parker has stepped forward to chair the new taskforce herself.
"The taskforce is a continuation of our work around accessible IT and our long-term goal is to develop guidance to help our members confidently measure and improve the accessibility of internal systems and external services," says Liz Nightingale. "We are also pleased to be represented on IST/45, the British Standards Institution committee responsible for creating BS8878, the first British standard on web accessibility. This is due to be published in the first quarter of 2009.
"One of the biggest objectives for the taskforce this year is to engage with key players in the IT industry and we are delighted that representatives from some of these organisations are meeting with taskforce members in the middle of June to informally discuss the business case for disability. We see this as the beginning of a very exciting and meaningful collaboration which will result in barrier free IT for all employees".
Ultimately, the goal of all the forum's work could be summed up by a phrase which appears in its citation to the three-time winner of its disability excellence awards, Lehman Brothers - 'disability confidence'.
"We are looking for an approach to disability that is above and beyond legal compliance," says Rhiannon Suter, research and innovations manager at EFD. "We are looking for 'disability confidence,' meaning that the company understands the benefits and has the flexibility to remove barriers for groups of disabled people, but also make adjustments that enable individuals to contribute."
If the new taskforce can achieve this for the use of technology in the workplace and its development for the consumer, all its goals will have been achieved.
[Section Three ends].
++Section Four: Opinion- Web Accessibility.
+09: Life In The Post-Guideline Age.By Julie Howell.
Joe Clark, the Canadian web accessibility expert, has said that he believes we now live in a post-guideline era.
What might Joe mean by this?
To date, talk about making websites usable by disabled people has usually featured the W3C Web Accessibility Initiative Web Accessibility Guidelines as a key aspect. This is absolutely appropriate
and remains the crucial foundation of every website.
However research, such as that undertaken by the Disability Rights Commission in 2004, has suggested that even those organisations that believe they have applied accessibility guidelines when designing their sites are not always producing websites that disabled people can use with sufficient degrees of success.
This would seem to point to a gap in understanding between web developers and the guidelines. It may be that developers fully understand the technical aspects of the guidelines but are failing to address disabled people's user experiences. An accessible website that is unusable is of little help to disabled people, so in order to create web experiences that are meaningful for disabled people perhaps it's time we began to think beyond technical guidelines and put stronger focus on usability for disabled people.
It is crucial to understand that thinking around web usability for disabled people is maturing year by year. Technology improves and our understanding of how disabled people use the web improves.
In the past, accessibility advocates have promoted the 'design for all' and 'one size fits all' approaches to web design, where a single version
of the site is designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of ability or disability. However, personalisation is now a very common web design practice where everyone who visits a site (be they disabled or not) is served a version of the content and design that is optimised according to their individual needs and preferences.
In the 'real' world we are naturally opposed to alternative entrances to
buildings or different levels of service provision for disabled people, as 'alternative' and 'different' in this context often means 'segregated' and 'poorer quality'. However, online personalisation really means 'better quality' with web experiences optimised to better suit every individual.
This does not mean text-only versions of sites for disabled people. But it can mean optimised content that is easier and quicker to navigate if you are using a screenreader (for example).
I cite as an example Tesco.com. Tesco has - after extensive user testing
with screenreader users - created an optimised version of its e-grocery service to give screenreader users a better quality, faster shopping experience with access to its full product range. Some screenreader users feel this is unacceptable, believing one version of the site should cater for everyone's needs, while others are happier to use a site that is optimised for screenreader use.
A few years ago I would have agreed that creating an 'alternative' version of a website is not acceptable. But today, with everyone receiving an online experience that is virtually tailored for them individually, the optimised approach seems to offer greater benefits. The UK's Disability Discrimination Act requires equality of service provision. Does this mean blind people should use the same version of a website even if it greatly slows them down, or is an optimised version that allows a faster, better quality user experience preferable,
so long as the standard of service is equal to that received by people who are not disabled? If you think in terms of excellent user experiences for disabled people, optimisation and personalisation would seem to have more to offer.
We need to keep our eyes on web trends and recognise trends that actually help to improve disabled people's experience of the web. Arguably, personalisation is a trend that actually helps as its focus is on sites' best possible performance for every user and is a great deal more
effective that the 'one site for all' approach.
Guidance is changing. Watch out for version 2.0 of WCAG, which should be published in 2009, and the new British Standard for web accessibility (BS8878) that should appear next April. There is a shift of emphasis towards including user testing by disabled people that encourages web developers to be mindful of disabled people's online experiences.
The new approach will also appeal to businesses and this is also very good news for disabled web users. The aim of any website is to convert its visitors into customers. Businesses are now investing a good deal more time and money into optimising 'user journeys' to ensure that the people using their sites find the route to making a purchase (or finding
the information they are looking for) as quick, easy and enjoyable as possible.
I think of this as a pyramid. Web accessibility is the foundation. Usability by disabled people is the next layer. And both of these underpin the ultimate goal: excellent user experiences by disabled people (and everyone).
If we really want equality on the web, it strikes me that we must adopt the language that businesses are using when they talk about creating websites that maximise profit. Right now, businesses are really interested in how the web can quickly deliver return on investment through increased sales. They are looking to web usability techniques to achieve the creation of excellent user experiences for everyone because they know this leads to increased sales. We need to make sure that businesses understand that disabled people have a right to excellent user experiences too and to view disabled people as simply another target audience. If we can do this, our goal of online inclusion
and equality really could become reality.
NOTE: Julie Howell delivered the keynote speech at this year's E- Access '08 conference, hosted by E-Access Bulletin (http://www.headstar-events.com/eaccess08 ). Julie is Director of Accessibility at Fortune Cookie and chairs the British Standards Institution's committee on web accessibility (see also News in brief, this issue).
[Section Four ends].
++Special Notice: Building the Perfect Council Website- Major International Keynote Speaker for 2008
- 16 July, Olympia 2, Central London
http://www.headstar-events.com/council08/
.
We are pleased to present our third annual event on how to create the perfect council website: a partnership between E-Government Bulletin and the Socitm Insight Programme.
Our keynote speaker this year is international web usability guru Gerry McGovern. An authority on creating effective web content, Gerry has been described by the Irish Times as one of the world's five leading web visionaries (alongside Tim Berners-Lee, Tim O'Reilly, Nicholas Negroponte and Vint Cerf).
Elsewhere, the event will draw on the collected wisdom of a decade of Socitm's annual 'Better Connected' review of all UK council websites. Workshops will cover issues in detail including boosting web service take-up. Secure your place today at: http://www.headstar-events.com/council08/
And for companies interested in exhibition spaces please contact Will Knox on will.knox@headstar.com or phone him on 01273 267974.
[Special notice ends].
++End Notes.
+H
To subscribe to this free monthly bulletin, email eab-subs@headstar.com with 'subscribe eab' in the subject header. You can list other email addresses to subscribe in the body of the message. Please encourage all your colleagues to sign up! To unsubscribe at any time, put 'unsubscribe eab' in the subject header.
Please send comments on coverage or leads to Dan Jellinek at: dan@headstar.com .
Copyright 2008 Headstar Ltd http://www.headstar.com . The Bulletin may be reproduced as long as all parts including this copyright notice are included, and as long as people are always encouraged to subscribe with us individually by email. Please also inform the editor when you are reproducing our content. Sections of the bulletin may be quoted as long as they are clearly sourced as 'taken
from e-access bulletin, a free monthly email newsletter', and our web site address: http://www.headstar.com/eab is also cited.
+Personnel: Editor - Dan Jellinek Reporter: Majeed Saleh Editorial advisor - Kevin Carey Marketing Executive - Claire Clinton Sales and Marketing - Jo Knell, Will Knox.
ISSN 1476-6337 .
[Issue 102 ends]. | 26,711 | 11,031 | 0.000091 |
warc | 201704 | Biliary Tract Infections
The biliary tract system consists of the liver, gall bladder and the bile ducts. Along with the liver, the gall bladder and the bile ducts produce the bile. This bile consist of water, electrolytes, cholesterol, phospholipids, conjugated bilirubin as well as bile acids.
Biliary tract infections are often caused by bacteria leading to many painful conditions.
This article will discuss some of these conditions that come under the biliary tract infections.
What are Biliary Tract Infections?
Diseases of the gall bladder and the bile ducts are considered as biliary tract infections. These infections commonly cause acute and chronic abdominal pain syndromes.
The bacteria that commonly leads to biliary tract infection includes Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, and enterococci. In some cases, Clostridium perfringens can also lead to complications of the biliary tract like sepsis and emphysematous cholecystitis.
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Diseases of the Biliary Tract
Diseases that come under the biliary tract infections include:
Cholelithiasis:
Also called as gallstones, it is a crystalline concretion of the bile components. The gallstones present in the gallbladder can lead to cholecystitis. Gallstones is often called as ‘silent stones’ as the condition may remain asymptomatic for many years. Some of the symptoms of gallstones include intense pain in the upper-right side of the abdomen, nausea, vomiting as well as referred pain between the shoulder blades.
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This condition is caused by a combination of factors like body weight, gallbladder movement, diet, etc. An ultrasound may help detect gallstones.
The treatment for gallstones include by use of medication like oral ursodeoxycholic acid. In some cases, cholecystectomy may help in elimination of cholelithiasis.
Choledocholithiasis:
This condition occurs when the gallstones are present in the common bile duct. Choledocholithiasis leads to liver cell damage as well as jaundice. Symptoms of choledocholithiasis include jaundice of the skin and eyes, clay-colored stools, fever and chills.
This condition occurs when the stones that are large to obstruct the flow within the common bile duct. Presence of cholelithiasis is the main point considered in diagnosis of Choledocholithiasis. An abdominal ultrasound along with elevated levels of bilirubin in liver function tests determines presence of gallstones in the common bile duct.
The treatment for choledocholithiasis includes Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) . In most cases, cholecystectomy (removal of gallbladder) helps in prevention of choledocholithiasis.
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Cholangitis:
Acute cholangitis is an infection of the bile duct. It is a life threatening condition and considered a medical emergency. The symptoms of cholangitis include jaundice, fever, abdominal pain in the right upper quadrant, rigors, malaise. The patient may also develop low blood pressure and mental confusion.
The cause of cholangitis is usually bile duct obstruction due to presence of gallstones. In some cases, it includes narrowing of the bile duct, damage to the bile ducts during a previous surgery, tumors of the bile duct, gallbladder, ampulla of Vater, pancreatic cancer or duodenum cancer.
Blood tests such as liver function tests, white blood cell count, elevated C-reactive protein level, etc. help in determining cholangitis. Blood cultures often show bacteria causing infection in more than 35% cases. Other tests include ultrasound, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).
Treatment usually involves admission to hospital. The patient is kept on IV fluids broad spectrum antibiotics for 7 to 10 days. Endoscopy is carried out for relief from biliary obstruction. ERCP is the most common way to approach the blocked bile duct.
Viral Infections of the Biliary Tract
The above diseases of the biliary tract were caused by bacterial agents. Viruses too can infect the biliary tract and lead to diseases. These infections include:
Infection of the biliary tract by Hepatitis C, B, A and E viruses leading cholangitic lesions HIV leading to cholangitis/cholangiopathy
However, viral infections of the biliary tract are less common than the bacterial infections. In most cases, the patient requires hospitalization. Speak to your doctor regarding gallstones and related conditions and get the right treatment for the biliary tract infection, before it turns into a complication.
Written by: healthplus24.com team
Date last updated: February 24, 2016 | 4,638 | 1,963 | 0.000514 |
warc | 201704 | Health benefits of sex
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Good sex holds paramount importance in an individual’s life. Apart from strengthening the bond of love and giving a better dimension to a blooming relationship between couples, sex has numerous health benefits.
Let’s explore them...
Improves your heart health
Research shows that couples who indulge in sex twice or more than that in a week have stronger heart health than those who don’t. Healthy sex reduces risk of cardiac arrest and strokes and lowers hypertension to a considerable extent. One should not think that those peak sexually active moments can increase the heart rate; rather they have similar benefits on the heart as that of walking.
Boosts your immunity
Your immunity increases by almost 30 percent when you have sex at least once or twice a week. This is because sexual activity increases the level of antibody IgA in the body. Thus, it’s a natural way to make yourself immune to cold and flu.
Your sleep deeply when you have healthy sexual life
The relaxing tiredness that individuals experience after having intercourse induces sleep. This is because after a period of heightened orgasm men and women want to relax completely. Couples who make love before going to bed actually have deep and trouble free sleep.
Excellent way to beat stress
While stress takes away the charm of your sex life, you can walk the reverse path. Let not stress affect your sexual experience; instead have sex to beat stress. The physical intimacy and pre sex activities also contribute to calm down your body and get rid of anxiety, stress and depression.
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Healthy sex keeps you happy
There’s a scientific reason behind why good sex is the key to happiness. Sexual stimulation releases the feel-good hormones- endorphin and oxytocin. They directly bring a positive impact on your mood. You feel happy and satisfied after have a good sex.
Keeps you youthful and energetic
Couples who have a satisfied sex life genuinely look young and fresh. Sex injects vitality, vigour and energy in you. Sex enhances production of testosterone and oxytocin in the body which promote overall wellbeing. Your muscles and bones remain strong and so your heart remains young with having sex at least twice a week.
Your skin stays radiant and glowing
Sex has many useful benefits on the skin. The hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) helps in skin repair and regeneration. Apart from this, DHEA also fights skin infection and keeps your skin healthy, glowing and free from wrinkles.
Sex alleviates pain
The endmorphins released during sexual performance can relieve you from headache and fatigue. Sex experts say that good orgasms can soothe the mind. Furthermore, women who experience cramping during periods can also indulge in gentle activities in missionary position to get fair amount of relief from abdominal pain.
It wonderfully tones your body
If you don’t have time for exercise, then get some good sex religiously to receive similar benefits. Sex is a cardio workout. Sweat out by changing positions and experiencing more pleasure. A steamy sex for half an hour can burn calories and sculpt your body.
Now that you know how sex can nourish your health in so many ways, just get intimate with your partner and enjoy the passionate moments to the most.
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Date last updated: January 29, 2015 | 3,404 | 1,678 | 0.000606 |
warc | 201704 | We can easily say that honey is one of the healthiest foods on the planet. It has been used as both a food and very useful medicine for thousands of years. Honey contains high amounts of beneficial plant compounds and it can provide many different health benefits. Many people are still using refined sugar, which is 100% worthless calories.
In this article we are going to give you 8 evidence-based reasons why you should consume raw honey every day. High-quality organic honey is loaded with antioxidants
Well, you need to know that you should always use high-quality organic honey. Because this type of honey contains high amounts of antioxidants, such as: phenols, enzymes and other healthy compounds – flavonoids and organic acids. Some medical experts claim that the combination of these powerful compounds gives its powerful antioxidant powers. A recent study has found that buckwheat honey increases the antioxidant value of the blood. And all these super healthy and powerful compounds have been linked to reduced risk of heart attacks, strokes and cancer. You should also know that these compounds will improve your eye health as well.
Honey is much better than sugar – for diabetics
Some medical experts claim that honey can help and reduce some of the risk factors, which are common in people suffering from this health condition. The honey reduces the LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and raises HDL (good) cholesterol. Well yes, some studies have found that honey can also increase the blood sugar levels – but not as much as the refined sugar. So, what’s the bottom line – even though honey is less bad than the refined sugar for people suffering from diabetes, but still – they should be very careful and consume honey with caution.
Organic honey can lower your blood pressure levels
We all know that high blood pressure is extremely important and dangerous risk factor for heart disease – and this super healthy ingredient will help you lower it. It’s because honey contains high amounts of antioxidant compound, which have been related to blood pressure lowering effects. Several studies, in both rats and humans, have discovered reductions in blood pressure from consuming honey. So, you should consume organic honey every day – it will lower the high blood pressure in your body and protect you from heart disease.
Organic honey will reduce your LDL cholesterol levels
As we all know, having high LDL cholesterol levels in the body is very bad and it’s an important risk factor for getting a heart disease. We can also mention that it plays a major role in atherosclerosis – fatty buildup in the arteries that can cause heart attack and stroke. Many different studies have found that honey can improve your cholesterol levels. Organic honey will help you reduce the total and LDL cholesterol levels, and raise the HDL – good cholesterol. Take this for example – in a recent study, with 55 participants, the medical experts compared honey to sugar. So, they’ve found that honey caused a 5.8% reduction in LDL and a 3.3% increase in HDL. The medical experts have also found that honey caused weight loss of 1.3% – compared to sugar.
Honey can lower the number of triglycerides
You should also know that increased amount of triglycerides in the blood is also a major risk factor for heart disease. They are also a key sign of insulin resistance – a major driver of type II diabetes. The medical experts claim that the triglyceride levels are increased when you are eating sugar and sugary stuff and lots of refined carbs. Many different studies have linked the regular honey intake with lower triglyceride levels – especially when it’s used to replace sugar. A recent study had compared honey and sugar, and found 11-19% lower triglyceride levels in the honey group.
Honey can provide other beneficial effects on the heart health
As we mentioned before in this article, honey contains high amounts of phenols and other powerful antioxidant compounds. Well, many of these compounds have been related to a reduced risk of heart disease. The medical experts claim that these compounds will help the arteries in the heart dilate and it will increase the blood flow to the human heart. These powerful antioxidants will also help prevent the formation of blood blots – which are a common cause of heart attacks and strokes. A recent study, conducted on rats, has discovered that honey protected the heart from oxidative stress.
Honey heals wounds and burns
This healing method has been used since ancient Egypt, and many people around the world still use this amazing healing technique. In a recent review, almost 30 different wound-care studies on honey were evaluated. And the review discovered that honey is extremely effective at healing partial thickness burns and wounds that have become infected after surgery. We can also mention that honey us very useful and beneficial treatment for diabetic foot ulcers, which are very serious complications and can lead to amputation.
A recent study has reported a 44% success rate with honey as a wound treatment. Another, more recent study helped in almost 95% of patients, being treated for their diabetic ulcers. The medical experts believe that honey’s healing powers come from its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties – and from its ability to nourish the skin tissue. This amazing ingredient can help you treat other skin conditions, such as: psoriasis, hemorrhoids and herpes lesions.
Honey can relieve and suppress coughs in children
Cough – this is probably the most common problem for children, who suffer from respiratory infections. Coughing can affect the sleep and the life quality of children and their parents as well. The prescription drugs and medications for cough aren’t always the best choice, and they can have some bad side effects. Well, you should know that honey is much more effective in treating coughs, and without any side effects. A recent study has found that honey worked better than 2 common cough mediations. Another, more recent study, has found that honey reduced the cough symptoms and improved sleep even more than cough medications. But, you should be careful, because honey shouldn’t be given to children under the age of 1, cause of the risk for botulism.
As you can see, this super healthy food can provide many health benefits for you, especially for your heart. Just by consuming 1 tbs. of organic honey every day, you will reduce the risk of getting heart disease and you will improve your heart health significantly. We really hope you enjoyed this post, and don’t forget to share it with your friends and family. Thank You.
References: http://authoritynutrition.com/10-benefits-of-honey/
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comments | 6,866 | 2,779 | 0.000368 |
warc | 201704 | Stainless Steel Properties Black painted stainless steel radiates heat better than the same plain clean stainless steel metal. "Physicists calculate how much light a perfectly emitting object would give off at a given temperature, and then they multiply that by a number between 0 and 1. objects that are black at room temperature are close to 1, objects that are shiny or white are close to 0. That’s because to conserve energy, the best absorbers (those looking black) have to be the best emitters." At what temp will stainless steel glow red? "Doesn’t really matter what the emitter is...stainless steel, cast iron, tungsten in your light bulb, the temps are about the same for a given color. Generally accepted colors/temps are: C F Color 400 752 Red heat, visible in the dark 474 885 Red heat, visible in the twilight 525 975 Red heat, visible in the daylight 581 1077 Red heat, visible in the sunlight 700 1292 Dark red 800 1472 Dull cherry-red 900 1652 Cherry-red 1000 1832 Bright cherry-red 1100 2012 Orange-red "{*} RADIANT HEAT TRANSFER Radiant heat transfer is thermal energy transferred by means of electromagnetic waves or particles. Thermal Radiation Radiant heat transfer involves the transfer of heat by electromagnetic radiation that arises due to the temperature of a body. Most energy of this type is in the infra-red region of the electromagnetic spectrum although some of it is in the visible region. The term thermal radiation is frequently used to distinguish this form of electromagnetic radiation from other forms, such as radio waves, x-rays, or gamma rays. The transfer of heat from a fireplace across a room in the line of sight is an example of radiant heat transfer. Radiant heat transfer does not need a medium, such as air or metal, to take place. Any material that has a temperature above absolute zero gives off some radiant energy. When a cloud covers the sun, both its heat and light diminish. This is one of the most familiar examples of heat transfer by thermal radiation. Black Body Radiation A body that emits the maximum amount of heat for its absolute temperature is called a black body. Radiant heat transfer rate from a black body to its surroundings can be expressed by the following equation. Q = б AT^4 where: Q = heat transfer rate (Btu/hr) б = Stefan-Boltzman constant (0.174 Btu/hr-ft^2-°R^4) A = surface area (ft^2) T = temperature (°R) (unit is in Kelvin) Two black bodies that radiate toward each other have a net heat flux between them. The net flow rate of heat between them is given by an adaptation of Equation. Q = б A (T1^4 – T2^4 ) where: A = surface area of the first body (ft^2) T1 = temperature of the first body (°R) T2 = temperature of the second body (°R) All bodies above absolute zero temperature radiate some heat. The sun and earth both radiate heat toward each other. This seems to violate the Second Law of Thermodynamics, which states that heat cannot flow from a cold body to a hot body. The paradox is resolved by the fact that each body must be in direct line of sight of the other to receive radiation from it. Therefore, whenever the cool body is radiating heat to the hot body, the hot body must also be radiating heat to the cool body. Since the hot body radiates more heat (due to its higher temperature) than the cold body, the net flow of heat is from hot to cold, and the second law is still satisfied. Emissivity Real objects do not radiate as much heat as a perfect black body. They radiate less heat than a black body and are called gray bodies. To take into account the fact that real objects are gray bodies, Equation is modified to be of the following form. Q = Є б A T^4 where: Є = emissivity of the gray body (dimensionless) Emissivity is simply a factor by which we multiply the black body heat transfer to take into account that the black body is the ideal case. Emissivity is a dimensionless number and has a maximum value of 1.0. Radiant Heat Transfer Summary Black body radiation is the maximum amount of heat that can be transferred from an ideal object. Emissivity is a measure of the departure of a body from the ideal black body. Radiation configuration factor takes into account the emittance and relative geometry of two objects. http://www.infrared-thermography.com/material.htm Material condition Emissivity Stainless steel: type 18-8,buffed 0.16 Stainless steel: type 18-8, oxidized at 800°C 0.85 Steel: sheet, nickel plated 0.11 Steel: oxidized 0.79 "{*} Backup reference (with a neat diagram) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_radiation | 4,624 | 2,087 | 0.000487 |
warc | 201704 | High Fiber Diet and Heartburn
No, by a High Fiber Diet I'm not talking about one of those diets going in and out of fashion. What I am trying to say is that if your diet doesn't consist of enough fiber, you could be increasing your chances to get heartburn.
Any food containing high amounts of fiber can help prevent heartburn from occurring. If you currently eat white bread, try substituting it with fiber rich bread such as whole-meal. Eating more fruit, like apples, oranges and berries also helps. I personally like them as a great mid-morning snack, as they fill me up, without giving me heartburn. Also try including more high fiber vegetables in your diet. Broccoli and spinach are good examples. So how does this work to help prevent heartburn? Well the high concentration of fiber in the food helps to bind the stomach acids together when it reaches the stomach. Generally, if the content of fiber in the food contains more than 5g of fiber per serving, it's considered to be a high fiber food. Next time you're at the supermarket, check out the labels on the products and substitute those lower fiber foods for something a bit higher in fiber content. You may be pleasantly surprised at the effect it has on your heartburn. There are a few things though that you should be wary of if you want to increase the fiber content in your diet. Firstly, don't change your diet all at once by swapping all foods to high fiber foods. This can be too much for your body to handle in a short space of time, and can result in increased gas and bloating. Increasing your water intake at the same time though, can help counteract these side effects to some extent. In addition, too much fiber can also have its disadvantages, such as constipation, and in some cases can result in a loss of vitamins such as calcium and magnesium. So you need to balance your diet carefully. One final thing to remember, as with any major diet changes, you should consult your doctor or a qualified medical practitioner first before making the changes to your diet, to ensure that your medical situation will not be adversely affected. | 2,117 | 1,077 | 0.00093 |
warc | 201704 | Selecting a furnace filter will mean that you have to choose the type that you want. There are different types and ratings as to quality.
Furnace filters are rated by how well they trap particles in the air. The smaller and greater quantity of particles trapped, the better the filter, more or less.
There are different types of filters that you can get. They range from a disposable fiberglass filter to an electronic air cleaner. HEPA filters, the kind used in hospitals are the best at removing allergens and dust. However, the down side is that they restrict the air flow. Most residential furnaces are not equipped for the added resistance.
The question becomes, how concerned with allergens are you? You have to weigh that against cost for your furnace filter replacement project. When allergies are a problem, the extra cost is worth it.
There are some rating systems for furnace filters. The MERV rating (1 to 11, the higher the number the better)is sponsored by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and is intended for comparison use.
The MPR system uses numbers up to 1250, with the higher numbers being better. Obviously, the better quality filters cost more. For a discussion on all the types of furnace filters, go to 'Types of Furnace Filter
s'. Find out what you need to know to make a good decision. Types of Filters
Understanding furnace filter types is important if you have members of your family with health issues. Allergies and respiratory problems are adversely affected by poor air quality. Getting the right type of filter can improve the purity of the air in your home.
There is no question, better filters will cost more. Compared with trips to the doctor the added cost may be insignificant. Add to that the breathing discomfort that you or someone else in your home may experience, and cost pales in importance.
Do you understand the rating systems for furnace filters? See the article 'Understanding Furnace Filter Ratings' for more information. Do you need to know how to replace your furnace filter? See the article 'Furnace Filter Installation' for instructions.
Below you will find listings for some common furnace filter types. Cost needs to be weighed against a families health concerns when selecting a filter.
Disposable Fiberglass Filters
These types of furnace filters are the least expensive ones to buy. You can probably find one that fits your furnace for a couple of dollars. You can buy a package of 12 for around $20. That sounds great. Well it is if cost is your only concern.
Unfortunately, the lower cost also means lower performance. These types of furnace filters will have MERV ratings between 1 and 4. The do an adequate job of removing dust from the air. For other things like bacteria, mold, pollen and small dust particles, they do a poor job. For homes that have people with allergies, they are not suitable.
Washable Electrostatic Filters
Electrostatic types of furnace filters are generally permanent and can be washed. They work by generating a positive charge that causes the dust to stick to the media. They are more expensive than disposable filters. However, considering that they are permanent the cost savings over the long haul can be significant. This type of furnace filter can be washed out with a hose, allowed to dry an put back in the furnace. The price range for a filter of this kind is between $50 and $200.
Electrostatic furnace filters do not have MERV ratings, because they are not a dry filter media. You will have to rely on information from the manufacturer to determine the performance of the filter.
There are some pleated disposable filters that also generate an electrostatic charge. This is perhaps getting the best of both worlds. These filters boast electrostatic charges for dust particles and quality pleated filter
Pleated Allergy Filters
Pleated allergy types of furnace filters are as the name implies, pleated. The pleating allow for better air flow while still filtering out small particles. These types of filters are good at removing common allergens and fine dust from the air.
This increased performance does not come without cost. This type of filter runs between $5 and $20 each. Most of them are good for three months before they need replacing. For homes that have people with allergies, they are a must.
These types of furnace filters will usually have MERV ratings of between 7 - 9 and MPR ratings of 600 - 1500. They are suitable for residential heating systems.
Electronic Air Cleaners
Electronic air cleaners are another piece of equipment that attaches to your heating and air conditioning system. The are fairly expensive, upwards of $1,500 installed. In addition they require regular maintenance and filter replacement.
The advantages are that they eliminate a higher percentage of contaminants from the air. For those with allergies or other health problems, this peace of mind may be worth the added expense. You have to have an hvac contractor install the system for you, since it has to be integrated with your duct work. Once installed, you can maintain it a replace the filters yourself.
Activated Carbon Filters
The addition of activated carbon to a furnace filter will help with odor control. Cooking, pet or smoke odors can be removed with activated carbon. The activated carbon is added to a pleated filter media that eliminates the other types of particles. These types of furnace filters are a little more expensive than the pleated allergy filters. When odors are a problem, you may not mind the extra expense.
Activated carbon filters can have a MERV rating, similar to other style filters. A rating of 8 should be possible. This is a good rating for a residential heating system.
HEPA Filters
HEPA stands for 'High Efficiency Particulate Air'. These are the best filters you can get for removing small contaminants. The problem is that they seriously restrict the flow of air in your ventilating system. Commercial buildings such as hospitals use this type of filter. They design the hvac systems for the reduced air flow.
There are some pleated allergy filters that claim to be HEPA rated. They may carry a MERV rating of 12. A filter like this will likely be suitable for a residential furnace. When in doubt, check with the manufacturer of your furnace or your furnace maintenance contractor. | 6,405 | 2,701 | 0.000372 |
warc | 201704 | Chris Huhne Announces Reopening of Warm Front Scheme By David Holmes on April 18, 2011 On Thursday last week, the Energy and Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne announced the reopening of the Warm Front scheme, which aims to provide financial support for eligible households that struggle to cope with the cost of central heating and insulation.
The Warm Front scheme was suspended late last year after the Government declared there was no cash left for new applications. Amid deep public spending cuts, the Department for Energy and Climate Change had to concede that no further funds would be made available after its annual budget of £345 million was expended by Christmas.
With the arrival of the new financial year, the Department for Energy and Climate Change was able to reopen the Warm Front scheme for new applications.
Mr Huhne stated: “We have improved the Warm Front scheme so it’s better targeted at those who need it most, helping around 90,000 households over the next two years. Next year, we will be launching the Green Deal, the Government’s national overhaul of home energy efficiency, which will provide extra help to vulnerable households”.
Despite much of Britain enjoying fine weather of late, millions of people across the country continue to experience fuel poverty, which has been defined by the UK Government as arising when at least 10 per cent of a household’s income is spent on energy bills.
The Warm Front scheme aims to offer help to some of Britain’s most vulnerable households, yet not all people who have been living in fuel poverty are eligible to receive payments under the initiative. The UK Government claims to have addressed this issue by widening the criteria used to assess eligibility, with various income-related benefits being considered to focus on fuel poor households.
Although it is good news that the Warm Front scheme is once again accepting applications and that greater attention is to be paid to supporting low-income families, the initiative’s budget has been cut from £345m for 2010/2011 to just £110m for 2011/2012. If unseasonably cold weather grips the nation as it did in 2009 and 2010, it is quite likely that the Warm Front scheme will again be closed for business by Christmas. | 2,301 | 1,110 | 0.000924 |
warc | 201704 | Choosing the Right School for Your Child
(page 2 of 3)
Start Close to Home
The search for the right school begins at home. “I have always believed that the school environment has to fit your kids’ needs,” not the other way around, says Lynn Yanagihara, a pediatrician and mother of three.
Goheen agrees: “You definitely need to take into consideration the characteristics of each child.”
No one knows your children like you do. What environments do they learn best in? What kind of atmosphere makes them comfortable? Are they independent workers, or do they appreciate knowing what is expected of them? If they are already in school, what is working for them? What could be better? The answers to these questions will help direct your search.
A match only works if the child feels it’s right, too. If your child is old enough to have a real preference, it’s good to take his or her wishes into account, advises Muramoto. Any good match includes “the sense that this is where the students want to be,” she says.
When admissions officers talk about a match, it’s not only for the child, but for the whole family. Before you start looking, take time to figure out—and even write down—what kind of school you think would suit your family’s values, beliefs and educational goals.
It helps to keep in mind that a school is a community, founded around a common purpose. The school’s teachers and administrators will become your allies. The other parents will become your friends. It’s worth thinking about what kind of community you want for your child, and how you want to contribute to it.
Go to the Source
If you have a clear picture of what your child needs and what your family is looking for in a school, casual chats over the water cooler or at the soccer sidelines can be an important source of new ideas. Arleen Kohnke, admissions director of Honolulu Waldorf School, says that most inquiries they receive come from word-of-mouth referrals: “It’s much more validating, I think, when you hear it from somebody who has had direct experience with the school.”
Equally, though, don’t believe everything you hear from friends and family. Perception often lags behind reality, and information passed along the coconut wireless can spin out of control, warns Ella Browning of Mid-Pac: “Word of caution, there’s a parent grapevine.” Application/acceptance ratios that are 50-to-1? Mandatory reading for kindergarten entry? Myths. Nowhere in Hawaii will you find a school for whom these things are true. See table at bottom of the page.
Who can you turn to for the straight story? Simple, says Browning: “If you have a question about a school, ask the admissions director. There are no silly questions. You are investing in a school. You need to ask. You have the right to—you are the consumer.”
In fact, it’s likely that you’ll find your best resources and most knowledgeable advocates at the admissions office. “We would invite contact anytime. That’s our job, that’s what we enjoy doing,” says Nelson. Admissions staff spend all day, every day, making sure that children end up at the right school, whether or not it’s their own. They have the most up-to-date information, and if their school isn’t a good match for your family, they will often keep working with you to find one that is.
Admissions directors aren’t gatekeepers; they’re matchmakers. Or, as Okinaga sees them, expert consultants: “People sometimes look at the admissions director as somebody to be conquered. To me, that’s an unhealthy attitude. I see them as like a doctor or a consultant, where you’re both looking for the health of the child, and so you come together and say, 'Is this going to be a right choice?’”
Cast Your Net Wide
A great place to start building these relationships is at the admissions fairs HAIS holds each fall. Dozens of school representatives in one place, gathered for one purpose, means that you can cover a lot of ground efficiently. You’ll also find helpful speaker sessions, and information on open houses for prospective parents. “The HAIS admissions fair was a wealth of resources all in one place, all at one time,” says Okinaga.
Take-home resources, which are available when you have time to sit and think, are another good place to begin. Most schools offer brochures and other printed information; some also provide DVDs or videos.
Get online, says Browning; at school Web sites, “you can see what’s going on at all the different schools, read the latest news.” The Internet can also provide a peek into day-to-day classroom life, she adds. “At our school in particular, I encourage parents to visit the individual classroom Web sites and see what’s posted.”
See for Yourself
When you have a good idea of the schools you might like to get to know better, it’s time to go one-on-one. Many independent schools host evening open houses to make it easy for parents to drop by, meet the staff, and get a feel for how the school’s mission becomes a child’s education.
This is your chance to ask a variety of people the questions that will make certain schools stand out from the rest, says Shirokawa. “You have to dig deeper, beyond the mission statement. At the end of whatever number of years, what is my child going to be like? What values will they have when they leave that school? What will my child take away from your school’s experience?” If you delve deep, she says, “you really see differences.”
If you want to see the school in action, though, you’ll have to make time for a campus visit during a weekday. It’s a trip worth clearing a space in your schedule for, says Goheen, because “you definitely want to see students. They’ll tell it like it is.” A campus visit is also the “best way to get a feel for the school,” says parent Carrie Wedemeyer: “Does it feel right? Does it have a heart? How would my child feel on this campus?” | 6,194 | 2,881 | 0.000368 |
warc | 201704 | Randalls in Downtown Houston Wants to Provide "Great Service," So It Removed the Self-Checkout Lanes
Does removing the self-checkout lanes make grocery shopping better or worse?
Photo by m01229 via Flickr Creative Commons (cropped)
The Randalls in downtown Houston has removed its self-service checkout registers. When we left a message with Randalls' corporate office asking why, we received an official statement from community relations manager Dawne Proffitt that says, “In planning the redesign of our Midtown store and focusing on providing great service, the decision was made to remove the self-checkouts.”
However, a store employee we had interviewed the day before said it was “because of theft. It was a corporate decision. It wasn’t my decision here at store level or anything like that.” We wondered whether the "corporate decision" affected all Randalls stores, and called the Cypress location. An employee we spoke with there said that while that store still had self-checkouts, the hours that customers were allowed to use them are now limited to between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m.
Proffitt staunchly denied that theft has anything to do with the decision to remove the self-service registers at the downtown store, and said, "No, our focus is providing great service and engaging our customers." She said that two additional check stands and two more express checkouts would be added — but those are not self-service.
For a variety of reasons, some stores have decided that self-checkout isn’t working as well as expected. In fact, an article in
Fortune magazine about CVS getting rid of the automated lanes in some stores pointed out that it should be called “assisted” checkout.
That’s thanks to all the possible complications when a customer rings up and pays for his own items. Ages must be verified for alcohol purchases. The correct codes should be entered for produce. Sometimes, coupons refuse to scan properly. Very light items aren’t detected when placed in the shopping bag. Then, there’s the phrase no one wants to hear: “Unexpected item in bagging area.”
Costco eliminated self-checkouts in 2013, and CEO Craig Jelinek told Bloomberg it was because “employees do the work more efficiently.” However, the year before, the Fierce Retail website reported that a “Costco management source” said one particular store showed a $60,000 inventory loss over a six-month period after implementing self-checkout. In a business with a mere 7 to 10 percent markup, that’s a substantial hit on the bottom line.
A report by
The Telegraph on self-checkout theft in grocery stores says shoplifters were most likely to steal fruits and vegetables, and at least part of the issue was not being able to figure out how to work the machines.
Photo by the U.S. Department of Agriculture via Flickr Creative Commons
Theft at self-service checkouts doesn’t happen only in the United States. A 2014 report in
The Telegraph said shoppers in the U.K. confessed to stealing 15 British pounds every month. (On the day the report was published, that was equal to $24.84 per month in U. S. dollars.) Fruits and vegetables were cited as the most likely items to be stolen. The saddest (or, possibly funniest, depending on the perspective) part of the report was “the majority admitting they first took goods because they couldn’t work the machines.” These were apparently crimes of frustration, not malice (at least, they were at first until people realized they could get away with it.)
We contacted other grocery store chains to find out if they were also considering getting rid of self-checkout lanes. Robert Najera, H-E-B’s director of customer service, said, “We have no immediate plans to eliminate self-checkout from our stores. We are always evaluating ways to make the checkout process more convenient and as of now, we feel this is a good option for our customers.”
Similarly, public relations manager Kristal Howard of Kroger stated that, “All cash registers are considered “front end” in our stores, so I reached out to our front-end manager to get a little more ‘color.’ She’s not in the office, but I can tell you confidently that we have no intention to remove self-checkout from any of our store locations.”
Self-checkout lanes at retail stores have been a “love it or hate it” issue since their introduction. Some people feel these automated systems take jobs away from people, while others welcome the ability to get out of the store quickly without having to interact with a cashier.
In the coming days, we’ll take a look at why people love self-checkouts — and why others hate them. What's your opinion? Are self-service registers glitchy monsters, or the best thing that ever happened to retail stores? Leave a comment below.
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warc | 201704 | Archive for the ‘Health Articles’ Category
Posted on April 2nd, 2014 by Guest Blogger
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It is critical to adhere to commended foods and life-style tips when you aspire to lose additional weight. The restrictions like lack of sugar and greasy seasonings can make you covet for snacks you are habituated to. But it is possible to cook some savoury dishes that obey calorie and diet limitations for HCG candidates. Below listed are some effective soups, nibbles, and main meal dishes appropriate for HCG diet. Main meal recipes Lemon Mustard Broiled Chicken To make this flavorful dish, you will need 100g chicken, oregano, black pepper, spicy mustard and lemon juice. Use some salt and tiny quantity of cayenne pepper as per taste. Initially, heat up the broiler for some minutes.
