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warc | 201704 | Fueling solutions for persistent educational problems
Innovations in school models and how parents can be empowered have helped to improve schools and results for students over the past decade. We will continue to support efforts that promise to produce new innovations that will spur further improvements.
The foundation is particularly interested in supporting:
We will invest in innovative projects that meet the following criteria:
The project addresses a significant barrier to student success and/or access to high-quality schools.
The project enhances student access to a high-quality education and educational opportunity.
The proposed intervention, if implemented effectively, has the potential to produce significant results for students.
Projects should be replicable in different circumstances and locales.
The project’s results will be discrete and measurable.
Key grantees include: | 911 | 496 | 0.002052 |
warc | 201704 | The high efficiency of this combined cycle power plant and the fast-track construction schedule were primary factors in Wärtsilä being awarded this significant order. The dual-fuel capability of Wärtsilä’s technology and the competitive investment costs were also important benefits for the customer.
Wärtsilä, a leading global supplier of flexible and efficient power plant solutions, has been awarded a turnkey contract to supply a gas-fired power plant for a project in the Dominican Republic. The combined cycle power plant will provide electricity for a gold mine. The value of Wärtsilä’s order is EUR 155 million.
The contract was signed with Barrick Gold of North America, Inc., a subsidiary of the Canada based Barrick Gold Corporation. The power plant will serve and supply electricity for the Pueblo Viejo gold mine.
Wärtsilä’s scope of supply includes 12 Wärtsilä 50DF engine units in combined cycle. The dual-fuel flexibility of these Wärtsilä’s engines is a key advantage since they can run both on liquid fuels and on natural gas. This power plant represents the three values of Wärtsilä Smart Power Generation; the energy efficiency, the fuel flexibility and the operational flexibility.
“This is a major contract for Wärtsilä. The high efficiency of the Flexicycle™ design and the fast-track construction schedule were primary factors in our being awarded this significant order. The dual-fuel capability and the competitive investment costs were also important benefits for the customer,” says Sampo Suvisaari, General Manager, Central America and the Caribbean, Wärtsilä Power Plants. Barrick Gold is familiar with Wärtsilä’s capabilities having earlier purchased two other Wärtsilä power plant solutions.
The Wärtsilä Flexicycle™ advantage
The Wärtsilä Flexicycle™ solution combines the advantages of a flexible simple cycle plant with the superb efficiency of a combined cycle plant, in a unique way. Flexicycle™ power plants can be optimised for different outputs in the 100 to 500 MW range. The power plant solution is based on gas fired combustion engines and a steam turbine combined cycle. Each engine is equipped with a waste heat recovery steam generator. The power plant has one common steam turbine and a condenser. The power plant cooling is typically arranged so that the combustion engines are cooled with closed loop radiators and the steam cycle with cooling towers.
Wärtsilä has a strong presence in the Dominican Republic with already 900 MW of installed generating capacity in the country. This represents almost half of the country’s active electrical capacity.
Wärtsilä dual-fuel power plants
Flexicycle™ power plants
Picture 1 of the power plant
Picture 2 of the power plant
For further information, please contact:
Sampo Suvisaari
General Manager, Central America and the Caribbean Wärtsilä Power Plants Tel: +1 713 598 2851 sampo.suvisaari@wartsila.com Tuula Franck Senior Manager, Media and Stakeholder Relations Wärtsilä Corporation Tel: +358 400 267555 tuula.franck@wartsila.com
Wärtsilä in brief
Wärtsilä is a global leader in complete lifecycle power solutions for the marine and energy markets. By emphasising technological innovation and total efficiency, Wärtsilä maximises the environmental and economic performance of the vessels and power plants of its customers. In 2010, Wärtsilä’s net sales totalled EUR 4.6 billion with more than 17,500 employees. The company has operations in 160 locations in 70 countries around the world. Wärtsilä is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki, Finland. www.wartsila.com | 3,873 | 1,579 | 0.00069 |
warc | 201704 | Online university is the nation’s largest producer of math and science teachers SALT LAKE CITY — Western Governors University, www.wgu.edu, the nonprofit, online university with more than 43,000 students in all 50 states, is leading the U.S. in educating math and science teachers, according to a report by higher education research and consulting firm Eduventures. In 2012, WGU was the top overall producer of STEM teaching graduates and led the nation in the following specific degree areas: #1 in master’s degrees in mathematics education #1 in bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology education #1 in bachelor’s and master’s degrees in earth science education #1 in master’s degrees in physics education #2 in master’s degrees in middle school science education #2 in bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemistry education #4 in bachelor’s degrees in physics education The first online teachers college to earn accreditation from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), WGU’s Teachers College offers degrees leading to teacher licensure as well as master’s degrees in education and education administration. Established in 2003 with the support of the U.S. Department of Education, the Teachers College has more than 11,000 enrolled students and an additional 11,000 graduates. In 2013, WGU was the only online university to be recognized by the National Council on Teacher Quality’s Honor Roll. “Preparing effective STEM educators is a national priority, and from the inception of our Teachers College, WGU has been focused on developing and delivering high-quality math and science education programs,” said Dr. Philip Schmidt, Dean of WGU’s Teachers College. “The tremendous growth of these programs in less than 10 years is evidence of the need for them as well as their quality.” Like all of WGU’s degree programs, the university’s teacher education programs are competency-based, an approach that focuses on measuring learning rather than time spent in class. Designed to meet the needs of busy adults with work and family obligations, competency-based learning allows students to advance as soon as they demonstrate mastery of course subject matter. Students have 24/7 access to course materials, studying and learning on their own schedules with the individualized support and guidance of faculty mentors. Because they can move quickly through material they already know, many students can accelerate their time to graduation—the average time to earn a bachelor’s degree at WGU is about three years. Tuition at WGU is affordable—about $3,000 per six-month term for teacher education programs—and it is charged at a flat rate, regardless of the number of courses taken. The university is committed to keeping costs as low as possible; tuition has not increased since 2008. More information about WGU’s Teachers College can be found at http://www.wgu.edu/education/online_teaching_degree. | 3,066 | 1,375 | 0.000761 |
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American courts routinely hand down harsh sentences to individuals, but a very different standard of justice applies to corporations.
Too Big to Jail takes readers into a complex, compromised world of backroom deals, for an unprecedented look at what happens when criminal charges are brought against a major company in the United States. | 556 | 371 | 0.00275 |
warc | 201704 | Rosé wines seem to be all the rage once again. Gone is the stigma of the pink drink and memories of sweet, low alcohol, innocuous White Zinfandels, which weren’t white and barely rosé, either. Today’s rosé wines come in all shades of pink, from a barely perceptible blush from leading Provencal rosé producers, to deeply colored concoctions made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Rosés can be made from any number of grape varietals, and they can range in residual sugar from bone dry to quite sweet. Today’s consumers tend to eschew sweet rosé wines in favor of dry versions, which have been popular among Europeans for generations. In fact, the French drink more dry rosé wine today than white wine.
Methods for Making Rosé
Rosé wines can be made in several ways. They can be made exclusively from one or more red grape varieties that spend just enough time on their skins after crushing to impart color and a bit of flavor (remembering that it is the skin of the grape that determines a wine’s color, not its juice). The longer the red varietal’s skins remain in contact with the juice or must, the greater the wine’s color. When red skins are removed soon after contact, rosé rather than red wine results. This is the most common method of producing rosé.
Rosé can also be made by adding a small amount of red wine in the form of a completely fermented wine or as unfermented juice to white wine. This practice is rarely done today, except in Champagne, where small amounts of Pinot Noir or Pinot Meunier are often added to white Champagne to create rosé Champagne. The two then marry in the bottle as the wine undergoes secondary fermentation.
Almost any red grape variety can produce rosé. Some of the most common grape varietals are Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault (Rhône and Southern French varietals known for producing the bone dry rosés of Provence and nearby Languedoc), Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Zinfandel. Almost all wine-producing countries make some rosé wine from local or international varietals. Garnacha (Grenache) and Tempranillo in Spain produce excellent dry rosés, as do Sangiovese and Nebbiolo in Italy. Cabernet, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Zinfandel based rosés predominate in California, many of which are deliciously dry. So pick your pink pleasure, indulge yourself and enjoy!
Don | 2,473 | 1,195 | 0.000886 |
warc | 201704 | Most mobile network operators (MNOs) use ETSI Class 3 (C3) point-to-point (PTP) dish antennas when designing microwave backhaul links. However, a 2009 study by CommScope revealed that a significant proportion of antennas failed to meet their published specifications – usually the declared sidelobe, or off-axis gain performance, along with cross-polar performance.
This affects the quality of the network as it can degrade link performance and therefore capacity, which can be compromised by increased interference between links. Interference reduces data throughput affecting quality of service (QoS), which in turn can cause customer churn and reduce operator revenue.
CommScope also found that underperforming C3 antennas can significantly constrain an operator’s ability to reuse spectrum, potentially limiting the number of links that can be deployed for a given amount of spectrum in any geographic area.
As a result of these findings, CommScope developed the first ETSI Class 4 (C4) antennas in 2010 designed to offer major improvements over existing sidelobe or off-axis gain standards.
Last year it got the chance to trial the potential benefits of its C4 antennas on UK operator EE’s live network using iQ-link XG link planning software from Comsearch.
Dipesh Rattan, product line manager, Microwave Antenna Systems at CommScope, says: ‘We believe our Andrew family of antennas can provide value and benefit in terms of QoS and capacity for end users. We worked with EE to agree a joint analysis and study on data across the 10GHz, 32GHz and 42GHz bands.
‘We have products in each of these bands, so we got a lot of support from EE to get the data from its live network and analyse it. This enabled us to create accurate simulations and conduct frequency-planning analysis. The results are truly compelling with a lot of benefits in terms of using microwave backhaul network for improved QoS and costs,’ argues Rattan.
Significance for 4G This has increased significance with the roll out of 4G LTE networks because, as Donald Gardner, product line manager, Microwave Antenna Systems, CommScope, observes: ‘An LTE network has a lot more cells in any given area and that means you have a lot more cells to backhaul, so more links are needed.
‘It is mostly data being backhauled, so you need a lot more capacity on the backhaul and that sets up a perfect storm, because if you need more links and more capacity, but you use a C3 antenna, it doesn’t fit the bill.
‘But if you use C4 antennas with a lower sidelobe you can get a lot more links in any given area. The key thing for us was: this all works well in theory, but how to prove it? We were incredibly fortunate that EE and Andy Sutton’s team allowed us to profile this on a real network.’
Andy Sutton, principal network architect at EE, takes up the story: ‘The focus was on microwave line-of-sight PTP wireless radio backhaul using C4 antennas. Most PTP microwave links use C3 antennas, which have a certain radiation pattern envelope (RPE). C4 antennas have a much tighter RPE envelope. (See image below).
‘From EE’s perspective our interest was in how to make the best use of our 10GHz, 32GHz and 40GHz microwave bands to deliver the higher capacity required for 4G LTE backhaul. One of the most common techniques for increasing link capacity is to implement wider RF channels.’
In particular, EE is looking to upgrade its 32GHz and 40GHz radios from existing 28MHz channels with higher capacity radios using 56MHz channels.
The wider point here that if EE uses spectrum outside its self-owned spectrum bands it would incur substantial additional operating costs. ‘We are looking to find the optimal TCO,’ says Sutton,’ so we want to use microwave in the spectrum bands we own to get lowest cost. And the advantage of using the tighter RPE of C4 antennas is that we can deploy a greater number of links in a given frequency band within any given geographical area.’
‘Because of the tight RPE patterns and low sidelobe patterns of C4 antennas, it allows the microwave link to be available for a longer time and it is also more immune to interference than C3 ones,’ says Rattan.
‘The C4-based microwave link adds more capacity as the link is both available for longer and has a higher throughput for a longer time. They also enable a tighter use of frequency channels, so you have a more efficient microwave backhaul network.
QoS improvements Tests showed that thanks to their lower sidelobes and superior RP performance, C4 antennas improve QoS by reducing the interference level and boosting network availability - producing a 582-hour QoS (dropped call) improvement.
‘In short, the C4 product enables a better utilisation of existing spectrum resources, as it allows better capacity on these links for wider channel radios and this means more traffic can be carried on the microwave backhaul links,’ says Rattan.
For example, the study showed a total of 148 links which couldn’t be assigned channels (i.e. too much signal frequency congestion to be used) in 10GHz and 44 links in 40GHz. When the C3 antennas were replaced with C4 ones 46 links were recovered in 10GHz (31%) and 42 in 40GHz (96%).
The point here is that if C3 antennas were to be retained, to free up the congested links EE would have to either find and pay for Ethernet lease lines for the backhaul or buy additional licenses for a minimum of two channels from regulator Ofcom (if spectrum is available).
However, at least 88 of these 192 congested links could be recovered just by using C4 antennas in the existing spectrum. Using established EE cost models - the TCO over five years for a microwave radio link is US$23,000 and corresponding Ethernet backhaul cost of $93,000 - the study showed that there is a potential to save $70,000 over five years using microwave links instead of Ethernet leased lines; providing a saving of at least $6.1 million for 88 links over five years.
Sutton says: ‘We want to maximise the use of our own spectrum assets, so deploying as many microwave links in those band as possible helps minimise our costs, while maintaining network performance and optimising our TCO. By deploying a lot more links in the 32GHz and 40GHz bands we can evolve our network in the most efficient way.’
He notes that swopping out the antenna can be done at the same time as the higher capacity 56MHz wide channel radios are installed as part of EE’s ongoing upgrade programme. Gardner adds: ‘The installation is identical as for a Class 3 antenna, but it is a far, far better product.’