In a bowl, blend all other ingredients well. Coat each side of the meat well and then saute for five minutes. You can use either chicken or shrimp. The other needed ingredients are chicken Broth, stevia, garlic, salt amp, pepper, Chinese five spice and cabbage. Shred the cabbage and then saut minced garlic with cabbage for one or two minutes to make it tender. Then add the Chinese 5 spice with broth and stevia.
Pour this mix into pan and cook with cubed protein. Stir fry for some considerable time and add cabbage again. Cook for one or two minutes. The other needed ingredients include olive oil, basil, lemon juice, garlic, pepper and salt.
Pre warm the griddle in cooker. Blend spices, lemon juice and oil in a bowl well. Cook the coated salmon on griddle until it become flaky. The dish should be served hot. Lime Shrimp To cook this HCG prepared dish, you'll need peeled shrimp, lime juice, chopped onion, cooking spray, black pepper, and salt. Add the ingredients and cook till the onions and shrimp becomes tender.
Serve the dish steaming hot. Orange Ginger Chicken To make this yummy HCG dish, you'll need 100 grams of chicken that are cut into cubes. Other ingredients are orange, black pepper, ginger root, minced garlic and lemon juice. Initially, heat the stove for a couple of minutes. Spatter pepper on top of chicken cubes. Stir fry the chicken for one or two minutes and see whether the sides have turned brown. Then add garlic to the meat and cook for 1 or 2 more minutes.
Afterward squeeze OJ on the chicken. Add basil, lemon juice and ginger to the chicken next. Then cover the pan and simmer for a half hour. The main ingredient to make this dish is a pound of round steak, sliced in thin pieces.
You may also need to use minced garlic, beef broth, cut onion, garlic powder, cornstarch, ground ginger, broccoli florets and cooked rice. Stir fry the beef, garlic and onion for a few minutes. Next, add broccoli and some quantity of broth to the pan. Broil the broccoli till it gets crisp.
Mix garlic powder, soya juice, broth and cornstarch together ell and add to pan. Cook it until the mix thickens. Then add meat to the pan and stir fry for a minute. Tip the dish over rice and serve hot. Add some water and lemon juice to the pan. Then put rest of ingredients in pan and cook in slow heat for fifteen minutes.
If required, you can put in a few boneless beef cubes to the soup. Aside from these, you will also need to use Spinach, pepper and salt. Boil the broth, thyme, pepper, salt and thyme in a pan for one or two minutes. When the soup is prepared pour it on the bowls over spinach and serve hot. Other ingredients include celery, cloves garlic, chicken broth, minced onion, basil, parsley, salt, thyme and pepper.
Cook at slow heat for fifteen minutes or so and serve steaming hot. Cinnamon Curry Chicken Soup The prime ingredient of this soup is a hundred grams cooked chicken. You will additionally have to take diced onion, cinnamon, curry powder, broth, black pepper and salt. Blend all ingredients well in a shallow pan. Boil the mix for 1 or 2 minutes.
Boil for half an hour till the soup gets the specified level of thickness. You'll have to use red bell pepper, cut cucumber, celery stalks, sliced dill, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, leaf lettuce, pepper and salt. Mix the lemon juice with mustard in a bowl. Then add the veggies and stir well.
Next, season the crab meat with pepper and salt. Put the protein with plants on top of lettuce and serve. Put the bowl inside fridge and serve chilled.
Nibbles Lemon Cucumbers The cucumber based break may be employed as a break or appetiser by HCG diet applicants. You'll need 2 chopped cucumbers and cut onion to make this dish. Other mandatory ingredients are vinegar, Stevia, celery salt, lemon juice and black pepper. Mix all the plants well in a mixing bowl. Caribbean Cucumbers To make this dish for HCG diet, you may require a sliced big cucumber. Other necessary ingredients include sliced onion, pepper sauce, fresh lime juice, Water, black pepper, fresh lime juice and salt.
Refrigerate the blend for an hour or so and serve chilled.
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Posted on April 1st, 2014 by Carolyne Budd
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Men typically are more susceptible to have alopecia than women. In men, this hair problem is called androgen alopecia and male pattern hair loss. It can be due to several factors, but principally due to inborn factors that may run for generations. The other factors are inadequacies of folic acid and vitamins, unexpected shock, stress, hysteria and inadequate general nutrition. Extended illnesses like anemia, syphilis and typhoid fever may also cause men to lose their hair. Men usually start to lose hair in their 40s but a number of them begin to have the problem in their twenties. Baldness in men can be specified as a metabolic disorder.
In the final analysis, it ends in hair falling, thinning and even disappearing. This hair problem can be really nerve wracking for some men. They even go bald because of the inappropriate hair loss. This leads men to seek cures or treatments to grow their hair back. Some men turn to dear treatments that promise great and instant results.
Nonetheless these are sometimes just stings to take money and can even make the difficulty worsen. Forestalling and treating baldness can be very easy and cost-effective. These remedies are easy to get, you may even find them in your kitchen. Below are some home-made treatments you can use to treat your hair problem : 1) Prepare 4 tablespoons of henna (mehendi) leaves and a cup of mustard. Once it's been boiled, filter it and keep it in a bottle. You can use this mix to massage your bald patches.
2) Grind fenugreek seeds and mix this with water for the best result. You must do this treatment at least forty minutes before a shower. For most impressive results, do this treatment every day for no less than a month.
3) Prepare onion paste and use it to rub the bald areas. When these areas become red, apply honey. 4) Use a mixture of egg yolk and honey to massage your hair and scalp.
Leave it on for an hour and then wash your hair completely. 5) You can make a homemade shampoo to support your hair’s growth. It's a mix of two spoons of raw gram powder (which is chickpea or garbanzo bean flour), 5 tablespoons of milk curd and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Then, wash your hair thoroughly.
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Posted on January 1st, 2014 by Guest Blogger
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It is commonly known that sugar is loaded with calories and leads to
weightgain, both at once and indirectly. The sweetness remains but the calories are gone. But one or two years ago, a college research group in the USA questioned this logic and popped up with an astonishing discovery – synthesised sweeteners may interrupt weightreduction rather than helping it. The key lies in our body’s automatic mechanism. Since all sweet foods, whether natural or prepared in a kitchen, are rich in calories, whenever the tongue tastes something sweet, the bodyprepares itself to receive a good amount of calories. The core bodytemperature also rises, as the metabolic system speeds up to meet the body’s approaching digestive needs.
However, an artificially sweetened pudding breaks the connection between sweet taste and high calories, and confuses the
body. When the calories don’t turn up from the dessert or diet soda, the bodydemands more food, and one is tempted to over-eat. Additionally, the core bodytemperature may stop rising so much when all of the sweet foodscoming in are lo-cal. However, there's some evidence available that strongly implies that artificial sweeteners may not basically lead straight to weightreduction. To begin with, obesity is growing in America at a worrying rate, and has reached a remarkable level, despite the incidence of lots of sugar freecandy and diet drinks. At the end of the day, this reasoning must be regarded seriously, even though it hasn't been at once proved yet. It does appear that, all done and dusted, there truly is no short-cut for folks who need to shed weightfast.
Bear in mind that all this reasoning doesn't meant that you need to return to sugar. But it will serve you well to remember that your
bodyis perhaps too smart to be conned. You are freeto make public this article without any change in the content electronically, in print, in your ebook, or on your web site, free, so long as the author resource details are included.
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Posted on December 2nd, 2013 by Carolyne Budd
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I made a massive discovery in the land of permanent
weight loss. Even after maintaining my weight lossfor five years (which signals “permanent weightloss” in the medical community), I still struggled at vacations. Now nevertheless, after more than 12 years into maintaining weightloss, this vacation season is outstandingly different. Instead of predicting and planning, which I once felt helped me “combat” the abundance of foodso plentiful this time of year, I feel a complete lack of worry. Particular foodstuffs used to “hum” or “buzz” around me. They captured my attention, called my name, or, it looked, stalked me! When I was heavily (very heavily) invested in dieting, holidays meant binging and regretting for weeks.
It meant fighting and struggling and denying and it was damned agonizing. I did not live near my family and my trips home were loaded with fear, which poisoned or wiped out the good sensations of a visit folk I was actually anticipating seeing. Everyone wanted to see me and, in my family, “seeing me” meant feeding me. Holiday “buzz”
foodincluded all my faves, usually from old family recipes.
Ah! The power of customs! I couldn't imagine a vacation without these treats. Way down inside, as I later uncovered, I nurtured a deep feeling that I had never, ever be well placed to overcome the impossible to resist pull of
food. It was sticking around, enjoying the utter absence of progress. Why did I once love that Xmas candy my mum made which in actual fact if I stopped eating from memory, tasted like mouthwash? And the fudge she made? Overpoweringly sweet.
It was just the guarantee that lingered out there, never delivered. I enjoyed
foodmore. I respected its power to energise my body. – I became less attached. I let go mentally of all the power I’d assigned to nutrition.
I did not prescribe meanings or blanket statements like : “I can't eat that” (which actually meant “I don't deserve (fill in the blank) .”) I did not attempt to make myself into the “good girl” or the “
weightreduction saint” by partaking of the drama of denial. I feel a liberty I've never felt before. Even though I was shocked I would need to give up foodI loved, the “buzzy” foods, I have given them up, and feel no antagonism, no lacking, no void.
I am not interested in them anymore. But they didn't vanish because I forced them, or plotted against them, or guilted them away. I was making that up. What do you make up around
foodand the holidays?
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Posted on September 2nd, 2013 by Guest Blogger
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A significant number of folk around the globe have issues with obesity and being overweight. The reason why it is a phenomenon is often because folks are starting to let themselves go. They don't do anything to enhance their health and they stuff their bodies with various bad foods. 1) Changing your way of life completely will take more than only 1 or 2 days. It'd be hard to break out of your bad habits, but it can be done. Find a great motivator to help.
When you are inspired and determined, you will find it simpler to shed the pounds and to stay on the program. Actually never be without water ever again! Water helps hydrate the
bodyand keeps the temperature cool. When you are working out, water will rehydrate your bodyand it'll aid in improving your metabolic rate. Drinking plenty of water will help you burn calories and fats. 3) Boost your metabolism rate by enrolling for a gym membership.
You have a large selection of options from weights to cardio gear. Whichever you select, you have got to do not forget to be active constantly. Gradually increase the number of repetitions and the power of your workout routine. Working out continually will also help your
bodyget used to these activities. 4) You can incorporate little exercisesto your daily routines.
It is also better if you perform different
exerciseswhile cleaning your home. 5) Walking should be one of your favorite past times. Unknown by a large number of folks. Walking yields more impressive results in burning calories. 6) Examine your diet and make certain changes if you have to. 7) The proportions of the foodyou place on you plate should be smaller. Piling up lots of foodwill only raise your appetite.
The key to eating less is to utilise a smaller plate with smaller portions.
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Posted on September 1st, 2013 by Guest Blogger
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Surprisingly, not all
diabetespatients need a diabetes weight lossprogram. Diabetics frequently protest that it’s tough to lose weight– and health specialists and diabetespros agree. But just because it’s tricky does not imply it’s impossible. As an example, it could be eating nuts till you are full. It may be 20 minutes of eating peanuts or pistachios before you get a feeling to stop.
To paraphrase, by the point your cortex gets the signal that you are full, chances are you have already over ate. Other bad habits that will hold back
diabetes weight lossare : Eating late in the evening Missing meals Nibbling twenty four seven Smoking Drinking alcohol Binging on foods, particularly carbs Diabetes Diet Plan Wants Now that you're mindful of habits preventing you from losing pounds, what do you have to look for in a diabetes weight lossplan? Low cal diet of 600 to one thousand calories High protein to permit your body to fix and boost your immune response Low carbohydrate Low to low moderate fat content Low Glycemic index foods Meals spaced out during the day Foods containing nutriments that meet the approximate daily values Enough fiber (25 grams every day) Vitamin and mineral additions Exercising is also a great way to assist you with your diabetesdieting programme. It is recommended adults get 30 minutes of aerobic activity daily, up to five days every week. If you suffer complications of your diabetes, practice low impact exerciseslike walking or swimming or a light pedal on an immobile bike.
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Posted on August 2nd, 2013 by Carolyne Budd
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It’s astounding how an easy pad of paper will help you accomplish a big number of things. It can often help you maintain a record of significant items you have to do that
day, or maybe that week. It will also help you remember critical things or thoughts you have got for future events. It can often help you shed weight, when you put the pad of paper to this specific use. If shedding weightand getting into shape are priorities for you, then it can be truly beneficial to get into the practice of either having a little notepad or a little pack of post-its close by during the day. The reason why having paper handy is so important is the undeniable fact that you never can tell when you'll have a thought that turns up in your head that you do not want to forget.
It could be a thought which happened to you at work, or a particular exercise you want to do later on a cooking program you would like to watch at 8 pm, or things you will need to get from the market after work so you are able to cook a
healthydinner when you get home. You have to be in a position to jot these kinds of things down so you don't forget them for later . You will not miss the cooking show that you saw a commercial about that is going to teach you newrecipes you think your folks will love. You will not forget the newexercise plan you heard a colleague at work talk about today. There are lots of examples that can arise on any specific daywhere you can put your notepad to use which is why it is highly useful to have one handy at all times. How about a certain place where you always sit on the sofa at home with an end-table close by, you might keep a pad of paper and pen right there. Or potentially you've a desk at work where you spend the best part of eight hours each day. You'll definitely want to keep a pad of paper or small notebook in arms reach there.
In addition to jotting down ideas and thoughts, one of the greatest paths to utilise a notepad is to start writing down a daily agenda – a listing of all the things you would like to accomplish that
day. You may find that by simply writing down specific goals you wish to achieve will help galvanize you to actually stick with it. Taking it a stage further, having a daily agenda may get you thinking about extra goals you hadn't thought of before, thus helping you become even more productive than ever before. For those who are dead set on making an honest to goodness healthylifestyle change and shed weight, a notepad can really help you accomplish this. Try it for a couple of weeks and see how much it can often help you stick with your scheme to develop a healthier life.
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Posted on August 1st, 2013 by
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Lately, to satisfy the
weight controlneeds during the holiday shopping season, NLslimming a natural healthcompany, launched its promotion of Meizitang online prBotanical Slimming Soft Gel products, up to 39% off, which should last 2 weeks, from Dec. 15, 2012. Many females have a fairy story idea when talking about weight control. Now, we will bring buyers a fresh feeling of weightloss at cheap prices,” announced, Arlene Ling, Managing Director of NLslimming . According to Arlene Ling, Meizitang Botanical Slimming Soft Gel is specially made to help people shed weight, and can help people lose 30lbs of weightin a month without any side effects or rebound.
Tina, a client from London, claimed, “This needs to be the nicest thing I had ordered
online. So many favorable reviews. I've been using for over a quarter. I don’t’ have dry mouth, but I still drink a lot of water daily, drinking more water is excellent for health, and I also feel more energy, this is extremely good, I need energy, I have already lost 13lbs, I'm happy with this result.
I will keep using it until I am getting 50lbs reduced.” . Whether or not it is for personal use or gift, it is positively a sensible choice. Founded in 2008, NLslimming is a natural
healthcompany, and has been selling Lishou and Meizitang products for 4s years.
They've got much positive approval from customers for their products, especially the 2-day diet solution. For more info, feel free to visit : NLslimming.
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Posted on November 19th, 2012 by Guest Blogger
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10-Acre greenhouse development opens door to further research of wasabis amazing healing properties. A 35-acre property north of Nanaimo is North America’s first and only commercial scale Wasabi operation. Nonetheless the requirement for high grade wasabi in the biomedical and culinary industries exceeds supply. Besides the problem of producing enough wasabi inside its limited Japanese ecosystem, raised radiation levels in the wake of Japan’s 2011 nuclear accident continue to impact the standard of harvest, reducing the amount of plants for sale.
The Vancouver Island site is in a novel position to expand the worldwide market for authentic wasabi – and supply scientists the amount of plants needed for further R & D. Vancouver Island, with its moderate temperatures and spitting distance to water is excellent for growing wasabi. Traditionally grown in shade-covered streams in Japan, the plant has been infamously tricky to grow outside of its natural environment-until now. After decades of analysis, PhD Botanist, Dr. His proved strategy duplicates a natural environment where conditions are fastidiously controlled in a greenhouse-no longer limiting wasabi to river streams. North America’s first commercial wasabi site homes over sixty sizeable greenhouses, each about the size of a tennis court holding approximately 4900 plants.
Using low volumes of water, this technology is tolerable, and has placed the industry at the precipice of an innovative transition from small-scale farms to successful mid-scale commercial manufacture. For more information about wasabi or about collaborating in the Vancouver Island production site, contact : Michael Naprawa c / o Pacific Coast Wasabi Ltd. 250-751-7917 michaelviwasabi the web site.
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Posted on November 17th, 2012 by Guest Blogger
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The media spotlight is typically a 2 sided weapon. And yet, gossip and rumor-mongering apart, the real story here is being overlooked according to Sean Burke of AttorneyOne. As Bloomberg reported
media release distributionon October 30th, 2012, Novartis agreed to pay $19.9 million to the U.S. Elidel was FDA authorised in 2001 for the treating of itchy, scaly, inflamed skin conditions like eczema and atopic dermatitis. According to the court action, Novartis needed its marketing representatives to prompt doctors to prescribe Elidel in children younger than two years old for uses not authorised by the Fda. Plaintiff Donald R. AttorneyOne a recognized authority on law, can offer beneficial advice and straightforward solutions including how it is possible to get in communication with legal counsel so that, in the event of serious adverse events from Elidel, somebody can easily and cheaply deal with it. As Mr. Burke, director of Media Relations for AttorneyOne added, “What all this info truly illustrates is that threat from Elidel remains.
Because of this, our focus should exactly fall on getting the word out and helping people in finding the proper legal assistance.” . Use of Elidel in youngsters under 2 years of age isn't endorsed. AttorneyOne has more info on Elidel suits including how it's possible to get in communication with legal counsel. Based in San Diego, CA Solicitor One was set up in 2004 and isn't a law firm.
You can find out more about Solicitor One at our website attorneyone You may find us on Facebook at the web site Checkout earlier reports from us at the website.
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warc | 201704 | Virginia
HOME | LAWS | ORGANIZATIONS | CASES | LEGISLATION | COMMON CORE | LEYES EN ESPAÑOL
House Bill 1770: A Bill Relating to Testing for Students Receiving Home Instruction Sponsor: Representative James H. Dillard, II Summary: This bill was initially introduced as a bill that would have given the Department of Education the authority to keep a list of achievement tests, evaluations and assessments that satisfy the requirement that homeschoolers provide an annual educational assessment. It passed the House with this dangerous language included in the final version.
HSLDA worked to amend HB 1770 in the Senate Education Committee to allow "any nationally normed standardized achievement test" to satisfy the testing requirement. The full Senate passed the bill with this excellent language included.
The bill returned to the House because the Senate version and House version were different. The House refused to accept the bill as amended by the Senate.
The Senate stood firm and rejected the harmful House version of the bill. This resulted in the bill going to a Conference Committee.
The Conference Committee approved the harmful House version of the bill, and rejected the good Senate amendment. Since the bill could no longer be amended, HSLDA and homeschoolers in Virginia had no choice but to oppose the bill as it was brought before both houses for a final vote.
On February 25, the House of Delegates reversed itself and voted against the harmful version of HB 1770 by a vote of 34 yeas and 64 nays. Even though the Senate voted to accept the harmful version of the bill by a vote of 29 yeas and 11 nays, HB 1770 will not become law because of the House of Delegate's action.
While we are disappointed that testing freedom legislation did not pass this session, we are encouraged by the mobilization and participation of homeschoolers in the process. Your calls stopped legislation that would have given the State Department of Education the power to control which tests you use.
Status:
01/03/2005 (House): Introduced, and referred to Committee on Education 01/19/2005 (House): Reported from Education (22-Y, 0-N) 01/24/2005 (House): Passed (98 Y, 0 N) and communicated to the Senate. This was the House bill with the dangerous language. 01/25/2005 (Senate): Referred to Committee on Education and Health. 02/10/2005 (Senate): Reported From Education and Health Committee with HSLDA's amendment (15-Y, 0-N). 02/14/2005 (Senate): Passed Senate with HSLDA's amendment (40-Y, 0-N). 02/15/2005 (House): Placed on Calendar. 02/16/2005 (House): House voted to reject the Senate version with HSLDA's amendment (5-Y, 93 -N). 02/18/2005 (Senate): Scheduled for vote. Senate voted for conference committee (38-Y, 0-N). 02/24/2005 (Conference Committee): Approved House version of the bill with harmful language (5-Y, 1-N). 02/25/2005 (House): House voted to reject the conference report (34-Y, 64-N), thus killing the bill. HSLDA's Position: Oppose! Action Requested: No more action is necessary. Background: Fewer than half the states require any testing. Of those that do, many already give parents freedom to use any nationally standardized achievement test, including New Hampshire, Colorado, South Dakota, North Carolina, Florida, and Hawaii. These states have not experienced any problems related to parents having the freedom to choose.
We understand that the bill's sponsor, Delegate Dillard, may have opposed the Senate amendment because he believed it was ambiguous. This is contradicted by the experience in the states listed below. They have had no problems with ambiguity. The language of the Senate amendment is almost identical to language used in these states:
1. New Hampshire: any national student achievement test... 2. Colorado: a nationally standardized achievement test.... 3. South Dakota: a nationally standardized achievement test of the basic skills. 4. North Carolina: a nationally standardized test or other nationally standardized equivalent measurement. 5. Florida: any nationally normed student achievement test... 6. Hawaii: a nationally normed standardized achievement test...
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warc | 201704 | DONALD Trump's announcement to run for presidency in June 2015 was met largely with laughter and disbelief. Almost 18 months later, his seismic election victory sends shockwaves through America and again causes people to disbelieve- though there are few laughing this time round. It's unexpectedness is borne out of consistent polls that antithetically predicted a comfortable win for Hillary Clinton, and the often chaotic nature of Donald Trump's campaign. Several comparisons can be drawn between the U.S. election and Brexit; pollsters, academics and the media failed to foresee a large turnout in support for the anti-establishment, right-wing movements. Trump's unanticipated victory was underpinned by a surge of votes from white working class men (both university and non-university educated) and a smaller than predicted number of minorities and women voting for Clinton. Of the myriad of reasons that made millions more than expected choose the business tycoon, it was the disenchantment at the current establishment's approach to pressing issues, such as immigration and Middle-Eastern policy, that played the central role in securing his remarkable victory.
Although not apocalyptic, the state of affairs in the U.S. over the last decade has been turbulent at the best of times. A poll carried out by the Economist this week on whether respondents thought the U.S. was heading in the right/wrong direction revealed 32% more people believing their country was heading down the wrong track. In March of this year, 61% of respondents in a survey carried out by A.T. Kearney believed that immigration 'jeopardizes the nation'. The salience of immigration has also sharply risen in the minds of most Americans- in 2002 the Harris Poll found that just one percent of respondents ranked immigration as one of the two most important issues for government- this figure rose to 19% this year. Rhetorically brash and brazenly offensive, Trump's proposed solutions to America's ills evidently attracted millions of voters towards him over Clinton, whose liberal stance (she proposed to increase the number of Syrian refugees America accepts by 550%) did not sit well with those who favour a precautionary approach in the face of the mounting terror threat.
Immigration is one of multiple grievances and fears that U.S citizens hold. As many as 70% of Americans view ISIS as the number one threat to American interests; although Clinton did repeatedly pledge to eradicate them, Trump's stalwart claims of forceful and immediate intervention struck a chord with Americans anxious about the ISIS threat, and made Clinton's proposals appear liberal and overly tentative by comparison. His language throughout the campaign was colourful, and his often daring rhetorical devices used to win over attention and support - through the use of ad populum, ad baculum and ad hominem fallacies - instilled confidence that he would implement tangible change in American foreign policy and bolster defense in a climate against the backdrop of maximum levels of terrorism threat. On the economic side, both candidates repeatedly prioritised the middle class in a bid to successfully attract one of America's biggest demographics- but Trump's direct appeals to the middle class to ensure they would no longer be 'forgotten' with his proposals to collapse the current seven tax brackets down to three, and effectively reducing the income tax rate for low-income Americans to 0, was instrumental in drawing swathes of support from the disaffected working classes.
One of Trump's most vital components in his victory was that of his opponent. A full overview of the misdemeanors and dubious histories of both candidates would perhaps necessitate a short novel, but the actions of Hillary Clinton over her lengthy political life- the most notable being the deletion of over 30,000 emails and flirting with prison charges- was sufficient to repel enough people. Although her campaign was well thought-out, and her outlined policies in the televised debates logical and with substance, the combination of a deceitful history and imperfect policy ( her idea to make college education debt-free worried economists due to its potential impact on the national debt ) made Trump - who is not without his own plentiful scandals - the worthier option. Indeed, a poll by the Washington Post in August showed that 56% of Americans have a negative opinion of Clinton. Whether the more energetic, charismatic and 'cleaner' Sanders would have performed better than his female counterpart will always remain unknown, though Democrats will inevitably wonder about what could have been.
Brexit demonstrated that the collective rise of the disenchanted working classes and right-wing against the traditional establishment is possible, the U.S. election highlighted it is by no means a one-off. Citing his representation of 'the working man and woman', Trump embodied a protest against the status quo, and emboldened millions of Americans to translate their serious concerns about immigration, the economy and ISIS into a vote for him. Aggrieved by the current state of affairs and the Democrat incumbency over the past eight years, Hillary Clinton represented a continuation of establishment policies that millions of ordinary Americans felt 'silenced' by. To most people, the result on Tuesday came as the biggest shock is US election history. But to some, the element of surprise is not so considerable; for the millions of people who felt forgotten and afflicted by the establishment, and disaffected at the cautious approach to immigration and terrorism, were bound to rise up eventually.
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warc | 201704 | You'd be hard pressed to find someone who doesn't love a going to a day spa. Maybe it's the mood lighting, the big fluffy robe, or Enya playing ambiently in the background. Probably all three. And it's that premise -- that a relaxing environment creates a sense of contentment -- that Perth's first ever 'brain wellness spa' is based on.
"What we do is actually help people get into their emotional potential," Terri Bowman, creator and owner of The Brain Wellness Spa told The Huffington Post Australia.
"When people come and see us they are generally unhappy, miserable, worried, negative, depressed or anxious. They're often the common emotions people feel when their lives are overwhelming. So what we have to do is teach them how to be happy again, and a way to do that is to take your brain out on a date."
"In our brain spa we work to turn on the happy hormones in the brain so clients are able to switch off from their world or worries. We don't allow phones in the spa and the mood of the environment is very calming. We find that some clients come to us as opposed to traditional therapy as they don't like a clinical environment that feels like they are there because they are damaged or broken. Clients want to feel nurtured and loved," Bowman said.
The good news is you don't have to go to a spa or clinic to take your brain 'on a date' -- it's as simple as scheduling time to do an activity that stimulates your senses. Let's call a spade a spade -- it's about prioritising your mental well being, though the term 'brain date' helps to visualise blocking out a chuck of time that would otherwise slip by. You lock in time to go to the gym for your body, so why not set aside time for your brain, too? Those who meditate know the benefits, but a 'brain date' might be easier for beginners.
"Because your senses are connected to your emotions, your senses stimulate your feelings and that effects your thoughts and thinking process. If you've been in a situation where you've been stressed, overwhelmed or anxious your senses start to feel discounted from all the enjoyment of life. What we have to do is stimulate the senses again," Bowman said.
So what does it mean to take your brain out on a date?
"It can be as simple as watching a sunset with a loved one or a friend, having a picnic, or fish and chips on the beach. What that does is stimulate your senses to elevate the happy hormones in your brain."
When you think about it, it's pretty simple. Setting aside a short amount of time to do something that makes you happy for the sake of your mental health. When was the last time you prioritised your emotions?
"A 'brain date' could involve going into a coffee shop that has a good vibe that makes you feel positive. If you're anxious and overwhelmed but can't leave the house a brain date might be watching a favourite movie that makes you feel good," Bowman said.
"It might be catching up with a buddy and going for a walk. Or even try saying good morning to strangers -- it's the old concept of reaching out and connecting, it automatically makes you feel good. It has got to be something that stimulates your senses."
"We should be having a brain date at least three to four times per week. Because stress dictates our level of happiness so if we have more stress in our brains than what we have happiness, we have to consciously, just like going to the gym, make it a priority," Bowman said.
Start small by marking two 'brain dates' in your diary in the next week, and don't cancel them, even when the calendar fills up with other commitments. We dare you.Suggest a correction | 3,630 | 1,686 | 0.000598 |
warc | 201704 | At 8:05 a.m., children between the grades of nursery to 8th grade file into Brown School's large gymnasium in Schenectady, New York, to observe community time. They walk in chatting with friends and sit in small groups on the floor. Soon the place is enveloped in a cacophony of youthful sounds.
Slowly, a slim middle-schooler walks to the front of the gym and makes a few school announcements and then strikes a small hand held chime. Immediately the children become silent for about a minute. Some close their eyes, others look at their feet or hands. When the chime sounds again, the children disperse into their classrooms.
This ritual marks the beginning of every school day at Brown which resides on a quiet residential street lined by deciduous trees. Founded in 1893, it is one of the few private schools to integrate mindfulness -- the practice of cultivating awareness, attention, acceptance and non-judgement -- into its entire school curriculum. Children are completely aware of the phrase: Are you being mindful? A question bandied about often by teachers during the day. Unlike Trinity School in Manhattan, which recently started a mindfulness practice in its lower school, Brown's practice is well established. The school's lexicon is MindUP, a complete school curricula developed with the help of neuroscientists, psychologists and educators aimed at fostering mindful focussed awareness activities in children that promote positive human qualities such as empathy, perspective-taking, helpfulness and kindness. These are believed to increase optimism, well being and foster a cohesive, caring climate that enhances learning. The program weighs heavily on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), a practice that teaches self-awareness and management of one's feelings while being empathetic to others.
MindUP has enjoyed popularity in Vancouver, British Columbia, where it's been incorporated into about a quarter of the public school classrooms, according to neuroscientist, Adele Diamond. In America, MindUP's founder and promoter has been Goldie Hawn. Scholastic, the global children's publication, education and research company, has endorsed and promoted MindUP curricula for Pre-K to eighth grade students. This has been a boost and selling point for MindUP.
Over a makeshift lunch, Patti Vitale, Brown's principal, recounted an incident that occurred last December when she decided to conduct a workshop on MindUP aimed at helping parents deal with the busy holiday season. Unbeknownst to her, one parent called the local TV station, which was enthusiastic to air portions of the workshop. "When I heard that reporters were coming and the room was near empty, I went into panic, flight mode," she says. "Talk about your amygdala taking over! I couldn't remember phone numbers, looked at my iPhone and couldn't work it. Then someone told me to just take a breath. It worked!" Vitale, a veteran educator, is passionate about the necessity for programs like MindUP in today's world. "My uncle taunts me by saying he grew up in the depression without all this and he's just fine," she says. "But there was no TV, no cell phone, no Fisher Price mobile in the crib that flashed bright lights and music. What came natural to him, those quiet times, are not available to kids today. Kids don't know how to quiet themselves, they can't sleep without noise."
She believes these principles can help correct some of the education problems in this country. "When we put too much emphasis on grades, kids are not learning how to learn on their own," she says. Pointing to last year's Fortune magazine's issue on 'The 50 Most Powerful Women,' Vitale says, "I am surprised that none of them are educators."
Every academic lesson on Vitale's radar is an opportunity for a MindUP session. During a science class on water, her students tasted different kinds of water, listened to sounds of water and talked about water scarcity in Africa. This led to a MindUP lesson in gratitude. A class discussion on last year's Rutger's University suicide, led to a lesson on perspective. "Were the social and emotional needs of the child who killed himself addressed?" she asks. But the most substantive lesson taught during the day is mindful breathing, which is practiced three times each school day: in the morning, at lunch and at the end of the day. " Breathing is to get them centered and refocussed," says Vitale. "I get everyone's attention after that."
At lunch in the cafeteria where the selection is salads, meatloaf, boiled vegetables or pizza, Miles Smachlo, a seventh grader, in an Andover hoodie helps himself to a slice of pizza. "The morning breathing makes me feel calm," says Smachlo. "I like swimming and use breathing before I swim in races. I calm myself by slowing down my breathing. When I get disappointed by a race, I can figure out why I did badly."
Lisa Collins, whose daughter attends 8th grade, says Ruby transferred into Brown in middle school after a traumatic public school experience involving mean girls. Collins believes that the optimistic, positive approach her daughter has learned at Brown have contributed to her current academic success. "I see her thinking when she is in a bind with a friend; she knows she has options, so the thoughtfulness is great," says Collins. "She can externalize and understand her emotions. She'll go so far by knowing these things about herself, things I knew only in my 30s." MindUP lessons are most effective with kids in younger grades says middle school science teacher, Teresa Burke. For middle schoolers, it can be a hard sell. "We have to do a lot of creative masking," says Burke, sitting in her math class. "It's hard to deliver the message, to turn every activity into a MindUP lesson. For example optimism - we cannot call it that, it's not cool for the kids." The lesson most applicable for this age group has been breathing. "During test taking we use breathing. It helps. They know how to relax themselves." In a British Columbia study, published last year in the Mindfulness Journal, Dr. Kimberly Schonert-Reichl found that middle schoolers exposed to a range of mindful education exercises -- breathing, attention, emotional control and self acknowledgment -- showed significant improvements in attention, concentration, empathy and compassion. Last year, in an effort to improve educational practices in a troubled city, Mayor Cory Booker with Hawn's help, instituted MindUP programs in five Newark public schools to be followed by another 12 this year; the goal being for 20 percent of Newark public school students to practice some form of mindfulness. Leonard Kopack, Special Assistant for Innovation and Change, Newark public schools, hopes that MindUP will decrease acting out, enhance self awareness and social awareness, improve social skills, and promote sharing and cooperation. Kopack was floored to see what kids do in the morning. "300 students from K to five in the Harriet Tubman school, get together to say the Pledge of Allegiance," he says. "They close their eyes, focus on breathing and listen to the chime and hopefully take that focus into the classroom. Long term focus is needed to change the behaviors of kids." When Kopack asked one of the kids, 'Who's the most important person you think about?' The child answered, 'The person next to me.' "So it's not all about me, what can I do to help others? This is a powerful statement to make," Kopack says. "Even as adults if we stopped thinking about ourselves and thought about another, what a beautiful place this world would be!"
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warc | 201704 | OPINION emre-deliveli
A 'biutiful' financial center
HDN | 9/29/2011 12:00:00 AM | Emre Deliveli - [email protected]
It has been exactly two years since economy tsar Ali Babacan unveiled the Istanbul Finance Center Strategy and Action Plan, or SAP, with great fanfare at the IMF-World Bank meetings in Istanbul.
It has been exactly two years since economy tsar Ali Babacan unveiled the Istanbul Finance Center Strategy and Action Plan, or SAP, with great fanfare at the IMF-World Bank meetings in Istanbul.
The economists and policymakers I talked to then politely (and humorously) mentioned that traffic would be the biggest obstacle to the project. Incidentally, infrastructure was one of the topics at the Istanbul Finance Summit, or IFS, on Wednesday. But as Peter Casey, one of the architects of the Dubai Financial Center, noted, it is never a center’s edge over others.
Despite Turkish authorities’ good understanding of the challenges ahead and their early move, not much has been achieved so far. Babacan himself admitted back in April that only nine of the 71 actions in the SAP had been completed. Simple algebra reveals that at this rate, the SAP could be completed by the centennial of the Republic of Turkey in 2023.
But things are about to speed up. The government is planning to pass a large Omnibus Law by the end of the year, which would cover many of the actions included in the SAP. This big-bang method would address my main criticism of the SAP that it does not take into consideration binding constraints. Such “grocery list” approaches with long to-do lists do not tell you where you’ll be getting the biggest bang for the buck, but if you are buying all the groceries at one time, the issue becomes less relevant.
In addition, unless you are planning to tap into Martian funds, benchmarking is necessary. After all, becoming a financial center is not an exercise in creation, but one in competition. Istanbul does not seem to fare well in that regard: It is ranked 71st in the Global Financial Centers index prepared by the Z/Yen Group.
The Omnibus Law will surely make Istanbul much more attractive as a financial center and push up its Z/Yen ranking, but some of Istanbul’s strengths – including its location – will nevertheless not be captured by this type of index.
Plotting Z/Yen’s list of top 75 financial centers reveals that the vast area east of the Danube and west of the Ganges, encompassing the whole African continent, the Balkans, Middle East and Western Asia, is only a served by a handful of financial centers.
Of these, the Gulf Cooperation Council, or GCC, centers in Dubai, Qatar and Bahrain are one step ahead of the others, which include Istanbul, Johannesburg, Moscow and Mumbai. Despite the lack of many instruments found in global financial centers, Istanbul differentiates itself by being the only diversified center in the region, with the possible exception of Johannesburg.
However, the same Z/Yen report reveals that Istanbul is still perceived as a local, rather than a global or even regional, financial center. This matters because, in the finance world, perception often trumps reality. Moscow, which is neither as deep nor as diversified as Istanbul, is nevertheless viewed as a global center.
Despite its widely publicized economic woes, Dubai is regarded by the respondents as one of the centers likely to become more significant. Similarly, it is also one of the top 10 centers where respondents’ organizations are most likely to open offices.
The Omnibus Law could be an important step in putting Istanbul ahead in this beauty contest, as it would likely make changes that Z/Yen survey respondents deem important, such as taxation and regulatory simplification. Such private sector-oriented reform would not be a big surprise, as the authorities have been very willing to listen to and engage finance professionals.
But financiers look at, above anything else, stability and clarity of regulation. In other words, they want to able to see ahead clearly. In that regard, the recent political and macroeconomic stability needs to be complemented by a stable policy regime, including monetary policy.
Otherwise, Istanbul will become a “biutiful” financial center, rather than the “beautiful” one Central Bank Gov. Erdem Başçı mentioned at the IFS.
Emre Deliveli is a freelance consultant as well as a columnist for Hürriyet Daily News and contributor to Roubini Global Economics. His blog on the Turkish economy, The Kapalı Çarşı, is at Nouriel Roubini’sEconomonitor: www.economonitor.com/emredeliveli. | 4,695 | 2,247 | 0.000458 |
warc | 201704 | Evidence for global warming unequivocal and most likely due to human activities, but there is high confidence for effective adaptation as well as high agreement and much evidence of substantial economic potential for mitigation; the cost of fighting global warming at the most stringent level will cost no more than 0.12 percent of global GDP a year up to 2030. Dr. Mae-Wan Ho
The latest IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) Synthesis Report [1], released 17 November 2007, presents “a stark and dire warning about climate change”[2], and prepares the ground for the December meetings of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol in Bali. The developed countries are expected to make further commitments to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions beyond the Kyoto Protocol’s 2008-2012 first commitment period.
The week in Valencia was described by Third World Network’s director Martin Khor as a “long and difficult meeting” [2]; especially controversial was the section on long term perspectives and the five “reasons for concern” in the Summary for Policy Makers [1].