Class 4 upgrade potential In fact, the CommScope study showed that of the 4,096 links in EE’s 40GHz network, 2,315 are candidates for the higher capacity 56MHz radio upgrades (the remaining 1,825 links did not have sufficient fade margin to meet the availability objective with new radios).
However, 68 of the 2,315 links could not be upgraded to 56MHz using existing C3 antennas, but all could be upgraded if a Sentinel C4 antenna is used, as it helps achieve a higher signal-to-noise ratio on the microwave link.
Other tests showed that the low sidelobes of Sentinel C4 antennas could improve the frequency reuse in an existing network. Tests showed if C4 antennas are used in the 40GHz network fewer channels are required than for C3 antennas.
Assuming the same network geometry, by freeing up two channels up to 3,000 new links could be deployed. This provides a much higher spectral efficiency and makes possible a substantial future network expansion just using existing available spectrum.
Gardner also points out: ‘There is also an opportunity, albeit not a big one, but an opportunity nevertheless, to reduce the size of some of the antennas from 3-4ft (0.6m) diameter down to half that size (0.3m) by using C4 antennas. This is because the RPE of C4 antennas allows you do this without incurring additional interference. This in turn reduces the size and weight loading on the tower and therefore reduces the tower lease costs.’
So, what next for EE? Sutton says: ‘We are working on the detailed business case for C4 antennas to determine how broad a roll out to do. We have identified the sites where we can use our spectrum in the 10GHz, 32GHz and 40GHz bands and we expect to start work this year.’
Gardner sums up: ‘We think the benefits of using C4 backhaul antennas are quite compelling for operators. Capacity is finite so in reality the industry has to make the best use it can of its existing spectrum and infrastructure. Andy is trying to make the best use his, so other MNOs will want to do the same.’
Rattan adds: ‘What we’ve seen from different operators is that they are looking hard at TCO. As they move from 3G to 4G and beyond the density of microwave links is going up by the day but spectrum is finite. The challenge for MNOs is to add more density while the capacity grows, also bearing in mind that at the same time MNOs are under pressure to maintain or reduce costs.’
Summary of C4 microwave radio link backhaul antenna performance In conjunction with EE, CommScope studied the benefits of deploying Sentinel Class 4 antennas for wireless backhaul point-to-point in the 10GHz and 40GHz band in a network of 4,000 and 2,000 links. The core findings were:
• Over US$5 million in total cost of ownership saved over five years
• US$44,000 TCO saved in license fees over five years • US$4.5 million TCO over five years based on optimising capacity by freeing congested channels • 3,000 more radio links can be added to the network – when none had been possible before • 582 hour QoS (dropped call) improvement • 96% and 31% of frequency congested links in 40GHz and 10GHz respectively were assigned a channel • A strong opportunity to trade some of the above by reducing antenna size and thus reducing TCO on tower lease costs. | 10,073 | 4,230 | 0.000243 |
warc | 201704 | Learn something new every day
More Info... by email
Broccoli is a healthy and nutritious vegetable that can be prepared in a number of different ways. Some of the most common and healthiest ways to cook broccoli are to steam it in the microwave or in a double boiler; simply to boiling it for a few minutes in a pot of water is another approach. It may also be sauteed with a little bit of olive oil, or roasted in the oven. Some people will even just eat it raw in a simple salad or with a dip. There are a number of different recipes illustrating different ways to cook broccoli, including blending it in order to make broccoli soup.
When preparing a healthy vegetable for dinner, most people don't want to wreck its nutritional benefits by preparing it in an unhealthy way, such as by frying it. Broccoli can be prepared in a number of different ways that are flavorful and delicious, though still healthy. Keep in mind that although one of the most common ways to cook broccoli is to steam it and then drench it in cheese sauce, this really increases the calorie and fat content of the dish, so it may be a good idea to be judicious with the cheese.
The easiest way to cook broccoli is to steam it. It may be placed in a glass dish with a little bit of water and then microwaved for a few minutes, or put in a double boiler on the stove and steamed that way. Simply boiling a pot of water, and throwing the broccoli in for a few minutes, will also cook it to perfection in a healthy way. Just be sure not to overboil it, because the broccoli will begin to soften, and will eventually just fall apart in the water. Generally, when broccoli is served, it should still be slightly crisp and a bright green color.
Sauteing or stir-frying are two other common ways to cook broccoli. It may be quickly sauteed in a pan with some olive oil and spices, often with other fresh vegetables. To stir-fry broccoli, soy sauce is often used to add extra flavor. Though many people don't think of it, broccoli can also be roasted in the oven; topping it with a little bit of olive oil, fresh minced garlic, and some grated parmesan cheese, and then cooking it under the broiler will give it a delicious and robust flavor. In addition, another favorite way to cook broccoli is to blend it into a nutritious soup.
jonrss
Post 3
Does anyone have a recipe for a really good broccoli slaw? I have been craving this all summer but I need a new recipe. Most of the ones I have tried in the past are so heavy with mayo and they basically taste like cole slaw. I am looking for something different. Any suggestions?
clippers
Post 2
When I was a kid my mom always used to cook broccoli in cheese sauce and to this day that is my favorite way to eat it. There was even a time when that was the only way I would eat it but I have grown up a little since then.
And I don't make it the way my mom made it. I think she used Velveeta cheese sauce but I make my own from good cheeses. It is the same dish in spirit, but I think mine tastes a lot better.
disciples
Post 1
I have had many, many delicious broccoli dishes over the years but for me the simple recipes are the best. Give me some really good fresh broccoli cooked in butter with fresh minced garlic and I will be in heaven.
Broccoli has such a rich and unique flavor, it doesn't need much else to compliment it. If it is quality broccoli and it is well prepared it stands on its own.
One of our editors will review your suggestion and make changes if warranted. Note that depending on the number of suggestions we receive, this can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Thank you for helping to improve wiseGEEK! | 3,671 | 1,655 | 0.000607 |
warc | 201704 | Learn something new every day
More Info... by email
A power connector is a piece of equipment used with many different types of electronics allowing a significant electrical current to pass into it. This is not typically used as a means by which a signal can be sent, such as a data stream from one device to another, but instead allows power to reach a device. The power connector for some devices is fairly simple, and is often designed as a way for an electronic component to plug into a wall outlet or other power source. There are also a number of connectors that can be used between devices, including those that allow a single power supply in a computer to connect to numerous components.
There are a variety of items that can be used as a power connector, though it is typically a length of cable that connects a device to a power source. This is often designed as part of a commercial product, such as a lamp or television that has a power cable permanently installed during construction. There are also some devices that have removable plugs, such as a computer monitor that can be disengaged from its power connector.
The distinction between a power connector and a signal connector is subtle, yet important. A signal connector can be used to pass some type of signal, which may take the form of an electrical current or digital signal. This is usually quite weak however, and is not typically intended as a means by which a device receives its main power supply. Cables used to connect different video and audio devices are typically signal connectors.
There are some types of cables that can function as both a signal and power connector. A universal serial bus (USB) cable, for example, can be used to allow data transfers between devices, but can also pass a sufficient current through it to charge a device or provide it with power. Many types of power connectors, however, are simply designed to allow a charge to flow from a power source into a device and give it the power needed for it to function. This can include a plug used with a wall outlet, as well as connections between an electrical device and a large external battery or generator.
A power connector can also be a cable or connection that allows power to reach different internal components within a larger system. Computer towers, for example, often have a power supply that connects to a wall outlet or similar source, and then distributes that charge to various internal devices within the tower. Different types of connectors are used within the case of a computer to attach this power supply to a hard drive, media drives, and motherboard.
One of our editors will review your suggestion and make changes if warranted. Note that depending on the number of suggestions we receive, this can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Thank you for helping to improve wiseGEEK! | 2,871 | 1,244 | 0.000806 |
warc | 201704 | As professors and deans we know you have a critical role in shaping curriculum. With the importance of student success at an all time high, you must make critical decisions based on course reviews and new academic standards, while also constantly evaluating curricula, book choices, and teaching methodologies.
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warc | 201704 | Seminar: NPS Diversity Effort Could Be Better Editor’s Note: The following story appeared on the www.diverseeducation.com website.
A group of Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) scholars are praising the Obama administration for trying to more fully integrate places and histories of AAPI significance into National Park Service initiatives, but they caution that because of long-running underrepresentation, the work has barely begun.
As an example, among the National Historic Landmarks in the state of Hawaii, about a dozen have U.S. military significance, said Franklin Odo, a former professor of ethnic studies at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
However, only one sugar plantation has been designated such a landmark, Odo said, despite the many decades in which the plantations impacted Hawaii’s socioeconomic landscape and natural resources. “To look at this list of landmarks,” he said, shaking his head, “you would not have a clue about how important the plantations have been.”
Dawn Mabalon, associate professor of history at San Francisco State University, said she didn’t know anything about the Filipino-American history of her hometown of Stockton, Calif., until she was a University of California, Los Angeles undergraduate — despite the fact that Stockton had boasted the largest Filipino community in this country shortly after World War II. “It shows how absent we as Filipinos are from the American narrative that I had to go all the way to UCLA to learn about my people,” she said.
The scholars’ remarks occurred last week at a Washington, D.C., forum examining how the legacy of Asian-Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders should be recognized, preserved and interpreted for future generations. Hosted by the U. S. Department of the Interior, scholars, historians and national leaders discussed how the National Park Service can appropriately and more comprehensively identify and understand AAPI heritage and culture within places and artifacts.
Click here to read the entire story. | 2,088 | 1,117 | 0.000923 |
warc | 201704 | Surge of New Office Space Hits Buenos Aires
The supply of new office buildings completed in Buenos Aires during the first six months of 2013 was five times higher than the amount delivered in the same period of 2012, reaching production levels not seen since the market's peak in 2010.
Approximately 56,000 square meters of new corporate space were delivered by midyear compared to about 11,000 square meters last year, according to a report from Jones Lang LaSalle. The record amount of supply includes projects which had been delayed and were completed in the first half of the year, the firm notes.
"In general terms, the market remains stable and robust compared to the last two years," JLL says in the report. "This semester has record production figures since the peak of 2010, despite the delivery dates of several buildings had been postponed."
All the completion were in the Zona Norte section of the city, which JLL characterizes as the "most dynamic, fastest growing district in Buenos Aires."
The office supply in the Argentina capital is divided into two tiers. The first represents buildings developed by the usual office property investors -- companies that focus on corporate demand. The other tier is composed of new, smaller investors arriving mostly from the residential market that often fail to meet corporate expectations, JLL reports.
"Demand has been the leading metric of Buenos Aires of the past years...in 2010, absorption hit the 10-year historical maximum, after four years of continued expansion," the report states.
Demand for office space has been on a rollercoaster. In 2011 demand reached 100,000 square meters, higher than its historical average. However, a 70 percent drop in demand followed in 2012.
The first half of 2013 has seen a reversal, with 45,000 square meters absorbed.
Despite the new supply, vacancy rates appear to have stabilized in the city, JLL concludes. The average vacancy rate of Class A and AB office space was 6.6 percent during the first six months, increasing by 1.5 percent from last year after dropping for two years.
Vacancy rates in Zona Norte are generally lower than the Central Business District, JLL reports.
Average office rents were $27 to $30 per square meter a month during the first half of the year, within the range for most other Latin American cities. An outlier for the region is Caracas
where office rents reached $130 per square meter by mid-year.
In the next six months, approximately 20,000 square meters of new supply are expected to enter the Buenos Aires market.
"On the other hand, the Central Business District (CBD) is expected to be reactivated between 2014 and 2015 thanks to the incorporation of three sizable Class A projects," the firm reports. | 2,764 | 1,319 | 0.000765 |
warc | 201704 | Dr S Thomas,
Director
Surgical Materials Testing Laboratory
Bridgend District and NHS Trust, Bridgend
H.N. Rowe,
J Keats,
Dr R.J.H. Morgan,
Contents
Submitted: 25 August 1997
This article describes a technique for the treatment of extravasation injuries in neonates, in which the affected area is covered with a sterile amorphous hydrogel enclosed in an impermeable plastic bag or sleeve. The authors discuss potential advantages of this technique over alternative methods for treating such injuries, by reference to selected case histories.
Extravasation injuries are a potentially serious consequence of all intravenous therapy, but they are generally associated with the administration of antineoplastic agents or osmotically active solutions containing 10 per cent glucose, calcium chloride or calcium gluconate. [1] [2] [3]
Patients of all ages may be affected, but a retrospective review of 31 cases over a nine-year period showed that they occurred primarily in children and older people [2], with 57 per cent of all injuries occurring on the hand or dorsum of the foot. Most of the resulting lesions produced severe scarring and loss of function, many required surgical intervention and in a number of cases amputation was necessary.
Neonates and premature babies are particularly at risk of developing extravasion because of the small size of their vessels and the immature structure of their skin. The structure and function of skin in the newborn has been described by Young. [4]
A two-year retrospective study of complications related to neonatal infusion sites revealed that skin loss secondary to extravasation had occurred in 33 babies, equivalent to 2.4 percent of all admissions. [5]
Of the 33 cases, nine developed severe scarring requiring plastic surgery, or contractures severe enough to interfere with function. In all nine infants, the injury occurred on the lower leg of dorsum of the foot.