The Synthesis Report, adopted after extensive comments by governments and several amendments, integrates and condenses a vast body of scientific literature from three working group reports released earlier in the year:
The Physical Science Basis; Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability; and Mitigation of Climate Change.
“Warming of the climate system is unequivocal”, so said Dr. Rajenda Pachauri, Chair of the Interngovernmental Panel on Climate Change, in his presentation to the press [3]. Measurements show air and ocean temperatures increasing, global sea level rising, snow and ice reducing, increase in heavy rains, droughts, and heat waves [4].
Eleven of the past twelve years are among the warmest on record since 1850. The last time that the earth warmed to such an extent was at least 1 300 years ago. But the last time the polar regions were significantly warmer than the present for an extended period was 125 000 years ago, and it led to a 4 to 6 m rise in sea level.
Widespread decreases in glaciers and ice caps have contributed to sea level rise. New data since the last assessment report in 2001 show losses from the ice sheets of Greenland and Antarctica have very likely contributed to sea level rise over 1993 to 2003. Global sea level rose at an average rate of 1.8 mm per year between 1961 and 2003, but the rate accelerated in the period between 1993 and 2003 to about 3.1 mm per year.
“At continental, regional and ocean basin scales, numerous long-term changes in climate have been observed. These include changes in arctic temperatures and ice, widespread changes in precipitation amounts, ocean salinity, wind patterns and aspects of extreme weather including droughts, heavy precipitation, heat waves and the intensity of tropical cyclones.”
Average arctic temperatures increased at almost twice the global average rate in the past 100 years. Satellite data since 1978 show that annual average arctic sea ice extent has shrunk by 2.7 percent per decade, with larger decreases in summer of 7.5 to 9.8 percent per decade. Temperatures at the top of the permafrost layer have generally increased since the 1980s in the Arctic by up to 3 °C. The maximum area covered by seasonally frozen ground has decreased by about 7 percent in Northern Hemisphere since 1900, with a decrease in spring of up to 15 percent.
Long-term trends in rainfall from 1900 to 2005 have been observed over many large regions: significant increase in eastern parts of North and South America, northern Europe and northern and central Asia; drying in the Sahel, the Mediterranean, southern Africa and parts of southern Asia.
Precipitation is highly variable spatially and temporally. Globally, the area affected by drought has also increased since the 1970s.
There have been changes in precipitation and evaporation over the oceans with freshening of mid- and high-latitude waters together with increased salinity in low-latitude waters.
Mid latitude westerly winds have strengthened in both hemispheres since the 1960s. There have been more intense and longer droughts over wider areas since the 1970s, particularly in the topics and subtropics.
The frequency of heavy precipitation events has increased over most land areas, consistent with warming and observed increases of atmospheric water vapour. There have been widespread changes in extreme temperatures over the past 50 years. Cold days, cold nights and frosts less frequent, while hot days, hot nights and heat waves have become more frequent.
There is evidence of “an increase in intense tropical cyclone activity in the North Atlantic since about 1970, with limited evidence of increases elsewhere.”
The text on cyclones was subject to intense and protracted discussion, as the US had proposed introducing a number of qualifications to the original [2], probably having in mind Hurricane Katrina that hit the country in 2006, while Cyclone Sidr has just devastated Bangladesh in November 2007, with an estimated 900 000 families affected and a death toll of more than 10 000 and rising [5].
The Summary of the IPPC Synthesis Report [1] expresses “very high confidence” that the net effect of human activities since 1970 has caused global warming. “Most of the observed increase in global average temperatures since the mid-20th century is
very likely due to the observed increase in anthropogenic greenhouse gas concentrations.” This is an advance since the conclusion of the previous Third Assessment Report that “most of the observed warming over the last 50 years is likely to have been due to the increase in greenhouse gas concentrations”.
“Discernible human influences now extend to other aspects of climate, including ocean warming, continental-average temperatures, temperature extremes and wind patterns..” [4].
Results simulated by climate models using natural and anthropogenic emissions for the period 1906 to 2005 indeed show that anthropogenic emissions are responsible for temperature increases over both landmasses and the ocean.
Global increase in CO
2 concentrations is due primarily to fossil fuel use, with change in land use also contributing a significant amount. Increase in the other major greenhouse gases methane and nitrous oxide are primarily due to agriculture. CO 2 has increased from a pre-industrial 280 to 379 ppm (parts per million) in 2005. The annual CO 2 growth rate was larger during the past ten years at 1.9 ppm per year than it has been since the beginning of continuous direct measurements (1960-2005 average 1.4 ppm per year).
The annual fossil CO
2 emissions increased from an average of 6.4 Gt per year in the 1990s to 7.2 Gt per year in 2000-2005. CO 2 emissions association with land-use change is estimated to be 1.6 per year over the 1990s. Global methane in the atmosphere has increased from the pre-industrial value of about 715 to 1732 ppb (parts per billion) in the early 1990s and 1774 ppb in 2005, exceeding by far the natural range of the past 650 000 years (320 to 790 ppb). Growth rate has declined since the early 1990s. Global nitrous oxide increased from pre-industrial value of about 270 to 319 ppb in 2005, its growth rate approx constant since 1980, and more than a third is due to agriculture.
Various IPCC scenarios (see Box 1) [4] project emissions increases of between 25 and 90 percent between 2000 and 2030 and beyond. Continued emissions at or above the current rate would cause further warming and induce many changes in the present century “
very likely” to be larger than those observed during the past century.
Box 1
The IPCC Special Report on Emission Scenarios (SREs) The SRES scenarios are different models for predicting emissions, global temperatures and other aspects of global warming under different storylines, they do not include additional climate initiatives , which means that no scenarios are included that explicitly assume implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change or the emissions targets of the Kyoto Protocol. A1 scenario family describes a future world of very rapid economic growth, with global population peaking in mid-century and declining thereafter, and the rapid introduction of new and more efficient technologies. Major underlying themes are convergence among regions, capacity building and increased cultural and social interactions, with a substantial reduction in regional differences in per capita income. The A1 scenario family develops into three groups distinguished by their technological emphasis: fossil-intensive ( A1FI), non-fossil energy sources ( A1T) or a balance across all sources ( A1B) (where balanced is defined as not relying too heavily on one particular energy source, on the assumption that similar improvement rates apply to all energy supply and end use technologies). A2 scenario family describes a very heterogeneous world. The underlying theme is self-
reliance and preservation of local identities. Fertility patterns across regions converge very slowly, which results in continuously increasing population. Economic development is primarily regionally oriented and per capita economic growth and technological change more fragmented and slower than other scenarios.
B1 scenario family describes a convergent world with the same global population, that
peaks in mid-century and declines thereafter, as in the A1 scenario, but with rapid change in economic structures toward a service and information economy, reductions in material intensity and the introduction of clean and resource-efficient technologies. The emphasis is on global solutions to economic, social and environmental sustainability, including improved equity, but without additional climate initiatives.
B2 scenario family describes a world that emphasizes local solutions to economic, social and environmental sustainability, with continuously increasing global population, at a rate lower than A2, intermediate levels of economic development, and less rapid and more diverse technological change than in the B1 and A1. While the scenario is also oriented towards environmental protection and social equity, it focuses on local and regional levels.
Warming is inevitable [4]. For the next two decades, a warming of about 0.2°C per decade is projected for a range of emission scenarios. “Even if the concentrations of all greenhouse gases and aerosols had been kept constant at year 2000 levels, a further warming of about 0.1 °C per decade would be expected.” The projected temperature rise by the end of this century is between 1.1 and 6.4 °C over all scenarios.
On the most stringent goal set to combat climate change, emissions of GHG would have to peak by 2015 to limit temperature rises to 2.0 - 2.4 °C.
There is higher confidence than in previous IPCC reports “in projected patterns of warming and other regional-scale features.” This suggests an increase in the frequency of hot extremes, heat waves and heavy rainfall. Rainfall is also very likely to increase in the high latitudes and likely to decrease in most subtropical regions. Tropical cyclones are likely to become more intense. There is “high confidence” that many semi-arid areas, such as the Mediterranean basin, western United States, southern Africa and northern Brazil, will suffer a decrease in water resources.
Specific projections for different regions are as follow [1].
Global warming could also lead to some impacts that are “abrupt or irreversible”. Approximately 20-30 percent of species are likely to be at increased risk of extinction if warming exceeds 1.5 to 2.5 °C, and after 3.5 °C, models predict extinctions of 40-70 percent of species.
Although the different IPPC scenarios predict sea level rise between 18 and 59 cm by the end of this century, the Synthesis Report Summary [1] states that more rapid sea level rise over century time scales “cannot be excluded”. Complete elimination of the Greenland ice sheet could cause a seven-metre sea level rise. None of the IPPC scenarios include climate-carbon feedbacks, nor the full effects of changes in ice sheet flows. Notably, the Report does “not assess the likelihood, nor provide a best estimate or an upper bound for sea level rise.”
The Summary [1] states that “a wide array of adaptation options is available, but more extensive adaptation than is currently occurring is required to reduce vulnerability to climate change.” It alludes to “barriers, limits and costs” to adaptation “not fully understood”, and says that the capacity to adapt is intimately connected to social and economic development, which is unevenly distributed across and within societies.
Vulnerability to climate change can be exacerbated by other stresses, for example, “current climate hazards, poverty and unequal access to resources, food insecurity, trends in economic globalisation, conflict and incidence of diseases such as HIV/AIDS.”
There is high confidence that there are viable adaptation options that can be implemented in some sectors at low cost, and/or with high benefit-cost ratios.”
Many obvious adaptation technologies are mentioned, such as rainwater harvesting, improved land management, erosion control and soil protection through tree planting; creation of marshlands/wetlands as buffer against sea level rise and flooding, and heat-health action plans.
The Summary notes that there is “
high agreement and much evidence of substantial economic potential for mitigation of global GHG emissions over the coming decades that could offset the projected growth of global emissions or reduce emissions below current levels.”
Examples of mitigation technologies likely to prove controversial are nuclear power, carbon dioxide capture and storage, and biofuels. Astonishingly, organic agriculture is not mentioned among the mitigation technologies.
It states that no single technology can provide all of the mitigation potential in any sector. “The economic mitigation potential, which is generally greater than the market mitigation potential, can only be achieved when adequate polices are in place and barriers removed.” The economic potentials are based on the market price of CO
2 [6] and have a ring of unreality to them. For one thing, they are based on outdated prices for fossil fuels (crude oil at US$ 25/ barrel), and have not factored in the strong demand for oil from China in recent years (see later).
It mentions a wide variety of polices and instruments available to governments to create the incentives for mitigation action: higher taxes on emissions, regulations, tradeable permits and research.
Perhaps the most important message is that the costs of fighting global warming will range from less than 0.12 percent of Global GDP per year for the most stringent scenarios (stabilization of atmospheric GHG at 445-535 ppm CO
2e) until 2030 to less than 0.06 percent for a less tough goal (590-710 ppm CO 2e). In the most costly cases, a loss of GPD by 2030 is less than 3 percent.
The discussion on the long-term perspective was the most controversial, given its particular importance for framing the findings in the rest of the report, and hence its influence it is likely to have at the UNFCCC negotiations [2]. A Contact Group was formed early in the week in Valencia to resolve this issue, and discussions were mainly addressed through the Contact Group.
The objective of the UNFCCC is “stabilisation of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system”. Such a level is to be achieved “within a time-frame sufficient to allow ecosystems to adapt naturally to climate change”.
The Summary [1] concludes that determining what constitutes “dangerous anthropogenic interference” involves value judgements by policy-makers. But science can support informed decisions on this issue, by providing criteria for judging which vulnerabilities might be labelled “key”.
The bone of contention at the Valencia meeting was the five “reasons for concern”: risks to unique and threatened systems, risks of extreme weather events, distribution of impacts and vulnerabilities, aggregate impacts, and risks of large-scale singularities - which are considered a viable framework for considering key vulnerabilities (see Box 2).
There is “new and stronger evidence of observed impacts of climate change on unique and vulnerable systems (such as polar and high mountain communities and ecosystems) with increasing levels of adverse impacts as temperatures increase further”.
An increasing risk of species extinction and coral reef damage is projected with higher confidence than in the last Assessment Report. There is increased confidence that a 1-2
oC increase in global mean temperature above 1990 levels (about 1.5-2.5 oC above pre-industrial) poses significant risks to many unique and threatened systems including many biodiversity hotspots.
Increases in sea surface temperature of about 1-3
oC are expected to result in more frequent coral bleaching events and widespread coral mortality. Increasing vulnerability of indigenous communities in the Arctic and small island communities is also projected.
There is “higher confidence in the projected increases in droughts, heatwaves, and floods as well as their adverse impacts” and that there are higher levels of vulnerabilities than that concluded in the last Assessment Report.
According to the Summary, “there are sharp differences across regions and those in the weakest economic position are often the most vulnerable to climate change”.
There is also increasing evidence of greater vulnerability of specific groups such as the poor and elderly in developing and developed countries. There is increased evidence that low-latitude and less-developed areas generally face greater risk, for example in dry areas and mega-deltas.
Initial net market-based benefits from climate change are projected in the Summary to peak at a lower magnitude of warming, while damages would be higher for larger magnitudes of warming. The net costs of impacts of increased warming are projected to increase over time.
The Summary states that “there is
high confidence that global warming over many centuries would lead to a sea level rise contribution from thermal expansion alone which is projected to be much larger than observed over the 20 th century, with loss of coastal area and associated impacts”.
The US had proposed that the section and the five reasons for concern should be deleted; but in the end, they remained after extensive discussion and amendment. This section helps to actively link the conclusion in the Summary with the UNFCCC’s goal of avoiding “dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system”.
According to the Summary [1], “key vulnerabilities” can be identified based on a number of criteria in the literature including magnitude, timing, persistence/reversibility, potential for adaptation, distributional aspects, likelihood and ‘importance’ of the impacts. These may be associated with many climate sensitive systems such as food supply, infrastructure, health, water resources, coastal systems, ecosystems, global biogeochemical cycles, ice sheets, and modes of oceanic and atmospheric circulation.
The reasons for concern were already reflected in the IPCC Third Assessment Report, but are considered to be stronger now in the current IPCC Fourth Assessment Report, as many of the risks are identified with higher confidence and some risks are projected to be larger or to occur at lower increases of temperature. In addition, the understanding about the relationship between impacts and vulnerability has improved.
The Summary [1] reflected the hard fought interest of the countries that discussed and finalised the document, says Martin Khor [2]. The Fourth Assessment Report of the IPCC and its Summary will be the scientific basis on which important policy decisions for future emissions reduction and other commitments will be taken by the UNFCCC.
The US is not a Party to the Kyoto Protocol and is therefore not bound to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, although it is still the largest (absolute and per capita) emitter in the world. The US was very active during the Valencia meetings and had made extensive written proposals to essentially weaken the document, such as by downplaying the likelihood of future global warming and by weakening the links between the causes and effects of climate change. Part of the US’ submissions seemed to be aimed at attempting to divert the focus from the developed countries’ responsibility onto other developing countries with large emissions (but much smaller per capita emissions).
Saudi Arabia often sought to introduce language on “spillover effects”, meaning the effects of climate change on countries whose economies are dependent on oil, which may suffer declining demand for oil as countries shift towards energy efficiency and renewable energies.
The majority of countries were mainly concerned with finalising a document that reflected the findings and conclusions of the IPCC scientists. Of the developing countries, the small island states were among the main advocates for conclusions supporting strong action.
The IPCC reports are consensus scientific documents that consist of mainstream climate change findings, and have been widely criticized as being on the conservative side.
As pointed out in
The New York Times [7], the process of producing an assessment report takes five years of study and writing and cannot take into account the very latest data on climate change or economic trends, which show larger than predicted development and energy use in China.
Gernot Klepper at the Kiel Institute for World Economy in Germany points out that the world is already at or above the worst-case scenario in terms of emissions. In 2006, 8.5 Gt of C (31.17 Gt CO
2) were released into the atmosphere from fossil fuels, which is almost identical to the IPCC’s worst-case prediction for that year.
The same goes for the future melting of ice sheets in Greenland and western Antarctica. In earlier reports, the panel’s scientists acknowledged that their computer models were poor at such predictions, and did not reflect the rapid melting recently observed. If these areas melt entirely, sea level would rise by 40 feet (12.2 metres). There is now evidence this could happen much faster, perhaps over centuries instead of millennia.
Another thread of discussion that will be an important component in the UNFCCC negotiations is the issue of technology and financing for mitigation and adaptation, and the barriers to developing countries in successfully realizing them. The Summary [1] acknowledges these barriers but does not specify them and constantly suggests that they are “not fully understood”.
But if the cost of fighting climate change through combined adaptation and mitigation to keep atmospheric CO
2 at the lowest levels is as cheap as 0.12 percent of global GDP per year as estimated [1], then these unspecified barriers could hardly be insurmountable. That’s perhaps the best message to take forward to Bali. Article first published 03/12/07
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warc | 201704 | Transcript of a Press Conference on the Release of World Economic Outlook Update
July 9, 2013July 9, 2013
Panelists:
Olivier Blanchard, Economic Counsellor and Chief Economist, IMF Research Department Thomas Helbing, Division Chief, World Economic Studies, IMF Research Department Rupa Duttagupta, Deputy Division Chief, Research Department Gita Bhatt, Moderator, Communications Department
Webcast of the press conference
MS. BHATT: Good morning, all of you, and a warm welcome to those of you who are here and to those online for this press conference on the update of the World Economic Outlook, one of the IMF's flagship publications. I also want to remind everyone that this is an update of the key forecasts for some countries and regions, and is limited in scope and ambition. The publication of the full year report with a fuller and comprehensive analysis will be, as usual, on a biannual basis, with the next one coming up in October.
With that, let me introduce the panel: We have Olivier Blanchard, who is the IMF's Economic Counselor and Director of the Research Department; we have Thomas Helbling to my immediate right, who is a Division Chief in charge of the World Economic Studies Division in the Research Department; and Rupa Duttagupta, who is the Deputy Division Chief in the Research Department.
Olivier, will make some brief opening remarks, and then we'll take your questions.
MR. BLANCHARD: Gita, thank you. Good morning, all. The world economy remains in a three speed mode, emerging markets are still growing rapidly, the U.S. recovery is steady, but much of Europe continues to struggle.
There is, however, a twist to that story, which is that growth almost everywhere is a bit weaker than we forecast last April, and the downward revisions are particularly noticeable in emerging market countries. After years of strong growth, the emerging market economies—the BRICS, to call them that way, are beginning to run into speed bumps. This means that the focus of policies will increasingly need to turn to boosting potential output growth or, in the case of China, to achieving more sustainable and balanced growth.
Let me, as I typically do, start with first some numbers. Growth in emerging markets and developing economies is forecast to be 5.0 percent in 2013. This is 0.3 percent less than what we had forecast last April. Now, it is forecast to increase to 5.4 percent in 2014, which is better, but it's still downward revision relative to our April forecast of 0.3 percent. Here, I think it's interesting to actually give you numbers for some of the main countries.
Growth in China is forecast to be 7.8 percent in 2013, that's a downward revision of .3 percent; growth in India is forecast to be 5.6 percent, down 0.2 percent; growth in Brazil is forecast to be 2.5 percent, that's down 0.5 percent; and growth in Russia is forecast to be 2.5 percent, down 0.9 percent from our April forecast, so clear downward revisions. In addition, in all four cases, we have also revised down our earlier forecasts for 2014, by similar or even larger amounts.
Turning to advanced economies, growth in the U.S. is forecast to be 1.7 percent in 2013, that's a downward revision of 0.2 percent, but we expect growth to actually rebound, and we're predicting a 2.7 percent in 2014.
Now, turning to Europe, we continue to predict negative growth in the euro zone in 2013, -0.6 percent, and that's another downward revision of about 0.2 percent. This reflects not only negative growth in Spain and Italy, but also lower growth in the core. We think the growth in the euro will turn positive in 2014, but it will remain very low.
So these are the numbers, but what's the story behind these numbers? Let me, again, start with emerging market economies. The slowdown in the major emerging market economies appears to have both cyclical and, more importantly, structural components. On the demand side, what's common to all these countries is a slowdown in exports due to the fact that the advanced economies are not doing great. But this only explains part of the slow down, there are also slowdowns in consumption, slowdowns in investment, in domestic demand.
What's even more striking, on the supply side, the slowdown in growth has not come with much of the decreasing inflation, and this, together with other evidence, suggests to us that potential output has slowed down in line with actual output. This has an important implication which is that growth in emerging market economies will remain high, much higher than in the advanced economies, but may be substantially lower than it was before the crisis.
Again, turning to advanced economies, the U.S., the slowdown in the U.S., this 0.2 percent revision, is not particularly worrisome. What it hides is a robust recovery in private demand.
What has happened is that that stronger than expected, and stronger than desirable, fiscal consolidation has been only partly offset by good performance of the housing market, with the net result being a small downward revision. If fiscal consolidation had been weaker, then growth in the U.S. would be substantially higher.
Now, let me turn to Europe and to the euro zone. In the southern Euro periphery, improvements in relative costs, in competitiveness, are indeed leading to increases in export shares. But this is not enough to offset a very weak internal demand with a result that these countries have negative growth this year. High interest rates and fiscal consolidation are clearly playing a role.
Now, if you look at the core countries, we also have revised the forecast down. In Germany, it is largely a story of lower exports and the induced effects on investment which depends very much on exports. In France, there is a very large fiscal consolidation, which is clearly playing a role, but there seems to be more at work than these factors. There is at least, in France, and to some extent in Germany, I think, a general lack of confidence in the future, which, if it doesn't turn around, it may end up being partly self-fulfilling, which is worrisome.
Now, I've talked about three speeds, but, in fact, as was clear at the last press conference in April as well, it’s really 3-1/2 speeds, because you have an odd country out, which is Japan. And here we actually have revised our growth forecast up. It’s too early to tell whether this stronger growth reflects Abenomics, but it has been stronger than expected, and it's clear the confidence is building up. So we forecast 2 percent growth for 2013, which is an upward revision of 0.5 percent, but only, actually, 1.2 percent for 2014, which is a downward revision of 0.3 percent.
Let me turn to the risks. The old risks are still very much present, the main one being the state of Europe and things which can go wrong there. We have discussed it in the past. I will focus on what we see as three main new risks.
The first is risk to growth in China. After a very large increase in investments since the beginning of the crisis, an increase which was largely financed through the shadow banking system, Chinese policymakers face a difficult choice: either letting investment remain high at the risk of increasingly unproductive investment at the margin, and the buildup of credit risks; or tightening credit, slowing investment and risking a decrease in growth because consumption is unlikely to increase fast enough to compensate for the decreasing investment. As a result, this is a difficult path to negotiate, and we see potential downside risks to growth in China.
The second risk is Japan's Abenomics, namely whether Japan will be able to use or to develop the three arrows of fiscal stimulus, aggressive monetary easing, and structural reforms. On this, unless the second arrow, which is the fiscal stimulus, is soon complemented by credible medium-run fiscal plan, and the third arrow, which is the structural reforms, reflects substantial reforms, I think the risk is that investors will become worried about that sustainability and then ask for higher interest rate on Japanese government bonds. And this clearly would make it difficult for Japan to maintain that sustainability and put Abenomics in trouble.
The third risk is the one associated with exit from quantitative easing in the U.S. We attribute the high volatility of financial markets in the recent past, not so much to news from the Fed, but to the sudden realization by investors that quantitative easing would eventually come to an end. As they tried simultaneously to rebalance their portfolios both in the U.S. and abroad, the result was some overshooting, isolated dislocations in some markets, and high volatility. Going forward, we expect volatility to decrease, maybe not back to the levels of a few months ago, but to decrease relative to the highs of the recent past, but one cannot rule further attacks of nerves along the way.
Let me end with policy recommendations, which very much follow from what I've said so far. In emerging market economies, the focus should be on boosting potential growth while dealing with the capital outflows, which may well follow from the exit of the U.S. from quantitative easing. In both the U.S. and Japan, the fiscal plan, medium-run fiscal plan remains of the essence, and in Europe, various measures must nurse the timid recovery. This includes gradual fiscal adjustment, the assessment and the repair of bank balance sheets and progress on the banking union.
QUESTIONER: I was wondering if you could just elaborate about some of the risks you see for emerging markets? You mentioned a whole list of different things that you’re worried about. Which do you see as the biggest risk and how do you evaluate the risk from quantitative easing the exit for emerging markets?
MR. BLANCHARD: I will give a general answer and then I’ll ask Rupa to be more specific on countries. The country where there’s the largest risk, in terms of a large decrease in growth, is China. The other countries I think are more facing a slowdown and have to take measures to try to increase the underlying output growth. For example, Brazil has a very low investment rate and that’s clearly an issue both from the demand side and in the medium run on the supply side. Whether you call this a risk or just the fact that if they don’t do something their growth will remain low, is a semantic issue.
MS. DUTTAGUPTA: Just to the extent that the deceleration in China is a risk, that has implications for commodity prices and, therefore, other regions, especially commodity exporters, also face spillover risks from a slowdown in China.
QUESTIONER: Spain shows one of the biggest drops, especially in 2014. I wanted to ask what are the reasons behind that fall. What has happened in the last three months for such a downgrade? Thank you.
MR. HELBLING: If you look at our Spanish forecast -- let me also mention that there was indeed a downward revision in our growth forecast for next year, but there are two changes. On the one hand I think if you just look at underlying growth, I think we actually would have had some improvement relative to April. And as Olivier Blanchard mentioned earlier, there has been some improvement in competitiveness in the euro area periphery. And what we have seen in Spain that actually exports have expanded and that Spanish firms have been able to expand market shares and that is expected to continue. But the major change, and that explains the downward revision, is that in April we assumed for fiscal policy what we call current policy; that is no further adjustment because measures were not identified. The implication is that in our April forecast the fiscal deficit was actually, rather than improving as envisaged under the government’s plan, it was forecast to improve. In the meantime there are now fiscal measures to bring down the fiscal deficit by 0.8 percentage points and that explains most of the downward revision to growth. And note, though, since underlying growth is expected to be a bit improved, the downward revision is not to the full extent of the end of the fiscal consolidation measures that are now incorporated in the forecast.
QUESTIONER: Mr. Blanchard, o how do you think we should interpret the slowdown of Chinese economy? Should we take it as something that we should be worried or concerned about or do you think this is just normal for a better future economic growth? And also policy wise, do you have any suggestions for Chinese economic policymakers in order to be better prepared for the possible exit of quantitative easing that might start later this year? And also how can China regain its economic growth momentum? Thank you.
MR. BLANCHARD: For a while it has been clear, to both Chinese policymakers and to outsiders that growth was unbalanced and there was too much investment and too little consumption. And the explicit plan is to move from investment to consumption. It is not easy to do, and the question is whether it can be done in a smooth way. I think the risk is that the slowdown in investment comes first, and there is just not the increase in consumption fast enough to compensate. The Chinese policymakers are very aware of the issues and, therefore, have no desire to tighten credit more than is needed and do not want to see growth go too low. So I’m not too worried about policy decisions. The Chinese policymakers understand exactly what the tradeoff is. Whether they succeed in exactly getting the goal that they hope for is where the risk is.
QUESTIONER: Two questions: One, is there anything that the Fed should be doing or communicating differently or more clearly? And secondly, I believe -- I need to check this, but I believe it’s the fifth time that the IMF has downgraded its global growth forecast. Regardless of whether my exact math is off or not, the trend is there. I’m wondering: Is the IMF being too optimistic? Is the IMF talking up, trying to talk up markets? Or what’s going on there?
MR. BLANCHARD: Let me take both questions in turn. In the case of the Fed, the Fed policy has two legs, the policy rate and quantitative easing. I think on the first, there was 15 years of refining communication so that when the policy rate was moved, it was well understood what it meant. . We are now dealing with a new policy, and exit from that policy hasn’t been tried before. So we’re going to see the same initial learning about how best to communicate. I think the Fed is doing a relatively good job of it, but I’m sure that they’ll improve their communication overtime as they learn how markets react. They probably learned something from the last three weeks.
On the IMF forecast, well, we sometimes are off on the other side. If you go back to the beginning of the crisis, we actually were more pessimistic in 2009 than things turned out to be. Since then indeed we have been more optimistic. I think the reason is that you have underlying trends, which are difficult to identify in real time, and it just takes time to actually identify them. And that leads after the fact to a series of mistakes or forecast errors in the same direction. But we do the best we can. We’re not trying to talk the markets up or down.
MS. BHATT: Let me take a question online. “Should ECB and other central banks try to compensate the monetary stimulus reduction resulting from the downsizing of the federal reserve’s asset purchases?”
MS. DUTTAGUPTA: The euro area growth projections are, as Mr. Blanchard said before, still pretty grim. The growth numbers for this year is still a recession of about -0.6 percent with growth picking up to about 0.9 percent next year. Given this situation, we still think that continued monetary policy easing, is the right way to deal with supporting demand. And there is scope for further interest rate cuts and more unconventional measures to that extent.
QUESTIONER: You briefly mentioned on your World Economic Outlook update the need for rebalancing of global economy. And could you please elaborate on why this is important? And in relation to what you mentioned for the Eurozone that the increase in competitiveness in the periphery countries doesn’t really offset the fall in domestic demand, do you see a need of rebalancing within the Eurozone as well? Thank you.
MR. BLANCHARD: Rebalancing is still needed in the sense that a number of countries that had current account deficits before the crisis need to reduce them. Now, many of them have done so, but largely by having large output contractions and decreases in imports, and that’s clearly not desirable. It’s much better to have the adjustment happen through an increase in exports. So these countries cannot return to health without a substantial adjustment in their competitiveness and in their current account. This is true for the U.S. Although the U.S. is doing well, it probably needs to rely more on demand than it has so far. Because the sum of the current account balances in the world has to be equal to zero, then this implies that some countries have to accept a decrease in their current account surplus. This has indeed happened in a number of countries, particularly in China. The question is whether this will continue to be the case, or whether we’ll see current account surpluses in China increase again. But clearly external rebalancing is an essential part of what is needed for the world economy to go back to health.
QUESTIONER: The Brazilian growth in 2012 was very weak, less than 1 percent, and now we’ll have a 2.5 percent this year. First thing, why the Brazilian growth is so low in the last two years? And the second question is do you think Brazil has policy tools to deal with this or do we have monetary and fiscal constraints to boost growth at this moment?
MR. HELBLING: Growth in Brazil has indeed been slow. We expect some improvement this year actually also based on what has already happened in the first quarter and what we have seen from indicators so far. If you look at the policy tools to influence growth, I think we very much think as I indicated earlier that part of the problem in Brazil is speed bumps in the sense that after a decade of very rapid growth, growth has reached capacity constraints in the infrastructure area, also in labor markets. So in terms of macroeconomic policy stimulus, you have to be careful. We think actually Brazil is at the moment close to potential. Inflation is currently above, current inflation above the bend. So at this point to use additional monetary stimulus would in our view be wrong. I think on the fiscal front, we also think the government should broadly stick to the target for government primary balance. There has been some easing through tax relief last year. The government also this year expected to be below target, which seems right as long as they will go back. And the most crucial thing will actually be measures to stimulate supply to potential output. There have been private-public partnerships in the infrastructure area, which will be crucial to accelerate growth.
MS. BHATT: Let me take a question from the Media Briefing. “Under what circumstances do you foresee additional capital outflows in key emerging markets?” “What are the ramifications in the medium term?”
MR. BLANCHARD: We have to accept the fact that as monetary policy normalizes in the U.S., whether it’s tapering of quantitative easing, or an increase in the policy rate itself, this will make U.S. bonds more attractive and, therefore, some of the investors which had gone to emerging market countries in particular will want to repatriate their funds. So I have no doubt that the trend, although there will be a lot of volatility around it, the trend will be for some of the capital to return to the U.S.
The question is whether all the capital which went to emerging market countries will return to the U.S., and my sense is no. I think much of the capital which went to emerging market countries went there because their growth prospects, their profit prospects, are actually better than those of advanced economies. So a lot of capital will remain there. But yes, we can expect a trend towards capital outflows from emerging market countries.
QUESTIONER: Still a question on China. So we see most of the countries are growth -- their growth is higher in 2014, but you lowered China’s economic growth in 2014 .6 percent. I wonder if you can provide more reasoning on that.
And also, as you mentioned that China is facing a difficult choice at this moment. As we see, the China government is also trying to curb its credit issues and trying to tighten the liquidity. Do you think it’s a good timing to do that given the Fund is expected to withdraw the QE later this year? Thank you.
MR. HELBLING: Starting with the latter part of the question in terms of QE, China has an extensive set of capital controls, so by that it’s less effective by the withdrawal of QE -- the expected withdrawal of QE, I should say, than other emerging market economies. Now, to the extent that the U.S. economy is expected to improve, that will help China on the external demand. But if, coming then to the main point of your question, the downward revision next year, I think it very much reflects the recognition, and that’s not in the forecast, that it will be very difficult to go above about 7-1/2 percent or 8 percent growth without increasing risks, financial risks in the economy and further sort of widen imbalances in the sense that growth is too much to even buy investment, which increasingly is at risk of being inefficient. So the recognitions of the limits to growth also in China, I think, is what underpins the revision to the forecast next year.
MR. BLANCHARD: There’s a striking number here which is worth remembering, which is that the ratio of investment to GDP for China before the crisis was 39 percent. It is now 45 percent. So when you say when is a good time to try to change the trend, this may be the good time.
QUESTIONER: I have two questions. We just saw (inaudible) social tensions in Turkey and Brazil. How do you read that? Do you think that it means that growth is not enough and that those countries should address their social inequality issues? And on Greece, there have been new tensions during the last review. How do you see the ballot program playing out there? How do you see the outlook in the country? Thank you very much.
MS. BHATT: On Greece, you know, it was not part of the update, so we’ll defer that unless, Thomas, you want to say something more, but you can speak to the first question.
MR. HELBLING: On Greece, we have the same forecast as in April. And I think as far as the program is concerned, the press conference on Thursday by Gerry Rice will be the right place to ask questions.
On social unrest in various countries, we have not, as far as Brazil is concerned, we have not yet reassessed the forecast. There is, so far, no reason for that. The social unrest reflects a number of factors. And in Brazil, for example, I think discontent about some public services was voiced and President Rousseff has promised to address that. In Turkey, conditions on factors behind the unrest are yet different and have not yet factored in the forecast.
MS. BHATT: I have two questions here on the UK, and I’ll take one. Why was the UK upgraded as the rest of the world was downgraded? Does this affect the Article IV recommendations? .
MR. HELBLING: On the UK, there has indeed been a small upward revision, let me just -- by .2 percent for growth this year; no upward revision for next year. The main reason is actual data in Q1 where domestic demand has been a bit stronger and also first indicators suggest that Q2 will be a little bit better than expected. If you look back in terms of revisions, I think .2 percent at this point in the year, so around midyear based on the information, is sort of a usual revision to the forecast, nothing exceptional. And we also don’t think that it changes the big picture for the UK, namely that the recovery is weak and that policymakers should be still concerned that the recovery is ensured and will actually improve.
QUESTIONER: I have three questions. One of them is do you think there is some risk of complacency in the euro zone right now? The second one is do you consider the ECB monetary policy supportive enough at this time? And the third one is the Spanish government is saying that fundamentally their quarter-on-quarter growth in Spain is close to zero right now. So, I mean, it’s like we are having quarterly zero growth. Based on your numbers -- well, I mean, it doesn’t match with your numbers. Do you think that actually the numbers right now are maybe worse than estimated or that we will go through a deeper recession in this half of the year or next year?
MR. BLANCHARD: I’ll take the first two questions. Complacency may be too strong, but it would be good to see more progress in the development of Euro institutions. Banking union is really of the essence. There are doubts about the state of banks and whether these doubts are justified or not, it is clear that there is a need for an assessment of the quality of the balance sheets. When this is done, it should be done with a parachute, which is that if it’s found out that some banks are not as healthy as one hoped, there has to be money to recapitalize them. All this is essential, so the faster, the better.
On the ECB, one has to say that the ECB is doing a whole lot. . A program which would involve the ECB, but also the national authorities, which would basically try to increase the credit flows to small- and medium-sized enterprises, is clearly something which could make a difference at this point to the euro growth.
MR. HELBLING: On Spain, I think we have to consider current conditions versus next year. And let me just emphasize the downward revision to growth from .7 to 0 is for 2014. Indeed, in the euro area, including the periphery, recent indicators suggest some stabilization. And as I mentioned before, there is indeed a sense that competitiveness has improved throughout the euro area periphery and that exports have strengthened in a number of countries, including Spain.
Now, looking then into next year, I think when the fiscal adjustment measures of slightly less than 1 percentage point of GDP will be implemented, it will be hard to avoid some drag on the economy. So in the sense our downward revision to the projection for next year is not in contradiction to a stabilization or signs of some stabilization in current conditions in the euro area.
MS. BHATT: We’ve received a few questions on Italy. I just want to point to the concluding statement that was published on July 4th. We will take a question.
QUESTIONER: Could we just go back to China? Can you in any way quantify the downside risk for growth? Are we talking about a half a percentage point, a percentage point, or are we just talking about a few minor adjustments here?
MR. BLANCHARD: I’m not going to give you a number, but my sense is that the lower limit depends very much on the fact that the policymakers are very aware of the issue and have, to a large extent, the means to control things. If they tighten credit and the decrease in output is large, they have some fiscal space they can use. They can also choose the intensity with which they use the brakes to slow down credit. And they can use other measures to have direct effects on local governments, for example. So we’re talking about some risk, but, again, there’s enough policy space that I don’t expect the growth rate to drop very much.
MS. BHATT: I’m going to take one last question from the online. This is for you Thomas. It says the slowdown in Mexico is explained by weaker domestic factors. Is it explained by weaker documents factors or by the U.S. impact?
MR. HELBLING: If you look at the downward revision to growth in Mexico, it’s half a percent this year, slightly less than a quarter percentage point for next year. Most of the revisions are due to the downward revision to U.S. growth. If you look at growth in 2014, it’s almost a mechanical correction from the downward revision to the U.S. growth next year.
We also have included the latest data. In the Q1 there was government spending, government consumption was slightly weaker than expected. But otherwise, the main reasons for the downgrade are external U.S. factors.
MS. BHATT: I think we will wrap up now. Thank you very much for coming and thanks to you online. Thank you, Olivier, Rupa, and Thomas. | 28,846 | 10,784 | 0.000094 |
warc | 201704 | GTM: The World at Your Fingertips
Global trade management software offers greater shipment visibility and control, eases the pain of border-crossing compliance, and streamlines financial transactions—all from your browser.
The United States imported $2.3 trillion worth of goods and exported $1.6 trillion in 2012 alone, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. A big chunk of that volume moved between the United States and next-door neighbors Canada and Mexico. But the list of America's top trading partners includes countries in nearly every corner of the world—from Brazil to Germany, to Saudi Arabia, India, China, and Japan.
The sheer distances involved make global trade a formidable challenge. So do the myriad regulations that shippers must satisfy each time they move goods across a border. A company that masters the fine points of global trade management (GTM) can gain time, money, opportunity, and customer satisfaction.
Technology vendors offer a range of GTM solutions designed to help shippers whose businesses reach around the world.
Generally, a GTM solution addresses challenges in one or more of three major areas: the movement of goods, regulatory compliance, and financial transactions.
Many concerns that companies face in global trade mirror the ones they encounter in domestic shipments. Shippers need to execute transactions with vendors, service providers, and customers. They need to route their freight with an eye toward balancing speed, efficiency, and cost. And they need to maintain visibility to the status of their goods all along the supply chain.
These challenges grow tougher when goods travel long distances and move across borders. For one thing, international sourcing and routing decisions depend on more variables.
For example, when choosing an overseas supplier, manufacturing costs make up only part of the cost equation. "You often have to factor in the duty implications," says Melissa Irmen, senior vice president of products and strategies at Integration Point, a Charlotte, N.C.-based GTM solutions vendor.
You might have to pay higher import taxes on goods made in one country than in another. And when choosing how to route shipments, you might consider how to take advantage of local opportunities such as foreign trade zones (FTZs) or preferential duty arrangements.
"The planning stage takes into consideration many factors, such as total landed costs, duties, taxes, fees, free trade agreement elements, and customs warehousing," says Ty Bordner, vice president, product management and solutions consulting at Amber Road, a GTM solutions provider based in Rutherford, N.J.
THE COMPLETE PICTURE
GTM solutions that incorporate real-time databases of duties, tariffs, and other charges—plus information on exemptions for certain kinds of moves—help shippers calculate complete landed costs. It's especially important to be able to integrate the per-unit cost of goods with transportation costs and duty implications. "If you can incorporate those costs in one place, then you get the complete picture with one look," says Irmen.
Global trade is also complex because it involves multiple transportation modes. A truck takes a shipment to an airport or seaport, where it's loaded onto a plane or ship for the long haul. Then the shipment moves onto another truck, or a train, for further transportation.
"Having software systems that can connect those modes is important, so you know where your goods are in transit at an order level," says Peter Starvaski, director of product management at Kewill, a software vendor based in Chelmsford, Mass.
Visibility to order and shipment status is important in any supply chain. But gaining a complete view is hard when goods travel long distances, across borders, and on multiple transportation modes, aided by several service partners. "Multiple customs brokers, freight forwarders, and third-party logistics (3PL) providers are all involved in global transportation," says Greg Kefer, vice president of corporate marketing at software provider GT Nexus, Oakland, Calif.
Without a GTM solution, companies might find only pockets of visibility. "A 3PL or ocean carrier in Hong Kong might be particularly effective because they offer a robust visibility platform on their Web site," Kefer says. But it takes a complete GTM solution to provide real visibility.
"A complete solution assembles a full 360-degree, high-definition picture," he says. "You can type in a purchase order number and, in 10 seconds, see where it is—with links to all the related players, documents, and events."
If you can learn everything about an order almost instantly, you can respond to a disruption or take advantage of a new opportunity. And that could provide a return on investment worth millions or tens of millions of dollars.
To appreciate this fact, consider how recent disasters, such as the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, and floods in Thailand, upset global supply chains. "Companies that can't respond quickly to adjust, albeit temporarily, to a new world order will suffer," Kefer says.
With a GTM solution to provide a complete picture of the global supply chain, a company can better manage its inventory. "When a company doesn't know where inventory is, or when it is going to arrive, safety stock levels rise," says Bordner.
Shippers also can plan for the future using historical data the software accumulates about shipments. "You can use that data to identify and improve bottlenecks, and find cost reductions," Bordner adds.
Requirements and Regulations
Every shipment that crosses an international border adds a layer of complexity that doesn't apply to domestic shipments at all. Global shippers need to complete customs filings, pay tariffs and duties, comply with a host of security regulations, and obtain licenses for importing certain products. Every country has its own regulations concerning both imports and exports, and these may change at any time.
"Just understanding who you can ship to is difficult," says Anne van de Heetkamp, director of global trade and compliance for Atlanta-based Aptean, which offers the
TradeBeam GTM solution.
The United States and other countries maintain lists of people and companies that are barred from import or export transactions. Shippers must screen for those "denied parties" before they ship, and errors can lead to major fines. "Governments are stringently enforcing these screenings," van de Heetkamp says.
"Every government puts its own spin on denied-party screening," notes Ken Peters, director of global solutions at Integration Point. "Each maintains its own sets of lists that shippers need to screen against."
Certain products, such as agricultural commodities and pharmaceuticals, come with specific obligations for importers and exporters. "Shippers have to make sure the appropriate licenses are available, or their goods will get stuck at the border," says van de Heetkamp.
The rules that apply to imports and exports around the world change constantly. "That's where software comes in," says Starvaski. Instead of poring through hundreds of pages of regulations, and working constantly to keep those reference sources up to date, shippers can rely on software systems to stay current with—and correctly apply—tariffs, duties, and regulations.
Real-time Updates
Many GTM solutions incorporate databases that cover nearly any obligation that might come into play for an international shipment. They update this "trade content" continuously, so that any time a shipper executes a transaction, the software applies the latest information automatically.
"If a new restricted party is added, then the next shipment will immediately screen against that party," says van de Heetkamp. "If duty rates change, then the next landed cost calculation will apply the new rate."
Besides keeping companies on the right side of the law, the compliance functions in GTM solutions help shippers operate more efficiently. They do this by automating filings that shippers might have performed manually in the past.
One advantage this offers is the ability to eliminate steps from the filing process. For example, when a company moves product between two countries bound by a free trade agreement, the shipper must file certain documents when sourcing the goods. The shipper also provides some of the same information when it's time to import. But when using a GTM system, the company needs to record that data only once.
"At the same time you're gathering the information to go through your exporting authority in Country A, you're also providing the trade agreement proof that the importing country needs," says Irmen.
GTM software also helps ensure that goods don't get held up at borders. "Automating the border-crossing process and workflow interjects consistency and continuity into the flow of information," says Peters. "And government agencies love consistency."
That holds true whether the GTM solution produces an electronic filing or simply automates the job of producing paper documents. "If the process stays the same every time, Customs will get used to that flow and shipments will speed through," he says. "And maybe your product will get to market faster than your competitors."
Some governments are starting to mandate that shippers file certain documents electronically, and GTM software helps with that as well. "Electronic filing for exports is now mandatory in the United States, and other countries are following suit," says Starvaski. "And if countries are not mandating it, they're at least providing electronic filing capabilities."
When shippers file electronically, they can take advantage of new customs agency programs designed to speed border crossings. "Customs agencies are offering to conduct pre-screenings and pre-clearances, but shippers need to get that data to them earlier in the process," says Irmen.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, for instance, is creating "centers of excellence" to centralize the entry process for specific kinds of goods. "For example, electronics shipments are handled by screeners trained in the intricacies specific to those products," Irmen says. "The same people look at the data, regardless of the port of entry."
The Money Picture
The finance aspect of GTM involves distributing orders, collecting commercial invoices, then paying suppliers quickly. One set of financial challenges connected with international trade arises from overseas manufacturers needing capital to produce the goods ordered.
Traditionally, a company would place an order for widgets with an overseas supplier, who would make and ship the product, then send an invoice. After 30 or 45 days, the buyer would cut a check.
"Forty-five days is a long time, when the supplier had to buy the metal to make the widgets," Kefer says. "Suppliers want that cash sooner."
To help the supplier, the buyer might send a letter of credit to a bank. The bank would advance money to the supplier, and when the buyer received the goods, it would reimburse the bank. But because each letter of credit involves a fee, that practice becomes expensive.
Some GTM systems, including GT Nexus, provide an alternative by linking financial transactions to movements in the physical world. Say, for example, that a supplier has filled an order for widgets. The GTM system indicates that the supplier has given those goods to an ocean carrier, which has loaded them onto a bonded vessel.
"Based on that proof of performance, a bank might pay the supplier, minus two percent of the invoice amount," Kefer says. "The bank then tells the buyer, 'We'll take care of this now, and you can pay us what you were going to pay anyway, on your normal terms.' The bank keeps the two-percent difference."
SINGLE VERSION OF THE TRUTH
When all parties to the transaction are linked through a cloud-based GTM system, the information and money flow seamlessly among them. "All partners get a single version of the truth to minimize discrepancies and disputes," Kefer says. "Exhaustive audit trails are created for different documents and events. The whole process moves more smoothly."
Given the distances and complexities involved, global trade management will never be a foolproof process. But GTM solutions vendors are doing their best to streamline the flow of goods, money, and information. | 12,497 | 5,455 | 0.000186 |
warc | 201704 | We all want to look beautiful and radiant but hair care can sometimes be a hassle. If you want to straighten your hair daily, for example, you might get annoyed with the hair tips telling you that this can cause damage. The good news is that there are some simple things you can do to make your locks healthy and look great without having to change your routine too much. And while you shouldn’t straighten it every day, if you take the right precautions you will still be able to cut down the damage. Here are some of the best hair tips to make sure you have healthy, beautiful locks.
Blow Drying
We all know that it’s not healthy to go outside in the winter when your hair is wet but we also constantly hear that heat is bad for it. Does that mean your only option is washing it at night and hoping it dries by the morning? Luckily, you can blow dry your locks without causing damage if you follow a few simple hair tips. When using a blow dryer, always opt for the coolest setting to reduce damage. You also want to make sure that you constantly move the hairdryer around, never focusing it on one spot for more than a second or two as this can cause damage. You also need to make sure that the blow dryer stays around six inches away from your head: the perfect balance between minimizing damage and still being effective. If you want to prevent frizz, always make sure the shaft of the dryer is pointing down the hair shaft.
Drying
We already discussed the best way to blow dry your mane, but what about drying it off with a towel? Most people make the mistake of rubbing it vigorously with a towel to help it dry faster but this is one of the easiest ways to cause damage. That is because the friction you are creating will cause breakage and increase frizz. Instead a great hair care tip is to simply wrap it up in a towel to dry it. If necessary, you can gently squeeze it but avoid rubbing it with the towel. This way the towel will absorb any excess moisture but still leave enough in your locks to make sure it stays hydrated.
Trimming
As much as those of us with long locks hate to hear it one of the best hair care tips is to have it trimmed regularly. If you don’t do this, it will be more prone to breakage and other damage such as split ends. Even worse, split ends at the bottom can travel upwards, damaging more hair and making it frizzier. The good news is that if you trim it regularly (around every 6 to 8 weeks) it will actually grow faster because it will be healthier. That means that this is one of the hair tips that will help you work towards your long hair goal in addition to making your mane healthier.
Brushes
When choosing the right brush, one of the best hair tips is to opt for one with natural bristles. Although these can cost a bit more money, they are well worth the investment. They will decrease the amount of breakage you cause when brushing and can even help your locks look smoother.
When To Brush
For most people one of the hardest hair tips to follow is to avoid brushing it when it is wet, but this is essential for proper hair care. That is because when the strands are wet, they are incredibly fragile and brushing can lead to breakage. To reduce damage, wait to brush it out until it’s dry but if your locks will get too tangled in the meantime, try combing it through (gently) with either your fingers or a wide-toothed comb. If your hair is curly, you want to do almost the exact opposite because curls are more prone to damage when they are dry. Instead, try to comb it out with a wide-toothed comb while it is still damp to detangle it without the risk of breakage.
Using Styling Tools
We all know that for proper hair care you need to decrease your hair’s contact with heat but this isn’t possible for all of us. Some hairdos require straighteners or curlers to look presentable and some of us just prefer how we look after using them. If you use any hot styling tool, you should always use a heat protector first. These are generally in the form of sprays (occasionally gels) that will create a barrier between the cuticle and the heat, keeping it safe from damage.
Shampooing
Most women think they need to wash their locks each day but this is actually a myth. How often you need to wash it actually depends on your hair type and how much oil your scalp produces. If you wash too often, you can dry it out, making it more prone to damage. Generally speaking, people with curls will not need to wash their mane as often as those with straight locks. That is because the structure makes it harder for oils to travel down throughout the strand, making it drier and less oily (this also means that washing it often can cause more damage). If you have curls, you can try using a dry shampoo between washes as this won’t dry the hair out as much. Straight hair, however, will need more frequent washing simply because the oils travel down more easily. Straight, oily hair is the one type that may actually benefit from daily washing but if you do wash your hair each day, be sure to opt for a lightweight shampoo.
Be Careful With Tight Hairdos
A lot of us, especially those with long hair, like to pull our hair back but you have to take care when doing this. That is because pulling it too tightly can actually damage the hair, pulling individual strands out or damaging the roots. If you are going to go with a tight braid, be sure to not leave it in for too long. If you want to wear tight braids for several weeks or months, be sure to leave a bit of loose hair at the scalp to help protect the roots. | 5,608 | 2,438 | 0.000414 |
warc | 201704 | In a new video produced by TMT and acclaimed animator Dana Berry, astronomers Richard Ellis, the Steele Professor of Astronomy at Caltech, and Andrea Ghez, professor of physics and astronomy at UCLA, explain how this next-generation observatory will push the boundaries of astronomy and allow us to study the Universe with unprecedented clarity and precision.
“It’s 400 years since the telescope first was invented, and it has been an astonishing story of scientific discovery, and the Thirty Meter Telescope will extend and continue that story in a dramatic way,” said Ellis in the new video.
When completed in 2018, the TMT will be the first of the next-generation of ground-based optical observatories. This revolutionary telescope will integrate the latest innovations in precision control, segmented mirror design, and adaptive optics to correct for the blurring effect of Earth's atmosphere. Building on the success of the twin Keck telescopes, the core technology of TMT will be a 30-meter segmented primary mirror. This will give TMT nine times the collecting area of today's largest optical telescopes and three times sharper images.
“Thirty meters is big enough that you can make the next leap in our understanding of the physical Universe, while not being so big as to be unbuildable,” said Ghez.
The new video can be viewed on the TMT website here: www.tmt.org.
Charles Blue | Newswise Science News
Further information: http://www.tmt.org
SF State astronomer searches for signs of life on Wolf 1061 exoplanet
20.01.2017 | San Francisco State University
Molecule flash mob
19.01.2017 | Technische Universität Wien
An important step towards a completely new experimental access to quantum physics has been made at University of Konstanz. The team of scientists headed by...
Yersiniae cause severe intestinal infections. Studies using Yersinia pseudotuberculosis as a model organism aim to elucidate the infection mechanisms of these...
Researchers from the University of Hamburg in Germany, in collaboration with colleagues from the University of Aarhus in Denmark, have synthesized a new superconducting material by growing a few layers of an antiferromagnetic transition-metal chalcogenide on a bismuth-based topological insulator, both being non-superconducting materials.
While superconductivity and magnetism are generally believed to be mutually exclusive, surprisingly, in this new material, superconducting correlations...
Laser-driving of semimetals allows creating novel quasiparticle states within condensed matter systems and switching between different states on ultrafast time scales
Studying properties of fundamental particles in condensed matter systems is a promising approach to quantum field theory. Quasiparticles offer the opportunity...
Among the general public, solar thermal energy is currently associated with dark blue, rectangular collectors on building roofs. Technologies are needed for aesthetically high quality architecture which offer the architect more room for manoeuvre when it comes to low- and plus-energy buildings. With the “ArKol” project, researchers at Fraunhofer ISE together with partners are currently developing two façade collectors for solar thermal energy generation, which permit a high degree of design flexibility: a strip collector for opaque façade sections and a solar thermal blind for transparent sections. The current state of the two developments will be presented at the BAU 2017 trade fair.
As part of the “ArKol – development of architecturally highly integrated façade collectors with heat pipes” project, Fraunhofer ISE together with its partners...
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20.01.2017 | Life Sciences | 3,898 | 1,911 | 0.000537 |
warc | 201704 | To lose weight in two weeks you will want to start by drinking more water. There is a good chance that you are holding on to a couple of extra pounds of water weight, and the only way to get rid of it is to drink more water. You will also need to combine diet and cardio exercise to ensure that you are burning more calories than you are taking in each day. By the end of the two weeks you should see a difference on the scale. You can find more information here: | 465 | 280 | 0.003587 |
warc | 201704 | What is a 'Bad Credit'
Bad credit describes an individual's credit history when it indicates that the borrower has a high credit risk. A low credit score signals bad credit, while a high credit score is an indicator of good credit. Creditors who lend money to an individual with bad credit face a greater risk of that individual missing payments or defaulting than creditors who lend to individuals with good credit.
BREAKING DOWN 'Bad Credit'An individual's credit history is dependent on a number of factors, including the amount owed, the amount of available credit and the timeliness of payments. An individual may have bad credit if he does not make timely payments or has defaulted on a loan during a period of time. Having bad credit makes it more difficult or costly to obtain loans, such as mortgages, from financial institutions. How Credit Scores Are Determined
In the United Scores, the Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO) calculates credit scores. Using information from the three credit bureaus, Experian, TransUnion and Equifax, FICO weighs various information in strategic ways to calculate the score.
Designed to offer a quick snapshot of an individual's credit worthiness, the FICO credit score gives payment history the most weight, and it constitutes over a third of the score. Thirty percent of the score is based on the amount owed, 15% on length of credit history, 10% on the mix of credit and 10% on new credit inquiries.
Payment history refers to whether or not payments were made on time, and the amount owed refers to the total amount of debt including mortgages, credit cards, bills in collections, judgments and other debts owed by the individual. Length of credit history takes into account the oldest account noted on the credit report, while credit mix considers how many different accounts a borrower has. For example, a borrower who only has credit cards scores lower in this category than a borrower with a mortgage, a car loan, a line of credit and a credit card. Finally, new credit refers to the number of credit inquiries recently made by the individual or the number of accounts recently opened.
Credit Scores That Indicate Bad Credit
FICO scores range from 300 to 850. Traditionally, borrowers with scores at or below 579 have bad credit. According to Experian, 61% of borrowers with scores in this range are likely to default or become seriously delinquent on their loans in the future.
Scores between 580 and 669 are labeled as fair. Only 28% of these borrowers are likely to become seriously delinquent on loans, making them considerably less risky to lend to than borrowers with bad credit scores. However, even borrowers within this range face high interest rates or have trouble securing loans.
A qualification of an individual's credit history that indicates ... A type of credit score that makes up a substantial portion of ... The types of accounts that make up a consumer’s credit report. ... A statistically derived numeric expression of a person's creditworthiness ... An assessment of the creditworthiness of a borrower in general ... A statistical analysis performed by lenders and financial institutions ... Personal FinanceTake a closer look at what credit scores in each range mean for your financial future. Personal FinanceWith possible scores ranging from 300 to 850, credit scores reveal someone’s history for paying bills and being responsible. Personal FinanceWe break down credit scores by age to see what your score should be and how it will affect your major purchases. Personal FinanceCredit scores are used by lenders to estimate credit risk. Find out how you can better earn the trust of lenders and reap the benefits. Personal FinanceA great starting point for learning what a credit score is, how it is calculated and why it is so important. InvestingHere are five ways to help prevent getting a bad credit score that could affect future loan, credit card or mortgage approvals. Managing WealthEveryone wants a great credit score, but few know exactly how to achieve perfection. Find out how your credit score is kept and what it takes to reach a perfect 850 rating. Personal FinanceYou've seen the number, but what does it mean? Here's how to assess your credit score and get to a better place if needed. Personal FinanceYour credit score can have a huge impact on your mortgage payments. Here are some reasons why. Personal FinanceThat all-important, once-secret number is now easy to obtain from financial institutions and credit card companies. Check out the differences between credit score and credit history, and learn how your credit history is used to create your ... Read Answer >> A credit score is a numeric expression that helps lenders estimate the risk of extending credit or loaning money to people. ... Read Answer >> Your credit score, which is also referred to as your FICO score, is a measure that creditors use to assess your potential ... Read Answer >> The manner in which you use your credit cards may affect your credit score more than the number of credit cards you own will. Read Answer >> Learn about some of the reasons why you might not have a credit score, and find out how you can build a good credit score ... Read Answer >> | 5,244 | 2,218 | 0.000453 |
warc | 201704 | Africa and the Middle East
Throughout its history, Africa has experienced important voluntary and forced migratory movements, which have contributed to its contemporary demographic landscape. Significant internal migratory movements – such as rural– urban migration – add to the complexity of the picture. Populations of many border regions live in inherently unstable situations, in part due to war, ethnic fighting and/or drought. They are also engaged in a perpetual cycle of migration due to cross-border economic activity and pastoralist traditions. Cross-border migration in Africa also represents an important source of livelihoods and a coping strategy for ecological and economic downturns; it is also key to understanding, as well as forecasting, the onset and evolution of humanitarian disasters.
International migration management cannot afford to overlook the dimension of migration in Africa, as it has a major impact on irregular migration, HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases, smuggling and trafficking of women and children, management and protection of refugees and other vulnerable groups, ethnic conflicts and border management – it also has long-term implications on national, regional and international security.
The globalization process will also influence migration as it facilitates the movement of people across the various regions in Africa (through regional integration) and to other regions outside the continent, and the number of migrants is expected to increase, which will have social, economic, environmental and political implications and pose challenges for policymakers in the management of migration.
Sub‑Saharan Africa has also generated significant outflows of intercontinental migration, mainly to Western Europe, but also to North America and the Arab region. Intercontinental migration has diversified, however, and increasingly includes unskilled labour migrants who emigrate in significant numbers to Europe, North America and the Middle East.
Within Africa, migrants are not distributed evenly among the various regions. By 2000, 42 per cent of migrants lived in West African countries; 28 per cent in Eastern Africa; 12 per cent in Northern Africa; and 9 per cent in Middle and Southern Africa. Against this backdrop, internal, regional and out-of-Africa migration is occurring on a scale larger than in any other region. | 2,406 | 1,176 | 0.000862 |
warc | 201704 | Innovation Towards Sustainable Materials Organised by the IOM3 Sustainable Development Group PRESENTATIONS AVAILABLE BELOW
This event has passed.
Sustainable development, against a background of mitigating and adapting to climate change, remains the primary challenge of the 21st century. Living standards and quality of life must improve for all and for the long term, but with less dependence on the consumption of finite resources, with lower carbon intensity and with greater respect to the planet's ecosystems.
Materials are an essential part of every day life. It is hard to imagine how improved living standards could be achieved without materials innovation and new more effective material applications. Yet there is often little recognition of the positive contribution that materials can make to improve quality of life. More importantly, there is a perception that as the world population grows and higher living standards are achieved, the increasing demand for materials maybe a significant part of the problem and not necessarily part of the solution.
As well as the challenges, huge potential opportunities exist both in business terms and in technology development which will require the materials industries and the associated professional bodies to re-think their role and to set out new strategies.
The Innovation Towards Sustainable Materials conference sets out to address these challenges and demonstrate that materials have a key role to play in a more sustainable world.
Aimed at both the academic and the business community the conference will address the need for action across the materials supply chain; from mining and manufacturing, through to materials applications and product design.
This will raise awareness of the issues facing the materials sector but will also demonstrate that major improvements are already underway, for example in the energy, construction, and transport sectors. There will be recognition that life cycle thinking and sustainability practices need to be embedded in educational programmes and professional practices and the conference will in itself raise awareness of the need for more positive communications to help improve perceptions on the role of materials.
The pathways toward sustainable development, both from a political and technology perspective, will be explored. Along with tackling the single issue of climate change, there is an increasing need to embrace new business models where decisions can be made around triple bottom line thinking, taking account of added social value, sustainable economics and sound environmental practices.
Customers for materials will explain how they are being driven by the sustainability agenda, partly by regulations but also as they too recognise the importance of making improvements in the face of their own pressures from downstream markets and consumers. As well as case studies and examples there will be presentations on the emerging methodologies, support tools and new standards to assist with assessing the potential value of new developments.
This event is approved for Professional Development by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining.
IOM3 members can update their CPD record online by logging in to this website (use link top right), clicking "My Profile" and following the "Manage my CPD record" link under Member Services
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<![endif]--> Session 1: Setting the Global Scene Chair: Louis Brimacombe - Tata Steel Europe
09:10 Ian Christmas (Director General, World Steel Association)
09:30 Peter Lacy (Managing Director, Accenture) 09:50 Peter Bonfield (Chief Executive, Building Research Establishment) Session 2: Materials Sourcing, Processing Technologies, ExtractiveIndustries Chair: Miguel Diaz - AMEC
10:40 John Groom (Safety and Sustainable Development Adviser, Anglo American)
11:10 Craig White (Wood Technology, White Design) 11:30 Sevket Durucan (Professor of Mining and Environmental Engineering, Imperial College) 11:50 James Anderson (Director of Sustainability, AMEC) Session 3: Construction and the Built Environment Chair: Andrew Dunster - BRE
13:30 Hank Dittmar (Chief Executive, Prince's Foundation, Built Environment)
13:50 Beulah Keane (Project Manager, Marks and Spencer, Plan A & Sustainable Construction) 14:10 Jamie Smith (Skanska) 14:30 Edward Way (Chairman, Green Power Ltd) Session 4: Resource Efficiency and Environmental Technologies Chair: Tony Hartwell - Environmental Sustainability KTN
15:30 Carolyn Roberts (Director, Environmental Sustainability KTN)
15:50 Richard Swannell (Director, WRAP) 16:10 Theo Lehner (Manager, Business Development, Boliden) 16:30 Horst Hejny (Proposal Development Manager, MIRO) Session 5:Assessment Tools and Information Management Chair: Louis Brimacombe - Tata Steel Europe
17:00 Mike Ashby (Director, Granta Design)
17:20 David Pennington (Group Leader, European Commission) 17:40 Norman Swindells (Managing Director, Ferroday Ltd) 18:00 Angela Druckman (Senior Lecturer in Sustainable Energy and Climate Change Mitigation Surrey University) Session 6: Setting the Forward Strategy Chair: Mark Jolly - BirminghamUniversity Session 7: Product Design, Packaging and the Consumer Chair: Keith Barnes - IOM3 The Packaging Society Session 8: Transport and Infrastructure Chair: Shaun Savage - OxfordBrookes University
11:02 Robin Haycock (Transport Energy Consultant, Arup)
11:22 George Coates (Project Director, WorldAutoSteel) 11:42 Geoff Scamans (Chief Scientific Officer, Innoval Limited) 12:02 Pat Winfield (Deputy Head of Sustainable Vehicle Engineering Centre, Oxford Brookes University) Session 9: Energy & Climate Change Chair: Norman Swindell - Farroday Ltd
13:30 Rosemary Albinson (Technology and Transport Strategy Advisor, BP)
13:50 Markys Cain (Knowledge Leader, Functional Materials Team, NPL) 14:10 Rod Martin (Chairman, British Composites Society, IOM3 and Chief Execuitve, MERL) Session 10: Sustainable Manufacturing and Processes Chair: Mark Jolly - BirminghamUniversity Closing Address | 7,263 | 3,332 | 0.000302 |
warc | 201704 | Quantum physics professor Ron Folman hopes to bring the high-tech industry to Israel’s neglected south, using the expertise of Ben Gurion University as the drawRon Folman has spent a considerable part of his 45 years breaking barriers. As an Israel Air Force pilot it was the sound barrier, then educational barriers for himself and for young people from the neglected Negev town of Yeroham, and then emotional barriers between Israelis and Germans.
Now a professor at Ben-Gurion University in Beersheba, he is trying to tear down the invisible wall that restricts scientific research, and the high tech industry that goes with it, to a limited geographical area in the center of the country.
Folman has made several other stops along the way to becoming an internationally known physicist who has taught at prestigious scientific institutions in Europe and the Americas and head of BGU’s Atom Chip Group. Those side trips include stints as an avid hiker and desert-lover, a lecturer in the philosophy of creativity at the Jerusalem-based Bezalel Academy of Art and Design, Israel’s leading art school, and a social activist who served as head of the Israeli branch of Amnesty International.
But though he still leaves time for other interests, his main focus now is building what he calls the Nano-Bio-Quantum Valley, an envelope of high tech industry around BGU’s expertise in the related, futuristic disciplines of nanoscience, bioscience and his own specialty, quantum physics.
“The only way to develop the Negev is to bring high tech jobs,” he told ISRAEL21c. “And high tech jobs means high tech industry, which will not come because of some tax breaks the government may hand out, it will come because they can make a lot of money. This is the model in California, of Stanford with the Silicon Valley.”
The difference, he adds, is that Silicon Valley is 20th century technology, while the clean rooms of the BGU facility provide resources for the technologies of the 21st.
It’s a task he took on four years ago. After a spell at Heidelberg University (where German students couldn’t help but notice that the young Israeli had his father’s concentration camp number tattooed on his arm), he was due to join another Israeli university when then-BGU president Avishay Braverman, today a Labor Knesset member, called with an offer Folman couldn’t refuse: “to build the infrastructure so technology companies won’t need so much investment because they can outsource to the university, and rely on patents developed there.”
At that point, with his academic career at fast-forward, it was a now-or-never-decision.
“I gave myself 10 years to complete the project, I always give myself a deadline. And now I have six years left, to see high tech industry here,” he says, rapping on the table to add emphasis. “We already have contracts from Israeli industry, and for the first time a $7.5 million grant from the government of Israel. Till now, they have always given the nano-related research money to the Technion and the Weizmann Institute, but now we are being noticed as well.”
In addition, there’s a first-time grant from the EU, to have Europeans train in the three disciplines at BGU. It’s all happening because BGU has turned its lack of long years of cutting-edge infrastructure into an advantage, by incorporating scientific concepts that originated in the last few years into its infrastructure. The nano-bio-quantum program – and the new building that houses it on the edge of the Beersheba campus, across from the site designated for a high-tech park and the brand-new railroad line to Tel Aviv – “were built for the future,” he says.
The three areas of scientific inquiry constitute the building blocks of technologies of the future, Folman contends. Nanoscience, which deals with single atoms or single molecules, may hold the key to new materials much stronger and versatile than anything known today. But there are many questions still to be answered about them, he explains.
“How do you interface with them, mechanically or with electricity or light? For new devices to work, there will have to be interfaces between our large-scale world and these tiny molecules.”
Using nanoscience it may be possible to produce new nanomembrane filters that will make desalinating water much more cheaply, and electricity -producing solar panels from nanomaterials. Nanomaterials will affect every area of our life, from electronics to the aerospace industry to clothing and cleaning the environment.
In a little more than a nanosecond, he’s talking about the atom chip and his own specialty. Quantum physics deals with small particles like electrons, protons and neutron, which can interact and behave very differently from larger objects.
“Quantum turns old assumptions about physics on their head, because it says that the same object can be in two places at the same time. Not move between them very fast, but be there. Which is the reason, for example, that computers on a single atom can be so fast, because impulses don’t have to move between them,” he says. Using quantum technology it will be possible to “measure time more accurately than any clock we have, compute faster than any computer we have. Extremely accurate quantum sensors will be able to the globe and tell us about minerals, water, oil and underground bunkers and tunnels, a very popular topic these days. And we can create with them communications systems that are completely secure, this is important not only for security but for the financial system as well,” he says.
In the same context tiny biochips, in effect ultra-miniature labs able to test hundreds or thousands of biological reactions at one time, offer new horizons for medical diagnostics. “A single biochip could have 1,000 labs on it, to analyze a drop of blood or urine more accurately than anything that we have now,” he says. Similarly, researchers are working on tiny capsules that can improve drug delivery, homing in on and penetrating cancer cells, for example, before releasing their potent drugs.
The path to world-class science and a dream of making the desert bloom economically started during his childhood in Rehovot.
“We lived just behind the fence at the Weizmann Institute of Science, and from a very young age the Weizmann labs were my playground. When the scientists went home, we (youngsters) went in. The scientists weren’t aware that there were two shifts, but we had them,” he chuckles.
Science came naturally to young Folman, whose Holocaust-survivor father was a researcher at the Rehovot-based Hebrew University Faculty of Agriculture, and later the Agriculture Ministry’s chief scientist. So did hard work.
“My father was one of the youngest survivors of Auschwitz, who came to Israel a virtual illiterate, worked in a factory in Tel Aviv, making ammunition, and did his high school during the night, where he met my mother, another survivor of the war who had come here on the Exodus, the famous refugee ship. And from being illiterate he made it to be a professor of biology.”
His father’s career took the family abroad, and young Ron lived for a few years in Australia, the UK, and Los Angeles. But there was also time, back home, to discover the desert.
“For my bar mitzva, my parents sent me on a two-week camel safari. I simply loved it,” he says. And from then on, he came back to the desert – and the Red Sea on which it borders – “almost every year, for diving and for hiking. And I came back again as a soldier, at the Hatzerim air base near Beersheba.”
Folman quickly discovered that despite all the excitement and glamour, the pilot’s life was not for him.
“I had a huge hunger for study. I thought that flying would be good enough to fill my curiosity bank, but very quickly at the end of my pilot’s course I felt very strongly that I needed to continue my studies,” he says.
So even when he was flying by day, he began studying at night, in his bed at the air force base, for a first degree from Israel’s Open University.
“At that time, the Open University was thought to be exclusively for people who didn’t want an academic career, people who had not passed their high school matriculation exams, housewives and pensioners. But I wanted to go further than that.”
After his discharge from the Air Force, Folman broke another barrier, becoming possible the first graduate of the Open University to be accepted in a master’s program at the prestigious Weizmann Institute. “They had a hard time accepting me, because I came from the Open University and because I came out of the desert,” he says.
But before resuming his studies he took another step. Instead of a post-army adventure trip to South America or the Far East taken by so many young Israelis these days, he had opted to take a year off teaching science in Yeroham, a small development town in the middle of the desert.
“I chose the place which at that time was the symbol of bad education, of poverty, hopelessness, and tried to something special there,” he says.
At the end of his year there, Folman made what he calls “a Santa Claus promise – I told them that one day, if they have a good dream, I will help make it a reality.”
For a decade no one from Yeroham took Folman, who in the meantime had become a physicist, up on the promise. “But one day I got a phone call from a girl in that class, who said the sentence I wanted to hear: ‘I have a dream.'”
Her dream was to become the first architect from Yeroham. But though no Israeli school of architecture was willing to accept her, Folman and some private donors put together a package that allowed her to attend the prestigious Pratt Institute in New York.
“People told me that a girl from Yeroham with no experience abroad would not survive in New York, even if she was a pretty good architect. She surprised everyone, and became a New Yorker in no time. And now she’s designing buildings in New York and London, and her husband, another Israeli who she met there, did a PhD in economics at Columbia.” The couple is due back in Israel, “possibly in a year or two, and she promised to start building beautiful buildings in the Negev.” | 10,526 | 4,785 | 0.000217 |
warc | 201704 | The European Commission enacted the
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment directive, but member countries have been responsible for implementing and enforcing it on their own. The UK's regulations became effective two years ago, and they require all producers of such waste to register with a company licensed to handle the disposal or recycling of those products.
In a
ZDNet UK blog post, Richard Johnson, of recycling company IT-Green, reminds us that complying with WEEE requires due diligence on the part of producers and distributors to determine that the recycler they are using is actually licensed. He says: Hundreds... are falling foul of unlicensed computer recycling companies. However, why should this matter to you?... If the e-waste is recycled by a legitimate company, 9 times out of 10, it'll be properly treated and if some is exported, responsibility falls on the licensed recycler. ...However, if the recycler is unlicensed and the weee is exported, it remains the original holder's responsibility (called duty of care). Asset tags, computer data and screen burn could all lead back to the producer. Prosecution could quite easily ensue.
The lesson here: Always be sure that the recycler you're working with is licensed and that the license it purports to have is current and actually issued in its name. | 1,333 | 740 | 0.001357 |
warc | 201704 | Scientific Name: Tachycineta cyaneoviridis Species Authority: (Bryant, 1859) Common Name(s): Synonym(s):
Callichelidon cyaneoviridis ssp. cyaneoviridis (Bryant, 1859) — Stotz
et al. (1996)
Hirundo cyaneoviridis Bryant, 1859
Taxonomic Source(s): del Hoyo, J., Collar, N.J., Christie, D.A., Elliott, A., Fishpool, L.D.C., Boesman, P. and Kirwan, G.M. 2016. HBW and BirdLife International Illustrated Checklist of the Birds of the World. Volume 2: Passerines. Lynx Edicions and BirdLife International, Barcelona, Spain and Cambridge, UK. Identification information: 15 cm. Blue, green and white swallow. Dark green crown, nape and mantle, bluish-green rump, blue wings and forked tail, white underparts. Female duller with less pure white underparts. Similar spp Tree Swallow T. bicolor is more metallic with darker, blackish wings and less forked tail. Juvenile T. cyaneoviridis is greyer on back and head with less brown on breast than T. bicolor. Voice Sharp, metallic chep or chi chep. Hints Often feeds high and glides. Most active in evenings and cloudy weather.
Red List Category & Criteria: Endangered C2a(ii) ver 3.1 Year Published: 2016 Date Assessed: 2016-10-01 Assessor(s): BirdLife International Reviewer(s): Butchart, S. & Symes, A. Contributor(s): Gape, L., Lloyd, J., Mitchell, A., Moore, D., Rivera-Milan, F., Stahala, C., Wardle, C., White, A. & Wunderle, J. Facilitator/Compiler(s): Bird, J., Isherwood, I., Pilgrim, J., Pople, R., Sharpe, C J, Wege, D., Symes, A. & Wheatley, H. Justification: This species is listed as Endangered because it has a small and declining population, which faces a number of threats that may increase in severity in the future. Renewed logging and planned housing developments may result in further declines in available breeding habitat. Previously published Red List assessments: 2013 – Endangered (EN) 2012 – Endangered (EN) 2009 – Endangered (EN) 2008 – Vulnerable (VU) 2006 – Vulnerable (VU) 2004 – Vulnerable (VU) 2000 – Vulnerable (VU) 1994 – Lower Risk/near threatened (LR/nt) 1988 – Threatened (T)
Range Description: Tachycineta cyaneoviridis breeds on Grand Bahama, Great Abaco and Andros in the northern Bahamas (AOU 1998, Raffaele et al. 1998). It may be extinct as a breeding bird on New Providence (Raffaele et al. 1998), but a few birds are seen each breeding season suggesting the presence of a relict but severely threatened population (A. White in litt. 1999). The winter distribution is poorly defined, but there are a number of records from the southern Bahamas and eastern Cuba, and small numbers appear to be resident on the breeding islands (A. White in litt. 1999). On migration, it occurs irregularly in the lower Florida Keys and through southern Florida, USA (AOU 1998). The area of breeding habitat is c.2,000 km 2 (Allen 1996), and a population of 2,400 pairs was crudely estimated in the late 1980s (Smith and Smith 1989). There are no empirical data to confirm population trends, but anecdotal reports suggest that the species has declined considerably in numbers and is now a scarce species even in suitable habitat (J. Lloyd in litt. 2009, D. Moore in litt. 2009, F. Rivera-Milan in litt. 2009, Lloyd and Slater 2011). Countries occurrence:
Native:
Bahamas; Cuba; United States
Additional data:
♦ Continuing decline in area of occupancy (AOO): Unknown ♦ Extreme fluctuations in area of occupancy (AOO): No ♦ Estimated extent of occurrence (EOO) - km2: 49800 ♦ Continuing decline in extent of occurrence (EOO): Unknown ♦ Extreme fluctuations in extent of occurrence (EOO): No ♦ Number of Locations: 11-100 ♦ Continuing decline in number of locations: Unknown ♦ Extreme fluctuations in the number of locations: No Range Map: Click here to open the map viewer and explore range.