Published methods of preventing and treating such injuries include the elevation of the affected limb, application of hot and cold packs, the local administration of corticosteroids or hyaluronidase and the use of specific antidotes where available. [6] Liposuction and and saline flushes (with or without a pretreatment with hyaluronidase) have also been recommended. [7]
A massage technique which is claimed to reduce scarring and theneed for grafting has been described by Davidson
et al.,[8] It is claimed that this techniquefrees the epithelial margin from the central coagulum present inthe wound, overcoming the contracting effects of myofibroblastspresent in the granulation tissue. In this technique the necrotictissue and, presumably the wound itself are allowed to dry out anddemarcate, an approach which is not in accord with the currentphilosophy of moist wound healing.
The current treatment was developed specifically for treating extravasation injuries in the hands or feet of small infants but it can easily be adapted for treating similar injuries in patients of all ages.
The technique involves the use of a sterile amorphous hydrogel applied to the affected area in a sterile polythene bag forming a "glove" or "boot".
The latter can be conveniently produced from a sterile disposable examination glove using a domestic heat sealer of the type used for packaging food prior to storage in a deep freeze.
If such equipment is not available, sterile urine collection bags may be used. These are widely available in special care baby units, although they tend to be made from less conformable plastic than that used in examination gloves.
The treatment may be started as soon as extravasation is detected or suspected, but should not preclude the use of other more immediate or specific measures such as removal of the extravasated drug by needle aspiration if there are more obvious signs of fluid swelling. If tissue damage is apparent, treatment should be started immediately.
The technique is simple to perform. Gel is applied liberally to the injury and the affected limb is placed inside the plastic bag. If required, additional gel may be delivered into the bag with a syringe and a quill using a sufficient to ensure that the wound remains covered at all times and that the bag does not come into contact with the wound surface.
The neck of the bag is closed using surgical tape ensuring that the tape does not come into contact with the baby's skin. If necessary a splint may be applied to the affected limb to support the weight of the gel. As both the gel and the bag are transparent, the wound may be examined without disturbing the dressing, which can usually be left in place for two to three days. If the wound shows any clinical evidence of infection the dressing should be replaced daily and appropriate antibiotic therapy initiated.
Dressings changes are accomplished by gently sliding the bag off the limb and irrigating the wound with sterile isotonic saline. During this treatment it should not be necessary to touch the surface of the wound which does not need to be dried before the dressing is replaced.
To prevent unnecessary cooling of the surface of the wound, both the gel and the normal saline should be warmed to body temperature prior to use, as it has been shown that a temperature below 28 ° C will reduce mitotic and phagocytic activity and thus delay healing. [9]
During healing, a pale-yellow semi-solid fibrinous layer may develop on the wound surface. This layer does not appear to effect the healing process and need not be removed.
In laboratory studies it has been shown that hydrogels not only prevent the growth and proliferation of innoculums of bacteria but that they also exert a mild bactericidal effect due, it is presumed, to the propylene glycol that most contain. [10]
Figure 10 shows an injury resulting from extravasation which occurred during a blood transfusion. An area of full thickness skin loss can be seen, surrounded by massive bruising. The wound was dressed as described and the dressing changed every three days. The healed wound, photographed four weeks later, is shown in Figure 13.
The gel that was used during the original study was Scherisorb - Smith & Nephew Medical Ltd. This contained 2% of a starch co-polymer, 80% water and 20% propylene glycol as a humectant and preservative. This particular formulation is no longer available, but it is likely that many of the new amorphous hydrogels such as Intrasite - Smith and Nephew Medical, Granugel - Convatec Ltd and Sterigel - Seton Healthcare that have since appeared on the market will be equally as effective.
Amorphous hydrogels are used extensively for the treatment of sloughy or necrotic lesions where they are believed to facilitate autodebridement of the wound by rehydrating slough and enabling autolysis to take place at an enhanced rate.
In the current application, the gel also prevents dehydration of damaged tissue and limits further devitalisation of exposed dermis. These properties are particularly important in view of the high room and incubator temperatures which are required in a special care baby unit.
The use of the gel also appears to decrease or prevent excessive wound contraction and scarring, achieving the same effect as the massage technique described previously. [6]
It is interesting to speculate whether in an uncovered wound the production and subsequent contraction of myofibroblasts is initiated or enhanced by the partial dehydration of the granulation bed as a result of the loss of water vapour from the exposed tissue.
When used in the manner described, the gel would prevent this water loss, inhibit contraction and maintain the viability of the wound and surrounding tissue.
Our experience with this technique suggests that it offers the following benefits:
This article contains information that was originally published in a paper in the Pharmaceutical Journal. This information is reproduced here by kind permission of the editor. | 7,977 | 3,634 | 0.000277 |
warc | 201704 | Sexual division of labour can be defined as a separation of labour along the lines of gender. It can be considered to be a cultural behaviour, rather than a genetic one, One of the outcomes of a sexual division of labour can be argued to have been the idea of women as a separate category in human society, or the idea of men and women, and so the origin of gender (http://www.arts.uwa.edu.au/archaeology/Sandra2.htm) It can be seen in the workforce and within the domestic setting, as well as other areas of social activity, such as politics. The division of labour in public and private settings along gender lines will be considered, as will as the possible benefits to women from having this kind of labour division.
The division of labour by gender within both paid and unpaid work and between them exists in almost all societies and from earliest times, even though the nature of the specialised work done by women and men differs significantly by place, time, and in some cases, over the life cycle.
This division of labour has been accepted historically and culturally as a natural order. Yoshie Furuhashi (http://csf.colorado.edu/forums/m-fem/98/0271.html) notes that, according to Engel's, "there was a 'natural' division of labour, with men specializing in producing the means of subsistence while women worked in the household." Thus the concept of the sexual division of labour has always been a historical reality. John MacInnes (http://www.bradford.ac.uk/acad/dppc/gender/mandmabstracts/jmacinnes.html) describes this division of labour as 'patriarchy', a kind of 'gender contract' which defines explicitly what people of either sex can do or think. The accepted sexual division of labour has meant that women's work has been limited to childrearing and other domestic duties (e.g housework) and limited to the private sphere. Men, on the other hand, have occupied the role of 'breadwinner'... | 1,914 | 945 | 0.001062 |
warc | 201704 | Council houses will be available to buy at a discount of 70 per cent this year, the Government has announced, while pledging to invest the proceeds in new properties.
Communities Secretary Eric Pickles said there would be a £75,000 cap on the cash value of the discount.
He added that it would also begin increasing in line with the CPI rate of inflation in a bid to revitalise the right to buy scheme, a flagship policy of Margaret Thatcher.
Labour said the Government was failing on its promise to replace each and every home sold under right to buy and reiterated the party’s pledge to build 200,000 homes if it wins power in 2015.
Mr Pickles said increasing the discount on houses from 60 per cent to 70 per cent of the full market price would drive aspiration and allow an acceleration in the rate Government makes new affordable homes available.
The discount now matches that available on flats which are currently available on the market.
He said: “For years the Right to Buy was slowly strangled, with a miserly cap on discounts killing the prospect of home ownership for most social tenants.
“We don’t think governments should be in the business of vetoing aspiration.”
A department spokesman said legislative changes were needed to bring in the increased discount before May.
However the policy announcement failed to win favour with the opposition, with politicians attacking the government over its housebuilding record.
Labour’s Shadow Housing Minister Emma Reynolds said: “The Tory-led Government has failed to build the homes our country needs.
“Housebuilding is at its lowest peacetime level since the 1920s, contributing to the cost-of-living crisis families face.
“David Cameron has also broken his promise to replace every home sold through right to buy with another built. Only one home has been built for every seven homes sold.”
The changes come into affect at the beginning of the new tax year in April.
Mr Pickles said there would be a £100m fund to boost access to mortgages and provide right to buy “agents” to help people through the process.
The Department for Communities and Local Government said 50,000 household had got onto the housing ladder since 2011, including 13,400 via the right to buy scheme.
The 50,000 figure represents the total of new property owner households aided by the Government, not the whole housing market.
The figure also includes at total of 36,000 assisted on to the property ladder through the Help to Buy and earlier schemes.
On Wednesday, the Prime Minister was forced to deny that the scheme would result in another housing bubble, comparable to that seen in the economic crash of 2007/8. | 2,739 | 1,341 | 0.000771 |
warc | 201704 | Sydney real estate agents are preparing for an influx of foreign investors as Chinese tourists fly into Australia for Chinese New Year
The Australian Bureau of Statistics’ November 2016 housing finance data showed that over the month, housing finance commitments totalled $33.2 billion
The Residex Predictions Report identifies 109 suburbs and towns nationally that are most likely to deliver better than average growth over the next five to eight years
Find out more…
Queensland's affordable property continued to attract homebuyers and investors during the first quarter of 2009, especially in the southeast corner.
As if the current financial climate and all that goes with it wasn't confusing enough, the news in recent weeks that some major lenders have increased their fixed rates has many unsure of what is going on - or what they should do
In the highly competitive world of mortgages, lenders and brokers are finding an increasing number of ways to help borrowers, including cash backs on their loans.
The saying 'capital growth is king' has been a mantra of many a property investors for some time now, because it's usually followed by the tag line 'because property prices double every seven to 10 years'.
A good mortgage broker can help you navigate the complex and ever changing mortgage maze a little easier. But you need to make sure they are genuinely looking after your interest.
If your goal is to crack the inner city unit market but don't know where to start read the latest issue of Your Mortgage Magazine as Genavieve Zoeller unveils the most affordable units near the CBD
The fierce competition from first homebuyers, abetted by the interest rate drops and government incentives, has pushed property prices sometimes well above expectations lately.
East West Homes won the best display home in the 'up to $250,000' category in both of the country locations in which they were displayed.
Melbourne median house prices slipped 3.1% in the March quarter, with the market confidence shot down by a slowing economy, according to the Real Estate Institute of Victoria.
Sales of new homes climbed for the third consecutive month, reaching levels not seen in more than a year according to a new report.
Populations in Australia's major cities have continued to swell along the coasts, as regional areas continue to dwindle, a recent analysis shows.
If the latest slew of positive data is an indication, then the worst might be over for the one of the world's biggest economies.
Mozo.com.au is a new comparison service that lets you instantly compare the home loans market and see how your existing loan stacks up. You can even Health Check your home loan to find out how much you can save by switching.
Private developers are snatching up prime vacant land across Sydney in anticipation of the second wave of first homebuyers according to Colliers International.
House prices in Perth rebounded in the March quarter, racking up a healthy 2% increase in median sale prices, according to the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia (REIWA).
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warc | 201704 | The last 4 days have seen the price of protection against a default on US Treasuries spike by the most in 4 years. While USA CDS trade on both a default and devaluation basis (as well as technical issues related to which Treasury is cheapest to deliver) this spike to 5-month highs (from what was extremely high levels of complacency) is very notable in light of today's Kocherlakota "whatever it takes" speech. While still well off 2011's debt ceiling debacle panic highs, this move does suggest more than just the politicians are worried about a technical default occurring on US debt. By way of comparison, Germany trades at 23bps and Japan at 61bps against USA's 32bps.
Chart: Bloomberg
And while the risk of a US default is virtually non-existent (will Benmosche's AIG
make whole the buyers of US CDS when America is broke? good luck) and certainly will be preceded by literal paradropping of US currency from the Fed's own private fleet of helicopters, there is a simple pair trade for those who would like to position for a contentious debt ceiling fight with an ETA mid-October and skip the bipolar and HFT-dominated equity markets. Recall that in the summer of 2011 when the last big debt ceiling debacle loomed and resulted in a last minute outcome that also led to the downgrade of the US by a rating agency that has since sold out, rates of bills due just before the debt ceiling D-Date soared, while those sufficiently after the ceiling interval tightened. Well, the same trade is just as applicable this time. Credit Suisse explains: Sell October 31 Bills versus 12 Month Bills
Supply dynamics and potential market concerns around a debt ceiling stand-off in Washington should push the 1M1Y bill curve flatter. Given our expectation that Treasury will run out of room on October 24,
the October 31 bills are likely the most vulnerable, and should cheapen significantly versus 12 month bills in a protracted fight.
One-month and three month bills are already trading close to zero, having briefly traded negative last week. With bill supply to remain flat heading into the end of October, suggesting that supply should keep bills yields across the curve under pressure. With bill yields largely beholden to supply dynamics, the greatest scope for further compression is in year bills, which are currently trading around 10bp. Given historical relationship between bills yields and bills outstanding, year bills are roughly 3bp rich to supply-implied fair value, while 3-month bills are about 3.5bp rich.
This trade may be difficult to put on in size until after quarter end due to dealers balance sheet constraints. But as noted above, we believe that the market will not begin to fully price the risk to front end bills until about two weeks before the end date.
We expect the opportunity to remain available at for the first week of October. The 2011 debt ceiling brinksmanship impacted securities with some type of payments around the date that Treasury had circled as the last day. While the effect resonated out the bill curve, it reached its extreme in the early August bills, with the August 4 and 11 bills trading at 25bp at the end of July (when one month bills were trading at 17bp and year bills were at 20bp).
The level of 1m rates alone suggest a near-term flattening bias—when 1m bills are trading at or below 1bp, the 1m1y curve has flattened at least 0.5bp over following week 55% of the time, while steepening more than 0.5bp just 31% of the time. On average, the 1m1y curve has had a very modest flattening tendency since 2009, but not to the extent seen when bill yields are close to zero.
The last go-round, the 1m1y curve flattened to 3bp. Though the curve is just 6bp away from that right now, it is beginning from a starting point that is 10bp flatter than one month prior to the 2011 debt ceiling.
The securities that the market viewed as “at risk” traded with yields above year bills, hence our recommendation to sell the October 31 issue rather than the current one month bills. We think that the curve has scope to flatten to zero, if not further, depending on how close to the wire negotiations come. The risk to this is that the curve steepens should an earlier than anticipated deal allow Treasury to boost bill supply sufficiently to push year bills substantially cheaper while the short-bills continue to roll down to (or remain at) zero. | 4,413 | 2,164 | 0.000465 |
warc | 201704 | Products Products Support Support Home Learn about... Lifestyle Practices for Optimal Health and Wellness Acupressure Directions Acupressure Directions Basic Acupressure Techniques Acupressure is a simple, yet effective natural healing technique in Chinese medicine that can be applied to yourself or another. Here are some of the basic methods to insure a successful treatment:
Intention is very important when performing acupressure. Perform acupressure where there are as few distractions as possible. Applying acupressure with intent of the outcome will be much more effective than simply applying pressure to a point as you watch TV or talk on the phone.
Pressure should be firm, but should not be painful or uncomfortable. Use a slight clockwise motion with pressure on acu-points for tonification; use a counterclockwise motion for releasing energy. Points on legs and arms are treated on both limbs. The acu-point combinations included will specify which technique is appropriate for each specific condition. Acupressure points are typically stimulated bilaterally unless they are located at the center of the body. Acu-points can be energetically activated in many ways including pressure from the thumb or fingers, by applying corresponding essential oils to the acu-points, and by placing therapeutic gems on the acu-points. These therapies can be used alone or together during a treatment session. When trying to locate acu-points, know that these acu-points will often be more tender than the surrounding area, especially in fleshy areas. Even acupuncturists palpate an area for a tender spot for more accurate point location during acupuncture treatments. Points are typically in a dip rather than a bony protrusion. Like any natural therapy, acupressure works quickly on acute conditions, but will take regular long-term practice for chronic conditions. With chronic conditions, stimulate acupressure points 2 x per day for 3-5 minutes each bilaterally.
In Chinese medicine, the body is measured by cun (pronounced soon) which is a unit that equals the width of the patients thumb. The four fingers of the hand laid flat equal three cun.
Acu-Point Locations Abbreviations HT-Heart Channel SI-Small Intestine Channel TB or SJ-Triple Burner Channel Per or HP-Pericardium Channel KI-Kidney Channel BL-Bladder Channel LV-Liver Channel GB-Gallbladder Channel LU-Lung Channel LI-Large Intestine Channel SP-Spleen Channel ST-Stomach Channel Ren-Ren Mai Channel
Channels, or meridians, are energetic pathways that the acupuncture points are located on.
About Gemstone Therapy for Acupressure Points Every advanced ancient culture understood and utilized the healing properties of gems, crystals, and minerals. Chinese medicine includes written recordings of therapies utilizing gems and minerals going back two thousand years.
Of late, modern Western cultures have lost touch with many subtle healing modalities preferring strong medicine over energetic medicine; however, many energetic healing methods are coming back in to vogue.
Energy healing therapies rely on the unique energetic imprint that each substance in the world contains. Every material is made of matter that has its own energetic resonation that can affect the human body and mind; gemstones emit a strong energetic signature.
Albert Einstein was determined to find the core substance of matter. As he broke down different solid materials to discover their most basic qualities, all he found was energy. He explained, "It followed from the special theory of relativity that mass and energy are both but different manifestations of the same thing; a somewhat unfamiliar concept for the average mind." | 3,687 | 1,775 | 0.000565 |
warc | 201704 | Products Products Support Support Edema
Chinese medicine is an effective holistic therapy which naturally reduces edema in the body and addresses the actual 'root' cause of edema. Edema in itself is a symptom of Organ System deficiency and is not considered an actual disease according to TCM. In Chinese medicine, edema has many different patterns and root disorders depending on how the edema manifests itself in the body, as there are several Organ Systems in Chinese medicine that are responsible for managing fluid. This pattern distinction allows for a more targeted natural treatment plan that addresses the underlying causes of edema, rather than simply relying on diuretic herbs to reduce fluids.
Common Patterns of Edema in Chinese Medicine
There is no one "edema remedy" according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM); rather, edema is addressed differently depending on the symptoms and location related to the edema.
Kidney Deficiency and Edema The most common type of edema is related to Kidney Deficiency. The Kidney function in Chinese medicine is central in fluid management of the body as the Kidney is the “official in charge of the waterways”. Edema based in Kidney Deficiency will often manifest with ankle and knee swelling, soreness in the lower back, general fatigue, and coldness in the body. The Kidney energetic system is paired with the Urinary Bladder which is also re-enforced when addressing Kidney Deficiency with tonic herbs. Chinese herbal Kidney Qi Tonics work to reverse the root deficiencies that cause Kidney Deficient type edema. Right foot edema points to Kidney Yang Qi deficiency and left foot edema suggests Kidney Yin deficiency. L Kidney-Spleen Deficiency Pattern Edema
In Chinese medicine, one of the primary organ systems responsible for the balance of fluids in the body is the Spleen energetic organ system. In Chinese medical theory, the Spleen is the 'official in charge of the transformation and transportation of foods and fluids' . Most cases of edema will contain an element of Spleen Qi Deficiency in addition to Kidney insufficiencies. Weeping edema, abdominal edema, edema associated with diabetes, and edema due to an over-exposure to damp conditions all indicate Spleen Qi Deficiency-type edema.
Kidney-Heart Deficiency and Edema The Heart is central in circulating fluids throughout the body, and Heart Qi Deficiency will often manifest as hand and facial edema in Chinese medicine. Heart Qi Deficiency could be accompanied by palpitations or a sensation of the heart. Heart Qi Deficiency also plays a pivotal role in pulmonary edema. Additionally, the Heart and Kidney energetic systems are seen as Fire Element and Water Element in Chinese medicine and are intimately connected; Fire must be present to control Water, and Water must be present to control Fire, and these Elements must be balanced for either system to maintain health. Lung-Kidney Deficiency and Edema In Chinese medicine, edema can occur due to exposure to external pathogens. The body’s ability to fight off external pathogens with a healthy immune response begins with the Lung function which is closely related to the Wei Qi and is the Organ closes to the surface and external influences according to Chinese medicine. The Lung is the most external Yin organ system, and is typically the first to be effected by viral infections. Acute edema related chronic colds, sinus infections, or bronchitis can be addressed would indicate Lung related edema. The Lung-Kidney energetic systems are interrelated closely according to TCM as the Kidney 'grasps' the breath. Lymph Edema The lymphatic system is an intricate network of channels in the body that carries lymph fluid, a colorless fluid containing white blood cells that fight infection. Lymph fluids also transport fluids and metabolic waste out of the tissues. When the lymphatic system is overloaded by waste and poisons in the tissues, a block to the natural flow of lymph fluid can occur. Edema due to an insufficiency of the lymphatic system is typically marked with swelling of the extremities.
If left unchecked, the stagnation of the lymph system can escalate to infections, and are associated with the development of cancer. Lymph edema is also common in cancer patients who have had lymph nodes removed, or who have had radiation treatments, especially breast cancer. Herbs that enhance the lymphatic system promote detoxification and can be used periodically to insure the smooth flow of lymph fluid through the lymphatic system.
Chinese Medicine and Edema
Edema (oedema - English) is when an abnormally large fluid volume circulates in the circulatory system or accumulates in interstitial spaces, or tissues between the body's cells. The circulatory system transports fluid within the body via its network of blood vessels; this fluid, which contains oxygen and nutrients needed by the cells, moves from the walls of the blood vessels into the body's tissues.
A healthy body normally maintains a balance of fluid in tissues and vessels by ensuring that the same amount of water entering the tissue also leaves it. Interstitial fluid circulates throughout the body transporting nutrients and oxygen; the fluids move back to the heart after the nutrients have been exhausted through blood vessels and the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system also plays an important role in fluid balance.
There are many types of edema; generally edema is when either too much fluid moves from the blood vessels into the tissues, or not enough fluid moves from the tissues back into the blood vessels. This fluid imbalance can cause mild to severe swelling in one or more parts of the body
Western Medicine vs. Chinese Medicine View of Edema
Western medicine looks at edema differently than Chinese medicine as simply an abnormal accumulation of fluid beneath the skin or in one or more cavities of the body. Generally, the amount of interstitial fluid is determined by homeostasis, and increased secretion of fluid in to the interstitial spaces, or impaired removal of this fluid may cause edema. Six factors can contribute to the formation of edema:
Increased hydrostatic pressure. Reduced oncotic pressure within blood vessels. Increased tissue oncotic pressure. Increased blood vessel wall permeability e.g. inflammation. Obstruction of fluid clearance via the lymphatic system. Changes in the water retaining properties of the tissues themselves. Raised hydrostatic pressure often reflects retention of water and sodium by the kidneys.
Hydrostatic pressure within blood vessels tends to cause water to filter out into the tissue. This leads to a difference in protein concentration between blood plasma and tissue. As a result the oncotic pressure of the higher level of protein in the plasma tends to suck water back into the blood vessels from the tissue. Most water leakage occurs in capillaries or post capillary venules, which have a semi-permeable membrane wall that allows water to pass more freely than protein. If the gaps between the cells of the vessel wall open up then permeability to water is increased first, but as the gaps increase in size permeability to protein also increases with a fall in reflection coefficient.
Changes in the variables can contribute to the formation of edema either by an increase in hydrostatic pressure within the blood vessel, a decrease in the oncotic pressure within the blood vessel or an increase in vessel wall permeability. The latter has two effects. It allows water to flow more freely and it reduces the oncotic pressure difference by allowing protein to leave the vessel more easily. A rise in hydrostatic pressure occurs in cardiac failure. A fall in osmotic pressure occurs in nephritic syndrome and liver failure. It is commonly thought that these facts explain the occurrence of edema in these conditions.
Causes of edema which are generalized to the whole body can cause edema in multiple organs and peripherally. For example, severe heart failure can cause pulmonary edema, pleural effusions, ascites and peripheral edema. Although a low plasma oncotic pressure is widely cited for the edema of nephritic syndrome, most physicians note that the edema may occur before there is any significant protein in the urine (proteinuria) or fall in plasma protein level.
Fortunately there is another explanation available. Most forms of nephritic syndrome are due to biochemical and structural changes in the basement membrane of capillaries in the kidney glomerulae, and these changes occur, if to a lesser degree, in the vessels of most other tissues of the body. Thus the resulting increase in permeability that leads to protein in the urine can explain the edema if all other vessels are more permeable as well. Edema will occur in specific organs as part of inflammations, tendonitis or pancreatitis, for instance. Certain organs develop edema through tissue specific mechanisms.
The movement of water in the body involves all of the organs; starting in the Stomach and ending in the Urinary Bladder. Water is moved and controlled by an invisible organ in Chinese Medicine called the San Jiao or Triple Heater or Burner. It is the San Jiao's responsibility to move water throughout the body and any disruption of this can lead to edema. When the San Jiao is working properly water moves freely between organs and freely in and out of the cells. Also, edema in Chinese Medicine comes in two varieties; Qi Edema and Water Edema.
Types of edema well treated with Chinese herbs: | 9,553 | 3,759 | 0.000267 |
warc | 201704 | When you’re going through a lot sometimes the smallest of things can make a huge difference, and I am going through a lot right now. My period of extreme physical ill-health rolls ever onward. But on top of that, as I mentioned in my last post, my past has finally caught up with me. I find myself struggling each and every day with immense anxiety, fear, and both flashbacks and panic-attacks triggered by the most random of things. You know, things like a guy whistling in a certain way, the smell of a certain brand of cigarettes, and the sight of a Ford frikkin Granada.
Now I’m a pretty smart cookie, even if I still don’t understand how time-zones work, but I keep finding myself falling in to the most insidious of traps laid by emotional health-issues, guilt. Of course being born, and bred in Ireland at the tail end of the rule of Catholicism over the Irish gave me a really excellent head-start in turning feeling guilt in to an art-form. I can feel guilty over, well just about anything.
Watched a movie? Guilty because I didn’t walk the dogs instead, never mind that they’ve been walked already.
Lay awake all last night because my stomach hurt too much to sleep? Guilt because I slept late in the morning, or guilt over being a zombie for the day.
Guilt is silly, random, and not healthy. I mean don’t get me wrong, if you murder someone you better be experiencing feelings of guilt. But feeling guilty over not sleeping, or for kissing someone, or for enjoying a few hours of a computer game? Yeah that’s not only dumb, it’s just not healthy.
But when you’re physically or emotionally at the end of your tether, it’s all too easy to plunge in to truly unhealthy guilt. Guilt for not being 100%. Guilt for being a burden. Guilt for being bad company. For being grouchy. For not being the partner they deserve. For needing to be helped.
Yesterday morning I needed my Partner in Crime to wash my hair for me. It was one of the best feelings I’ve had in weeks. Sensual, and loving, and gentle, and just…wonderful. She did it for me because she knows I HATE washing my hair over the bath, and because she knew I’d spent the entire night awake, on the toilet. I just couldn’t do it for myself. And all day I felt utterly wracked with guilt because it was her doing it for me, not me for her. Because I needed to be helped, when I’m supposed to be the one…well anyway last night a friend posted this on her Facebook wall…
I’m not depressed, though Goddesses know I would be entitled to feel that way at this stage. I’m also not schizophrenic, I mean I’m pretty sure I’m not. But I sure as Hell am anxious, and that image is right. I shouldn’t feel guilt over anything I’ve done, I’ve done nothing wrong. I shouldn’t feel guilt over anything I’ve felt. And I shouldn’t feel guilty for needing help.