Population: Smith and Smith (1989) previously estimated a global population of 2,400 pairs, i.e. 4,800 mature individuals. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the population has declined substantially since then and available survey data suggests the species occurs at low densities, even in apparently suitable habitat (Lloyd and Slater 2011); consequently we cautiously assume a population of 1,000-2,499 mature individuals. This equates to 1,500-3,749 individuals in total, rounded here to 1,500-4,000 individuals. Trend Justification: Frequency of encounters with this species appear to have declined substantially in recent years in several parts of its range, though no empirical evidence is available to support this. It is presumed to have declined in line with modest habitat loss and degradation, plus pressure from invasive species. Planned housing developments could eliminate 8% of remaining breeding habitat (Allen 1996), and an increase in hurricane frequency owing to climate change may further degrade remnant habitats in the future. Current Population Trend: Decreasing Additional data:
♦ Number of mature individuals: 1000-2499 ♦ Continuing decline of mature individuals: Yes ♦ Extreme fluctuations: No ♦ Population severely fragmented: Yes ♦ No. of subpopulations: 1 ♦ Continuing decline in subpopulations: Unknown ♦ Extreme fluctuations in subpopulations: No ♦ All individuals in one subpopulation: Yes ♦ No. of individuals in largest subpopulation: 100 | 5,375 | 2,387 | 0.000431 |
warc | 201704 | If Japan’s economy is in trouble, you wouldn’t know it from the stock market.
In what’s shaping up to be a pretty forgettable year for global equity investors, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s Japan is one of the few places providing double-digit returns that are backed by profit growth. The 12 percent gain for the Nikkei 225 stock average through last week came as its companies post record earnings, and valuations rose just 2.3 percent from the end of last year.
Even as a report Monday showed the nation fell back into recession, corporate Japan is proving it can increase profits without a stronger economy. Of course, executives have a powerful ally in global central bankers. After stimulus kicked off the share rally under Abe and Bank of Japan Gov. Haruhiko Kuroda, the U.S. outlook for interest rates is re-establishing the yen’s downward trajectory and boosting income at exporters.
“The share market is expressing confidence in Abenomics even though the economic data has been patchy,” said Shane Oliver, Sydney-based strategist at AMP Capital Investors Ltd., which oversees about $110 billion. “The yen falling over the last few years is feeding into profits and you still have an aggressive monetary situation in Japan.”
Globally, only two other stock markets can boast similar gains this year without stretching valuations, data compiled by Bloomberg show. They’re both in the eurozone, where central bank easing is also a defining feature.
The gains in Japan contrast with losses from New York to Hong Kong and Sydney that dragged a gauge of global equities down 4.4 percent in 2015 through last week. China’s deepening economic slowdown and the shock devaluation of the yuan sank emerging-market equities, while investors across the globe tussled with the prospect of the first U.S. rate increase since 2006. Shares slid Monday as the terror attacks in Paris spurred investors to shun riskier assets.
After starting strongly, Japan got sucked into the global sell-off as the Nikkei 225 tumbled 19 percent from a peak in June to a low on Sept. 29. Since then it’s the fourth-best performer of 93 benchmark equity gauges tracked by Bloomberg.
For one clue why, look to the currency, says Credit Suisse Group AG. The yen started weakening against the dollar as global markets settled, Japanese earnings continued to rise and expectations for further easing contrasted with increasing signs of tighter monetary policy in the U.S. Exporters led gains on the Nikkei 225, with Screen Holdings Co., Mazda Motor Corp. and Tokyo Electron Ltd. each rising more than 40 percent. Foreign investors turned net buyers of Japanese stocks in October for the first time in five months.
“There’s the impact from the yen, global markets have calmed down, and the recovery in earnings isn’t doing badly,” said Basil Dan, head of equity sales at Credit Suisse in Tokyo.
Operating profit for the long-standing members of the Nikkei 225 that have posted results for the quarter ended in September rose to a new record of ¥7.7 trillion ($62.8 billion), according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Toyota Motor Corp. reported another quarter of record operating earnings because of a weak yen, and the carmaker managed to beat analyst estimates by 3.1 percent, too. Of the members of the broader Topix index that have announced results, 55 percent topped analyst estimates for profit.
The Nikkei 225 traded at 17.7 times estimated earnings at Friday’s close, down from a peak of 19.7 in May 2013. The only other markets where benchmark stock gauges posted double-digit returns this year and valuations increased less than 3 percent are Ireland and Belgium, which are also benefiting from monetary easing that weakens their shared currency.
“The fact that the price-earnings ratio hasn’t increased much shows that analysts are raising their estimates for Japanese earnings,” said Yoshinori Shigemi, a global market strategist in Tokyo at JPMorgan Asset Management. “Globally, it’s still relatively cheap and there’s still way more room to buy.”
Economists don’t share the optimism. They lowered their predictions for third-quarter gross domestic product after data from household spending to exports signaled weakness. That turned out to be the right move: GDP shrank by an annualized 0.8 percent in the quarter, following a revised 0.7 percent drop in the quarter ended June, the Cabinet Office said Monday in Tokyo.
Not everyone in the stock market does, either. UBS Group AG says half the institutional investors they surveyed during a U.S. visit this month have negative outlooks for Japanese stocks. For many, the only catalyst for a further boost was additional easing from the BOJ.
“A growing number of investors are taking a more cautious, cynical view of the Japanese economy and stock market,” wrote UBS economist Daiju Aoki and strategist Tomohiro Okawa in a Nov. 10 report. “The phase of investors blindly ‘buying because stocks are rising, and stocks rising because of buying’ has ended.”
“There’s short-term ‘risk off’ in Japan as people digest the GDP numbers,” said Andrew Clarke, director of trading at Mirabaud Asia Ltd., a Hong Kong brokerage. “GDP being worse than expected will give the Japan bears something to talk about, but long term it means more stimulus on its way.”
AMP’s Oliver says there are plenty of other reasons to buy. He says Japan is less exposed to slowing growth in emerging economies than its Asian neighbors, and Abe’s policy program is working.
“If the equity market is a gauge of expectations for a country’s future economic performance, it’s sending a signal of confidence in Abenomics,” Oliver said. “You can’t turn around a 25-year malaise overnight.” | 5,941 | 2,835 | 0.000369 |
warc | 201704 | The Starry Messenger
—————————
Galileo: Watcher of the Skies by David Wootton Yale University Press Galileo by J.L. Heilbron Oxford University Press; 514 pp.
I didn't make it to the First Annual Catholic Conference on Geocentrism, held in South Bend, Indiana on the November 6 weekend. I was
interested, and badgered some editors to expense the trip, but no one thought it worth their funds. Nor have I read the 1,048-page, two-volume book
Galileo Was Wrong: The Church Was Right by R. A. Sungenis and R. J. Bennett, published in 2007. ("Your world will be rocked,"
promises the promotional material, somewhat missing the point of geocentrism.)
If you do any science writing you get on the mailing lists for this kind of thing. It's amazing how many people see it as their life's mission to disabuse us of some scientific theory or other. Creationists, who dispute the foundations of modern biology, are only the best-known of these dissenters. Publish a science book or write a few articles and you will soon find your mailbox clogged with letters and pamphlets clamoring to set you straight on the real truth about the natural world and the sinister conspiracies that seek to keep us deluded.
Though neither a geocentrist nor a creationist, I confess to a sneaking sympathy for these contrarians. I fancy that in some small way they
help to keep science honest. What, after all, do we know? Outside the narrow realm of what the philosopher J. L. Austin called "medium-sized dry
goods" — the kinds of phenomena whose size and duration are on the scales our senses evolved to cope with — we are in a
counterintuitive wonderland of curved spacetime and wave-particle duality. Real knowledge of that wonderland is awfully hard to extract. Copernicus's
book
De revolutionibus, which argued for a moving Earth and a stationary Sun, was published in 1543, yet the strongest objection to his
system — the absence of stellar parallax — was not resolved until 1838. That's nearly 300 years to clear up one key point in a
theory.
The most famous of early Copernicans, after Copernicus himself of course, is Galileo Galilei. His book
Sidereus nuncius (The Starry
Messenger), the first to describe systematic observations of the heavens by telescope, was published in 1610. By way of marking the quatercentenary
of this event, the university presses of both Oxford and Yale have brought out new biographies of the astronomer by two distinguished historians of
science. Curiously, the OUP's author is an American while Yale's is an Englishman. Both, however, are diligent scholars and credentialed experts in
their field, fully acquainted with the source materials for Galileo's life and work. Even though neither book, nor indeed both put together, matches
the length of Galileo Was Wrong, they offer masses of well-informed detail about their subject and his works.
That subject is a difficult one. As well as being a person and a scientist, Galileo has also been a token in the conflict between science and
religion. The key event here is his formal abjuration of Copernicanism in June of 1633 under pressure from the Inquisition. Partisans of the Catholic
Church, along with some philosophical relativists like Paul Feyerabend, have portrayed Galileo as a testy crank dogmatically committed to an unproven
theory. Their case is not without merit: Galileo
did have a cross-grained personality, and Copernicanism was short on supporting
evidence. Galileo's attempt in his 1632 book Dialogue on the Two Main World Systems to supply the missing evidence with his preposterous
explanation of the tides — he attributed them to a kind of rhythmic sloshing caused by the earth's movement — fortifies the
anti-Galileo case.
The more common point of view tells the Galileo story as one skirmish in a Manichean conflict between Renaissance and Counter-Reformation, a war in which brave free-thinking empiricists struggled to escape a decaying, suffocating mass of religious dogmatism and obscurantism. There is something here, too. The Roman Church was a power center: a locus of order in a very disorderly world, but all too prone to the arrogance, corruption, and ideological rigidity attendant on political power everywhere.
Both these authors go much deeper than these partisan caricatures. The intellectual landscape of early seventeenth-century Italy was, they show, exceedingly complex. Church intellectuals of Galileo's time were conducting an orderly retreat from the astronomy of Ptolemy and Aristotle, with Tycho Brahe's quasi-heliocentric system as a popular fall-back position. (It had the earth stationary and all other planets revolving round the sun, which revolved round the earth. This, by the way, is the system favored by today's geocentrists.)
Astronomical systems of all sorts were in any case seen by the Church as mathematical, not physical; as handy algorithms for computing the positions of objects in the sky, not as descriptions or explanations of observed reality. It was made clear to Galileo that if he clove to this "save the appearances" approach, his Copernicanism would be acceptable. He could not do so, though, being too convinced of heliocentrism as physical fact.
Both these books are professorial, in the sense of assuming more familiarity with the subject matter than a nonspecialist reader is likely to have. Heilbron redeems himself somewhat with a useful glossary of names and a Galilei family tree. His book has some very fine color plates, too. (Though both books should have included a simple map of northern Italy. If you don't have the relevant locations and distances clear in your mind, you'll want an atlas handy.) Heilbron's book is also the more straightforward narrative, proceeding directly from birth to death with a few supplementary pages on the fortunes of Galileo's reputation.
David Wootton's book is comparatively meditative and moves around more freely in time. It is structured on a four-part framework: each
section devoted to a particular part of Galileo's life and afterlife — i.e., his reputation — but with many forward and backward
references. Its defects, for me, were a whiff of cod-Freudianism ("Galileo's internal conflict over the nature of knowledge is best understood as
an ever deferred settling of accounts with his father") and poor math. I read Wootton's explanation of accelerated motion three times and still
came away thinking he believes speed proportional to the square of time elapsed. No: it is distance traversed, not speed, that is proportional to
t 2.
The main point of fact on which the authors differ is the vexed question of how good an empiricist Galileo was. The difference of opinion is
not great, though. Neither author is at the extreme of skepticism represented by the great historian of science Alexandre Koyré
(
floruit 1950s), who thought Galileo's empiricism consisted mostly of thought experiments.
Wootton is the more skeptical of the two, making a case that Galileo was a "reluctant" empiricist, especially in his earlier years.
Of Galileo's unfinished 1590 study of dynamics, Wootton says that "the limited role assigned to experiment in
On Motion … is the
role that would have been assigned to it by any orthodox Aristotelian." This remark has more force if you know how blithely un-empirical
Aristotle's physics was. It taught, for example, that a hurled object moves in a straight line for a while then drops vertically, and that ice is
heavier than water.
Heilbron is more inclined to give Galileo the benefit of the doubt as an experimenter — and there
is considerable
doubt — though even he concedes what is plainly the case, that "Galileo could stick to an attractive theory in the face of
overwhelming experimental refutation." Perhaps Galileo was by temperament less a scientist than a mathematician? If so, he was a very incurious
one. He seems to have taken no interest in algebra, for example, a great mathematical growth point in his time, coming to full flower with Descartes'
Géométrie (1637). Nor did he pay any attention to Kepler's 1609 book Astronomia nova, which contained the mathematical
key to planetary motion.
My impression of these biographies is rather the one I get from well-nigh any reading on the history of science: that no other style of
thinking comes less naturally to human beings than the empirical and that Galileo was all too human in this regard. Neither of the authors thinks
that Galileo's 1633 abjuration was sincere; nor does either credit the tale about Galileo muttering
e pur si muove — "and
yet it [the earth] does move" — as he rose from his knees at the end of the proceedings. He had, both agree, been a convinced
Copernican since 1597, his thirty-fourth year.
On the matter of Galileo's religious beliefs our two biographers take different approaches. Wootton gives over a whole chapter to the topic, arriving at a "very strong presumption that Galileo was not a Christian." He was not, however, an atheist or agnostic in the modern sense, more a Platonic deist, seeing God "as the Supreme Mathematician."
Heilbron shows less interest in Galileo's inner life. He portrays Galileo's occasional religious observances in cynical terms. Of the Venetian ambassador's noting in 1610 that Galileo "frequently takes the sacraments and is very much changed from what he was," Heilbron observes drily: "The probable etiology of this increased observance will soon be clear." (Galileo was planning to woo the Jesuits prior to publishing his Copernicanism.)
Galileo's 1610 book
Sidereus nuncius appeared just a few months after Kepler's Astronomia nova, in which the notion of
elliptical planetary orbits was first offered. Both books stand almost precisely midway in time between Copernicus's De revolutionibus (1543)
and Newton's Principia (1687), the latter of which gives a sound mathematical explanation of why orbits are elliptical.
This 144-year period, with Galileo's book at its center point, saw the first great dethronement of humanity — the first clear
evidence that an assumption carried forward from our most primitive paleolithic condition down to the seventeenth century, the assumption that all
things were created for the sake of man, is false. Two centuries after Newton came the second terrible blow with the publication of Darwin's
On
the Origin of Species.
We are still reeling. While acceptance of heliocentrism is now essentially universal outside the meeting rooms of the Hilton Garden Inn at South Bend, Indiana, still only 40 percent of Americans believe in evolution. The idea of our utter insignificance — a smart ape dwelling on an inconsequential planet — is more than most of us can bear. "We do not doubt," wrote Descartes, in the year of Galileo's death, "but that many things exist, or formerly existed and have now ceased to be, which were never seen or known by man, and were never of use to him." It was the work of the troublesome Florentine that first forced this deeply unwelcome fact on our attention. Here in two fine scholarly books are the man and the work all laid out for inspection. | 11,305 | 5,424 | 0.000188 |
warc | 201704 | Making predictions is never easy, especially for small business owners and managers. Unlike their larger counterparts, small firms rarely have the resources to monitor and take corrective action for every trend and issue. Even entrepreneurs who've experienced numerous business cycles face new circumstances that confound their instincts and knowledge.
While there's no crystal ball that accurately predicts the future, small business owners and managers can take steps to help their enterprises endure the worst of times and take advantage of the best of times. Perform a small business heath checkup to determine if your business is ready for the coming year.
Talk to your banker about your company's financial status. Lenders offer experience in advising business owners on issues specific to their businesses and industries. Have them review your year-end financial statements and offer an honest appraisal. Talk about establishing a line of credit, which could stabilize your cash flow position in 2016.
Strengthen relationships with creditors. It could be time to renegotiate terms or change payment amounts on overdue bills. Overdue bills and inconsistent payment practices won't help your long-term credit position. What's more, your creditors could be experiencing financial difficulties as well. Any flexibility will hinge on whether they perceive you as a reliable partner or a risk they want to eliminate.
Keep a close watch on your receivables. Review who owes your company money and make sure they're meeting terms. Be firm when dealing with problem accounts, but also remain willing to negotiate when appropriate. With a little encouragement, a struggling customer could become a long-term source of income. Remember that the longer an account receivable ages, the harder it becomes to collect on that debt.
Make sure all expenditures are justified and contribute to the financial health of your business. You might find it necessary to redirect money to areas that will enhance business performance. If you carry an inventory of products, check the accuracy of your records and procedures to prevent losses. It could be helpful to adjust your order amounts to match projected sales. Now is the time to review management and employee expenses to determine if they're justified and meet the mission of your business.
Review your operations and expenses on a regular basis. If you monitor your profitability on a monthly basis, it might be a good idea to begin reviewing it on a weekly or bi-weekly basis during slow economic times. Likewise, review and update your business plan more frequently. Monthly or quarterly reviews make it easier to make adjustments and keep your business on track.
Step up your marketing efforts. Many business owners mistakenly see marketing as a luxury when money is tight. In actuality, this is the time when increased marketing could be needed. Along with reassuring current customers you're still there to serve them, marketing can help you reach new consumers who will grow your business now and into the future.
Check out the business finance and counseling programs and other resources available from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Start out by visiting the website located at www.sba.gov.
Stanley Nakano serves as the SBA's Acting Region VIII Administrator and is based in Salt Lake City. He oversees the agency's programs and services in Colorado, Montana, Utah, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. | 3,475 | 1,723 | 0.000582 |
warc | 201704 | Few naturally-occurring plasmids are maintained in mammalian cells. Among these are genomes of gamma-herpesviruses, including Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi's Sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), which cause multiple human malignancies
1-3. These two genomes are replicated in a licensed manner, each using a single viral protein and cellular replication machinery, and are passed to daughter cells during cell division despite their lacking traditional centromeres 4-8.Much work has been done to characterize the replications of these plasmid genomes using methods such as Southern blotting and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). These methods are limited, though. Quantitative PCR and Southern blots provide information about the average number of plasmids per cell in a population of cells. FISH is a single-cell assay that reveals both the average number and the distribution of plasmids per cell in the population of cells but is static, allowing no information about the parent or progeny of the examined cell.Here, we describe a method for visualizing plasmids in live cells. This method is based on the binding of a fluorescently tagged lactose repressor protein to multiple sites in the plasmid of interest 9. The DNA of interest is engineered to include approximately 250 tandem repeats of the lactose operator (LacO) sequence. LacO is specifically bound by the lactose repressor protein (LacI), which can be fused to a fluorescent protein. The fusion protein can either be expressed from the engineered plasmid or introduced by a retroviral vector. In this way, the DNA molecules are fluorescently tagged and therefore become visible via fluorescence microscopy. The fusion protein is blocked from binding the plasmid DNA by culturing cells in the presence of IPTG until the plasmids are ready to be viewed.This system allows the plasmids to be monitored in living cells through several generations, revealing properties of their synthesis and partitioning to daughter cells. Ideal cells are adherent, easily transfected, and have large nuclei. This technique has been used to determine that 84% of EBV-derived plasmids are synthesized each generation and 88% of the newly synthesized plasmids partition faithfully to daughter cells in HeLa cells. Pairs of these EBV plasmids were seen to be tethered to or associated with sister chromatids after their synthesis in S-phase until they were seen to separate as the sister chromatids separated in Anaphase 10. The method is currently being used to study replication of KSHV genomes in HeLa cells and SLK cells. HeLa cells are immortalized human epithelial cells, and SLK cells are immortalized human endothelial cells. Though SLK cells were originally derived from a KSHV lesion, neither the HeLa nor SLK cell line naturally harbors KSHV genomes 11. In addition to studying viral replication, this visualization technique can be used to investigate the effects of the addition, removal, or mutation of various DNA sequence elements on synthesis, localization, and partitioning of other recombinant plasmid DNAs. 15 Related JoVE Articles!
Measurement of γHV68 Infection in Mice
Institutions: University of Southern California, Los Angeles.
γ-Herpesviruses (γ-HVs) are notable for their ability to establish latent infections of lymphoid cells
1
. The narrow host range of human γ-HVs, such as EBV and KSHV, has severely hindered detailed pathogenic studies. Murine γ-herpesvirus 68 (γHV68) shares extensive genetic and biological similarities with human γ-HVs and is a natural pathogen of murid rodents
2
. As such, evaluation of γHV68 infection of mice inbred strains at different stages of viral infection provides an important model for understanding viral lifecycle and pathogenesis during γ-HVs infection.
Upon intranasal inoculation, γHV68 infection results in acute viremia in the lung that is later resolved into a latent infection of splenocytes and other cells, which may be reactivated throughout the life of the host
3,4
. In this protocol, we will describe how to use the plaque assay to assess infectious virus titer in the lung homogenates on Vero cell monolayers at the early stage (5 - 7 days) of post-intranasal infection (dpi). While acute infection is largely cleared 2 - 3 weeks postinfection, a latent infection of γHV68 is established around 14 dpi and maintained later on in the spleen of the mice. Latent infection usually affects a very small population of cells in the infected tissues, whereby the virus stays dormant and shuts off most of its gene expression. Latently-infected splenocytes spontaneously reactivate virus upon explanting into tissue culture, which can be recapitulated by an infectious center (IC) assay to determine the viral latent load. To further estimate the amount of viral genome copies in the acutely and/or latently infected tissues, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) is used for its maximal sensitivity and accuracy. The combined analyses of the results of qPCR and plaque assay, and/or IC assay will reveal the spatiotemporal profiles of viral replication and infectivity
in vivo
.
Immunology, Issue 57, γHV68, herpesvirus, viral infection, plaque assay, infectious center assay, PCR, qPCR, host-virus interaction
3472
Dissecting Host-virus Interaction in Lytic Replication of a Model Herpesvirus
Institutions: UT Southwestern Medical Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center.
In response to viral infection, a host develops various defensive responses, such as activating innate immune signaling pathways that lead to antiviral cytokine production
1,2
. In order to colonize the host, viruses are obligate to evade host antiviral responses and manipulate signaling pathways. Unraveling the host-virus interaction will shed light on the development of novel therapeutic strategies against viral infection.Murine γHV68 is closely related to human oncogenic Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus and Epsten-Barr virus
3,4
. γHV68 infection in laboratory mice provides a tractable small animal model to examine the entire course of host responses and viral infection
in vivo
, which are not available for human herpesviruses. In this protocol, we present a panel of methods for phenotypic characterization and molecular dissection of host signaling components in γHV68 lytic replication both
in vivo
and
ex vivo
. The availability of genetically modified mouse strains permits the interrogation of the roles of host signaling pathways during γHV68 acute infection
in vivo
. Additionally, mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) isolated from these deficient mouse strains can be used to further dissect roles of these molecules during γHV68 lytic replication
ex vivo
.Using virological and molecular biology assays, we can pinpoint the molecular mechanism of host-virus interactions and identify host and viral genes essential for viral lytic replication. Finally, a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) system facilitates the introduction of mutations into the viral factor(s) that specifically interrupt the host-virus interaction. Recombinant γHV68 carrying these mutations can be used to recapitulate the phenotypes of γHV68 lytic replication in MEFs deficient in key host signaling components. This protocol offers an excellent strategy to interrogate host-pathogen interaction at multiple levels of intervention
in vivo
and
ex vivo
.Recently, we have discovered that γHV68 usurps an innate immune signaling pathway to promote viral lytic replication
5
. Specifically, γHV68 de novo infection activates the immune kinase IKKβ and activated IKKβ phosphorylates the master viral transcription factor, replication and transactivator (RTA), to promote viral transcriptional activation. In doing so, γHV68 efficiently couples its transcriptional activation to host innate immune activation, thereby facilitating viral transcription and lytic replication. This study provides an excellent example that can be applied to other viruses to interrogate host-virus interaction.
Immunology, Issue 56, herpesvirus, gamma herpesvirus 68, γHV68, signaling pathways, host-virus interaction, viral lytic replication
3140
Dissecting Innate Immune Signaling in Viral Evasion of Cytokine Production
Institutions: Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California.
In response to a viral infection, the host innate immune response is activated to up-regulate gene expression and production of antiviral cytokines. Conversely, viruses have evolved intricate strategies to evade and exploit host immune signaling for survival and propagation. Viral immune evasion, entailing host defense and viral evasion, provides one of the most fascinating and dynamic interfaces to discern the host-virus interaction. These studies advance our understanding in innate immune regulation and pave our way to develop novel antiviral therapies.Murine γHV68 is a natural pathogen of murine rodents. γHV68 infection of mice provides a tractable small animal model to examine the antiviral response to human KSHV and EBV of which perturbation of
in vivo
virus-host interactions is not applicable. Here we describe a protocol to determine the antiviral cytokine production. This protocol can be adapted to other viruses and signaling pathways.Recently, we have discovered that γHV68 hijacks MAVS and IKKβ, key innate immune signaling components downstream of the cytosolic RIG-I and MDA5, to abrogate NFΚB activation and antiviral cytokine production. Specifically, γHV68 infection activates IKKβ and that activated IKKβ phosphorylates RelA to accelerate RelA degradation. As such, γHV68 efficiently uncouples NFΚB activation from its upstream activated IKKβ, negating antiviral cytokine gene expression. This study elucidates an intricate strategy whereby the upstream innate immune activation is intercepted by a viral pathogen to nullify the immediate downstream transcriptional activation and evade antiviral cytokine production.
Immunology, Issue 85,
Herpesviridae, Cytokines, Antiviral Agents, Innate, gamma-HV68, mice infection, MEF, antiviral cytokine
51078
Identifying Dysregulated Genes Induced by Kaposi's Sarcoma-associated Herpesvirus (KSHV)
Institutions: Meharry Medical College.
Currently KS is the most predominant HIV/AIDS related malignancy in Southern Africa and hence the world.
1,2
It is characterized as an angioproliferative tumor of vascular endothelial cells and produces rare B cell lymphoproliferative diseases in the form of pleural effusion lymphomas (PEL) and some forms of multicentric Castleman's disease.
3-5
Only 1-5% of cells in KS lesions actively support lytic replication of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), the etiological agent associated with KS, and it is clear that cellular factors must interact with viral factors in the process of oncogenesis and tumor progression.
6,7
Identifying novel host-factor determinants which contribute to KS pathology is essential for developing prognostic markers for tumor progression and metastasis as well as for developing novel therapeutics for the treatment of KS.
8
The accompanying video details the methods we use to identify host cell gene expression programs altered in dermal microvascular endothelial cells (DMVEC) after KSHV infection and in KS tumor tissue.
9
Once dysregulated genes are identified by microarray analysis, changes in protein expression are confirmed by immunoblot and dual labeled immunofluorescence. Changes in transcriptional expression of dysregulated genes are confirmed
in vitro
by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Validation of
in vitro
findings using archival KS tumor tissue is also performed by dual labeled immunochemistry and tissue microarrays.
8,10
Our approach to identifying dysregulated genes in the KS tumor tissue microenvironment will allow the development of
in vitro
and subsequently
in vivo
model systems for discovery and evaluation of potential novel therapeutic for the treatment of KS.
Immunology, Issue 43, virology, Kaposi's sarcoma, microarrays, infection, microscopy
2078
Detection of the Genome and Transcripts of a Persistent DNA Virus in Neuronal Tissues by Fluorescent
In situ Hybridization Combined with Immunostaining Institutions: CNRS UMR 5534, Université de Lyon 1, LabEX DEVweCAN, CNRS UPR 3296, CNRS UMR 5286.
Single cell codetection of a gene, its RNA product and cellular regulatory proteins is critical to study gene expression regulation. This is a challenge in the field of virology; in particular for nuclear-replicating persistent DNA viruses that involve animal models for their study. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) establishes a life-long latent infection in peripheral neurons. Latent virus serves as reservoir, from which it reactivates and induces a new herpetic episode. The cell biology of HSV-1 latency remains poorly understood, in part due to the lack of methods to detect HSV-1 genomes
in situ
in animal models. We describe a DNA-fluorescent
in situ
hybridization (FISH) approach efficiently detecting low-copy viral genomes within sections of neuronal tissues from infected animal models. The method relies on heat-based antigen unmasking, and directly labeled home-made DNA probes, or commercially available probes. We developed a triple staining approach, combining DNA-FISH with RNA-FISH and immunofluorescence, using peroxidase based signal amplification to accommodate each staining requirement. A major improvement is the ability to obtain, within 10 µm tissue sections, low-background signals that can be imaged at high resolution by confocal microscopy and wide-field conventional epifluorescence. Additionally, the triple staining worked with a wide range of antibodies directed against cellular and viral proteins. The complete protocol takes 2.5 days to accommodate antibody and probe penetration within the tissue.
Neuroscience, Issue 83, Life Sciences (General), Virology, Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), Latency,
In situ hybridization, Nuclear organization, Gene expression, Microscopy
51091
Initiation of Metastatic Breast Carcinoma by Targeting of the Ductal Epithelium with Adenovirus-Cre: A Novel Transgenic Mouse Model of Breast Cancer
Institutions: Wistar Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, University of Pennsylvania, University of Pennsylvania, University of Pennsylvania.
Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease involving complex cellular interactions between the developing tumor and immune system, eventually resulting in exponential tumor growth and metastasis to distal tissues and the collapse of anti-tumor immunity. Many useful animal models exist to study breast cancer, but none completely recapitulate the disease progression that occurs in humans. In order to gain a better understanding of the cellular interactions that result in the formation of latent metastasis and decreased survival, we have generated an inducible transgenic mouse model of YFP-expressing ductal carcinoma that develops after sexual maturity in immune-competent mice and is driven by consistent, endocrine-independent oncogene expression. Activation of YFP, ablation of p53, and expression of an oncogenic form of K-ras was achieved by the delivery of an adenovirus expressing Cre-recombinase into the mammary duct of sexually mature, virgin female mice. Tumors begin to appear 6 weeks after the initiation of oncogenic events. After tumors become apparent, they progress slowly for approximately two weeks before they begin to grow exponentially. After 7-8 weeks post-adenovirus injection, vasculature is observed connecting the tumor mass to distal lymph nodes, with eventual lymphovascular invasion of YFP+ tumor cells to the distal axillary lymph nodes. Infiltrating leukocyte populations are similar to those found in human breast carcinomas, including the presence of αβ and γδ T cells, macrophages and MDSCs. This unique model will facilitate the study of cellular and immunological mechanisms involved in latent metastasis and dormancy in addition to being useful for designing novel immunotherapeutic interventions to treat invasive breast cancer.
Medicine, Issue 85, Transgenic mice, breast cancer, metastasis, intraductal injection, latent mutations, adenovirus-Cre
51171
A Restriction Enzyme Based Cloning Method to Assess the
In vitro Replication Capacity of HIV-1 Subtype C Gag-MJ4 Chimeric Viruses Institutions: Emory University, Emory University.
The protective effect of many HLA class I alleles on HIV-1 pathogenesis and disease progression is, in part, attributed to their ability to target conserved portions of the HIV-1 genome that escape with difficulty. Sequence changes attributed to cellular immune pressure arise across the genome during infection, and if found within conserved regions of the genome such as Gag, can affect the ability of the virus to replicate
in vitro
. Transmission of HLA-linked polymorphisms in Gag to HLA-mismatched recipients has been associated with reduced set point viral loads. We hypothesized this may be due to a reduced replication capacity of the virus. Here we present a novel method for assessing the
in vitro
replication of HIV-1 as influenced by the
gag
gene isolated from acute time points from subtype C infected Zambians. This method uses restriction enzyme based cloning to insert the
gag
gene into a common subtype C HIV-1 proviral backbone, MJ4. This makes it more appropriate to the study of subtype C sequences than previous recombination based methods that have assessed the
in vitro
replication of chronically derived
gag-pro
sequences. Nevertheless, the protocol could be readily modified for studies of viruses from other subtypes. Moreover, this protocol details a robust and reproducible method for assessing the replication capacity of the Gag-MJ4 chimeric viruses on a CEM-based T cell line. This method was utilized for the study of Gag-MJ4 chimeric viruses derived from 149 subtype C acutely infected Zambians, and has allowed for the identification of residues in Gag that affect replication. More importantly, the implementation of this technique has facilitated a deeper understanding of how viral replication defines parameters of early HIV-1 pathogenesis such as set point viral load and longitudinal CD4+ T cell decline.
Infectious Diseases, Issue 90, HIV-1, Gag, viral replication, replication capacity, viral fitness, MJ4, CEM, GXR25
51506
A Novel High-resolution
In vivo Imaging Technique to Study the Dynamic Response of Intracranial Structures to Tumor Growth and Therapeutics Institutions: Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto Medical Discovery Tower, Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital.
We have successfully integrated previously established Intracranial window (ICW) technology
1-4
with intravital 2-photon confocal microscopy to develop a novel platform that allows for direct long-term visualization of tissue structure changes intracranially. Imaging at a single cell resolution in a real-time fashion provides supplementary dynamic information beyond that provided by standard end-point histological analysis, which looks solely at 'snap-shot' cross sections of tissue.
Establishing this intravital imaging technique in fluorescent chimeric mice, we are able to image four fluorescent channels simultaneously. By incorporating fluorescently labeled cells, such as GFP+ bone marrow, it is possible to track the fate of these cells studying their long-term migration, integration and differentiation within tissue. Further integration of a secondary reporter cell, such as an mCherry glioma tumor line, allows for characterization of cell:cell interactions. Structural changes in the tissue microenvironment can be highlighted through the addition of intra-vital dyes and antibodies, for example CD31 tagged antibodies and Dextran molecules.
Moreover, we describe the combination of our ICW imaging model with a small animal micro-irradiator that provides stereotactic irradiation, creating a platform through which the dynamic tissue changes that occur following the administration of ionizing irradiation can be assessed.
Current limitations of our model include penetrance of the microscope, which is limited to a depth of up to 900 μm from the sub cortical surface, limiting imaging to the dorsal axis of the brain. The presence of the skull bone makes the ICW a more challenging technical procedure, compared to the more established and utilized chamber models currently used to study mammary tissue and fat pads
5-7
. In addition, the ICW provides many challenges when optimizing the imaging.
Cancer Biology, Issue 76, Medicine, Biomedical Engineering, Cellular Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Neuroscience, Neurobiology, Biophysics, Anatomy, Physiology, Surgery, Intracranial Window,
In vivo imaging, Stereotactic radiation, Bone Marrow Derived Cells, confocal microscopy, two-photon microscopy, drug-cell interactions, drug kinetics, brain, imaging, tumors, animal model
50363
Modeling Astrocytoma Pathogenesis
In Vitro and In Vivo Using Cortical Astrocytes or Neural Stem Cells from Conditional, Genetically Engineered Mice Institutions: University of North Carolina School of Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine.
Current astrocytoma models are limited in their ability to define the roles of oncogenic mutations in specific brain cell types during disease pathogenesis and their utility for preclinical drug development. In order to design a better model system for these applications, phenotypically wild-type cortical astrocytes and neural stem cells (NSC) from conditional, genetically engineered mice (GEM) that harbor various combinations of floxed oncogenic alleles were harvested and grown in culture. Genetic recombination was induced
in vitro
using adenoviral Cre-mediated recombination, resulting in expression of mutated oncogenes and deletion of tumor suppressor genes. The phenotypic consequences of these mutations were defined by measuring proliferation, transformation, and drug response
in vitro
. Orthotopic allograft models, whereby transformed cells are stereotactically injected into the brains of immune-competent, syngeneic littermates, were developed to define the role of oncogenic mutations and cell type on tumorigenesis
in vivo
. Unlike most established human glioblastoma cell line xenografts, injection of transformed GEM-derived cortical astrocytes into the brains of immune-competent littermates produced astrocytomas, including the most aggressive subtype, glioblastoma, that recapitulated the histopathological hallmarks of human astrocytomas, including diffuse invasion of normal brain parenchyma. Bioluminescence imaging of orthotopic allografts from transformed astrocytes engineered to express luciferase was utilized to monitor
in vivo
tumor growth over time. Thus, astrocytoma models using astrocytes and NSC harvested from GEM with conditional oncogenic alleles provide an integrated system to study the genetics and cell biology of astrocytoma pathogenesis
in vitro
and
in vivo
and may be useful in preclinical drug development for these devastating diseases.
Neuroscience, Issue 90, astrocytoma, cortical astrocytes, genetically engineered mice, glioblastoma, neural stem cells, orthotopic allograft
51763
A Primary Neuron Culture System for the Study of Herpes Simplex Virus Latency and Reactivation
Institutions: New York University School of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine.
Herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) establishes a life-long latent infection in peripheral neurons. This latent reservoir is the source of recurrent reactivation events that ensure transmission and contribute to clinical disease. Current antivirals do not impact the latent reservoir and there are no vaccines. While the molecular details of lytic replication are well-characterized, mechanisms controlling latency in neurons remain elusive. Our present understanding of latency is derived from
in vivo
studies using small animal models, which have been indispensable for defining viral gene requirements and the role of immune responses. However, it is impossible to distinguish specific effects on the virus-neuron relationship from more general consequences of infection mediated by immune or non-neuronal support cells in live animals. In addition, animal experimentation is costly, time-consuming, and limited in terms of available options for manipulating host processes. To overcome these limitations, a neuron-only system is desperately needed that reproduces the
in vivo
characteristics of latency and reactivation but offers the benefits of tissue culture in terms of homogeneity and accessibility.Here we present an
in vitro
model utilizing cultured primary sympathetic neurons from rat superior cervical ganglia (SCG) (
Figure 1
) to study HSV-1 latency and reactivation that fits most if not all of the desired criteria. After eliminating non-neuronal cells, near-homogeneous TrkA
+
neuron cultures are infected with HSV-1 in the presence of acyclovir (ACV) to suppress lytic replication. Following ACV removal, non-productive HSV-1 infections that faithfully exhibit accepted hallmarks of latency are efficiently established. Notably, lytic mRNAs, proteins, and infectious virus become undetectable, even in the absence of selection, but latency-associated transcript (LAT) expression persists in neuronal nuclei. Viral genomes are maintained at an average copy number of 25 per neuron and can be induced to productively replicate by interfering with PI3-Kinase / Akt signaling or the simple withdrawal of nerve growth factor
1
. A recombinant HSV-1 encoding EGFP fused to the viral lytic protein Us11 provides a functional, real-time marker for replication resulting from reactivation that is readily quantified. In addition to chemical treatments, genetic methodologies such as RNA-interference or gene delivery via lentiviral vectors can be successfully applied to the system permitting mechanistic studies that are very difficult, if not impossible, in animals. In summary, the SCG-based HSV-1 latency / reactivation system provides a powerful, necessary tool to unravel the molecular mechanisms controlling HSV1 latency and reactivation in neurons, a long standing puzzle in virology whose solution may offer fresh insights into developing new therapies that target the latent herpesvirus reservoir.
Immunology, Issue 62, neuron cell culture, Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), molecular biology, virology
3823
Profiling of Pre-micro RNAs and microRNAs using Quantitative Real-time PCR (qPCR) Arrays
Institutions: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Quantitative real-time PCR (QPCR) has emerged as an accurate and valuable tool in profiling gene expression levels. One of its many advantages is a lower detection limit compared to other methods of gene expression profiling while using smaller amounts of input for each assay. Automated qPCR setup has improved this field by allowing for greater reproducibility. Its convenient and rapid setup allows for high-throughput experiments, enabling the profiling of many different genes simultaneously in each experiment. This method along with internal plate controls also reduces experimental variables common to other techniques.