The simple truth is I’ve been too strong for my own good for far too long, and now when my body is at the lowest ebb it’s ever seen the emotional damage a childhood, teenage years, and early adulthood inflicted on me has finally caught up. And that’s nothing to feel guilty about either. The guilt won’t vanish overnight. Like the scars my heart carries, it will take time to find the causes, and root them out. But even recognising that I feel this way, and that I don’t need to, is a large step in the right direction.
And that’s the key to getting better. Taking each small step, one by one on the road to getting back to being me. | 3,616 | 1,719 | 0.000611 |
warc | 201704 | Most elementary-age students struggle with typing. This doesn’t surprise me. They’ve been handwriting since kindergarten. They’re proud of their new cursive skills. It’s easy to grab and pencil and write. Typing, though requires setting up their posture, hand position, trying to remember where all those pesky keys are (why aren’t they just alphabetized? It’s a good point. Discuss that with students).
In third grade, I gather the students and we chat about it. Why do they have to learn to keyboard? It’s more than a skill they trot out for the keyboarding software and then forget. Discuss the idea of sharing ideas–the Gutenberg Press, when writing began with scrolls and rocks, why was it important to save ideas in perpetuity? Why is it important to students?
The discussion should come around to the idea that putting ideas in some sort of permanent fashion is important to the history of mankind. The question is how, and the ‘how’ that’s relevant to the students is a comparison of handwriting and keyboarding. Here’s where we go from there:
Discuss whether students handwrite faster/slower than they type. Ask students to share thoughts on why their opinion is true. You are likely to get opinions on both sides of this discussion. If not, prod students with logic for both. When it’s clear the class is divided on this subject (or not–that’s fine too), suggest running an experiment to see which is faster—handwriting or typing. Circle back to science class and engage in a discussion on the Scientific Method. Develop a hypothesis for this class research, something like: Third grade students in Mr. X’s class can handwrite faster than they type(this is the most common opinion in my classes). Have students hand-copy the typing quiz they took earlier in the trimester for 3 minutes. Analyze the results: Compare their handwriting speed to their typing speed. I encourage an individual comparison as well as a class average comparison to help with understanding the conclusion. Discuss results: Why do students think some students typed faster and others typed slower? (In my classes, third graders typed approx. 10 wpm and handwrote approx. 15 wpm. Discussion was heated and enthusiastic on reasons. Especially valuable were the thoughts of those rare students who typed faster). Students will offer lots of reasons for slower typing (they’re new to typing, don’t do it much in class, their hands got off on the keyboard). In truth, the logistics of typing make it the hands-down winner once key placement is secured. Fingers on a keyboard are significantly faster than the moving pencil. One reason students suggest is that they don’t usually type from copy. Key in on this reason (quite valid, I think—don’t you?) and revise the experiment to have students type and handwrite from a prompt. What is the final conclusion? If possible, share results from 4-8 th. What grade level do students consistently type faster than they handwrite? Why? Are students surprised by the answer? Post a list on the wall of students who type faster than they handwrite. This surprises everyone.
I do this experiment in 3rd, 4th and 5th grade. Third, students on average handwrite faster. By 4th, the average is the same–students can type as fast as they handwrite. This surprises them and energizes them to work harder on their keyboarding. By 5th, most students type faster, though many didn’t expect that.
After this experiment, I see more students selecting keyboarding over handwriting, especially if an iPad is available rather than the cumbersome laptop or desktop. I also see them caring more about the skill of keyboarding as they realize it is their future. This has become an important tool in my keyboarding toolkit that is fully as effective as practicing drills.
For more tricks like this, check out
The Essential Guide to Keyboarding in 45 Minutes a Week. Note: There are lots of examples of the scientific method and they all vary when talking about elementary grades. Talk to your science teacher and adapt this experiment to the one she uses. Jacqui Murray is the editor of a K-6 technology curriculum, K-8 keyboard curriculum, creator of two technology training books for middle school and six ebooks on technology in education. She is the author of Building a Midshipman , the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy. She is webmaster for six blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice book reviewer, a columnist for Examiner.com , Editorial Review Board member for Journal for Computing Teachers, Cisco guest blog, Technology in Education featured blogger, IMS tech expert, and a bi-weekly contributor to Write Anything. Currently, she’s editing a thriller that should be out to publishers next summer. Contact Jacqui at her writing office or her tech lab, Ask a Tech Teacher. | 4,958 | 2,355 | 0.000437 |
warc | 201704 | On 22 February, Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, of Cairo’s prestigious al-Azhar university (Egypt’s leading centre of Islamic scholarship) denounced misinterpretation of the Quran as a justification for violence, as per the BBC.
This is a positive gesture, and may begin to assuage the doubts of the veritable legion of commenters that demand that the so-called ‘moderate’ Muslims apologise every time an act of terror is committed. The question that remains, however, is to ask whether this is actually a meaningful statement, or whether it is merely an ideological standpoint that will make very little difference in real world terms.
Unfortunately, I fear it will be the latter.
The problem is the following. Sheikh al-Tayeb claims that people are misinterpreting the religion’s Holy Book and thus using it to justify violence. This is all very well and good as an opinion, but that is all that it can ever be. Despite his prominence as a cleric, al-Tayeb can never be the defining voice of Islam, nor force his own interpretation upon others.
The Quran, as with the Bible and countless other religious texts, as you might expect from a tome written before equality or human rights had begun developing as ideas, contains episodes of violence, episodes that can fairly easily be manipulated to aid the cause of dissenting voices. And who’s to say that they are wrong? Who’s to say that the most unpopular and violent explanation is not the correct interpretation of the texts? Unsavoury, but a possibility. There is not, and can never be, an ultimate authority on the text, because God, or Allah, or Yahweh, or whatever author of whichever Holy Book you believe in has never made himself known and clarified the textual ambiguities.
Islam itself, as hinted at by the latter parts of the report on Sheikh al-Tayeb’s speech, sees itself as a ‘nation’ in a way that no other religion does since talk of ‘Christendom’ ended in the 20th century. Islam is a religion that wants to politicise and disseminate its own views, and whether that is by violence or by dialogue remains very much in the eyes of the interpreter. Ibn Khaldun, a prominent medieval Islamic philosopher certainly believed this, writing “in the Muslim community, the holy war is a religious duty, because of the universalism of the Muslim mission and (the obligation to) convert everybody to Islam either by persuasion or by force” (via the Berkeley center). There have been enough justifications for violence over the years that it is now useless to pretend that they do not exist.
The point is it is hardly the first time that a celebrated Muslim scholar has spoken out about the importance of distancing Islam from violence. Both Afifi al-Akiti and Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri have in the past issued
fatwas claiming the lack of a religious basis for violence of any kind. These haven’t worked, as shown by the rise of ISIL and Boko Haram, so why should Sheikh al-Tayeb’s voice make the slightest bit of difference?
The problem is mainly a political one, with insurgents linking religion to their political aims and then using it to retrospectively justify their actions, as well as to attract others to their cause. Whether this is a misinterpretation of the texts or not is open to debate, but it is hardly the first time we have heard the argument that it is. It is impossible to keep textual interpretation uniform, and as such there will always be some loophole available to justify heinous acts. Let us not forget that the Bible was used to justify slavery and racial discrimination for hundreds of years.
Al-Tayeb’s assertion is a welcome one in principle, but ultimately will prove to be an insignificant one. It is the nature of the beast that it is impossible to control how people define their own interpretation of religion, and it will always be possible for young dissidents to fall in with the wrong crowd and be regaled with tales of a religiously justified war, and that will be difficult to change unless some form of unified position on Islam can be made available, which seems highly unlikely at this stage, particularly given the ongoing dispute between Sunni and Shia factions that has been raging for centuries. | 4,287 | 2,080 | 0.000492 |
warc | 201704 | Most people appreciate electronics that are durable and can last for years before needing to be replaced. If the device in question is a medical implant or a sensor for monitoring environmental conditions, however, designers might prefer the gadget to simply biodegrade without a trace once its purpose is fulfilled.
University of Illinois researchers, working with colleagues at Tufts University and Northwestern University, report in the September 28 issue of
Science having developed a way to make "transient" electronics able to do just that by dissolving in small amounts of bodily fluid. Other triggers for dissolution and absorption by the body might someday include heat, radiation and pH levels.
The research described in
Science is notable because it describes a wide array of dissolvable, or "bioresorbable," electronics, including transistors, diodes, wireless power coils, sensors and even a 64-pixel digital camera. These bioresorbable electronics are a new twist on degradable medical implants, which are also seeing innovations. Abbott Labs, for instance, recently introduced a vascular scaffold, or stent, that can be used for the treatment of coronary artery disease, restoring blood flow to the heart before dissolving in the body.
The researchers who reported in
Science succeeded in creating dissolvable electronics by keeping the components extremely thin and selecting materials such as magnesium, magnesium oxide and silicon that function in electronics but are not toxic to the body. The amount of the mineral magnesium in one device, for example, is actually lower than that in a multivitamin, according to the researchers.
To demonstrate how these devices might work, the researchers fabricated a variety of transient devices, sealed them in water-soluble silk packages, sterilized the packages and implanted them under the skin in mice. In this instance, the implanted devices delivered a drug meant to prevent bacterial infections at surgical wound sites in the animals.
The structure of the silk—collected from silkworm cocoons—determines how quickly it dissolves, whether at a rate of minutes, days, weeks or longer. Tufts engineers, including biomedical engineering professor Fiorenzo Omenetto, who contributed to this project, have for years been developing electronic and photonic materials by patterning metals or thin films onto silk's surface.
This current research furthers the work of John Rogers, the University of Illinois engineering professor who led the multidisciplinary research team, in the area of biological medical sensors. In October 2010 Rogers co-authored a paper in
Nature Materials describing flexible light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that might someday be implanted in the body. Although the practical uses of this technology still need to be worked out, Rogers speculated at the time that LEDs might be integrated with tissue in the body and alert physicians to the presence and location of infections after a surgical procedure. ( Scientific American is part of Nature Publishing Group.)
Backed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) the researchers are refining their devices for specific applications, conducting more animal tests and working with a semiconductor foundry to determine when such components could be manufactured in large volumes.
Image courtesy of John Rogers, University of Illinois Video courtesy of Anne Lukeman, University of Illinois | 3,456 | 1,706 | 0.000591 |
warc | 201704 | Scholar and jurist Richard Posner argues,
The protection of small business whatever its intrinsic merit cannot be attained within the framework of antitrust principles and procedures. The small businessman is, in general, helped rather than hurt by monopoly, so unless the antitrust laws are stood completely on their head they are an inapt vehicle (compared, say, to tax preferences) for assisting small business.
Is antitrust law an inappropriate vehicle for protecting small business? Please explain.
Should we protect small business?
Solution Preview
* Is antitrust law an inappropriate vehicle for protecting small business please explain
I concur with Scholar and jurist, Richard Posner in his argument about the protection of small business. Research shows that antitrust law is, in fact, an inappropriate vehicle for protecting small business. Sharon Devine,ESQ of Lawyers.com references that, "Many small businesses think that antitrust applies only to big business [but they are mistaken]. Antitrust laws are based on the idea that competition creates the largest choice of products and services, with the widest range of quality and price. Laws keep competition robust by preventing unreasonable barriers to competition.
However, the rules are no guarantee that competitors will be equal. There are two flavors of antitrust - monopolization and agreements by competitors to restrain trade.
Agreements that restrain trade include price fixing, bid rigging, allocating customers or markets, and boycotting competitors or suppliers. It doesn't matter how big or small your business is, as certain agreements are illegal regardless of your justification. More importantly, they're criminal.
For example, agreeing with competitors to hold the line on price reductions or to buy from a supplier only if the price stays at a certain level is considered "price fixing." Having a "gentleman's agreement" that one dairy service will ...
The solution discusses Antitrust law to determine if it is an inappropriate vehicle for protecting small businesses. | 2,071 | 963 | 0.001047 |
warc | 201704 | The Nifty 500 Price to Earnings Ratio is something we get asked about all the time. And here it is, on a weekend where people suddenly believe there might be a change because ooh, the US S&P fell more than 2%. But we’ve been harping about it for ages.
The P/E ratio is usually something that builds in expectations of earnings growth. It’s possible that earnings will suddenly grow, but these high expectations haven’t materialized in actual earnings growth since October 2014.
Here is the current level:
At more than 28, it’s the highest in over 16 years, and the earnings growth is at -4%.
And if you think “now” is a bad time and that we should actually look at things over time, this is how the Nifty 500 earnings have grown, with a 10 year average:
At less than 6% average earnings growth in five years, and a current P/E of 28, this is the most divergent set of things we’ve seen. The market is at an all time high (on the Nifty 500) which earnings growth is at an all time low.
There’s probably no point being bearish in a market that only seems to go up. But it’s not driven by earnings. It’s driven by liquidity and madness. And strangely, the drop in the US came only because of the fear that free money will stop flowing. Even Japan and the ECB seem to be rethinking this entire “we will throw more money at this problem” approach. | 1,410 | 745 | 0.00141 |
warc | 201704 | A bit ago I got a comment from Jim (Thanks Jim!) asking if I knew anything about trafficking in body parts in Thailand. The truth is that I don’t– however, I do think that it is important to talk about trafficking in body parts as so little of the public knows that it exists as a problem.
At best I can say that persistent rumors of trafficking in body parts exist. (also the pro-life movement tries to claim that abortion and stem cells consist of trafficking in body parts which I do not agree with– also, I think its dangerous to try and use human trafficking to get into a political debate about pro-life vs. pro-choice).
Trafficking in body parts is basically harvesting body parts from unwilling victims– most often live donor organs, like liver. However, there are cases, of which Mr. Jim believes his son was a part of, where individuals are murdered to harvest their organs. These organs are then sold on the black market, generally in western countries like the US where donor lists are extremely long.
This is an extremely dangerous practice, not just for the donor but also for the recipient. Often the means used to extract the organs is not cleanly and therefor there is higher risk of infection (for both) and rejection (for the recipient). Also, although organs on the black market are sold for thousands of dollars, this money is not passed on to the unwilling (or in some cases willing but extremely poor with no other options) donor.
More reading on organ trafficking here. | 1,519 | 760 | 0.001339 |
warc | 201704 | FOTO: Five Consecutive Days on Treatment With Efavirenz, Tenofovir, and Emtricitabine Followed by Two Days Off Treatment Versus Continuous Treatment
This study has been completed.
Sponsor:
Community Research Initiative of New England
Collaborator:
The Campbell Foundation
Information provided by (Responsible Party):
Cal Cohen, Community Research Initiative of New England
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
NCT00414635
First received: December 20, 2006
Last updated: February 9, 2012
Last verified: February 2012
Results First Received: July 22, 2010
Study Type: Interventional Study Design: Allocation: Randomized; Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment; Masking: Open Label; Primary Purpose: Treatment Condition:
HIV Infections
Interventions:
Drug: efavirenz
Drug: tenofovir
Drug: emtricitabine
Participant Flow
Recruitment Details
Key information relevant to the recruitment process for the overall study, such as dates of the recruitment period and locations Recruitment took place between August 21, 2006 and November 9, 2007. Recruitment occured at multiple site locations (research clinics and private practice).
Pre-Assignment Details
Significant events and approaches for the overall study following participant enrollment, but prior to group assignment No text entered.
Reporting Groups
Description FOTO Participants changing to 5 days on, 2 days off (FOTO). The 5/2 intermittent treatment arm will take their antiretrovirals for 5 consecutive days followed by 2 days off for 48 weeks (provided their HIV RNA remains undetectable on an ultrasensitive assay). Control Daily regimen (7 days)• The control arm will take their antiretrovirals for 7 days a week for the first 24 weeks and then cross over to the 5/2 intermittent treatment schedule (if their HIV RNA remains undetectable on an ultrasensitive assay) for the remainder of the study.
Participant Flow: Overall Study
FOTO Control STARTED 30 30 COMPLETED 25 28 NOT COMPLETED 5 2
Baseline Characteristics
Outcome Measures
1. Primary: Percentage of Participants Who Maintained Virologic Suppression (Less Than 50 RNA Cps/ml) [ Time Frame: 24 weeks ]
2. Secondary: Mean CD4+ T-cell Count Increases From Baseline to Week 24. [ Time Frame: Baseline to Week 24 ]
3. Secondary: Quality of Life [ Time Frame: 4 weeks ]
4. Secondary: Absolute Number of Virological "Blip" Events Occurring Over 24 Weeks [ Time Frame: Baseline to week 24 ]
5. Secondary: Trough Blood Levels of Efavirenz in Both Arms [ Time Frame: 12 or 60 hours ]
6. Secondary: Self-reported Adherence Summary in Both Arms [ Time Frame: 4, 12 and 24 weeks ]
7. Secondary: Deviation From FOTO Schedule by One Extra Dose [ Time Frame: 4, 12, 24 weeks ]
Limitations and Caveats
Limitations of the study, such as early termination leading to small numbers of participants analyzed and technical problems with measurement leading to unreliable or uninterpretable data Conclusions are limited by the small "n" studied. The results are only applicable to the specific drug regimen studied and thus can not be generalized to all ART. We only studied individuals already virologically undetectable.
More Information | 3,179 | 1,558 | 0.000652 |
warc | 201704 | Patients With Heart Failure ANd Type 2 Diabetes Treated With Placebo Or Metformin (PHANTOM) Pilot Study
Condition Intervention Phase
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
Heart Failure, Congestive
Drug: Metformin
Phase 3
Study Type: Interventional Study Design: Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: Double-Blind
Primary Purpose: Treatment
Official Title: Patients With Heart Failure ANd Type 2 Diabetes Treated With Placebo Or Metformin (PHANTOM) Pilot Study Combined endpoint of all cause mortality and all cause hospitalization at 6 months Individual components of the primary outcome (ie death or hospitalization) Change in A1c Change in 6 minute walk Change in Health Related Quality of Life Development of Lactic Acidosis
Estimated Enrollment: 100 Study Start Date: May 2006 Study Completion Date: May 2007 Primary Completion Date: May 2007 (Final data collection date for primary outcome measure)
Detailed Description:
Background: Heart failure (HF) is a common complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus. There are limited treatment options for patients with HF and diabetes. Although metformin is considered a safe and effective medication, it is currently not recommended in patients who have HF due to a perceived increased risk of lactic acidosis. There is increasing evidence to suggest that HF does not predispose patients to increased risk of metformin induced lactic acidosis. Moreover, recent observational research has shown that metformin may be associated with reduced morbidity and mortality in diabetic HF patients as compared to sulfonylurea therapy.
Study Purpose: To conduct a pilot study to evaluate the feasibility of a large randomized controlled trial (RCT) of metformin in patients with heart failure and type 2 diabetes and to generate initial morbidity and mortality estimates in this patient population.
Study Design: A multi-centre prospective triple blinded randomized placebo controlled trial (RCT) design. Subjects will be recruited through specialist clinics (e.g., heart failure clinics, diabetes clinics), inpatient hospital admissions/emergency room visits and physician referrals in the Capital Health Region.
Subjects: All subjects with physician-diagnosed symptomatic heart failure (NYHA class I, II, III, IV) and type 2 diabetes are eligible for the study. All subjects with the following conditions will be excluded from the study: subjects currently receiving greater than 1500 mg of metformin therapy per day; subjects who are unwilling to change their antidiabetic regimens; subjects receiving insulin therapy; serum creatinine ≥ 180 μmol/L; A1c < 7.0 percent; inability to communicate (language barrier); dementia/mental illness; age < 18 years; subjects unwilling to complete self monitoring of serum blood sugars during the trial period; those participating in another heart failure or diabetes clinical trial involving medications; severe comorbidities or foreshortened life expectancy; subjects who do not provide written informed consent to participate.
Research Plan: Approximately 100 subjects will be randomly assigned to either metformin or placebo therapy. It is anticipated that enrollment for this pilot study could be accomplished within 12 months. Subjects will be prospectively followed for 6 months in duration as part of the pilot study. At time of hospital discharge or initial clinic visit, subjects will be provided with an educational package on heart failure and type 2 diabetes. They will also be provided with a medication Dosette to help maintain compliance to their medications and a clinical event diary to record clinical events in the community setting. To avoid medication intolerance, the dose of the study medication will be titrated slowly over a 2 week period in the community. Research coordinators will contact subjects weekly for the first 2 weeks to recommend dosage titration if warranted. All subjects will complete a six minute walk at both baseline at the final 6 month follow-up visits. Throughout the study, subjects will be contacted at monthly intervals for assessment of clinical endpoints. Subjects will return to the heart function clinic at 3 and 6 months for clinical assessment and to complete laboratory blood work. In addition, health related quality of life measures (i.e., EQ5D, KCCQ, RAND12) will also be collected at both baseline and the 6 month final follow-up visit.
Study outcomes: The primary outcome of the study will be a combined endpoint of all-cause mortality and all cause-hospitalization. Secondary endpoints include the individualized components of the primary outcome, development of lactic acidosis requiring urgent medical attention, change in A1c, change in six minute walk, and change in health related quality of life measures.
Data Analysis: As a pilot/feasibility stuy, a sample size of 100 patients was selected. An a priori probability of committing a type 1 error (i.e., alpha level) of 0.05 will be applied for all tests of statistical significance. All analyses will be conducted from an intention to treat perspective. Invesigators, patients, and data analyst will be blinded to treatment assignment. The primary outcome (all-cause mortality and hospitalization), secondary outcomes for the individual components, and risk of the development of lactic acidosis will be assessed using relative risk (RR) calculations. Secondary outcomes of change in A1c values, six minute walk, and health related quality of life from baseline to 6 months will be assessed using analysis of variance.
Learn About Clinical Studies.
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00325910
Canada, Alberta Misericordia Hospital Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T5R 4H5 University of Alberta Hospital Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2B7
Principal Investigator: Jeffrey A Johnson, PhD University Of Alberta, Alberta, Canada | 5,909 | 2,549 | 0.000395 |
warc | 201704 | Marc Wieder of Anchin Block and Anchin on Temporary IRS Regulations Jotham Sederstrom March 28, 2012, 10:30 a.m. While the Internal Revenue Service enacted temporary regulations regarding expenditures on tangible assets in December, most real estate owners are only vaguely aware of what is known as section 263(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. Nevertheless, real estate accountants are fully aware of the changes, which, while already in effect, will likely come into play only a year from now, once taxmen and accountants are fully up to speed with the changes. Marc Wieder, a partner at Anchin Block and Anchin spoke to The Commercial Observer about what the changes mean for real estate owners in New York and how such changes may end up being “permanently temporary.” The Commercial Observer: Define exactly what these so-called temporary IRS regulations entail? Mr. Wieder: Temporary regulations identify or clarify what is deemed to be a capital expenditure versus what could be deemed to be a repair and expensed in the current year versus capitalized and amortized or depreciated over the life of the asset. Under the temporary regulations, what does the IRS now define as a capital expenditure? The biggest change is the definition of a unit of property. In the past, a unit of property, when it came to real estate, was the building itself, whereas now what they’ve done is they’ve defined specific building systems as units of properties. So in addition to the building there are eight building systems that are each defined as a unit of property. What are they? They are the HVAC system, the plumbing system, the electrical system, the escalators, the elevators, the fire-protection system, the security systems, and the gas-distribution systems. So, from a practical standpoint, what does this mean for a real estate owner? In the past, to use just one example, if you had one HVAC system for the entire building, and let’s assume the compressor went, you could say the compressor was not a significant part of the unit of property, and therefore expense it as a repair. Today, since that HVAC system is deemed to be a unit of property and the compressor is considered a significant component of that system, it would now have to be capitalized. And in the case for an HVAC system it would get depreciated on a commercial property over 29 years and a residential property over 27½ years, as opposed to, in the past, potentially writing it off in the current year. Why are these regulations temporary and not permanent? I think it just gives the IRS the ability to make changes or clarify things as time goes on. Even as temporary regulations, they are law as they stand today. They are something you must abide by, and the effective date of these regulations is January 1, 2012, so as of this year you have to start following these rules. This year, however, most real estate owners won’t be taxed any differently than normal? For calendar year 2011 the tax returns that are being prepared now aren’t so much, possibly also because the IRS came out about a week ago pretty much stating to their agents that they’re going to, for now, not look at the past and only look at the future. Is that the IRS showing mercy? I guess it’s because of the timing. Because this came out December 27, 2011, everyone had to change gears at the last minute. Maybe that’s part of it. Or maybe it’s partly because they need to train their own people about what it all means. How long, theoretically, could this regulation remain temporary? I don’t know the exact rules, but I think they could remain temporary probably forever—permanently temporary. Considering that prior to these temporary regulations, there were proposed temporary regulations which were in effect since 1986. So, to give you an idea, you can propose something back in 1986 and not make them even temporary until 2011 so, given that history, how long can these regulations stay permanent? Quite some time. | 4,042 | 1,783 | 0.000571 |
warc | 201704 | The unbreakable US-Israeli ties gradually curtail the image of America Obama tries to build in the Middle East. (Reuters Photo)
In his landmark speech to the Muslim world in Cairo, on June 4, President Obama vowed to adopt a fair approach toward the Arab-Israel conflict. He criticized the Israeli policy of settlement expansion and repression against Palestinians, and promised to get Israel to freeze all settlement activities in the West Bank and Al-Quds (East Jerusalem) in order to facilitate the resumption of a more genuine peace process.
However, six months later, the Obama Administration’s approach toward the enduring Palestinian crisis seems more or less a mere re-cloning of George Bush’s policies.
Bush enthusiastically embraced Israeli settlement aggrandizement, blaming Palestinians for the failure of peace efforts.
Similarly, it seems that the Obama Administration is effectively succumbing to the Zionist hegemony in the United States as is evident from the latest statements by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Speaking during a joint press conference with Israel’s Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu in occupied Al-Quds on October 31, Clinton lauded the Israeli policy on the settlements, describing alleged Israeli concessions in this regard as “unprecedented”.
“What the Prime Minister has offered in specifics on restraints on a policy [of]settlements is unprecedented in the context of negotiations,” said Clinton.
She also claimed that a freeze on building settlements had not been a precondition for peace talks in the past.
Moreover, Clinton reiterated the same old platitudes about America’s commitment to a “comprehensive peace agreement” and the need for the resumption of peace talks as soon as possible.
Why Policy Changed?
It is not hard to know why the Obama Administration is reneging on erstwhile promises made during the American President’s speech in Cairo.
Obama had probably thought, mistakenly of course, that he would be able to convince Israel to rein its gluttonous rapacity for more Palestinian land.
Indeed, the fact that all the strenuous efforts done by the Middle East presidential envoy George Mitchell, to get Israel to freeze its frantic settlement drive in the West Bank, have utterly failed to put a dent in the Israeli behavior.
Israeli journalist Gideon Levy, who normally covers Israeli army violations of Palestinian rights in the occupied territories, argued that as long as the United States continued to beg Israel for concessions for peace, there would be no peace.
Writing recently in the
Ha’aretz newspaper, Levy pointed out that “Israel is the occupier, the stubborn contrarian that continues to mock America and the world by building settlements and abusing Palestinians.”