We recently developed a qPCR assay for profiling of pre-microRNAs (pre-miRNAs) using a set of 186 primer pairs. MicroRNAs have emerged as a novel class of small, non-coding RNAs with the ability to regulate many mRNA targets at the post-transcriptional level. These small RNAs are first transcribed by RNA polymerase II as a primary miRNA (pri-miRNA) transcript, which is then cleaved into the precursor miRNA (pre-miRNA). Pre-miRNAs are exported to the cytoplasm where Dicer cleaves the hairpin loop to yield mature miRNAs. Increases in miRNA levels can be observed at both the precursor and mature miRNA levels and profiling of both of these forms can be useful. There are several commercially available assays for mature miRNAs; however, their high cost may deter researchers from this profiling technique. Here, we discuss a cost-effective, reliable, SYBR-based qPCR method of profiling pre-miRNAs. Changes in pre-miRNA levels often reflect mature miRNA changes and can be a useful indicator of mature miRNA expression. However, simultaneous profiling of both pre-miRNAs and mature miRNAs may be optimal as they can contribute nonredundant information and provide insight into microRNA processing. Furthermore, the technique described here can be expanded to encompass the profiling of other library sets for specific pathways or pathogens.
Biochemistry, Issue 46, pre-microRNAs, qPCR, profiling, Tecan Freedom Evo, robot
2210
Electrochemotherapy of Tumours
Institutions: Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, University of Ljubljana.
Electrochemotherapy is a combined use of certain chemotherapeutic drugs and electric pulses applied to the treated tumour nodule. Local application of electric pulses to the tumour increases drug delivery into cells, specifically at the site of electric pulse application. Drug uptake by delivery of electric pulses is increased for only those chemotherapeutic drugs whose transport through the plasma membrane is impeded. Among many drugs that have been tested so far, bleomycin and cisplatin found their way from preclinical testing to clinical use. Clinical data collected within a number of clinical studies indicate that approximately 80% of the treated cutaneous and subcutaneous tumour nodules of different malignancies are in an objective response, from these, approximately 70% in complete response after a single application of electrochemotherapy. Usually only one treatment is needed, however, electrochemotherapy can be repeated several times every few weeks with equal effectiveness each time. The treatment results in an effective eradication of the treated nodules, with a good cosmetic effect without tissue scarring.
Medicine, Issue 22, electrochemotherapy, electroporation, cisplatin, bleomycin, malignant tumours, cutaneous lesions
1038
Interview: HIV-1 Proviral DNA Excision Using an Evolved Recombinase
Institutions: Heinrich-Pette-Institute for Experimental Virology and Immunology, University of Hamburg.
HIV-1 integrates into the host chromosome of infected cells and persists as a provirus flanked by long terminal repeats. Current treatment strategies primarily target virus enzymes or virus-cell fusion, suppressing the viral life cycle without eradicating the infection. Since the integrated provirus is not targeted by these approaches, new resistant strains of HIV-1 may emerge. Here, we report that the engineered recombinase Tre (see Molecular evolution of the Tre recombinase , Buchholz, F., Max Planck Institute for Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden) efficiently excises integrated HIV-1 proviral DNA from the genome of infected cells. We produced loxLTR containing viral pseudotypes and infected HeLa cells to examine whether Tre recombinase can excise the provirus from the genome of HIV-1 infected human cells. A virus particle-releasing cell line was cloned and transfected with a plasmid expressing Tre or with a parental control vector. Recombinase activity and virus production were monitored. All assays demonstrated the efficient deletion of the provirus from infected cells without visible cytotoxic effects. These results serve as proof of principle that it is possible to evolve a recombinase to specifically target an HIV-1 LTR and that this recombinase is capable of excising the HIV-1 provirus from the genome of HIV-1-infected human cells.
Before an engineered recombinase could enter the therapeutic arena, however, significant obstacles need to be overcome. Among the most critical issues, that we face, are an efficient and safe delivery to targeted cells and the absence of side effects.
Medicine, Issue 16, HIV, Cell Biology, Recombinase, provirus, HeLa Cells
793
Culture of myeloid dendritic cells from bone marrow precursors
Institutions: McMaster University, McMaster University, University of Waterloo.
Myeloid dendritic cells (DCs) are frequently used to study the interactions between innate and adaptive immune mechanisms and the early response to infection. Because these are the most potent antigen presenting cells, DCs are being increasingly used as a vaccine vector to study the induction of antigen-specific immune responses. In this video, we demonstrate the procedure for harvesting tibias and femurs from a donor mouse, processing the bone marrow and differentiating DCs in vitro. The properties of DCs change following stimulation: immature dendritic cells are potent phagocytes, whereas mature DCs are capable of antigen presentation and interaction with CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. This change in functional activity corresponds with the upregulation of cell surface markers and cytokine production. Many agents can be used to mature DCs, including cytokines and toll-like receptor ligands. In this video, we demonstrate flow cytometric comparisons of expression of two co-stimulatory molecules, CD86 and CD40, and the cytokine, IL-12, following overnight stimulation with CpG or mock treatment. After differentiation, DCs can be further manipulated for use as a vaccine vector or to generate antigen-specific immune responses by in vitro pulsing using peptides or proteins, or transduced using recombinant viral vectors.
Immunology, Issue 17, dendritic cells, GM-CSF, culture, bone marrow
769
Targeted Expression of GFP in the Hair Follicle Using Ex Vivo Viral Transduction
Institutions: AntiCancer, Inc..
There are many cell types in the hair follicle, including hair matrix cells which form the hair shaft and stem cells which can initiate the hair shaft during early anagen, the growth phase of the hair cycle, as well as pluripotent stem cells that play a role in hair follicle growth but have the potential to differentiate to non-follicle cells such as neurons. These properties of the hair follicle are discussed. The various cell types of the hair follicle are potential targets for gene therapy. Gene delivery system for the hair follicle using viral vectors or liposomes for gene targeting to the various cell types in the hair follicle and the results obtained are also discussed.
Cellular Biology, Issue 13, Springer Protocols, hair follicles, liposomes, adenovirus, genes, stem cells
708 | 35,182 | 13,550 | 0.000075 |
warc | 201704 | CNN’s Wolf Blitzer recently asked if Israel was “overreacting” in Gaza. Rebuffing this new, trendy disproportionality argument, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu mocked those who say “yes, you have the right of self-defense, as long as you don’t exercise it.” Simplistic, voyeuristic media coverage spreads “Palestinian porn” – obsessed with exhibitionist victimization, not sex. Exploiting their dead, Palestinians seek to arouse the world’s guilt – while deflecting responsibility for triggering the conflict.
This proportionality indictment is not only absurd but amoral. When a democracy launches a just war, its moral obligation to its citizens and soldiers is to apply overwhelming force against the enemy, to secure peace quickly and authoritatively.
War by definition entails resorting to violent extremes.
The cliché that democracies are slow to anger but once mobilized become formidable, reflects the power harnessed when free-thinking citizens finally are willing to risk their routines because of the intensity of a threat. When deploying some of its citizens in the resulting armed conflict, a democracy’s first obligation is to guard the home front while solving the problem that prompted the war. The democracy’s second obligation is to try to protect its soldiers. A democracy cannot, therefore, allow its soldiers to fight with blinders, handcuffs and leg irons. The ugly reality remains that trying to limit ferocity in war is like trying to limit sweat in a basketball game – there’s no spigot to regulate such a natural, inevitable flow.
To be clear, the current progressive and media “proportionality” talk is not about crossing that red line of targeting civilians directly. The issue is war’s lethal side effects, what the Pentagon euphemistically calls “collateral damage” but should be labeled frankly as the death of innocents.
During America’s Civil War General William T. Sherman said: “War is cruelty and you cannot refine it; and those who brought war into our country deserve all the curses and maledictions a people can pour out.” Sherman’s “war is hell” understanding linked effect and cause. When the cause is just, those guilty of triggering the war bear full blame for the war’s savagery.
Americans have usually fought more harshly than Israelis.
Even during these recent battles against a Hamas foe who respects no rules, Israel has often forfeited the element of surprise, dropped leaflets, even aborted attacks to save civilians. Sherman advised: “You might as well appeal against the thunder-storm as against these terrible hardships of war.”
Over a century later, a leader far more ambivalent about military power, Bill Clinton, articulated his own brutal truth about the necessary balance of fear any self-respecting country must maintain when attacked, especially by terrorists. As the “Blackhawk Down” nightmare unfolded in Somalia in 1993, President Clinton complained to staffers: “We’re not inflicting pain on these f--kers. When people kill us, they should be killed in greater numbers.”
In that Battle of Mogadishu, between 1,500 and 3,000 Somalis died, including civilians. For some reason, the media at that time did not simply tally body counts without providing any explanation or context in an attempt to make the well-armed Americans appear brutal. Reporters emphasized the 18 dead Americans – especially after Somalis dragged some American bodies through the streets.
War reportage should not treat the casualty count as some kind of moral barometer. War is not a game; only in games such as golf does a higher score make you the loser.
The fact that Germany suffered over 10 times the number of war dead than Americans did in World War II does not change that war’s moral calculus. One can only imagine Wolf Blitzer on D-Day, counting German casualties without acknowledging German guilt. Americans were fighting a savage war – as all wars are – against a particularly heinous regime.
Hamas is similarly responsible for the carnage now. In fact, this “overkill” condemnation implicitly acknowledges Israel’s justification in responding to thousands of rockets launched from territory it left nine years ago. Hamas not only turned Gaza into a launching pad and tunnel warren, it has proved that as long as Israel exists, many Palestinians will call Israeli land “occupied,” disproving the Left’s blame-Israel-first occupation preoccupation. The issue is Israel, not Israel’s West Bank presence.
These difficult days, while most Israelis are sticking to their routines between scrambling to shelters during Color Red alerts, the closer you live to the Gaza border, the more your life is disrupted. Some Israelis emphasize the resulting disruption, fear and casualties in an attempt to compete with the Palestinian woe-is-me, we-are-the-victims war porn.
Most Israelis, however, prefer demonstrating indomitable insouciance, echoing Londoners resisting the Nazi Blitz.
Two weeks ago, amid the great tensions preceding the war, we celebrated my daughter’s bat mitzvah. After working so hard to learn her Torah portion, she made one request: that her father and two brothers start a family flash-mob to Ray Charles’s classic cover of “Shake a Tail Feather” during a post-bat mitzvah beach party for her friends (getting her mother and sister to dance was easy).
So there we were, Twisting and Phoney-Moroneying on the beach, flash-mobbing away, with the menace of rockets already clouding the magical Mediterranean night.
The image of this dance – and many other normalizing moments amid the moaning of sirens, shrieks and explosions of rockets and sound of feet running to shelters – illustrates Israelis’ scorn for Hamas threats. Cliché but true: living well is the best revenge.
We mourn both sides’ suffering – and hope for a quick, peaceful resolution. The memorial for the 2001 Hamas suicide bombing at the Dolphinarium disco vows “lo nafseek lirkod,” we won’t stop dancing. We are all saying that to Hamas, even while mourning our painful losses this week.
We won’t be manipulated by false claims of disproportionality into risking even more Israeli casualties. And we absolutely won’t stop dancing.
The author is professor of history at McGill University and will be a Visiting Professor at the IDC in Herzliya this fall. His latest book, Moynihan’s Moment: America’s Fight Against Zionism as Racism, was just published by Oxford University Press.
Watch the new Moynihan’s Moment video! www.giltroy.com
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warc | 201704 | Antimicrobial Stewardship 2012: Science Driving Practice
This edition of
Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology ( ICHE) is dedicated to articles on antimicrobial stewardship. Though such articles appear regularly in the pages of ICHE, this is the first time that an entire issue has been devoted to the topic. By design, this issue comes at a time of tremendous growth in the importance of antimicrobial stewardship. The combination of rising rates of antimicrobial resistance, a rapidly dwindling effective antimicrobial armamentarium, and increasing financial pressures for hospitals has spurred new interest in the one intervention that has been proven to address all these problems simultaneously.
A number of organizations have recognized the importance of implementing stewardship interventions and programs in hospitals, with major efforts being spearheaded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA). The creation of SHEA’s Antimicrobial Stewardship Taskforce and the launch of CDC’s “Get Smart for Healthcare” campaign (http://www.cdc.gov/getsmart/healthcare) marked the start of a new era of a nationally coordinated effort to promote inpatient antibiotic stewardship in the United States. The growing importance and profile of antibiotic stewardship are reflected in the inclusion of several antibiotic quality measures in the new “inpatient infection control worksheet” currently being piloted by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (available at https://www.cms.gov/Surveycertificationgeninfo/downloads/SCLetter12_01.pdf). The measures are not all encompassing, nor will they independently improve antibiotic use in hospitals. However, it is hoped that they will both raise awareness of the importance of improving antibiotic use in hospitals and help lay a foundation for accomplishing that goal.
This special issue of
ICHE provides an important “snapshot” of the current state of the science of antimicrobial stewardship and includes several articles that help advance the field. The number of submissions for this special edition came as a pleasant surprise to all of us as more than 80 manuscripts were submitted for consideration. The editors have worked to select articles that both showcase the breadth and depth of current research on stewardship and highlight important lessons learned. When viewed as a group, several important themes emerge throughout the articles.
First, economic analyses of stewardship programs remain critically important and need to become more advanced. Hospitals have certainly not been immune from the current worldwide economic woes. Antimicrobial stewardship interventions are somewhat unique in healthcare in that they can improve both clinical and institutional outcomes. While many quality initiatives increase cost of care, stewardship interventions are economically attractive. Given this, there has perhaps never been a more important time to demonstrate the financial benefit of stewardship. Stevenson and colleagues
1 provide an excellent review on the economics of antimicrobial stewardship and provide a useful business case model that might help others seeking to demonstrate the important economic benefits of these programs. Also on the economic front is an important article from Standiford and colleagues 2 at the University of Maryland. Several studies have shown the important economic benefits of starting a stewardship program, but Standiford et al provide an analysis of the economic consequences of stopping a program. Their program was highly successful from an economic perspective, realizing a 46% decrease in antibiotic expenditures per 1,000 patient-days during its 7-year existence. The program was terminated in 2008, and within 2 years antimicrobial costs had increased by 32%—an increase driven largely by the use of broad-spectrum antibacterial agents often targeted by stewardship programs. The authors estimate that the decision to halt the program cost the medical center about $2 million over a 2-year period. This article should serve as a cautionary tale for any administrator who is contemplating curtailing or eliminating a stewardship program and should provide a useful business case for advocates of stewardship programs. Finally, Beardsley and colleagues 3 present an analysis of the long-term financial impacts of a stewardship program that has been active for more than a decade. This article is especially important as more stewardship programs leave childhood and enter adolescence. It is generally easy to demonstrate financial benefits of stewardship programs in early years due to decreased antimicrobial expenditures following implementation of interventions such as formulary restructuring and parenteral to oral conversion programs. It can be harder to show sustained financial impacts in subsequent years. Beardsley et al’s submission not only demonstrates that stewardship programs do have sustained economic benefits but also provides a helpful methodology for calculating such benefits.
Second, as the practice of medicine increasingly shifts to non–acute care settings, we need to expand our knowledge of stewardship into these important new locations. Historically, stewardship efforts have been limited to acute care hospitals and even limited in their application in those facilities, with most published experience coming from academic medical centers. Several articles in this issue do help chart new territories for stewardship efforts. Shrestha and colleagues
4 summarize their experience with a stewardship intervention focused on the transitions of care to outpatient parenteral therapy. In nearly a third of all cases, their program was able to avoid postdischarge parenteral antibiotics—not only saving resources but also improving the quality of life of the patients. This type of intervention will likely become increasingly important as the quickening pace of health care leads to more and more referrals for outpatient parenteral antibiotics and scrutiny of transitions of care intensifies at the national level. Pate et al 5 demonstrate that stewardship interventions can be successfully implemented in a long-term acute care facility—a setting where stewardship has been historically problematic. What is especially important about their article is the fact that the interventions were accomplished within the resource constraints of the facility. There is also little information on antibiotic use and potential stewardship targets in pediatric hospital settings. To address this gap, Levy et al 6 provide a nice longitudinal 3-year assessment of the appropriateness of antimicrobial use in a children’s hospital. The good news is that the authors found that rates of appropriate use were better in their facility than in many publications examining use in adult acute care settings. At the same time, they found some key opportunities for improvement on critical care and surgical services. Surgical units are another area where stewardship has traditionally been a challenge. However, the article by Dubrovskaya et al 7 shows how one facility used the 2010 publication of guidelines on management of intra-abdominal infections to improve the use of antibiotics by their surgical services. Finally, many antimicrobial stewardship programs have avoided interventions in intensive care settings. Elligsen and colleagues 8 counter this practice with a study that showed that a postprescription review program in their intensive care unit reduced Clostridium difficile cases and was associated with an improvement in the overall susceptibility to meropenem.
Third, this stewardship special issue also highlights the fact that considerable room for improvement and further study remains. Despite numerous publications demonstrating the benefits of parenteral to oral conversion programs and several articles detailing methodologies for implementation, the article by Jones and colleagues
9 suggests that this remains a prime area for interventions. The authors reviewed fluoroquinolone use at 128 Veterans Affairs hospitals and found that nearly half of all days of intravenous fluoroquinolone therapy were avoidable. This could represent an easy target for many stewardship programs, including those with significant resource constraints and even in facilities that might have thought this issue had been addressed.
Last, but certainly not least, this issue features an article from the CDC Prevention Epicenter facilities that is, to our knowledge, the first multicenter trial of an antimicrobial stewardship intervention.
10 The results of the intervention were mixed: use was significantly reduced in 2 facilities, increased in 2 facilities, and unchanged in another. The authors delve into a few potential explanations for why this might have occurred and suggest that the key predictor of success of the new intervention might have been the presence of an established stewardship program. Perhaps even more important than the results of this study is its very existence as a grant-supported, multicenter stewardship interventional trial, using standard methodologies for assessing interventions and outcomes across 5 very different facilities. This study brings an apparent paradox of stewardship research into sharp focus. Large studies like this need to be supported and repeated in other settings and with other types of interventions. But even while we call for larger and more complicated studies of stewardship interventions, the gaps in our knowledge of stewardship demonstrate the simultaneous need for smaller and simpler trials. Although this study represents a significant advance in the science of antimicrobial stewardship, one should not underestimate the importance of smaller-scale investigations that can be conducted at single centers or through research collaboratives such as the SHEA Research Network.
Studies examining the implementation of “simple” interventions remain important as we work toward expanding the scope of antimicrobial stewardship. What will be critical to these future studies is that they continue to advance the assessment of outcomes. We must move beyond an exclusive focus on process measures and toward evidence-based appraisals of validated outcome measures. The review article by Dr John McGowan
11 provides a very nice summary of where we are currently with respect to assessment of stewardship programs and, more importantly, some thoughts on how we can move forward.
There has perhaps never been a more critical juncture for antimicrobial stewardship. There is growing interest from key stakeholders—clinicians, healthcare administrators, and policy makers—and a growing body evidence demonstrating the benefits of stewardship. We now need to harness the interest and the science to move toward making stewardship programs an integral part of all healthcare facilities. Education and messaging will play an important role. For too long, our message on the benefits of stewardship has been too narrowly focused on reducing costs and potentially reducing antibiotic resistance. The former is not compelling to most clinicians, and the latter, while generally accepted, has been difficult to demonstrate clearly since the emergence and spread of resistance is so complicated and multifactorial. Moving forward, we need to emphasize that antibiotic stewardship is, fundamentally, a critical patient safety and public health issue for all healthcare settings that can improve the quality of care.
To this end, this issue also includes a joint policy statement from SHEA, the Infectious Diseases Society of America, and the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society
12 that outlines a national approach to antimicrobial stewardship and another position paper from SHEA and the Association of Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology 13 that describes a role for infection preventionists in antimicrobial stewardship. When implemented properly, stewardship imparts important benefits simultaneously to individual patients, with improved cure rates and reduced risks of Clostridium difficile infections and other antibiotic-associated adverse events, to healthcare settings, with reduced rates of antibiotic resistance, and to society overall with reduced healthcare costs. Our communications goal must now be to help others recognize these realities, and it is our hope that this special issue of ICHE is a step in that direction. Acknowledgments Potential conflicts of interest. All authors report no conflicts of interest relative to this article. All authors submitted the ICMJE Form for Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest, and the conflicts that the editors consider relevant to this article are disclosed here. References 1. Stevenson KB, Balada-Llasat J-M, Bauer K, et al. The economics of antimicrobial stewardship: the current state of the art and applying the business case model. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2012;33(4):389–397. 2. Standiford HC, Chan S, Tripoli M, Weekes E, Forrest GN. Antimicrobial stewardship at a large tertiary care academic medical center: cost analysis before, during, and after a 7-year program. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2012;33(4):338–345. 3. Beardsley JR, Williamson JC, Johnson JW, Luther VP, Wrenn RH, Ohl CC. Show me the money: long-term financial impact of an antimicrobial stewardship program. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2012;33(4):398–400. 4. Shrestha NK, Bhaskaran A, Scalera NM, Schmitt SK, Rehm SJ, Gordon SM. Antimicrobial stewardship at transition of care from hospital to community. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2012;33(4):401–404. 5. Pate PG, Storey DF, Baum DL. Implementation of an antimicrobial stewardship program at a 60-bed long-term acute care hospital. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2012;33(4):405–408. 6. Levy ER, Swami S, Dubois SG, Wendt R, Banerjee R. Rates and appropriateness of antimicrobial prescribing at an academic children’s hospital, 2007–2010. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2012;33(4):346–353. 7. Dubrovskaya Y, Papadopoulos J, Scipione M, Altshuler J, Phillips M, Mehta SA. Antibiotic stewardship for intra-abdominal infections: early impact on antimicrobial use and patient outcomes. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2012;33(4):427–429. 8. Elligsen M, Walker SAN, Pinto R, et al. Audit and feedback to reduce broad-spectrum antibiotic use among intensive care unit patients: a controlled interrupted time series analysis. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2012;33(4):354–361. 9. Jones M, Huttner B, Madaras-Kelly K, et al. Parenteral to oral conversion of fluoroquinolones: low-hanging fruit for antimicrobial stewardship programs? Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2012;33(4):362–367. 10. Cosgrove SE, Seo SK, Bolon MK, et al. Evaluation of postprescription review and feedback as a method of promoting rational antimicrobial use: a multicenter intervention. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2012;33(4):374–380. 11. McGowan JE Jr. Antimicrobial stewardship—the state of the art in 2011: focus on outcome and methods. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2012;33(4):331–337. 12. Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, Infectious Diseases Society of America, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society. Policy statement on antimicrobial stewardship by the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, Infectious Diseases Society of America, and Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2012;33(4):322–327. 13. Moody J, Cosgrove SE, Olmsted R, et al. Antimicrobial stewardship: a collaborative partnership between infection preventionists and healthcare epidemiologists. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2012;33(4):328–330. | 15,887 | 6,301 | 0.000161 |
warc | 201704 | The Global Market for Medical Devices, 3rd. Edition Attention:There is an updated edition available for this report.
Online Download $1,500 Departmental Site License (one location, 10 users) $1,995 Global Site License $3,000 The Global Market for Medical Devices, 3rd. Edition, Kalorama Information analyzes the current device market in the United States, Europe, Asia and globally, profiles the key players and discusses trends important for market watchers to know.
The medical device market is vast -- everything from a large imaging system to a disposable item can be classified as a type of medical device -- but also provides opportunity for new entrants. While in dollar terms the pharmaceutical market is greater, the device market has more participants and is responsible for more orders and transactions. Throughout the past decade, Kalorama Information has covered many device markets in detail. Certain areas such as infusion pumps, patient monitoring and catheters have shown promising growth. Others have solid market leaders earning stable revenue.
What are the fastest-growing markets for medical devices? Who are the main participants and what competitive moves did they make in 2011? How have device companies fared in a weaker-than-expected recovery? What impact will US healthcare reform and its new taxes have on the industry in the largest medical device market? How much of the business has shifted out of the US?
This Kalorama Information report answers these questions and examines the global medical device industry and the key competitors participating in it. Combining the expert knowledge of Kalorama Information's reporting on device markets and analysis of 2010 results, the report provides insights into current trends that will be of interest to anyone watching the medical device market. As part of its coverage, the report includes:
Current Medical Device Market Size Estimate Forecast to 2016 Discussion of Healthcare Reform and Tax Impact Group Purchasing Trends 2011 Acquisitions and Mergers Regional Breakout of Device Market(US, Europe, Asia, Rest of World) Discussion of Hospital Spending, Population and other Trends Revenues of Top Device Companies, 2011 Medical Device Market in Significant Countries(US, China, Germany, Italy, France, Brazil, Japan) A Look at Key Device Category Segments(GI Equipment, MRI, Ultrasound, Patient Monitoring, Catheters, Imaging Equipment, Stents, Respiratory Equipment, Pacemakers and Other Areas) Profiles of Top Medical Device Companies Analyst's Conclusions Concerning the Current Device Market Johnson & Johnson GE Healthcare Siemens Healthcare CareFusion Medtronic Baxter International Philips Healthcare Covidien Abbott Laboratories Becton Dickinson Stryker B. Braun St. Jude Medical 3M Healthcare Zimmer Toshiba Smith & Nephew Hospira Danaher Synthes (J&J) Beckman Coulter Terumo Alcon/Novartis Fresenius Medical Owens & Minor GHX Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc Smiths Medical Boston Scientific Roche Biomet CR Bard Dentsply Hill-Rom Varian Coloplast Hartmann AG Teleflex Haemonetics
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Size of the Market and Forecast Top Companies Scope and Methodology Conclusions of the Report Definition Classification of Medical Devices Categorization of Medical Devices Regulation United States Recent Approvals European Union EU System and Approval Time Japan China Medical Device Buyers Trends Demographics Mergers And Acquisitions J&J Medtronic Baxter C R Bard Group Purchasing Organizations Medtronic GPO Stand: Other Vendors, Senate React GAO Study on Med Device Pricing GHX and Its Impact on Markets Healthcare Reform: New Customers, New Reporting, New Taxes Sunshine Act Medical Device Regulatory Improvement Act Market Size, Specific Medical Devices Gastrointestinal Devices Orthopedics Prepackaged Surgical Kits Catheters Minimally Invasive Surgery Patient Monitoring Dialysis MRI Ultrasound Medical Beds X-Ray Markets Eye Disease Markets: Equipment, Supplies, and Devices Infusion Pumps Point of Care Tests Stents Respiratory Devices Bellwether Companies Revenue Performance vs Revenue Growth Rate US versus International Sales Investment in Research and Development A Challenged Hospital Market Medicare Cuts Hospital Decline U S Hospital Chains Hospital Consolidation Aging Population Market Forecast Market by Region Market by Country Revenues of Top Companies Johnson & Johnson GE Healthcare Siemens Healthcare CareFusion Medtronic Baxter International Philips Healthcare Covidien Abbott Laboratories Becton Dickinson & Co Stryker B Braun St Jude Medical M Health Care Toshiba Zimmer Smith & Nephew Hospira Danaher Synthes Terumo Alcon (Novartis) Fresenius Medical Owens & Minor GHX Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc Smiths Medical Boston Scientific Roche Biomet CR Bard Dentsply Hill-Rom Varian Coloplast Hartmann AG Teleflex Haemonetics
LIST OF EXHIBITS
Table 1-1 Medical Device Market, 2010-2016 Table 2-1: 2011 Device Approvals, FDA Table 2-2: The U.S. Population, 1980-2020 Figure 2-2: The US Population, 1980-2020 Table 2-2: 2011 Medical Device Acquisitions Table 2-3: GPOs in the US Figure 2-3: GHX Transactions (billions) Table 3-1: Markets for Medical Devices, 2010 Table 3-2: Major Suppliers of Devices (Pacemakers, Ultrasound, MRI, Respiratory, Eye Disease, Syringes, Minimally Invasive, Stents, Catheters, Infusion Pumps, GI Endoscopy, X-Ray, Remote Patient Monitoring, POC Diagnostics, Orthopedic Implants, Medical Beds and Chairs, Wound Care) Table 4-1: Revenue Performance, Bellwether Companies 2011 vs. 2010 Figure 4-1 Revenue Growth, Bellwether Companies 2011 vs. 2010 Table 4-2: Percent of Sales in US, 2011 vs. 2010 Bellwether Companies Table 4-3: R&D Spending, Bellwether Companies Table 5-1: U.S. Registered Hospitals by Type, 2010 Figure 5-1: Number of Hospitals in the US, 1975-2005, Estimated 2015 Figure 5-2: Hospital Mergers Table 5-2: Select For-Profit U.S. Hospital Chains, 2010 Data Table 5-3: Percent U.S. Population Over Age 65 by Year Figure 5-3: Estimated Population by Age Group, 2000 and 2050 Figure 5-4: Market for Global Medical Devices, 2010-2016 Figure 5-5: Regional Breakout of Medical Device Market (US, Europe, Asia, Rest of World) Figure 5-6: Significant Country Device Markets (US, UK, Australia, Brazil, Japan, Germany, China, Italy, France) Table 5-4: Estimated Device-Only Revenue of Major Competitors, 2011 Figure 5-7: Estimated Market Share of Medical Device Market by Competitor
In this report,
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warc | 201704 | Vegetables can easily lose their nutrients, original texture, flavor, and color when not kept properly in storage. For green, leafy ones and a number of fruit-like vegetables, you need a refrigerator to maintain its freshness and palatability. The following tips will be very helpful.
1. Plan your regular food buying. Buy vegetables just enough for what you need in that certain period and see to it that green and leafy vegetables are consumed in 2-3 days while root and fruit vegetables may last from one to several weeks. 2. Know your vegetables. You may have favorite vegetables, vegetables that you eat only because you need to, and there are certain vegetables also that you really can't take. Nevertheless, buy freshly harvested vegetables so they will last longer than vegetables that are sold, especially in supermarkets, for days already. Be familiar with the keeping characteristics of certain vegetables. For example, potatoes darken and converts its starch to sugar when kept in the fridge so they are better kept out away from direct sunlight. Onions and garlic are better kept in the pantry or cupboards. Broccoli, mushrooms, cabbage, or leafy ones are best kept in the crisper. Carrots, cucumbers, or tomatoes may be stored in the fridge's shelves. Green and leafy ones are best wrapped in old newspapers before storing. 3. Know your refrigerator. If you are a vegetable lover and your place is quite some distance from the wet market, you must select a refrigerator that will serve you best. See to it that it has vegetable shelves and crisper. There are freezers that can double as a refrigerator because they are provided with thermostat controls. 4. Know your storing techniques. People around the world have different creative ways of keeping their vegetables. You may be surprised sometimes that their techniques works just as well in keeping the nutrients, flavor, color and texture of vegetables. Freezing is the quickest way of preserving vegetables but you have to educate yourself first before you dump your vegetables inside the freezer as you need to prepare specific vegetables first freezing them. You must also do some research about food compatibility since vegetables, as well as fruits, gives off ethylene, a tasteless, odorless and harmless gas that speeds up ripening. Do not wash green and leafy ones if possible as this speed up rotting. If washing is really necessary, allow vegetables to be dry enough before storing. 5. Know about storing hygiene. Most wastage due to rotting of vegetables in the fridge is not due to improper storing or refrigerator inefficiency. See to it that all compartments are clean enough and there is no presence of rotten food as this will contaminate the newly stored ones. Be careful in arranging your food inside the fridge so that nothing drips upon your vegetables which are usually placed in the bottom shelves. Cut off also the decayed or damaged parts of vegetables before storing. These tips are very basic and practical. You and your refrigerator can work well together in keeping your vegetables fresh and equally nutritious.
Cardiovascular exercise is a proven way to improve an individual?s health and when it comes to a Cardio Work out, few choices are as suitable as choosing bicycle riding.
The immense popularity of the sport in recent years can be attributed to many important benefits; some of the most relevant ones will be mentioned next:
1. It?s fun. Although most other benefits are just as important, the fact that persistence is made easier when an activity is fun makes a bicycle based Cardio Work out one of the most entertaining activities to practice in order to be in shape. Whether indoors or outdoors it is a proven way to keep motivation high since many different speed rates can be chosen along with the environment to practice it.
2. Alleviates pain on joints. As you may already know, sports such as running create extra stress on joints, up to the point where it may create serious health concerns. Bicycle based workouts are a solution to this problem. Adding to this long term benefit another important and adjacent one is that the sport can be practiced under any weather. From kids to adults, people of all sorts of backgrounds benefit from an injury free practice throughout their lifetime.
3. A bicycle based Cardio Work Out is environment friendly. As global warming sets global records, an increasingly large number of people choose environment friendly activities. This global conscience has fueled a big market where a person can find bicycles and accessories for any need and budget. It is also a fantastic way to enjoy fresh air while getting fit and healthy.
4. Increased calorie spending. Burning calories is of the essence when it comes to burning fat and keeping a healthy weight. By spending more calories, an individual assures their way to fitness, a sense of wellbeing and increased health. A healthy metabolic rate is made possible by increasing cardiovascular health and this is where bicycling comes into play because it is a proven and perfect way to spend calories through aerobic exercise.
It is important to mention that many other sports require a certain amount of previous achievements in order to benefit from them. A bicycle based cardio workout can provide any individual instant results since it can be suited to every level, from beginner to professional. If all the aforementioned facts weren?t enough, many people take bicycling as an effective way to move around. By doing this, individuals can save large amounts of money due to the always increasing gas prices. | 5,618 | 2,538 | 0.000395 |
warc | 201704 | Is it possible that all of the hype about social media marketing’s potential appears to be falling flat?
As multiple big brands have discovered, collecting fans and followers doesn’t always convert to sales. Both Facebook and Twitter business users are struggling to find the promised connection between revenue and a large amount of followers. As a result, many are shifting their strategies to making deeper connections with fewer fans rather than chasing the big follower/friend counts.
Quality, not quantity, matters. For example, as hotel chain Ritz-Carlton began to increase their brand followers on Facebook they realized that quality, not quantity, should be the goal. They currently have about 489,000 fans, much lower than some of their rivals, but they are using this group to analyze social interactions and understand guest preferences. It also uses this base to reach out to people who have never stayed at their chain of hotels.
Other companies are doing the same after several frustrating years of chasing fans and followers across social media. Instead of seeking out the likes and follows, they use social as a monitoring tool. They search for mentions of their brand across the networks and then engage as needed.
Engagement matters. “Engagement is key, and is something that can in turn further grow your audience,” said Ross Hoffman, Twitter’s directory of brand strategy in an article in the Wall Street Journal, “The onus of good content is on the marketer, and we are working with brands and agencies to hone this skill.”
However, consumers are becoming highly aware of brand publishing on social media and are resistant to marketing messages on this platform. A Nielsen Holdings NV study found that global consumers are more likely to trust ads on television, print, radio, billboards and during movie trailers than social media ads. According to a recent Gallup poll, 62% of consumers said that social media had no effect on purchasing decisions, while just 5% noted it had a great deal of influence.
More questions. It’s a blow to the social media marketing myth for sure – and as the myth is questioned more, social media companies may be at risk. Twitter in particular has had a tough year following its IPO, one of the most looked forward to in recent tech history. In the last few months, chief executive Dick Costolo has replaced nearly every executive in key positions at the company. Insiders say that it’s a result of Twitter struggling to keep people involved in the service and court new users. The nature of the platform. The problem may be in the nature of the platform itself. Even with 255 million monthly users, the product is a tough sell for many consumers who find Facebook easy and convenient to use. With just 140 characters and a flood of information, many consumers turn away from the noise.
Twitter’s strength is in bringing people together for real time events and news – but that’s hardly something that can be used to build a consistent advertising program around. In addition, growth slowed down throughout 2013 and 2014, which was disappointing to investors. Many expected Twitter’s growth to continue to reach Facebook-like proportions.
Although Facebook has five times as many users as Twitter, advertisers there are not having any more luck at reaching them than they are on Twitter. The social network made algorithm adjustments that switched from a chronological stream of information to one that would deliver the news that users would most likely want to see. As a result, brands went from reaching 16% of their fans with Facebook posts in February 2014 to just 6.5% (EdgeRank Checker).
Facebook was quick to remind companies that they were warned about the diminishing return of their ads, and that fans should be part of a means to an end – and not an end itself. In fact, brands are more likely to reach new non-fans on Facebook as their fans share content from their pages. This shifts the focus to the conversation (such as the content being shared and interacted with on and from a company’s page) instead of just focusing on social media as a one-way broadcasting channel.
Google+
Strategies are ever-changing. That’s why strategies are changing, as well as advertising budgets. Companies that choose to remain on Twitter and Facebook will do well by listening as much as publishing and promoting. | 4,464 | 2,166 | 0.000472 |
warc | 201704 | Just as no consensus has been reached about all the proper roles of a company, we have no final conclusion on the proper role of a law department.
Roles expected of corporations include to maximize profit (law departments are expected to minimize costs), increase market share (law departments should serve more internal clients and handle more work in-house), improve the community (legal departments undertake pro bono projects), promote diversity (ditto for law departments), conserve the environment (ditto), encourage personal growth (ditto), optimize productivity (ditto), and increase the quality of goods and services produced (ditto).
Roles expected of corporations conflict with each other and change over time. Ideology underlies everyone’s conception of those roles of both corporations and the law departments that serve them. The people who respond to those demands have different personalities and drives, and all of the mix changes over time. Likewise with law departments. The scope and depth of any law department remains malleable, with no chance that they will be set for long periods (See my post of Sept. 3, 2008: survey of the responsibilities of the general counsel.). | 1,201 | 625 | 0.001612 |
warc | 201704 | Score one for science, zero for journalistic integrity and a point for an interesting advance in the law of defamation.
The British Columbia Supreme Court found the
National Post and three of its reporters liable for defaming B.C. climate scientist Andrew Weaver, in a series of articles that suggested that he distorted scientific data to promote a public agenda on climate change and benefit from government funding.
The four stories at issue in
Weaver v. Corcoran, 2015 BCSC 165 followed a series of earlier pieces in which the Post took aim at the science – and scientists – behind research on global warming. Weaver, who had engaged in a dialogue with the reporters over the stories and elicited published apologies, was eventually pushed too far, and sued for defamation.
Justice Burke had no trouble finding that the words complained of in the four articles were defamatory. She found that they lowered Weaver's reputation in the eyes of a reasonable person, the words in fact referred to Weaver, and that they were published. Her analysis on the first point gave the defendants a tough road to climb in mounting any defence of fair comment:
While at first blush the articles may appear to be associated with actions such as commenting on various theories associated with climate warming in the media or the associated organizations, the reality is the combination and cumulative effect of these articles is such as to adversely impact on Dr. Weaver's reputation and integrity as a scientist. Imputations of dishonest behaviour on the part of a scientist or professor in that role can constitute defamation.
Indeed, in dealing with fair comment, Justice Burke found that the defendants failed to prove that the facts they were relying on were true. To the contrary, the defendants had "altered the complexion of the facts and omitted facts sufficiently fundamental that they undermine the accuracy of the facts expressed in the commentary".
The case also raised, for the first time in Canada, the question of reader comments, and specifically whether the operator of an Internet forum is liable for third-party postings. Building on the Supreme Court's decision in
Crookes v. Newton (2011 SCC 47), which held that hyperlinks are not publications, the Court found that a more nuanced approach was necessary for reader comments where the publication is through a content provider – the Post – rather than simply an Internet Service Provider.
Awareness of the nature of the reader posts is necessary to meet the test of publication. Until awareness of the offending posts occurs, the
National Post was considered to be in a passive role in the dissemination of reader postings and not liable for their content. Once the offensive comments were brought to the paper's attention, however, if immediate action was not taken to deal with them, the newspaper would be considered publishers as of that date.
In this case, while the reader posts were "clearly offensive" and there was no reason for the
Postto retain comments "of such vitriolic character", they were removed promptly such that the Postwas not considered to have been their publisher. The question of the defence of fair comment or innocent dissemination of reader comments thus remains to be considered in Canadian law. | 3,324 | 1,583 | 0.00064 |
warc | 201704 | The virtual world is, most of the time, more enchanting than the real world. We love iPhone and other smartphones because they are portals that allow us to enter a world of our choice—when you have a good smartphone in your hand, you don’t care about your surroundings.