“Now is the time to say to the United States: enough flattery. If you do not change the tone, nothing will change. As long as Israel feels [that] the United States is in its pocket, and that America’s automatic veto will save it from condemnation and sanctions, [Israeli will not stop its policies],” asserted Levy.
“[And, as long as Israel] will receive massive aid unconditionally, and that it can continue waging punitive, lethal campaigns without a word from Washington, killing, destroying, and imprisoning without the world’s policeman making a sound, it will continue its ways,” Added Levy.
It is uncertain if Obama and other members of his administration are willing to internalize Levy’s words, let alone act on them.
Hence, the crucial question which the man in the White House must answer sooner than later is whether he would be willing (and able) to enter into a “confrontation” with Israel if confrontation is what it takes to resolve the Palestinian issue and safeguard America’s vital interests in the Muslim world.
So far, all indications suggest that Obama is dreading such a prospective confrontation. The powerful Israeli lobby — along with the Congress, often described as an Israeli-occupied territory — would make the very thought of challenging Israel, even on American soil, a nightmarish idea.
Cannot Be More Arab than Arabs
Moreover, Obama cannot be expected to be more Arab than Arabs themselves. Indeed, while Israel and its supporters and allies fight tooth and nail trying to cajole and even bully the Obama administration to support Israel, Arab leaders, including the Palestinian leadership, content themselves with pleading with Washington to pressure Israel. This is done as if the American foreign policy, especially in the Middle East, was based on charity rather than expediency and power politics.
This colossal impotence on the part of the Arab regimes has long convinced Washington that Arabs were not serious about the Palestinian cause, and that whatever show of support they occasionally display was only meant for public consumption.
A few years ago, it was reported that an American ambassador in one Arab country in the Gulf region confronted a high-ranking official from that country, asking him why Arab regimes keep ranting about the Palestinian tragedy while flinching from bringing America to task for its unrestricted and unlimited support of Israel. The Arab official reportedly asked the ambassador to change the subject.
In fact, the official Arab discourse vis-à-vis the Palestinian cause has become so scandalous and pathetic that most Arab regimes have come to view the Palestinian issue as a burden, not as a just national Arab-Muslim cause to be defended by all means available.
It is not a coincidence that a single non-Arab Middle Eastern Muslim state, namely Turkey, is now exerting more influence on Israel than all Arab states combined, prompting the Israeli regime to reconsider some of its policies and actions in deference to Ankara.
Unlike Arab leaderships, the Turkish one respects itself, and values the legitimacy that comes from the Turkish masses more than that which comes from the American or Western acceptance.
This is why a statement by a Turkish official carries more weight than all the futile rhetoric coming from Arab capitals, which is mostly intended to deceive and beguile the Arab masses.
What is Next?
The United States is likely to continue behaving as it has always behaved — namely to bully the weak Palestinian leadership of Mahmud Abbas to keep up the “eternal” peace talks with Israel.
These talks probably will continue until the second advent of the Messiah, when Israel has got all the time needed for liquidating the Palestinian cause, and when nothing is left to negotiate about.
We certainly do not know when the Messiah’s second coming will take place, but we do know that Israel has already killed all prospects for the creation of a viable Palestinian state.
External powers, especially in the West, may continue to be bamboozled by the foolish talk about the creation of a Palestinian state in the West Bank, with East Al-Quds as its capital, as if this prospect was still realistic. However, we who are in the eye of the storm cannot be deceived any longer. After all, we cannot belie our own eyes.
It is really lamentable and scandalous that the PA leadership continues to pretend that things are still all right, and that by reiterating the same tedious platitudes about the hatefulness of the Israeli occupation, things will somehow improve and the world will move to check the slow-motion Israeli holocaust against our people.
Unfortunately, this impotent discourse on the part of the Ramallah leadership is not only the product of powerlessness. It is also an expression of stupidity and a certain propensity to betray the Palestinian people, either because of accumulative frustration or political misjudgment.
The PA leadership has vowed to refuse to resume the nearly moribund peace process with Israel until it freezes all settlement activities. This is a correct posture that must be sustained. However, Mr. Abbas should be served a caveat: do not retreat from this stance and then claim that “the Arabs told me do so”.
More to the point, the PA must insist that the “end game” be elucidated “before” any resumption of talks with Israel, because otherwise the Palestinian people would continue to revolve in the same empty circle, as they have been ever since the conclusion of the cursed Oslo Accords more than 16 years ago.
Moreover, if all other avenues are shut, then we must seriously think of dissolving the nominally autonomous authority, the PA, and revert to the pre-Oslo era, when the occupation appeared as it was in reality, without any layer of cosmetics as it does today.
Nonetheless, the Palestinian people must not give in to despair. Their cause is just and supported by millions of honest and free-minded people around the world. Without freedom and justice for Palestinians, there would be no peace and stability, not only in this region, but in the entire world as well.
Crusades remained in Palestine over a hundred years before they were vanquished and defeated. Israel, an entity based on oppression, ethnic cleansing, and racism, will eventually meet the same fate. | 9,277 | 4,195 | 0.000244 |
warc | 201704 | You want to create a build system that’s so easy to use that it’s invisible to the developers on the team. It should be able to be invoked with a single click and should automatically build, test, and validate new code that’s added to the system.
Teams that are first adopting Continuous Integration sometimes ask me how often their developers should integrate their code and I say: “Tell your developers to integrate at least once a day,” but this is a little bit of a trick.
It often turns out that the last person to integrate that day ends up with a huge burden of failing tests so they wind up not getting home in time for dinner.
Instead, developers learn quickly that whenever they have even the slightest bit of functionality to add to the system they do it. By integrating code a little piece of a time, you take a very difficult problem and make it so small it’s barely noticeable. If something does go wrong, it’s easy to remedy because you know the problem was introduced between now and the last time you integrated.
The very best developers I know integrate all the time. When I look at their server logs, I see them running their tests on average of about three times a minute. This is an enormous amount of feedback they’re getting. Think about how much more successful we can be with that level of feedback coming into us all the time as we’re building a system.
Continuous Integration does require that you have the right tests and requires having a testable system, but given these things, Continuous Integration can become a cost-effective way of building and maintaining a system.
I like my builds to happen in a matter of seconds and usually, if a system is well-partitioned and architected, then the dependencies for the code I’m working on shouldn’t be huge, and the dependent unit tests can run fast.
One key to making this work is to have a well-defined dependency tree for the build. It often reflects the nature of an architecture, so cleaning up and improving the dependency tree also improves architecture.
Continuous Integration is a core prerequisite to emergent design. It’s far safer than doing emergent design with code under test. It’s valuable to write automated tests for code whose design is going to evolve.
We want to make it so that clicking the build button is so easy and uneventful we do it all the time. | 2,425 | 1,142 | 0.000904 |
warc | 201704 | Establishment of one exotic species may facilitate entry of other alien species into an ecosystem. European buckthorn (
Rhamnus cathartica), an invasive understory tree naturalized in many forests of eastern and midwestern North America, may aid the establishment of deep-burrowing earthworms of European origin. Through consumption of the litter layer, European earthworms dramatically alter plant species composition and soil properties in North American forests. Buckthorn might facilitate establishment of exotic earthworms either by depositing nutritious litter or by changing soil properties to favor earthworm growth. To test this hypothesis, we reared earthworms ( Lumbricus terrestris) in tree tubes containing soils collected from sites in a Minnesota mixed deciduous forest that were characterized by having (a) no buckthorn with abundant sugar maple ( Acer saccharum) seedlings, (b) no buckthorn with no tree seedlings, (c) buckthorn seedlings present, but few saplings, and (d) abundant buckthorn saplings and trees. We supplied each tube with either buckthorn litter or litter made of a 1:1 mixture of sugar maple and oak ( Quercus rubra, some Q. alba). We assessed the impacts of soil origin and litter type upon an earthworm's growth using the relative growth rate of ash-free dry mass during a month-long feeding period. Results/Conclusions
In our tree tubes,
L. terrestris individuals that consumed the 1:1 mixture of maple and oak litter grew 40% faster than those that consumed buckthorn litter; ANOVA revealed this difference as statistically significant. Though soils collected from the maple-rich location supported relative growth rates of L. terrestris that were 20% higher than did soils from buckthorn-rich sites, this difference was not significant. Earthworms that were assigned to tubes with soils collected from sites with buckthorn present were significantly more likely to have escaped, died, or appeared ill than were earthworms assigned to soils sampled from buckthorn-free sites. However, probability of escape, death, or illness did not differ significantly between earthworms assigned to the different litter types. Our results do not support the hypothesis that R. cathartica facilitates establishment of L. terrestris by providing nutritious litter or altering soil conditions to favor rapid growth of this earthworm species. Further research is needed to determine whether other earthworm species respond to soil or litter influenced by R. cathartica in a similar manner, and to establish the mechanism for any positive association of exotic earthworms and buckthorn in the field. | 2,626 | 1,189 | 0.000843 |
warc | 201704 | Students in JOMC 457, Advanced Editing, are writing guest posts for this blog this semester. This is the 10th of those posts. Katie Marriner is an aspiring designer/developer who enjoys copy editing. She is a senior at UNC-Chapel Hill and a member of the Reese News Lab team.
There is a huge push nowadays for everyone to learn how to code – women, men, children, journalists, family pets. Technology plays a huge part in our lives today, so I agree that it is important we understand what we consume daily.
Coding may seem like a completely foreign concept to those who are not constantly exposed to it. I am a developer who enjoys copy editing, and I see the overlap in both fields. There are five “C”s of copy editing – be clear, be correct, be concise, be comprehensible, be consistent. These five “C”s can be applied to coding.
How does code work?
First, it is important to understand the basics of coding. Don’t worry: I won’t go into the nitty-gritty details because there are tons of resources out there where you can learn the basics. Codecademy is a great one.
HTML is the structure of a Web page. It is where headers, paragraphs, images and other content are placed on the page.
CSS styles the content. Classes and IDs in HTML are named so they can be identified in a CSS stylesheet. Below is how you would name a class called “main-header.”
This is a Header
In the CSS stylesheet, the format will be this:
.main-header {
font-color: blue; }
The “.” indicates that it is a class you are referencing. Inside the “{}” is where you write all of your styling – change the font color, size, family. In this example, the color of the text would change to blue.
The following are the five “C”s of copy editing, according to Jodi Cleghorn’s post on Write Anything:
Correct
No errors. This will be the first indication that your code needs some refining.
This one is pretty simple. HTML is picky. Even if a “>” is missing at the end of a tag, the code will be incorrect and not run as it is intended. Code has strict syntax. Every ;, {}, and <> is necessary. And they have to be in the right place. It’s like misspelling a word in the English language – it’s always incorrect.
Clarity
The names of classes must be clear, and it must be understood what these classes do to someone who looks at the code for the first time. If you are naming a class for introductory paragraphs, use an intuitive name such as “intro-paragraph.”
HTML
This is an example of an introductory paragraph.
CSS
.intro-paragraph {
text-decoration: italic; } Concise
Refactoring is the process of editing existing code in order to prevent errors from occurring in the future, make the page load faster and make it easier to read. Refactoring code does not change the appearance of what it outputs, but it changes the ease at which it is processed by the browser.
When editing text when you don’t change the meaning of what you’re trying to say but you improve the understand of the text by being more concise. A simple example would be using the world “use” instead of “utilize.”
Comprehensible
GitHub is a great, free service that allows coders to contribute to other projects by building off of what others have done. If others are reading your code, it needs to be comprehensible and in a form that others will be able to understand just as it is important for others to easily read a news article.
Consistent
Use the same naming conventions. If a number is spelled out once, spell out every other number. If you use hyphens, use hyphens. If you use camelCase, use camelCase.
It’s not “wrong” if the names are not consistent because the code will run, but it is not easy to read. This relates to using a stylebook to keep consistency. In AP style, numbers under 10 are usually spelled out, but numbers greater than or equal to 10 are written numerically.
Copy editors edit to help readers better understand the author’s words. Editing code can do just the same thing for others who read your code and when code is revisited to make changes. | 4,223 | 2,028 | 0.000519 |
warc | 201704 | Scapegoats Pty Ltd
Standish and others tell us that a significant percentage of projects fail for one reason or another. Many of these are projects that could have been saved by timely action, but instead end in ignominy due to inaction by various stakeholders. Transfixed by impending doom, those responsible are content to let problems fester until the potential for disaster translates to reality.
That’s when the proverbial stinky stuff hits the fan: project sponsors demand explanations about what went wrong, and how, and why. Above all, they want to know
who is responsible. Then the finger pointing begins, culminating in the identification of the scapegoat. Once identified, the scapegoat is blamed, pilloried, and if he or she is really unfortunate (or the sponsor really ticked off), sacked.
Here’s what I reckon, though: organisations can ill afford to lose individuals they have invested in over the years. It would be so much easier if they could sack someone who didn’t matter. Alas, if only we had someone like….
——————————————————————————————————————————————————-
Scapegoats Proprietary Limited “You mess up, we’ll fess up”
Scapegoats Pty Ltd offers consummate, professional scapegoats for hire. Our consultants are guaranteed to be technically and socially inept. They are people you can well afford to lose. So when you see early signs that your project is going to fail, hire one our pros and rest assured that your team will survive intact. Why get sacked for incompetence when you can sack someone else instead?
Here are some comments from our satisfied clients:
“…Our SPL consultant was a life saver. His incompetence ensured that no one on the team was blamed…” AP, Project Manager. “…We asked for a standout consultant; Pete exceeded our expectations. His unhelpful manner coupled with his obnoxiousness made him an obvious scapegoat when our project went belly up…” TY, Project Manager.