As a result, its not surprising that most of us end up abusing the technology instead of using it responsibly. I am addicted to my smartphone and am guilty of breaking all the rules of responsible smartphone usage: I have bored my friends and colleagues by babbling about my apps for days, I have berated my friends who use a different smartphone, and I have used my iPhone while watching a movie in a theatre.
I realized that it is not just me who does all this—everyone around me does it too. People bellow into their phones in public, they ignore the person sitting next to them to talk on their phones, and they panic if they can’t locate their devices. Although usually polite and considerate, I too turn into a boorish technology abuser when I have my mobile in my hands. This year, I intend to follow ten rules of smartphone use and be more responsible with my iPhone, and they may help you too. Here they are:
#1 Set a Time Limit
Facebook, YouTube, games and a thousand entertaining applications tempt you to give up sleeping forever. Desist. Set a time limit: avoid using your smartphone after a certain time at night and before a certain time in the morning. Get a good night’s sleep.
#2 Don’t Play Games All the Time
I spend hours playing games on my mobile—hours that could be used doing something constructive instead, and I bet you make the same mistake. After all, games are designed to be addictive. Play games, but only if you can put a limit on the amount of time you spend on them.
#3 Pick Important Calls
A smartphone is not merely a device for receiving and making calls; it is like a fast mini-computer with thousands of applications. So, there is a tendency to ignore calls and continue with other activities (at least, I tend to do that). If someone calls you to talk about something important, you should take that call—it’s just good manners to do so.
#4 Avoid Obsessive Browsing
24/7 internet connectivity is like fire: it’s a good servant, but a bad master, and most of us are slaves to it. Make a determined effort to avoid unproductive and obsessive browsing.
#5 Don’t Photograph & Share Everything
This is something I am constantly guilty of doing. I want to capture every event of my life and everything around me, which isn’t necessarily bad, but I miss the present moment by focusing on capturing it and sharing it online. If you do the same, then you are missing out on real life and looking at the world through a tiny camera lens.
#6 Don’t Ignore People
Even the most polite smartphone users ignore waiters and cash register personnel. While standing in line, we often talk on the phone to make good use of our time, but then we continue talking and just use gestures to interact with those providing us with service. Keep the caller on hold for a while and make a connection with the people in front of you.
#7 Don’t Text Insulting Messages
It is easy to be rude and insulting while you are debating an issue via texts, especially when you are commenting on sites like YouTube. You may end up using abusive language or childish arguments because of the sense of anonymity involved. Try to avoid saying things that you would generally not say to someone’s face.
#8 Don’t Shout While Talking
Even rude smartphone users don’t like other loud, rude mobile users. If you take a call in an elevator and start talking loudly, you will attract the focused hate of all the people around you. Whenever you are in a public place, avoid talking on your phone, or at least speak softly.
#9 Don’t Text While Driving
This is not a question of etiquette, but a question of safety. Even if you are great at multitasking, it is not a good idea to mix driving with texting—it’s a recipe for disaster. No matter how good you are, you have to take your eyes off the road and look at the phone screen to read or write texts. Avoid texting while driving it at all costs.
#10 Take a Break From Your Phone
Dependency is never a good thing. If you cannot live without your smartphone for a single weekend, you are addicted to it. If possible (and try to make it possible), switch off your phone and stay away from it for 48 hours. Do this at least once every year.
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warc | 201704 | While every body shape is different, key elements make it easy to separate certain characteristics into body types. Knowing your body type gives you greater insight into how your body works as you digest food and exercise for weight loss. If you carry your weight in your middle, you're an apple type. Apple shapes have stubborn and even dangerous belly fat that makes it difficult to lose weight when consuming certain types of foods. Lose weight according to your apple type for greater success.
Step 1
Reduce the amount of sugar you consume and avoid sugary treats, such as soda, candy and refined carbohydrates. Carrying your weight in your middle often means that your body doesn't regulate body sugar well, Marie Savard notes in her book "Apples & Pears: The Body Shape Solution for Weight Loss and Wellness." The result is an excess of insulin working to stabilize blood sugar. High insulin is often an earmark for weight gain, since the body doesn't metabolize sugar properly. By reducing the amount of sugar you eat, your insulin levels lower and your body stops storing fat and sugar, instead metabolizing it efficiently.
Step 2
Eat food high in fiber. Fiber takes longer to digest, which helps to stabilize both blood sugar and insulin levels for proper metabolizing. High-fiber foods include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans and lentils. Fill your plate with fiber before indulging in foods which might be higher in sugar, such as white bread or pasta.
Step 3
Participate in at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise on a daily basis. Excess fat around your belly needs to be burned away. Dance, step aerobics, running, swimming and any other activity that raises your heart rate helps to burn your body's stores of excess fat for a svelter figure.
Step 4
Target your midsection when doing resistance training. Strength training and aerobic exercise go hand-in-hand to help you tone and whittle your middle. While aerobic exercise helps to burn away excess fat, strength training gives you a stronger core, resulting in a more toned look, better posture and continued calorie-burning. Proper crunches, Pilates and yoga all help to improve your core muscles.
Step 5
Schedule an appointment with your doctor for a physical. Dr. Savard tells CBS News that apple-shaped individuals are more prone to heart disease, diabetes and breast cancer. All three disorders list overweight or obesity as a risk factor, so it's important that you're tested and work with your doctor to define a diet and exercise program that works efficiently and safely for you and your individual shape. | 2,604 | 1,292 | 0.000778 |
warc | 201704 | Lemonade can really hit the spot on a warm spring day, but for 7-year-old Emily Broadbridge, it can mean significant amounts of cash.
The soon-to-be third-grader, who was one of thousands in Michigan who took part in the National Lemonade Day in Michigan on June 8, set up her stand in front of her Macomb Township home to sell hundreds of glasses of the tart drink. At the end of the day, she had earned $244. Her efforts were matched by an anonymous corporate donor and a handful of additional donations for a grand total of $568.91.
Kim Broadbridge, Emily’s mother, said that Emily has taken part in the Lemonade effort before, and that this was by far her most successful year.
“This is her third year selling lemonade, and she raised more money this year than she ever has,” she said. “And she made the decision this year to donate all of it to charity.”
The money was turned over to the Macomb Intermediate School District’s Education Project for Homeless Children and Youth, which assists the more than 1,000 students attending public school in Macomb County who do not have a permanent place to call home. The Project provides gift cards to homeless students so they can obtain necessities such as school supplies and clothing.
Kathleen Kropf, The MISD homeless student liaison, said the amount of the donation came as surprise.
“When I was told that Emily wanted to make this donation, I thought it would be $50 or $60,” she said. “But when it turned out to be more than $500, I was floored. This donation will provide at least 10 children with gift cards that can make a difference in their lives.
“That one little girl could raise that kind of money on a single Saturday afternoon was amazing,” Kropf added.
Business and philanthropy
The National Lemonade Day is a national initiative that aims to teach young people about the role of commerce and entrepreneurship in business. Children who take part in the initiative earn money for themselves, and for charity.
It takes place in 21 states in the United States; in southeast Michigan alone, about 4,900 children signed up to take part in the effort this year. Although the money is still being counted for this year’s effort, more than $230,000 was generated for charities in the region in 2012, according to numbers provided by the Detroit organizers.
Founded nationally in 2007, Lemonade Day was brought to Southeast Michigan in 2011 by Huntington Bank, which remains the effort’s corporate sponsor.
Mike Fezzey, the president of Huntington Bank’s Southeast Michigan region, said Lemonade Day is a palatable way to teach children about some of the core concepts of business such as supply and demand, cost structures, and the value of providing outstanding service.
“One of the lessons that the children are learning is the responsibility of profit in business,” he said. “They’re learning about how to do the right thing from an individual and corporate standpoint. Also, it allowed children to focus on what is happening in their communities by giving of their hearts to some great local charities that deserve support.”
Leading up to the lemonade sale, Emily worked hard to develop her business strategy, which included creating fliers and posting signs locally to encourage passers-by to make an impulse purchase. At the lemonade stand, she also passed out fliers and information about the MISD homeless student program to create awareness about the plight of some of the county’s most vulnerable children.
“ provided all of the children with a workbook that teaches them how to advertise and run the lemonade stand,” Kim Broadbridge said.
For her part, Emily Broadbridge just wanted to help some children who live in her community.
“I wanted to help some kids get the things they need for school,” she said.
Emily Broadbridge is an outgoing student at Cherokee Elementary School, where she just finished her second-grade year.
She has taken part in Lemonade Day for three years. For the past two years, she adopted the “one-third” structure that many children that take part in Lemonade Day adopt: One-third kept, one-third saved, and one-third donated. In the past, she would donate the money earmarked for charity to a local food bank. This year, after learning more about the plight of some of the children in her community, she decided to donate it all.
“It was a nice thing to do,” she said. “I learned a lot.”
Emily’s mother said she believes Emily’s dad, Kurt Broadbridge, is responsible for his daughter’s burgeoning business acumen and philanthropic sensitivity.
“He’s also an entrepreneur and a business technology consultant, so it’s something that’s a big part of our lives,” she said.
Emily is enjoying her summer break by spending time with her 3-year-old brother, Michael, swimming, riding her bicycle and preparing for horse camp. During the school year, she’s a member of
Brownie Troupe 70517.
Kim Broadbridge said Emily’s confidence has grown with each Lemonade Day.
“I hope that she learned that you can make a difference for someone else, even if you’re small. The lessons you learn today still apply when you’re 40.” | 5,354 | 2,430 | 0.000432 |
warc | 201704 | Summertime is so much fun. It’s time to relax and rejuvenate. It’s also a terrific time to go on vacation with family, including beloved pets.
Vacation is a wonderful summer tradition. It’s the time of year families gather to explore new places or return to favorite spots.
Did you ever think about including your pet on your vacation? Some folks wouldn’t consider the family complete unless the pet went along for vacation, too. If that’s something you’re thinking about this summer, there are several things to do to make the trip enjoyable and safe.
Safety for the pet is a key component. Nothing can ruin a much-anticipated trip than to have some disaster happen to your cherished pet.
So the first thing to do is to make sure the dog is healthy enough to travel. Let the doctor check him over. While he’s at the vet, have him microchipped with your current address listed on the records.
Then make sure he is wearing a non-slip collar with your name and telephone number embroidered in the material and put ID tags on. Non-slip collars should always be used whenever taking dogs outside of their routine environment.
Why should the collar be a non-slip rather than the usual collar he wears at home? If a dog is startled and has on a regular collar, chances are he can back out of the collar in the blink of an eye and escape. You could end up holding an empty leash with your beloved pet nowhere in sight.
Non-slip collars are designed to tighten if the dog tries to back out of it. They tend to be very secure and almost escape-proof if used properly.
If you opt not to use a non-slip collar, please consider using a tight-fitting harness. Try out the harness on your dog at home to make sure he can’t wiggle out of it before taking him on the big trip.
Keep your pet in a carrier while driving to your destination. But here’s a very important caution to please heed: Keep the carrier inside the car and your pet in clear view. It’s crucial that you watch your pet while he’s in the carrier for signs of distress and to make sure his collar/tags aren’t hung on the grates of the carrier.
Two other important tips to follow: Never, ever leave your pet in a parked car and never leave him tied outside unattended. Even though you may think no one else could possibly want your pet if you tethered him outside a restaurant, you may be surprised to learn dognappers exist.
Plan your trip around pet-friendly locations. A great website to use is www.bringfido.com.
Have fun and stay safe!
Send questions to acpup247@yahoo.com. Visit www.acpup.com or see his Facebook page. | 2,649 | 1,320 | 0.00078 |
warc | 201704 | On September 5, 2016, Mac Prichard was the featured guest on the
Finance Career Launch podcast, a show for people aspiring to careers in the finance sector. Mac spoke with host, David Mariano, about How to Use Informational Interviews and Networking to Find the Best Jobs.
Topics covered in this episode include:
The enormous benefits of informational interviews How to talk to people when you aren’t sure exactly what you want to do How to conduct an informational interview Making it easy for people to say ‘yes’ How to approach networking events so it is less intimidating and overwhelming And more…
Finance Career Launch is a great podcast if you’re interested in a career in finance, banking, or wealth management; but David also shares insights that are applicable to professionals in nearly any field. We definitely encourage you to check it out!
Thank you for listening to Find Your Dream Job. If you like the show, please help us by rating and reviewing our podcast on iTunes. We appreciate your support!
Opening and closing music for Find Your Dream Job provided by Freddy Trujillo, www.freddytrujillo.com.
You May Also Like Full Transcript Jenna Forstrom:
This is Find Your Dream Job, the podcast that helps you get hired, have the career you want and make a difference in life. I’m Jenna Forstrom, the Community Manager here at Mac’s List. On today’s bonus episode we’re sharing a podcast that Mac Prichard was on called Finance Career Launch with David Mariano.
In Finance Career Launch, you learn from real finance professionals and other subject matter experts as they discuss the dos and don’ts and everything else you need to get ahead. Here’s Mac on episode 91: “How to use informational interviews and networking to find the best jobs because they aren’t posted anywhere with Mac Prichard.”
Mac Prichard:
Don’t wait to be picked. I’ve had the most success in my career and the most enjoyment when I’ve stepped forward, taken a risk and proposed doing something nobody asked me to do. When I’ve done that, and when I haven’t waited to be picked – sometimes, I get rejection, but more often than not, David – doors open and I go places; I get to do things I never would have gotten to do if I’d waited for, say, a posting to appear on a job board or my boss to come down the hall and say, “We’d like you to do this.”
David Mariano:
Hey there, this is David Mariano. Happy Labor Day to those in the United States and welcome to episode 91 of Finance Career Launch, the show that helps you own your career. Whether you’re trying to advance to a new level or launch your finance career for the very first time, this podcast and the rest of your membership provide the training and support to help you develop, contribute and advance.
If you’re not yet a member, go ahead and register for no charge by visiting FinanceCareerLaunch.com and clicking that big blue button. When you do that, you’ll get instant access to the video series ‘The Seven Pillars of a Successful Career in Finance’ along with some other great stuff.
Sometimes it seems like there is this conspiracy and that the best jobs are hidden away for the select few. In fact, some statistics show that up to 80% of job opportunities are never posted anywhere. You will not find them anywhere: the internet, job boards, it doesn’t matter. The good news is: there isn’t a conspiracy, number one, that’s not true. With a good strategy you can position yourself to get these best jobs. You can put yourself in the running.
Our guest today is Mac Prichard. Mac owns and operates Prichard Communications, a public relations agency based in Portland, Oregon. He’s also the founder and publisher of Mac’s List, an online community where professionals find rewarding, interesting jobs and employers find the best possible candidates. Most recently Mac began hosting a great podcast called Find Your Dream Job. You can find that on iTunes and anywhere else you can find podcasts. Go check that out.
Mac and I in this conversation go deep into several practical strategies to help you position yourself for those best jobs. We talk about how to approach the informational interview – even if you’re not exactly sure what you want to do yet. I know that’s something that trips people up, but you don’t have to know that to approach informational interviews and be effective. We also talk about a few strategies for getting more out of networking events and industry association meetings.
There’s a lot of information in this conversation. If you’re trying to make a career or job change, get out a pen and paper, take some notes and get ready for this conversation with Mac Prichard.
Mac, if you could just start off describing how you founded Mac’s List in the first place. You have a communication background, you also have a communications company. I’d love to hear that story, how you got into the career space as well.
Mac Prichard:
Absolutely. I’m based in Portland, Oregon, as your listeners know. I run two small businesses. One is a public relations company, Prichard Communications. We work with nonprofits and foundations, but I also have Mac’s List. Mac’s List was a side project, David, that took off. 15 years ago this summer, actually, I started a list with a few dozen names to keep in touch with colleagues in government. I’d just left a position as a spokesman for a public agency. I didn’t know that I would go back to state government, but you never know.
One way people like to hear from others is by sharing job postings. We all get job postings that cross our desk occasionally. I just started forwarding them to people in this list. As the years went by I began to hear from people who wanted to be on the list and then employers. I didn’t know who asked me to share job announcements with my list.
Fast forward over the course of a decade I had almost over 1,000 names and many of them I had no idea who they were. Maintaining the list had become a part time job. I was paying someone to do this. While I did it as a service, I had to cover my costs.
I sent a letter to employers saying that we’re going to start charging for postings. And the next day people started paying. What I found was we were saving employers time and money because they were getting better applicants and fewer of them because we had created an organic community by word of mouth.
That is the heart of Mac’s List and it’s grown now to 80,000 visitors a month. In addition to the job board we have other educational and training services for job seekers because so many people struggle with the nuts and bolts of finding work.
David Mariano:
I agree. One thing you said there where the employers appreciated it because the candidates seemed to be more qualified. Why is that when they’re part of a community like Mac’s List?
Mac Prichard:
It taps into a fundamental principle that you’re certainly well aware of. Employers hire people they know or people who are recommended to them by people they trust. When they’re ready to look for candidates they tap into their professional networks. Because Mac’s List has grown by word of mouth, it is a network; it is a community.
Employers who post on the Mac’s List job board benefit from that community because people who read it were referred there by a colleague, or a fellow student or a friend or a family member but it’s exactly the kind of network that employers love to tap when they’re filling vacancies.
David Mariano:
One thing that I mentioned before we hit record, here, was that people, when they’re looking for a job, often they’re hoping that there’ll be a posting or there’ll be some advertisement looking for someone like them. Dig into that a little bit more. What you said about employers tend to access the people they know or tap their networks. If you’re a person looking for work and you might be really qualified how do you access that job market that seems hidden sometimes?
Mac Prichard:
That’s a great question. Nobody knows for certain, but there are estimates out there that as many as 80% of all jobs are never posted on Mac’s List, Monster, Craigslist, any job board. There are 40,000 niche job boards in the United States. Most jobs don’t appear on those boards. Your challenge, when you’re looking for work, is how do you uncover those jobs, because perhaps as many as eight out of 10 are never going to surface publicly.
Here’s the good news: it’s something that you can do in a thoughtful, strategic way. There are three basic strategies. One is to do informational interviews. These are conversations that are focused and have a clear ask and help you introduce yourself, share your goals with a professional in your field or a colleague, and also give you an opportunity to ask them focused questions that can help you in your job search, as well as grow your network. One thing you should always do in an informational interview is ask for referrals to other people that you might talk to about your career goals or your job hunt.
The second thing you can do to crack that hidden job market, David, is to get involved in professional associations in your industry. Go to conferences, sign up for a committee, volunteer to man the registration desk at the annual awards for whatever field you might be in, whether it’s finance or elsewhere. As you do that, you’ll make connections, you’ll meet people, they’ll come to know, like, and trust you. That will help you grow your network, but also make connections so that people will think of you for positions when they open.
The third thing that you can do to crack the hidden job market is to network. Go to events. Don’t go with the idea that success means passed out 100 business cards, that spray and pray approach. It means making connections in a thoughtful way. Less is definitely more.
Above all, in addition to going to events and meeting other people, keep yourself open to helping others. If people ask you for an informational interview, or ask you for a professional advice, or to serve as a mentor – give your time in a thoughtful way. If you do that, I find that people who give, and this is certainly my story, if you give without any expectation you will be amazed what you get back in return.
David Mariano:
My story mirrors yours and a lot of others. I agree with a lot of that. Going back to the informational interview. How do you approach that? What is the ask to get that? How important is it to share your goals – your intention – before having those conversations?
Mac Prichard:
It’s really vitally important to know what you want to get from that conversation. Again, a good informational interview allows you to do three things. First, it allows you to introduce yourself, share your story, and share your goals. The second thing you can do is to ask focused questions. These could be… Perhaps you were trying to identify which financial institutions in your community are growing, or might be hiring, or who are the leaders – these questions can give you insights into where opportunities might be.
Or maybe have a set of questions that address concerns about your candidacy as you think about your next move and where you want to be. Because we all, David, we carry these objections around in our head: “I’m not going to get this job because I have seven years experience and they want ten, or too old, or I’m too young, or they want somebody who knows the bond market and my experience has been in stocks.”
You have an opportunity in informational interviews to take those objections and turn them into questions and say, “For my next opportunity I want to move into savings and loans institution, or a community bank, but my experience has been in insurance – how have you seen people make that transition? What steps have they taken to do that? What kind of objections are likely to be raised and how have you see people overcome them?”
You get insights into how to position yourself and make yourself an attractive candidate to employers from people who are expert, they’re leaders in your field.
The third thing you can do in an informational interview, again, you should always ask for suggestions about other people you can connect with. It may be that you walk into the meeting and you’ve looked at a person’s LinkedIn profile and you see that they’ve worked with someone at an institution where you’d like to get an informational interview or begin to meet people.
It’s a legitimate thing to say, “I see that you’re connected with Mary Smith. Would you do an introduction or would it be okay if I reached out to her and mentioned your name. I’d like to have a conversation with her about that institution?”
If you do those three things in an informational interview, introduce yourself, share your story, get insights into either your field or things that can improve your candidacy, and grow your network by asking for contacts, that’s a success. Here’s the deal, David. You can do that in 20 minutes.
People, again, we don’t learn how to look for work and in college in high school, we learn it by trial and error, many of us. I certainly did. They’re not quite sure how to approach these conversations. Here’s the good news, like music, a language, any skill, job hunting can be learned. It just takes focus, practice and studying.
David Mariano:
I agree. One thing that I’ve found, and I’m curious if you’ve had a similar experience, is that I feel like a lot of people want to help. They’re perfectly willing to help. When you can be very specific, as you mentioned, about your goals, “Here’s what I’m looking to do,” even a little bit about, “Here’s what I don’t want to do,” I feel like they’re so much more willing to be helpful, including suggesting people. Because when you can say, “Here’s what I think I want to do,” even if that person’s not in that field they can say, “You should talk to so and so.” I’ve had that experience. I assume you have too.
Mac Prichard:
Yeah. 25 years ago this summer I was living on the East Coast and I wanted to move to the Pacific northwest, Oregon. Over the course of seven months, by phone and through two visits – I was in Boston at the time – I probably talked to 100 people; this was pre-internet. I can count on one hand, David, the number of people who said no, and I think it was just one or two. Because as you say, people do want to help.
I will emphasize, though, that when you do informational interviews remember this: you asked for this meeting. It’s up to you to run the meeting in a polite, professional way. Be clear about what you want and don’t be afraid to push the conversation along. The person you’re meeting with, you’re right, wants to help. You need to make it easy for them to say, “Yes.” Be clear about what you want. When you do make it easy for people to say, “Yes,” whether it’s a request for contacts or specific questions, you will be amazed by their generosity.
David Mariano:
Do you have any tips or things that have worked to make that ask because I feel like a lot of people are afraid to do that for one reason or another. They’re hesitant to even make that ask?
Mac Prichard:
Yeah, I think you’re spot on there. It’s a common fear. I think it comes from just lack of experience in doing it. I do find that once people learn how to do informational interviews, and it usually takes a couple to get comfortable, it becomes much easier.
Know this when you walk into the room, people expect you to make that ask. They took the meeting because they want to be helpful. They’ve had all kinds of people sit across from them in the informational interviews and some people wander and it’s difficult to help them. The people who are focused and are specific, you get the, again, make it easy for that person to say, “Yes.” They expect you to make that request.
David Mariano:
I want to go to networking because you mentioned that as an opportunity, a way to find these hidden jobs. You mentioned events. That’s another area where I feel like people, there are these wide ranging suggestions on how you attack events. There is the spray and pray approach. I’ve worked with people that that is, I swear that’s their goal, to empty the box of business cards.
Mac Prichard:
Do they get good results?
David Mariano:
I think they hand out a lot, but I don’t … They “know” a lot of people, in air quotes. What is the better approach, in your mind? I also want to ask it in the context of: a lot of people are also just uncomfortable in networking events – it is intimidating. I’ve found ways to get over it myself too, but I have to admit, when I walk into a room of 100 people and I only know maybe one or two or zero, it’s intimidating.
Mac Prichard:
I think it begins with having a goal in mind for going to events and having a focus. Every field has its professional associations and they can niche down quite a bit. Think if you’re exploring opportunities in a field, identify the associations and conferences that interest you. Pick one or two. Try them out and go to events with the idea that quality trumps quantity. I think it’s much better to have a handful of conversations that have some meaning and allow you to make a real connection, than try to just collect a couple of dozen business cards.
Again, I think you want to be clear about what associations interest you, go, shop around, find organization that you think you might want to get involved with by going to their mixers. Try to make high quality connections and commit to going to those events once you find a group that interests you over the course of a year and begin to build professional relationships with individuals, but also think about getting involved in that group’s committees or perhaps even a Board.
Most associations that put on events are eager for volunteers. I’m a big believer in projects. Usually an association looks for someone to organize a monthly lunch or staff a registration table at a conference, things that have a beginning, a middle and an end. It’s a way of showing people what you can do and a way of connecting with people who are leaders in your field.
It’s also a kind of connection I think that is a higher quality than a conversation at a social event, which has value. If it’s a group that you want to be involved in over the long term, I think about volunteering and I think the quality of relationships will get even better.
Again, people hire people they know or recommended by people they trust. Here’s the good news, it can be a very weak connections. It can be a simple as a conversation or attending a couple of meetings together. You make a positive impression and people will think of you when opportunities open up.
David Mariano:
Working side by side with someone, even at a small level has a big effect on the level of trust. You assume you have with that other person the level respect you have for their work. I agree with that.
Mac Prichard:
I think you’re so right. Sometimes people hear the phrase hidden job market and they think there’s some conspiracy and jobs are hidden in drawers somewhere. Again, it’s human nature that’s at work here. People are more comfortable with others once they’ve had an experience with them. Recognize that, tap into it and make it part of your job hunting strategy and your career management plan too.
David Mariano:
I don’t want to gloss over something you said a few minutes ago, when you talked about going to networking events you said something about over the course of a year. Dig into that a little bit, because I think there’s some benefit in doing something consistently, right?
Mac Prichard:
There is. I happen to work in the communications world. In our city, there are four different professional associations for communicators. Each has their own niche. There’s the American Marketing Association. There’s the Public Relations Society of America, there’s the Advertising Federation and there’s the International Association of Business Communicators.
I’m certain in your listeners’ world, in finance, there are similar niche associations. You could go to all of those groups, but I think, as you shop around in the beginning, you’ll discover an organization that is closest to your career goals and professional interests.
Once you do, dig in, and make solid connections with the members and the leaders of that group and look for ways to do that. Again, we talked about volunteering, doing small projects, maybe even eventually serving as a leader of that organization by taking a Board seat or an officer’s role.
When you dive deep, it gives you a chance to build strong relationships. It’s not only gratifying personally and professionally, it will pay dividends during the course of your career. I’m sure many of your listeners who are further along in their career, have been involved in different groups at different times, but they remain in touch with the people that they’ve met though those activities. That continues to serve them well as they progress professionally.
David Mariano:
It goes back to something you’ve said a few times about quality over quantity. It really is important I think to develop relationships over time and those do take time. You meet someone once, that’s okay, but where does it go from there?
Mac Prichard:
You look for ways to maintain the relationship and there are basic things you should always do, like, once you have a meaningful connection with someone, connect with each other on LinkedIn, and look for ways to help each other. Again, we’ve talked about the value of going out and seeking informational interviews, but all of us have something to offer. Even if we’re just at the start of our career, we’ve got experiences and insights that are valuable to others. We should always try to make ourselves available to help others by serving as a mentor or making time for informational interviews for people who’ve requested them of us as well.
David Mariano:
I’d like to switch gears a little bit. Because you’re in Portland, you have Mac’s List, which is a local, a regionally-focused job board and blog. Do you have anything to say to people who are relocating, because I do run across some of the listeners of this show that are looking to get to a different market or even a different job and they feel like they have to go somewhere else. Is there anything that you’ve helped people do that are looking to relocate? Because there are some nuances involved when you want to do that.
Mac Prichard:
There are. Our audience for Mac’s List has actually grown nationally in the last year, David, because we have a podcast called Find Your Dream Job and ‘85% of our downloads come from out of state, outside of Oregon. I think the reason that’s happening is because the principles that we talk about around job hunting and career management are applicable anywhere.
We do get a lot of questions about moving to other cities, not only from people who are interested in coming to Portland, but are out of state and thinking about going to other markets. I think a couple of principles apply. You need to be clear about your goal and what kind of opportunities interest you. You need to identify the publicly posted sources for jobs and, in a new city, there are likely to be niche boards, not only organized by profession, but by geography – find them and look at them.
Think about how you spend your time, and this is true for any job seeker, whether you’re relocating to a new market or you just want to work across town. If up to 80% of all jobs are never posted publicly, how are you spending your time? For many people, the answer is 100% of their time goes to job boards. You really need to step away from the computer and tap into that, figure out ways to navigate that hidden job market and then cover those hidden jobs.
How do you do that remotely if, say, you’re in Ohio and you want to move to California? Have a clear goal, find the local niche job boards in your market and then identify the leaders in your field where your career goal lies and begin reaching out to them. You can do that now through Skype calls and you can do informational interviews remotely, but you should also think about making a job-hunting trip or two, if you have the budget and the time to do that.
Then sometimes people say, “Should I just move to a new market and look?” That’s really up to the individual. I see people who do that successfully – they’ve got savings in place; they can afford to support themselves for a few months while they look for a job. Another strategy I see people use is: they move to a new place but they take contracts or part time work from their current employer and they do that work remotely. It’s really up to the individual and their tolerance for risk.
David Mariano:
I think that’s helpful. One other thing, reaction I get from people when I suggest going and talking to people is, “I’m not exactly sure what I want to do,” because if they’ve listened, they’ve heard the focus piece. It’s better when you can say, “Here’s what I want.” I’m curious of your opinion on this because I think it’s better to say, “Here are the couple things I’m thinking about,” and get the reaction and use those informational sessions to maybe understand the nuances between those two, three options so you can figure out what fits for you best as well.
Mac Prichard:
You read my mind, David. I think that advice is exactly right. I’ve certainly struggled with this in my own career. I happen to be in my mid-50s, so I’ve had different interests over the years. When people say, “I’m not sure what I want to do, I don’t want to close up my options,” I push back and I ask them, “What’s on your list? What are the top three things that interest you?” – just as you suggested.
I encourage people to list those out and then start and identify people, experts or leaders in the fields for those three goals, and start having conversations with them. What I’ve found in my own experience and the people that I’ve worked with is they figure out pretty quickly that one, maybe even two of those goals, just aren’t right for them right now or it’s something that they’re as excited about. It’s usually one of the three that they get really excited about. That gives them energy and focus and drive. It starts by coming up with that short list.
David Mariano:
Mac, you’ve been very generous with your time. I want to wrap up with one last question I like to ask most guests. Because a lot of the listeners here are learners, they’re listeners of podcasts, they’re also readers and so am I. So, selfishly, I like to ask this question, too, but what’s the book or resource that has influenced you the most over the course of your career? If you can point to one… or two; sometimes it’s hard to decide on the most influential book.
Mac Prichard:
That’s a tough one. Because I’ve had … I’ve been working for 35 years and I’ve done different careers. I’ve worked in politics. I’ve worked in political communications and non-profits and now I’m running two small businesses. I guess if there’s one… He’s written a number of books, but I just love the work of Seth Godin. He has many big ideas, but the one that I especially identify with is
Don’t Wait to Be Picked.
I’ve done a lot of things, I’ve had the most success in my career and I’ve had the most enjoyment when I’ve stepped forward, taken a risk and proposed doing something that nobody asked me to do. When I’ve done that and when I haven’t waited to be picked, sometimes I get rejection, but more often than not, David, doors open and I go places and I get to do things that I never would have gotten to do if I’d waited for, say, a posting to appear on a job board or my boss to come down the hall and say, “We’d like you to do this.” So, that would be my suggestion.
David Mariano:
That’s a great one. Mac, can you remind people again where they can find you and remind them where they can find the podcast as well.
Mac Prichard:
Thanks, David. Visit our website. It’s MacsList.org. Our podcast is called Find Your Dream Job. We publish every Wednesday morning. You can find it on the website or on iTunes. Our focus for our show is on the nuts and bolts of job hunting and career management across all fields.
David Mariano:
Mac, thanks so much for being on the show.
Mac Prichard:
It’s a pleasure, David. Thank you for having me.
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warc | 201704 | I remember when the bug truck would come down our road in Macon spraying for insects, momentarily interrupting our wiffle ball game at the dead end. There was that sickening smell. But I didn’t worry that it would hurt me. It just stunk. And we would pause to let the insecticide truck pass before we resumed the game.
I think about that now, how I’d react if my children were running and laughing in that toxic mist. I’d be really upset. I’d want to know who authorized the spray. What kind of spray was it? How much was being released? How thoroughly had it been tested?
When it comes to my children’s health, it’s extremely easy for me to get wrapped up in worry. So I often remind myself that there are many things out of my control. I understand that if you allow every potential worry to consume you, there won’t be much left of you to enjoy life. I think that’s one of my most important self reminders. Simply living in this world is hazardous to your health. There’s no way around it.
But I can’t help but get ticked off when I hear of people and industries, who could impact my family’s health, who haven’t acted in good faith or who have shown real carelessness. For instance, I recently checked all the code numbers on our children’s Tylenol and Motrine pain medicines, realizing that it all had to be tossed, since it could have tiny metal specks in it. It burns me up to think that I could have been soothing my infant son’s teething pain with medicine laced with tiny metal fragments.
I realize that so much is out of my hands. How could I have known about that risk prior to the recall? I have to trust that the manufacturer is following safety rules, and that the rules are actually there in the first place. If you eliminate safety rules and simply trust in the market, then you must recognize that the true free market fix for such things is for some kids to get really sick or die from such medicine — then people will quit buying that medicine. No, thank you, I’d prefer we have a tightly regulated market for such things so that we avoid as much of that tragedy as possible. Who wants their child to be part of the market correcting itself?
I write this thinking about the Relay for Life and all the sad things we know about cancer. When cancer strikes, we often don’t know why. Someone may have smoked. They may have family members who had the same ailment. But those things are often not the case. And cancer seems to hit with horrible randomness. Two in five people will get cancer at some time in their lives. When it does, we are left to wonder whether the disease is somehow genetic, or was there some exposure to something? “Why” is such a difficult word for so many grieving people.
I don’t know that such things can be answered clearly. It’s often too complex. We want some simple comfort. And I think the Relay’s focus on remembrance, on fund-raising, and on positive stories of survivorship are very good things, a way to connect something positive to something so terribly negative in our lives.
Beyond that, I feel our society — no matter our politics — should have an aggressive attitude toward cancer research. And part of that is identifying what carcinogens are in our everyday lives, and how we can either eliminate or at least reduce our exposure to them.
For instance, two medical doctors assigned by President George W. Bush released a President’s Cancer Panel report last week that claims that cancer cases from environmental carcinogens are “grossly underestimated.”
The report blames weak laws, lax enforcement and fragmented authority, as well as the existing regulatory presumption that chemicals are safe unless strong evidence emerges to the contrary, according to a news report on the study.
“Only a few hundred of the more than 80,000 chemicals in use in the United States have been tested for safety,” the report says. It adds: “Many known or suspected carcinogens are completely unregulated.”
Strangely, the American Cancer Society, which sponsors the Relay, responded to the President’s Cancer Panel report, saying the study overstated the risk of chemicals and draws attention away from primary carcinogens, such as cigarettes.
“There is no doubt that environmental pollution is critically important to the health of humans and the planet,” wrote David Sampson on the American Cancer Society website. “However, it would be unfortunate if the effect of this report were to trivialize the importance of other modifiable risk factors that, at present, offer the greatest opportunity in preventing cancer.”
But do you have to do one at the expense of the other? Yeah, you need to fight to reduce cigarette smoking and other poor health habits. But studying carcinogens around us makes sense, too, doesn’t it?
Think of how asbestos and lead were commonly used without understanding of their cancer-causing potential. I think of all the plastics in our lives, all the strange ingredients listed on food packages. I tend to trust that what is in the food I eat is OK. But there’s a voice in my head that tells me differently. “You just want to believe it’s all fine,” the voice says. And that’s true. Actually, I don’t really want to spend much time thinking about such things. Do you?
But if you’re like me, you want some assurance that we have folks employed to study the cancer-causing elements in the chemicals around us. I’d like to think that we have the sense to find these things and force them out of common use.
Otherwise, I feel like we’re the kids in that long ago wiffle ball game. We see the bug truck, but we’re oblivious to what it could mean.
Zach Mitcham is editor of The Madison County Journal. | 5,915 | 2,784 | 0.000375 |
warc | 201704 | October 01, 2014
Real Estate Taxation Article Co-Authored by Russell Lightman, Tax & Business Services Partner, "Saving Taxes and Enhancing the Value of Real Property" Featured in Real Estate Taxation
Excerpt:
Saving taxes tends to drive most discussions between advisors and clients, but enhancing asset performance and principal protection are also worthy of consideration. By maximizing asset-class entities' and equities' performance as well as reviewing the applicability of making Section 1031 elections and using cost segregation, advice in these areas help clients achieve additional economic benefits they might not have considered on their own.
The Challenger of Wealth Wealthy families often own large amounts of real estate that may be held by the client, the clients' children, and trusts for family members. These assets are often held for many years, sometimes for generations. Complicating matters is that most real estate ventures are usually owned in multi-tier controlled entities, often formed as limited liability companies (EEGs) or limited partnerships (LPs). Also, the real estate may be subject to thirdor related-party liens.
There are a variety of techniques for saving taxes and increasing cash flow/yield associated with real property assets, but taking advantage of them must occur after a thorough review of current laws and each individual situation. Options are available for assets that are highly appreciated and those that have had disappointing results, but there is no "one size fits all" solution.
Using Partnerships The merits of placing real property assets into LLCs or LPs as well as trusts for asset protection have been well documented. What advisors and clients must be aware of is that there must be a legitimate business purpose for any equity transfer; tax avoidance cannot be the primary reason.'
Preventing fractionalization of the real estate over years and providing for successor management are common arguments for establishing partnerships, as is protecting the assets from creditors or litigants who might seek to seize property if the assets were directly held. Other reasons could include market and economic risks for given asset classes and lack of diversification. | 2,239 | 1,179 | 0.000853 |
warc | 201704 | USD/JPY is steady in Tuesday trading, as the pair has crept closer to the 100 level. The pair is trading in the 99.80 range in the European session. Will the dollar push into 100 territory? In economic news, the week started off on a positive note in both Japan and the US. The Japanese Tankan indexes were positive, and US ISM Manufacturing PMI beat the estimate. On Tuesday, Japanese Monetary Base continues to move higher, but missed the estimate. In the US, today’s highlight is Factory Orders.
The Japanese Tankan indexes, which are released quarterly, were both positive. The Manufacturing Index jumped from -8 points to 4 points, and beat the estimate of 3 points. This was the best showing since Q1 of 2011. The Non-Manufacturing Index kept pace, climbing from 6 points to 12 points, which matched the estimate. These positive readings come on the heels of some Japanese numbers last week, and indicate that the Japanese economy is showing signs of improvement. Japanese Monetary Base continues to rise and hit 36%. However, this fell short of the estimate of 41.2%. Average Cash Earnings dropped to 0.0%, well below the forecast of 0.6%. 10-year bonds posted an average yield of 0.88%, almost unchanged from the previous release.
The markets may have become accustomed to seeing mixed numbers out of the US, but last week’s releases were mostly solid, helping to boost market confidence and the US dollar. Manufacturing, consumer confidence and housing numbers all beat their estimates. Unemployment Claims bounced back after a poor release the week before, and almost matched the estimate. Although GDP fell short of the estimate, the dollar remained strong, as the indicator pointed to respectable growth by the US economy. These solid numbers are particularly encouraging as they come from a wide range of economic sectors. Further strong numbers out of the US could be an indication that the recovery is gaining steam.
Global growth has been sputtering for some time, and there was more bad news on Friday, as an HSBC report downgraded its forecast for global growth. Global GDP was cut from 2.8% to 2.0% in 2013, and from 3.1% to 2.6% in 2014. In its report, HSBC said that it had lowered its forecast due to the US Federal Reserve decision to cut QE, as well as a sharp slowdown in China and other emerging countries such as India and Brazil. The report also revised China’s GDP from 8.2% to 7.4% for 2013 and from 8.4% to 7.4% for next year. Weaker global growth will be bad news for countries which heavily depend on exports, such as Japan, Canada and Australia, and could have a negative impact on these countries’ currencies.
USD/JPY for Tuesday, July 2, 2013
USD/JPY 99.75 H: 99.90 L: 99.51
USD/JPY Technical
S3 S2 S1 R1 R2 R3 97.83 98.43 99.57 100.00 100.85 101.66
USD/JPY continues to trade very close to the 100 level, but is yet to cross this critical barrier. The pair continues to receive weak support at 99.57. There is a stronger level at 98.43.
On the upside, the pair faces resistance at the 100 line. This weak line could fall at anytime. This is followed by resistance at 100.85. Current range: 99.57 to 100.00
Further levels in both directions:
Below: 99.57, 98.43, 97.83, 97.18, 96.03 and 94.91 Above: 100.00, 100.85, 101.66 and 102.52
OANDA’s Open Positions Ratio
USD/JPY ratio has extended the trend we saw on Monday, as the ratio points to movement towards short positions in Tuesday trading. We are not seeing this reflected in the pair, as the dollar has edged a bit higher against the yen. Long positions continue to dominate the open positions, indicating a strong trader bias towards USD/JPY moving higher.
The markets are watching carefully as USD/JPY continues to put pressure on the critical 100 level. There are no major releases out of the US , so it could be a quiet day for the pair.
USD/JPY Fundamentals 1:30 Japanese Average Cash Earnings. Estimate 0.6%. Actual 0.0%. 3:45 Japanese 10-year Bond Auction. Actual 0.88%. 14:00 US Factory Orders. Estimate 2.0%. 14:00 US IBD/TIPP Economic Optimism. Estimate 49.3 points. All Day – US Total Vehicle Sales. Estimate 15.3M. 16:30 FOMC Member William Dudley Speaks. 21:45 FOMC Member Jerome Powell Speaks.
*Key releases are highlighted in bold
*All release times are GMT
This article is for general information purposes only. It is not investment advice or a solution to buy or sell securities. Opinions are the authors; not necessarily that of OANDA Corporation or any of its affiliates, subsidiaries, officers or directors. Leveraged trading is high risk and not suitable for all. You could lose all of your deposited funds. | 4,669 | 2,285 | 0.000442 |
warc | 201704 | From and FDA Press Release:
Rainbow Acres distributed raw milk in violation of federal law
The Justice Department, at the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, has filed a complaint for permanent injunction against Daniel L. Allgyer, owner of the Rainbow Acres Farm, in Kinzers, Pa., for distributing unpasteurized (or “raw”) milk for human consumption in interstate commerce.
The complaint, filed on April 19, 2011, in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, also alleges that Allgyer violated federal law by misbranding the “raw” milk containers by failing to provide the label information required by law. Defendant Allgyer was served with the complaint earlier today.
Raw milk can contain a wide variety of harmful bacteria, including Listeria, E.coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter, Yersinia, and Brucella.
“Drinking raw milk is dangerous and shouldn’t be consumed under any circumstances,” said Dara A. Corrigan, FDA’s associate commissioner for regulatory affairs. “FDA has warned the defendant on multiple occasions that introducing raw milk into interstate commerce is in violation of Federal law.”
FDA investigators determined during an inspection of Rainbow Acres Farm that the farm was producing, packaging, selling, and distributing unpasteurized and unlabeled milk for human consumption in interstate commerce.
The FDA issued a Warning Letter to Allgyer on April 20, 2010, informing him of the violations and stating that regulatory action might be taken. The farm has continued to operate in violation of federal law.
If the court grants an injunction, Allgyer may be prohibited from distributing unpasteurized milk and milk products for human consumption in interstate commerce. | 1,784 | 875 | 0.001183 |
warc | 201704 | Welcome on my blog for this new Year. After writing an answer to a thread regarding monitoring and log monitoring on the Paris devops mailing list, I thought back about a blog post project I had in mind for a long time.
I wrote this blog post while wearing my Ops hat and this is mostly addressed to developers.
Knowing how and what to log is, to me, one of the hardest task a software engineer will have to solve. Mostly because this task is akin to divination. It’s very hard to know what information you’ll need during troubleshooting… That’s the reason I hope those 10 commandments will help you enhance your application logging for the great benefits of the ops engineers :)
1. Thou shalt not write log by yourself
Never, ever use printf or write your log entries by yourself to files, or handle log rotation by yourself. Please do your ops guys a favor and use a standard library or system API call for this.
This way, you’re sure the running application will play nicely with the other system components, will log to the right place or network services without special system configuration.
So, if you just use the system API, then this means logging with
syslog(3). Learn how to use it.
If you instead prefer to use a logging library, there are plenty of those especially in the Java world, like Log4j, JCL, slf4j and logback. My favorite is the combination of slf4j and logback because it is very powerful and relatively easy to configure (and allows JMX configuration or reloading of the configuration file).
The best thing about slf4j is that you can change the logging backend when you see fit. It is especially important if you’re coding a library, because it allows anyone to use your library with their own logging backend without any modification to your library.
And if your argument for not using a logging library is CPU consumption, then you have my permission to skip this blog post. Sure you should not put log statements in tight inner loops, but otherwise you’ll never see the difference.
2. Thou shalt log at the proper level
If you followed the 1st commandment, then you can use a different log level per log statement in your application. One of the most difficult task is to find at what level this log entry should be logged.
I’m giving here some advice:
TRACE level: this is a code smell if used in production. This should be used during development to track bugs, but never committed to your VCS. DEBUG level: log at this level about anything that happens in the program. This is mostly used during debugging, and I’d advocate trimming down the number of debug statement before entering the production stage, so that only the most meaningful entries are left, and can be activated during troubleshooting. INFO level: log at this level all actions that are user-driven, or system specific (ie regularly scheduled operations…) NOTICE level: this will certainly be the level at which the program will run when in production. Log at this level all the notable event that are not considered an error. WARN level: log at this level all event that could potentially become an error. For instance if one database call took more than a predefined time, or if a in memory cache is near capacity. This will allow proper automated alerting, and during troubleshooting will allow to better understand how the system was behaving before the failure. ERROR level: log every error conditions at this level. That can be API calls that return errors or internal error conditions. FATAL level: too bad it’s doomsday. Use this very scarcely, this shouldn’t happen a lot in a real program. Usually logging at this level signifies the end of the program. For instance, if a network daemon can’t bind a network socket, log at this level and exit is the only sensible thing to do.
Note that the default running level in your program or service might widely vary. For instance I run my server code at level
INFO usually, but my desktop programs runs at level DEBUG. Because it’s very hard to troubleshoot an issue on a computer you don’t have access too, and it’s far easier when doing support or customer service to ask the user to send you the log than teaching her to change the log level and then send you the log. Of course YMMV :) 3. Honor thy log category
Most logging library I cited in the 1st commandment allow to specify a logging category. This category allows to classify the log message, and will ultimately, based on the logging framework configuration, be logged in a distinct way or not logged at all.
Most of the time java developers use the fully qualified class name where the log statement appears as the category. This is a scheme that works relatively fine if your program respects the simple responsibility principle.
Log categories in java logging libraries are hierarchical, so for instance logging with category
com.daysofwonder.ranking.ELORankingComputation would match the top level category
com.daysofwonder.ranking. This would allow the ops engineer to setup a logging configuration that works for all the ranking subsystem by just specifying configuration for this category. But it could at the same time, produce logging configuration for child categories if needed.
We can extend the paradigm a little bit further to help troubleshooting specific situation. Imagine that you are dealing with a server software that respond to user based request (like a REST API for instance). If your server is logging with this category
my.service.api.<apitoken> (where apitoken is specific to a given user), then you could either log all the api logs by allowing
my.service.api or a single misbehaving api user by logging with a more detailed level and the category
my.service.api.<bad-user-api-token>.Of course this requires a system where you can change logging configuration on the fly.
4. Thou shalt write meaningful logs
This might probably be the most important commandment. There’s nothing worst than cryptic log entries assuming you have a deep understanding of the program internals.
When writing your log entries messages, always anticipate that there are emergency situations where the only thing you have is the log file, from which you have to understand what happened. Doing it right might be the subtle difference between getting fired and promoted :)
When a developer writes a log message, it is in the context of the code in which the log directive is to be inserted. In those conditions we tend to write messages the infer on the current context. Unfortunately when reading the log itself this context is absent, and those messages might not be understandable.
One way to overcome this situation (and that’s particularly important when writing at the warn or error level), is to add remediation information to the log message, or if not possible, what was the purpose of the operation, and it’s outcome.
Also, do not log message that depends on previous messages content. The reason is that those previous messages might not appear if they are logged in a different category or level, or worst can appear in a different place (or way before) in a multi-threaded or asynchronous context.
5. Thy log shalt be written in English
This might seem a strange commandment, especially coming from a French guy. First, I still think English is much more concise than French and better suits technical language. Why would you want to log in French if the message contains more than 50% of English words in it?
This being put aside, here are the essential reason behind this commandment:
English means your messages will be in logged with ASCII characters. This is particularly important because you can’t really know what will happen to the log message, nor what software layer or media it will cross before being archived somewhere. If your message uses a special charset or even UTF-8, it might not render correctly at the end, but worst it could be corrupted in transit and become unreadable. Still remains the question of logging user-input which might be in diverse charset and/or encoding.
If your program is to be used by the most and you don’t have the resources for a full localization, then English is probably your best alternative. Now, if you have to localize one thing, localize the interface that is closer to the end-user (it’s usually not the log entries).
if you localize your log entries (like for instance all the warning and error level), make sure you prefix those by a specific meaningful error-code. This way people can do language independent Internet search and find information. Such great scheme has been used a while ago in the VMS operating system, and I must admit it is very effective. If you were to design such scheme, you can adopt this scheme: APP-S-CODE or APP-S-SUB-CODE, with respectively:
APP: your application name on 3 letters S: severity on 1 letter (ie D: debug, I: info…) SUB: the sub part of the application this code pertains to CODE: a numeric code specific to the error in question 6. Thou shalt log with context
So, there’s nothing worst than this kind of log message:
1
or
1
or in case of API exceptions:
1
Without proper context, those messages are only noise, they don’t add value and consume space that could have been useful during troubleshooting.
Messages are much more valuable with added context, like:
1
or
1
or
1
Since we’re talking about exceptions in this last context example, if you happen to propagate up exceptions, make sure to enhance them with context appropriate to the current level, to ease troubleshooting, as in this java example:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
So the upper-layer client of the rank API will be able to log the error with enough context information. It’s even better if the context becomes parameters of the exception itself instead of the message, this way the upper layer can use remediation if needed.
An easy way to keep a context is to use the
MDC some of the java logging library implements. The MDC is a per thread associative array. The logger configuration can be modified to always print the MDC content for every log line. If your program uses a per-thread paradigm, this can help solve the issue of keeping the context. For instance this java example is using the MDC to log per user information for a given request:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Note that the
MDC system doesn’t play nice with asynchronous logging scheme, like Akka’s logging system. Because the MDC is kept in a per-thread storage area and in asynchronous systems you don’t have the guarantee that the thread doing the log write is the one that has the MDC. In such situation, you need to log the context manually with every log statement. 7. Thou shalt log in machine parseable format
Log entries are really good for human, but very poor for machines. Sometimes it is not enough to manually read log files, you need to perform some automated processing (for instance for alerting or auditing). Or you want to store centrally your logs and be able to perform search requests.
So what happens when you embed the log context in the string like in this hypothetical logging statement:
1
This will produce this kind of text:
1
Now, if you want to parse this, you’d need the following (untested) regex:
1
Well, this is not easy and very error-prone, just to get access to string parameters your code already knows natively.
So what about this idea, I believe Jordan Sissel first introduced in his ruby-cabin library:Let add the context in a
machine parseable format in your log entry. Our aforementioned example could be using JSON like this:
1
Now your log parsers can be much easier to write, indexing now becomes straightforward and you can enable all logstash power.
8. Thou shalt not log too much or too little
That might sound stupid, but there is a right balance for the amount of log.
Too much log and it will really become hard to get any value from it. When manually browsing such logs, there is too much clutter which when trying to troubleshoot a production issue at 3AM is not a good thing.
Too little log and you risk to not be able to troubleshoot problems: troubleshooting is like solving a difficult puzzle, you need to get enough material for this.
Unfortunately there is no magic rule when coding to know what to log. It is thus very important to strictly respect the 1st and 2nd commandments so that when the application will be live it will be easier to increase or decrease the log verbosity.
One way to overcome this issue is during development to log as much as possible (do not confuse this with logging added to debug the program). Then when the application enters production, perform an analysis of the produced logs and reduce or increase the logging statement accordingly to the problems found. Especially during troubleshooting, note the part of the application you wished you could have more context or logging, and make sure to add those log statements to the next version (if possible at the same time you fix the issue to keep the problem fresh in memory). Of course that requires an amount of communication between ops and devs.
This can be a complex task, but I would recommend to refactor logging statements as much as you refactor the code. The idea would be to have a tight feedback loop between the production logs and the modification of such logging statement. It’s even more efficient if your organization has a continuous delivery process in place, as the refactoring can be constant.
Logging statements are some kind of code metadata, at the same level of code comments. It’s really important to keep the logging statements in sync with the code. There’s nothing worst when troubleshooting issues to get irrelevant messages that have no relation to the code processed.
9. Thou shalt think to the reader
Why adding logging to an application?
The only answer is that someone will have to read it one day or later (or what is the point?). More important it is interesting to think about who will read those lines. Depending on the person you think will read the log messages you’re about to write, the log message content, context, category and level will be quite different.
Those persons can be:
an end-user trying to troubleshoot herself a problem (imagine a client or desktop program) a system-administrator or operation engineer troubleshooting a production issue a developer either for debugging during development or solving a production issue
Of course the developer knows the internals of the program, thus her log messages can be much more complex than if the log message is to be addressed to an end-user. So adapt your language to the intended target audience, you can even dedicate separate categories for this.
10. Thou shalt not log only for troubleshooting
As the log messages are for a different audience, log messages will be used for different reasons. Even though troubleshooting is certainly the most evident target of log messages, you can also use log messages very efficiently for:
Auditing: this is sometimes a business requirement. The idea is to capture significant events that matter to the management or legal people. These are statements that describe usually what users of the system are doing (like who signed-in, who edited that, etc…). Profiling: as logs are timestamped (sometimes to the millisecond level), it can become a good tool to profile sections of a program, for instance by logging the start and end of an operation, you can either automatically (by parsing the log) or during troubleshooting infer some performance metrics without adding those metrics to the program itself. Statistics: if you log each time a certain event happens (like a certain kind of error or event) you can compute interesting statistics about the running program (or the user behaviors). It’s also possible to hook this to an alert system that can detect too many errors in a row. Conclusion
I hope this will help you produce more useful logs, and bear with me if I forgot an essential (to you) commandments. Oh and I can’t be held responsible if your log doesn’t get better after reading this blog :)
It’s possible that those 10 commandments are not enough, so feel free to use the comment section (or twitter or your own blog) to add more useful tips.
Thanks for reading. | 16,509 | 6,714 | 0.000152 |
warc | 201704 | Maths Tutor
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Some of the best O-level, A-level and Cambridge syllabus tutors for maths around Northgate work with us. A highly-qualified and experienced tutor will take you through your lessons, and make the learning experience engaging and fun.
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warc | 201704 | Animals 2013, 3(2), 416-441; doi:10.3390/ani3020416 Modelling Farm Animal Welfare * Simple SummaryIn this review paper we discuss the different modeling techniques that have been used in animal welfare research to date. We look at what questions they have been used to answer, the advantages and pitfalls of the methods, and how future research can best use these approaches to answer some of the most important upcoming questions in farm animal welfare. AbstractThe use of models in the life sciences has greatly expanded in scope and advanced in technique in recent decades. However, the range, type and complexity of models used in farm animal welfare is comparatively poor, despite the great scope for use of modeling in this field of research. In this paper, we review the different modeling approaches used in farm animal welfare science to date, discussing the types of questions they have been used to answer, the merits and problems associated with the method, and possible future applications of each technique. We find that the most frequently published types of model used in farm animal welfare are conceptual and assessment models; two types of model that are frequently (though not exclusively) based on expert opinion. Simulation, optimization, scenario, and systems modeling approaches are rarer in animal welfare, despite being commonly used in other related fields. Finally, common issues such as a lack of quantitative data to parameterize models, and model selection and validation are discussed throughout the review, with possible solutions and alternative approaches suggested. View Full-Text Keywords:simulation; risk assessment; welfare assessment; systems modelling; conceptual model; scenario modelling; optimisation; animal welfare Scifeed alert for new publications Never miss any articlesmatching your research from any publisher Get alerts for new papers matching your research Find out the new papers from selected authors Updated daily for 49'000+ journals and 6000+ publishers Define your Scifeed now MDPI and ACS Style
Collins, L.M.; Part, C.E. Modelling Farm Animal Welfare.
Animals 2013, 3, 416-441. AMA Style
Collins LM, Part CE. Modelling Farm Animal Welfare.
Animals. 2013; 3(2):416-441. Chicago/Turabian Style
Collins, Lisa M.; Part, Chérie E. 2013. "Modelling Farm Animal Welfare."
Animals 3, no. 2: 416-441. Find Other Styles | 2,384 | 1,114 | 0.000903 |
warc | 201704 | Company SmithKline Beecham Approval Status Approved September 1997 Treatment for Parkinson's Disease
SmithKline Beecham's Requip (TM) (ropinirole hydrochloride) received marketing clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease, both as initial therapy and as adjunctive treatment with levodopa. Requip is licensed for use in patients with early Parkinson's disease and in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease.
Requip is generally well tolerated. In the early therapy study, the most common side effect was nausea, which was related to the stimulation of dopamine receptors. Other side effects included dizziness, somnolence and headaches. The most common side effects in patients already experiencing motor fluctuations was dyskinesia. Other adverse experiences that occurred less frequently included nausea, dizziness, and somnolence. All Parkinson's patients should be informed that syncope or symptomatic hypotension may occur more frequently during initial treatment, and hallucinations can occur at any time during the course of treatment.
The Requip (ropinirole hydrochloride) drug information shown above is licensed from Thomson CenterWatch. The information provided here is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or pharmaceutical advice which should be sought from qualified medical and pharmaceutical advisers. | 1,436 | 715 | 0.001403 |
warc | 201704 | Researchers at Monash University are developing a 'mind reading' device that may diagnose depression in an hour.
Advertisement
Brainchild of the university's Brian Lithgow, a biomechanical engineer, the machine is called an 'ECG for the mind'. It analyzes the brain's electrical signals in the same way an ECG can detect heart problems, its creator says.
AdvertisementThe revolutionary device works by plugging an electrode into the subject's ear, then strapping them to a tilt chair that triggers changes in their balance system, reports The Age.
The balance system is closely connected to primitive parts of the brain relating to emotions and behavior.
While working with psychiatrists from Monash University's Alfred Psychiatry Centre (MAPrc), Lithgow is conducting tests to see if he can identify the unique electrical signals attached to mental illness such as depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
The head of MAPrc, Professor Jayashri Kulkarni, said the device could prove a major breakthrough in the diagnosis of serious mental illness.
"It is going to lift us, I think, into an era where mental illness can be better understood and better treated," she told ABC radio.
Source: ANI
ARU
Advertisement | 1,231 | 698 | 0.001449 |
warc | 201704 | Malnourished cancer patients had some improvement in quality of life (QOL) but did not live longer when they received oral nutrition supplements, a meta-analysis showed.
An analysis of 13 trials found that the only persistent benefits from the supplements related to certain aspects of QOL, including emotional function, dyspnea, loss of appetite, and global QOL, investigators reported online in the
Journal of the National Cancer Institute. A preliminary analysis showed improved weight and caloric intake, but the benefit disappeared after adjustment for differences in the studies examined.
"The findings suggest that oral nutritional interventions have no effect on survival, and that the effect on body weight and energy intake is inconsistent, but that statistically significant improvements in some aspects of QOL may be achieved," Christine Baldwin, PhD, of King's College London, and co-authors wrote of their findings.
"This review identified few studies, some of which were of poor quality; therefore, more research is needed to characterize the benefits of oral nutritional support in patients with cancer."
Malnutrition and weight loss affect many cancer patients, reducing the odds of objective response to treatment and survival and leading to poorer QOL. Whether a causal link exists has not been demonstrated, the authors noted. Nonetheless, clinical guidelines in North America, Europe, and Australia recommend prompt attention to cancer patients' nutrition.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence in England has recommended oral nutrition support for cancer patients who can swallow. However, that recommendation has its origin in data obtained largely from studies that did not involve cancer patients, the authors continued.
In an effort to identify and describe potential benefits of oral nutrition support in cancer, Baldwin and colleagues performed a meta-analysis of clinical trials conducted from 1998 to February 2010. The final analysis encompassed data from 13 randomized trials involving a total of 1,414 patients.
The authors acknowledged that the studies included in the analysis varied substantially in quality, clinical characteristics, and statistical methods.
The trials involved patients with a variety of cancers. All of the studies' participants were receiving cancer treatment, and all trials compared oral nutrition supplements against routine care.
A preliminary analysis showed a significant 1.86-kg higher weight in patients who received supplements and a 432 kcal/d difference in daily energy intake (
P=0.02 and P<0.001, respectively). After accounting for heterogeneity among the studies, neither difference remained statistically significant.
Analysis of survival showed no difference between the intervention and routine-care groups (RR 1.06,
P=0.43).
After adjustment for heterogeneity, nutritional intervention favorably affected several aspects of QOL:
Emotional function, P=0.02 Global QOL, P=0.02 Dyspnea, P<0.001 Loss of appetite, P=0.03
The analysis illustrates how research into nutritional support for cancer patients is "fraught with limitations; hence, it is challenging for clinicians to apply these results to everyday practice," authors of an accompanying editorial wrote.
"Selecting the right patient for nutritional interventions, both in everyday practice as well as in the clinical research setting, cannot be overstated," according to Ann O'Mara, PhD, RN, and Diane St. Germain, RN, MS, of the National Cancer Institute.
"Oral nutritional supplements are often recommended likely, in part, because they are perceived to carry no harm, but who will likely benefit remains an important question."
"Until future research provides clearer answers regarding who will benefit from nutritional interventions, the use of a comprehensive assessment, published nutritional guidelines, and early interventions are essential," they added.
Authors of the article and the editorial had no relevant disclosures.
Reviewed by Dori F. Zaleznik, MD Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston and Dorothy Caputo, MA, RN, BC-ADM, CDE, Nurse Planner Primary Source Journal of the National Cancer InstituteSource Reference: Baldwin C, et al "Oral nutritional interventions in malnourished patients with cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis" J Natl Cancer Inst2012; DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djr556. Secondary Source Journal of the National Cancer InstituteSource Reference: O'Mara A, St. Germain D "Improved outcomes in the malnourished patient: We're not there yet" J Natl Cancer Inst2012; DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djs031. | 4,651 | 2,129 | 0.000474 |
warc | 201704 | For the first time since records began being kept in Florida in the 1970s, the number of manatee deaths in a single year has topped 800, with two weeks remaining to the end of 2013.
Numbers released by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute in St. Petersburg this week showed the number of dead manatees at 803 as of Dec. 13. That’s about 16 percent of the state’s estimated population of 5,000 manatees.
And 173 of the dead were breeding-age female manatees, Martine DeWit of the institute’s Marine Mammal Pathology Laboratory said Thursday.
Although it’s too soon to say how this will affect the future of the species, she said, “It must have an impact to lose these important breeding females.”
For comparison, last year’s total number of manatee deaths was 392, which is more in line with what’s normal.
The previous record for manatee deaths, set in 2010, resulted from a lengthy cold snap that killed hundreds of manatees, pushing that year’s number of deaths to 766. That cold snap mostly affected younger manatees that had not yet attained breeding age, DeWit said.
This year’s record die-off was driven by two causes — one of which remains a mystery.
First a massive bloom of Red Tide algae along the state’s southwestern coast caused 276 deaths early in the year. Red Tide has been around for centuries and has killed manatees before. But this year was the worst Red Tide die-off ever recorded.
Meanwhile, a mysterious ailment has been killing manatees in the Indian River Lagoon on the state’s east coast. That’s been going on since last year but hit a fever pitch in the spring. Twenty-five died in March.
All told, 117 manatees have died in the Indian River Lagoon since July 2012, including one that died this month, according to Kevin Baxter, spokesman for the state marine science laboratory. No one can explain the die-off, which appears to be unprecedented.
Scientists are also baffled as to why scores of dolphins and pelicans died in the lagoon too, or whether there is any connection among the three unusual events.
The deaths of the three species may be a result of pollution-fueled algae blooms that wiped out some 47,000 acres of sea grass in the 156-mile-long lagoon that stretches along the state’s Atlantic Coast.
Manatees normally eat sea grass, but with the sea grass gone they turned to less healthy sources of nutrition. They ate a reddish seaweed called Gracilaria. Tests have found “a suite of toxins” on the Gracilaria, but there is no confirmation that that’s what killed the manatees. And that would not normally affect dolphins and pelicans, which eat fish, not sea grass.
There was one piece of good news in the figures. This year, only 71 manatees have been killed by boats. That’s down from the 81 that were killed by boats in 2012 and well below the record of 95 in 2002. | 2,932 | 1,447 | 0.000718 |
warc | 201704 | STICKIN’ AROUND Published 8:00 pm, Thursday, May 22, 2008 UPPER THUMB — While many families are leaving the Thumb area for various reasons — including finding work — one resident seems to be staying put because she’s finding everything she needs.
She is the Thumb wolverine.
According to wolverine enthusiast and Deckerville High School teacher Jeff Ford, the wolverine is “alive, healthy, and looking robust.” His most recent picture of the animal is dated April 23.
“We’ve also been able to find and document some nice tracks last winter in the snow and this spring in the mud,” he said. “She has continued to thrive and make a living in a relatively restricted area compared to a typical wolverine territory, (which) sometimes extends over one hundred miles in mountainous terrain. We’ve been able to keep fairly consistent tabs on (the Thumb wolverine), although at times she seems to disappear for a period of a week or two.”
Ford said he and fellow enthusiast Steve Noble have found that over the last three years, the wolverine continues to seek out a few key areas where they’ve found tracks and taken pictures or video of her. He employs game cameras and infrared video units to obtain the footage.
“There seems to be six key characteristics that attract her to these areas, and keep her coming back: a lack of human presence, a large source of water, an abundant amount of thick ground cover, and high densities of whitetail deer, rabbits, and waterfowl,” Ford said.
He said people have asked him and Noble why an animal that is accustomed to the wildest of places, and one that has been documented traveling 258 miles in 19 days, has remained in the Thumb.
“I feel the answer is fairly simple. She has found areas that sustain her needs regarding food and the isolation needed for her solitary existence,” he said.
Ford said the wolverine is very careful in her movements, as she wants to avoid contact with humans and traffic. She rarely comes out in daylight hours and takes limited excursions at night.
“I’m convinced that a wolverine has a sharp memory, and they are very intelligent. Experts in wolverine behavior agree,” he said.
To visually capture the wolverine, Ford has three heat-in-motion game cameras and a wildlife eye video unit that runs off a mini DVD player.
“We've taken pictures and/or video in four different locations over the last three years, and I've followed her tracks in the snow in over 12-15 different locations,” he said.
Ford said there continues to be much debate regarding how the wolverine arrived in the Thumb.
“Regardless of the circumstances of her arrival, the fact remains that she has been here living in the wild for at least four years. I believe it has been over five, as I discussed in the May 2007 issue of Woods-N-Water News and Sandusky Tribune,” he said.
Ford said one of the most amazing feats of her travels is her ability to not be seen by humans in an area where the human population is high.
“I’ve spent hundreds of hours in the areas she calls home over those years and have only seen her once in the flesh for a fleeting second,” he said. “All my other encounters of her are through pictures and video. I’ve set up many times in the brush with my video camera trying to get some footage ‘on location’ with no luck, although on one occasion I believe she circled down wind of me, then left.”
Ford said as the discovery of the Thumb wolverine surprised many, a recent discovery of a wolverine in California was just as astonishing. He said a question that scientists are now asking is whether the wolverine was
actually gone from California or was its presence not confirmed because the technology to study the elusive animal was nonexistent until recently. Perhaps the California wolverine traveled there from another state. He said this California discovery has him wondering about the Thumb wolverine.
“Is the one female the only wolverine in our entire state?,” he said. “Is it possible that the Michigan wolverine was born in the wild in Michigan? Was the wolverine born in a nearby state, or Ontario, and traveled here through dispersion?”
He said following the February 2004 discovery of the Thumb wolverine, he received many calls and e-mails from people insisting they had seen a wolverine in Michigan. He said many of the people said they were hesitant to disclose their discovery at the time, for fear of being mocked and ridiculed.
“After some questioning regarding the specifics of the animals size, colorations, and movement mechanics, I was sometimes able to convince them that they had seen a badger, raccoon, dog, or other critter,” he said. “But other encounters…seemed to fit the profile of a wolverine. Maybe there’s more out there!”
Ford said he feels the most probable avenue of the wolverine arriving here is via an ice bridge from Ontario, Canada.
“It’s also possible there is indeed a population of wolverines in Michigan that have remained concealed because of their solitary lifestyle,” he said. “Avoiding humans is genetically wired into a wolverine.”
Ford said if the existence of a wolverine population is able to be established in Michigan, and the wolverine is listed as endangered, the Department of Natural Resources “would be forced to not only protect but also propagate the species under the Michigan endangered species act.”
“The cougar and wolf are already listed as endangered under the act, so why not an animal that’s been confirmed living here for at least four years?,” he said. “Let’s get out there and find another wolverine!” | 5,843 | 2,639 | 0.0004 |
warc | 201704 | Oh, yeah. You’re gonna want one of these.
Meet the Nest: a “learning thermostat” that programs itself. Developed by Tony Fadell, a former Apple VP and the whiz who created the sleek hardware for the iPod, the Nest is turning the world of stogy-looking thermostats on its head.
The Nest learns and reprograms itself by following your use habits, and can take as much as 20% off your energy bill. You can access Nest online or from your smart phone. It costs $249. And let’s face it: it looks really cool.
Why re-imagine home temperature control?Heating and cooling can be as much as 50% of your home (or small office building) energy bill. Programmable thermostats are great for getting a handle on reducing heating and cooling costs, but according to Nest, up to 90% of programmable thermostats are never programmed. Yeouch.
If you do program your thermostat you know you have to give it a schedule: 6:00 a.m. warmer, 8:00 a.m. cooler, 6:00 p.m. warmer, 10:00 p.m. cooler—and a whole different timetable on the weekend. Labor Day Monday? Oops, have to readjust the thermostat. Out for the evening? Still paying to warm the house.
Fadell decided a thermostat could be smarter, could learn from your daily habits and adjust to you, instead of you adjusting to it. And he knew he could make something that looked a lot more appealing than a beige box. Install it, and over the course of about a month, the Nest goes to work sensing activity, temperature, humidity and light, adapting to your family’s use patterns, and lowering energy usage. It even shows you how much energy is being saved. Maybe lots of energy, especially if lots of homes and small businesses start using this technology. Fadell and his cohorts believe this is planet-saving-level technology.
Yes, but does it work?Well, precisely. This is what we want to know, too. We’ve got one on order and when Energy Smart’s staff has finished putting it through its paces, we’ll update you with our results. | 2,017 | 1,056 | 0.000973 |
warc | 201704 | Montreal Private Schools. English Private Schools & French Private Schools.
School choice options available to parents have increased dramatically in recent years, but whether you are choosing a school for the first time for your child or your child is making the transition to a new school, you probably have many questions. What are your options? How much choice do you really have? What's the best option for your child and your family? Where should you begin?
You can also get familiar with the potential school at the Montreal Private School Expo that takes place every year in September (http://www.ourkids.net/expo/montreal-expo.php) or visit the school on line. If you like what you see, call and make an appointment to visit the school in person because no amount of reading or research about a school can tell you as much as you'll learn by actually visiting the campus. Even a short visit, when you know what to look for and what questions to ask, will guide you in making the right decision. Parents truly intent on finding the best school for their child, have to do the legwork. In addition to Open House days that each school has once a year, they would be glad to schedule for you a supervised private visit. Go prepared. When you visit a school, be sure to ask questions and observe the environment. The sample questions below can help you get started.
Some of the questions you would want to ask: Does this school have a particular educational philosophy or mission? What is this school's approach to student discipline and safety? What are the class sizes? How does this school encourage and monitor students' progress toward meeting grade-level standards? What kinds of library resources are available to students? How is technology used to support teaching and learning at this school? How do the arts fit into the curriculum? What extracurricular opportunities (sports, clubs, community service, and competitions) are available for students? How does this school support students who have academic, social or emotional difficulties? What are some highlights of this school's curriculum in reading, math, science and social studies? How does this school keep parents informed of school information and activities? How does the school guide and prepare students for major academic decisions that will define their options in high school and beyond? Does this school have a particular academic focus, such as science or humanities? Where do students go after they graduate? How many attend four-year colleges? Are counselors available to help students make important decisions about classes and post-graduation plans? How do students get to school? Is there a parking lot, and are buses (public or district-provided) available? Things to look for Do classrooms look cheerful? How well are the facilities maintained? Are bathrooms clean and well supplied, and do the grounds look safe and inviting? Do teachers seem enthusiastic and knowledgeable, asking questions that stimulate students and keep them engaged? Does the principal seem confident and interested in interacting with students, teachers and parents? How do students behave as they move from class to class or play outside?
So how do you know what's right for your child? Visit the schools and ask the teachers lots of questions. Read school profiles. At the end of the day, the best school for your child is a highly personal decision based on your family; your values; and, most important, the special needs, idiosyncrasies, and interests of your kid. Think about your child's needs and your family's needs. Consider the personality of your child. A quiet child might fare better in a smaller school or a school with small class size. If you have a budding musician or scientist, you'll want to look for a school that has programs in these areas. Is it important to you that your school be close to home or your place of work? Or will you need a school with before and after-school care?
When you are looking for a Montreal private school, be sure that the school is registered with and respected by the Ministère de l'Éducation (the Ministry of Education of Quebec). Get all the facts you can gather about the reputation of the school, its principal and teachers. You can also consult the rankings of the Fraser Institute, which ranks schools based on province. However, be sure to weigh the rankings against your own values and the needs of your child. You do not want to choose a private school based only on the opinions of others.
You will also need to decide if you want your child to study in a single sex school or a coed school.
Some of the pros of single sex schools:
Children come out of their shell and break their stereotypical behavior and roles. It is a pleasant way to increase confidence. Students get courageous, inquisitive, and eager when they are able to be who they are. They get eager in exploring non-conventional subjects like computers, mathematics, and technology. Girls become more extroverts. They drop their timidness and start taking risks. They get into competitions easily. They participate in outdoor activities and sports without caring that they may appear like tom boys. In short they become more open to the outer world and flourish more. Boys also become freer and outspoken in participating in activities without worrying about what girls may think about it, like enjoying playing orchestra and poetry. Boys and girls have different learning patterns, which is easier to address in single sex classes. Each gender learns according to their potentials, especially in schools which are under performing. Some of the cons of single sex schools: Children don't learn how to interact with the opposite sex and miss out on a life experiences, because school is not only an institution to teach academic subjects, like reading and math, but it is also a social playground to experiment and learn who you are. While separating students by sex may cause an increase in academic success, it will result in a huge gap in their social skills. Single sex education for boys sometimes becomes very problematic. Their behavior may become negative and impossible to control at times. This type of education may strengthen or support academic stereotypes like girls are better in social science and boys are better in mathematics. The learning pattern in single sex education makes use of the areas where they are strong and does not pay attention to areas of weakness.
When you've made your choice, the next step is to find out what's required to enroll. What are the admittance requirements and annual tuition fees. Read more about the application process http://www.ourkids.net/school/application-process.php.
Application dates vary from school to school, but generally an application is made between September and January for the following fall; acceptances are usually made in mid-March/April. However, many schools have rolling admissions which means a child may apply and be accepted at any time during the year, space permitting.
Due to special education laws, public schools must educate all children and provide the necessary programs to meet their special needs. This means that all school districts have special education programs and teachers who are trained to work with special-needs students. Private schools do not have to accept children with special needs, and many choose not to (although there are a small number of private schools designed for special-needs children). As a result, most private schools do not have special education programs or teachers trained to work with that student population. Some private schools will try to help all the students they admit, but extra resources may come at an additional cost. Other private schools practice something called "counseling out" - recommending that children with learning disabilities look elsewhere for a school.
Every family has a different reason for choosing a private education. Your child may excel in sports or arts and you want to accommodate their training schedule in their school day. Perhaps your child is gifted or has special needs. Maybe you attended private school as a child and want your children to enjoy the same experience. Check information carefully, paying attention to details and decide wisely, basing your decision not only on the rating of the school, but first of all, on the school's qualities so they fit the best your family values and your child's needs.
Académie Marie-Claire, Alexander von Humboldt German International School, École Montessori International, Centennial Academy, College Prep International, Kells Academy, Kuper Academy, Lower Canada College, Miss Edgar's & Miss Cramp's School, The Priory Schoo, Selwyn House School, St. George's School of Montreal - École St-Georges de Montréal, Trafalgar School For Girls, Vanguard School, Villa Maria, Villa Sainte-Marcellines & College International des Marcellines, West Island College | 9,006 | 3,943 | 0.000255 |
warc | 201704 | New research finds that businesses are taking marketing strategy more seriously than ever before — but there’s still plenty of room for improvement
AI and machine learning — once the stuff of science fiction — are now becoming reality. How will this new technology change the mortgage industry — and how important is it for mortgage pros to get on board now?
The FTC and CFPB are targeting companies peddling phony loan modification programs to distressed homeowners
A study showed that more than 90% of sales failures were due to the sales person, not circumstances such as lack of training
Why would you want to join Integrity Mortgage Group? We are passionate about our work and will provide you with all of the necessary tools and resources needed to be successful
A branch network can tout its benefits to the moon, but the most important recommendation will always come from someone who actually works there. And branch manager Gary Tedrow has great things to say about Integrity Mortgage Group
Maintaining relationships with your clients is a key factor in continued success. But you won’t build those relationships in the first place without making good first impressions – and to do that you have to be educated on your products. That’s why Integrity Mortgage group supports its originators with matchless customer relationship support and education
If you can't get your customers in the door, the rest of your talents don't matter much. That's why Integrity Mortgage Group is their to support its loan officers in every step of the marketing process | 1,609 | 860 | 0.001199 |
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