So, don’t wait for fate – call us now on 1800 SCAPE GOAT. | 2,317 | 1,083 | 0.001086 |
warc | 201704 | “Dad’s driving” – a tale about meaning and context in communication
This post is inspired by a comment made by my elder son some years ago:
“Dad’s driving” he said.
A simple statement, one would think, with not much scope for ambiguity or misunderstanding. Yet, as I’ll discuss below, the two words had deeper implications than suggested by their mere dictionary meanings.
—-
The story begins in mid 2010, when I was driving my son Rohan back from a birthday party.
I’m not much a driver – I get behind the wheel only when I absolutely have to, and then too with some reluctance. The reason I was driving was that my dear wife (who does most of the driving in our household) was pregnant with our second child and just a few weeks away from the big day. She therefore thought it would be a good idea for me to get some driving practice as I would soon need to do a fair bit.
Back to the story: as we started the trip home, my son (all of seven and half at the time) said, “Dad, you should go by North Road, there’s a traffic light there, it will be easier for you to turn right.”
“Nah, I’ll go the shorter way.”
“Dad, the shorter way has no traffic light. It has a roundabout, you might have trouble making a right turn.” He sounded worried.
“Don’t worry, I can handle a simple right turn at a roundabout on a Sunday evening. You worry too much!”
As it happened I had an accident at the roundabout…and it was my fault.
I checked that he was OK then got out of the car to speak with the unfortunate whose car door I had dented. Rohan sat patiently in the car while I exchanged details with the other party.
I got back in and asked again if he was OK. He nodded. We set off and made it home without further incident.
My wife was horrified to hear about the whole thing of course. Being pretty philosophical about my ineptness at some of the taken-for-granted elements of modern existence, she calmed down very quickly. In her usual practical way she asked me if I had reported the accident to the police, which I hadn’t. I reported the accident and made an appointment with the a smash repairer to fix up the damage to the bumper.
A week later my wife summoned me from work saying it was time. I duly drove her to the hospital without incident. A few hours later, our second son, Vikram, was born.
I pick up the story again a few days later, after we had just got used to having an infant in the house again. Sleep deficit was the order of the day, but life had to go on: Rohan had to get to school, regardless of how well or badly Vik had slept the previous night; and I had to get to work.
Soon Rohan and I had our morning routine worked out: we would walk to school together, then I would catch a bus from outside his school after dropping him there.
On the day Rohan uttered the words I started this post with, it was raining heavily – one of those torrential downpours that are a Sydney characteristic. It was clear that walking to school would be impossible, I would have to drive him there.
My wife gave him the bad news.
“Dad’s driving,” he said, in what appeared to be his usual matter of fact way.
However, if one listened carefully, there was a hint of a question, even alarm, in his words.
Given the back-story one can well understand why.
—-
According to the most commonly accepted theory of
truth, the validity of a statement depends on whether or not it is factually correct – i.e. a statement is true if it corresponds to some of aspect of reality. Philosophers refer to this as the correspondence theory of truth . There are a few other well known theories of truth but it would take me too far afield to discuss them here. See my post on data, information and truth if you are interested in finding out more.
Of course, it is true that Rohan’s statement would in retrospect either be true (if I did drive him to school) or false (if I didn’t). But that was hardly the point: there was a lot more implied in his words than just an observation that I would be driving him to school that day. In other words, his
meaning had little do with any objective truth. Consider the following possibilities:
There was a hint of a question:
“Dad’s driving?” (…”You
do remember what happened a couple of weeks ago, don’t you?…”)
or even alarm:
“Dad’s driving!” (I could almost hear the, “ I’m not getting in the car with him”)
Whatever the thoughts running through his head, it is clear that Rohan saw the situation quite differently from the way my wife or I did.
—
Indeed, the main problem with correspondence theories of truth is that they require the existence of an
objective reality that we can all agree on – i.e. that we all perceive in the same way. This assumption is questionable, especially for issues that cannot be settled on logical grounds alone. Typical examples of such issues are those that are a matter of opinion – such as which political party is best or whether a certain book is worth reading…or even whether certain folks should be allowed to get behind the wheel. These are issues that are perceived differently by different people; there is no clear cut right/wrong, true/false or black/white.
There are other problems with correspondence theories too. For one, it isn’t clear how they would apply to statements that are not assertions about something. For example, it makes no sense to ask whether questions such as, “how much is this?” or “how are you?” are true or false. Nevertheless, these statements are perfectly meaningful when uttered in the right situations.
This brings us to the crux of the matter: in most social interactions, the meaning of a statement (or action, for that matter) depends very much on the
context in which it is made. Indeed , context rather than language determines meaning in our everyday interactions. For example, my statement, “It is sunny outside,” could be: An observation about the weather conditions (which could be true or false, as per the correspondence theory) A statement of anticipation – it is sunny so I can play with my kids in the park. A statement of regret – it’s going to be a scorching hot day and we’ll have to stay indoors.
To find out which one of the above (or many other possibilities) I mean, you would need to know the context in which the statement is made. This includes things such as the background, the setting, the people present, the prior conversation, my mood, others’ moods …the list is almost endless.
—
Context is king when it comes to language and meaning in social situations. Paraphrasing the polymath Gregory Bateson , the phenomenon of
context and the closely related phenomenon of meaning are the key difference between the natural and social sciences. It is possible in physics to formulate laws (of say, gravity) that are relatively independent of context (the law applies on Jupiter just the same as it does on earth). However, in the social sciences, general laws of this kind are difficult because context is important.
Indeed, this is why management models or best practices abstracted from context rarely work, if ever at all. They are not reality, but abstractions of reality. To paraphrase Bateson, all such approaches confuse the map with the territory.
—
I started this post almost three years ago, around the time the events related occurred. All I had written then were the lines I began this post with:
“Dad’s driving” he said. A simple statement, one would think, with not much scope for ambiguity or misunderstanding. ..
The lines lay untouched in a forgotten file on my computer until last weekend, when I came across them while cleaning up some old folders. At the time I had been reading Bateson’s classic, Steps to an Ecology of Mind, and had been mulling over his ideas about meaning and context. With that as background, the story came back to me with all its original force. The way forward was clear and the words started to flow.
Bateson was right, you know – context illuminates meaning.
Acknowledgement
My thanks go out to Arati Apte for comments and suggestions while this piece was in progress. | 8,435 | 3,828 | 0.000274 |
warc | 201704 | After initial denials, Israel has admitted that medical authorities have been giving Ethiopian women long-term contraceptive drugs and it has been alleged that this was done without the women’s consent.
If the allegations are proven, this practice may fit the legal definition of
genocide.
The government has now ordered clinics not to renew prescriptions for the long-acting injectable contraceptive drug Depo-Provera “for women of Ethiopian origin if for any reason there is concern that they might not understand the ramifications of the treatment.”
Allegations of coercion and threats
In some cases, the drugs were reportedly administered to women waiting in transit camps for permission to emigrate to Israel. The women’s allegations, reported by
Haaretz, are shocking:
“We said we won’t have the shot. They told us, if you don’t you won’t go to Israel And also you won’t be allowed into the Joint (American Joint Distribution Committee) office, you won’t get aid or medical care. We were afraid… We didn’t have a choice. Without them and their aid we couldn’t leave there. So we accepted the injection. It was only with their permission that we were allowed to leave,” recounted Emawayish, who immigrated from Ethiopia eight years ago. She was one of 35 women, whose stories were recorded by Sebba Reuven, that relate how they
were coaxed and threatenedinto agreeing to receive the injectable birth control drug. Dramatic decline in Ethiopian birthrate
The journalistic investigation was prompted by a precipitious decline in the birth rate among Ethiopian women in Israel:
About six weeks ago, on an Educational Television program journalist Gal Gabbay revealed the results of interviews with 35 Ethiopian immigrants. The women’s testimony could help explain the
almost 50-percent declineover the past 10 years in the birth rate of Israel’s Ethiopian community. The Genocide convention
From
The Independent:
Sharona Eliahu Chai, a lawyer for the Association of Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI), said: “Findings from investigations into the use of Depo Provera are extremely worrisome, raising concerns of harmful health policies with
racist implications in violation of medical ethics.The Ministry of Health’s director-general was right to act quickly and put forth new guidelines.”
But if indeed the goal of those who administered the program was to target Ethiopian women, and to reduce the number of births they have, then the policy may be a crime under Article II(d) of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
In the present Convention, genocide means any of the following acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such:
(a) Killing members of the group;
(b) Causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group; (c) Deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part; (d) Imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group; (e) Forcibly transferring children of the group to another group. Reasonable suspicion
If the coercive contraception program were administered against women in general, it would be unethical and abhorrent, but it can only be genocidal if it is done “with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such.”
In this case, there is no allegation that the policy was employed against anyone except Ethiopian women. That would be one indication of targeting.
These Ethiopian women emigrated to Israel under the “Law of Return,” Israel’s racist policy to only allow those it considers Jews into the country, while keeping out indigenous Palestinians.
But remember, Israeli officials and state rabbis long delayed or denied entry to tens of thousands of Ethiopians whose Jewishness did not meet official standards.
In the early 1990s, Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir accused thousands of Ethiopians of secretly being Christians.
Ethiopians, even those who came under the Law of Return and are recognized as Jews, have faced a long, documented history of state and societal discrimination including being forced to attend segregated schools.
Anti-African incitement from the top
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has also served as health minister throughout his term of office, and is therefore personally accountable for the policy, stated last year that African migrants “threaten our existence as a Jewish and democratic state.”
So the atmosphere in Israel is one in which hatred and incitement targeting Africans in general is rife and encouraged by authorities.
Israel unlikely to discourage Jewish births in general
It would also be illogical that Israel would institute a general birth control policy for women it recognizes as Jewish. Israel has no interest in decreasing childbirths by Jewish women in general, and due its obsession with demography, anxiously hopes that the Jewish birthrate will accelerate and non-Jewish birthrates will slow down.
But given the racism against Africans as Africans, whether Jewish or not, it is plausible that the policy was meant to target Ethiopian women.
Even if it is proven that the policy targeted Ethiopian women and was intended to prevent births among Ethiopians, Israel could argue that the policy had other goals than “intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such.” That would require knowing the motivations of those who planned and implemented the policy.
To put it mildly, Israel does not have a strong history of investigating itself, and while genocide is a crime that any state can pursue, it is doubtful that signatories to the Convention will challenge Israel’s impunity and investigate this case. | 5,978 | 2,714 | 0.00038 |
warc | 201704 | AP Chemistry/Reactions Reactants form products. Reactions may be exothermic (releasing heat) or endothermic (absorbing heat). Contents Types of Reactions[edit] Synthesis: A + B → AB Decomposition: AB → A + B Single Replacement: AB + C → AC + B. Double Replacement: AB + CD → AD + CB. Precipitation - when two ionic compounds are dissolved in a solvent, they form four ions. Quite often, the positive ion from one compound will react with the negative ion from the other, forming an insoluble compound. This compound precipitates to the bottom as a solid. Neutralization - when an acid and base are mixed, water and a saltwill form. Redox Reactions[edit]
These are reactions where the oxidation numbers of particles change. The particle whose oxidation number decreases is
reduced, and is called an oxidizing agent. The other particle is oxidized, and is called a reducing agent. If oxygen is the oxidizing agent, the reaction is called combustion. Predicting Chemical Reactions[edit] Types of Reactions[edit]
There are several guidelines that can help you predict what kind of chemical reaction will occur between a mixture of chemicals.
Several pure elements mixed together may undergo a synthesis reaction. A single compound may undergo a decomposition reaction. It often forms water or hydrogen gas. A pure element mixed with an ionic compound may undergo a single replacement reaction. Two different ionic compounds are very likely to undergo a double replacement reaction. An organic compound (containing carbon and hydrogen) can usually react with oxygen in a combustion reaction.
However, not all elements will react with each other. To better predict a chemical reaction, knowledge of the
reactivity series is needed. Reactivity[edit] Red: elements that react with water and acids to form hydrogen gas, and with oxygen. Orange: elements that react very slowly with water but strongly with acids. Yellow: elements that react with acid to form hydrogen gas, and with oxygen. Grey: elements that react with oxygen (tarnish). White: elements that are often found pure; relatively nonreactive. Most Reactive
Cs K Na Li Sr Ca Rb Ba Mg Al (C) Mn Zn Cr Fe Cd Co Ni Sn Pb (H 2) Sb Bi Cu Hg Ag Pt Au Least Reactive Kinetics[edit] Rate constant - constant only for a specific reaction and temperature. Order of a reaction - add up all the exponents of the molarities. | 2,393 | 1,084 | 0.000934 |
warc | 201704 | ERIC Number:ED542925 Record Type:Non-Journal Publication Date:2012 Pages:119 Abstractor:As Provided Reference Count:0 ISBN:ISBN-978-1-2674-3370-1 ISSN:N/A
Decisions on Implementing Service-Learning: Perceptions of Physical Therapist Assistant Faculty within a State Technical College System
Herlitzke, Mary Ann
ProQuest LLC, Ed.D. Dissertation, St. Mary's University of Minnesota
The Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) requires that graduates of physical therapist assistant programs demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility. Service-learning, a method of instruction in which students apply knowledge and skills learned in the classroom to a community need, can assist in the development of social responsibility. Studies on factors contributing to the likelihood of faculty embracing service-learning are few, with no study looking specifically at the perspective of technical college faculty teaching a specific profession. This grounded theory study investigated the perspectives of full-time physical therapist assistant faculty (n = 9) within a State Technical College system. The programs within this system utilize a state-wide curriculum resulting in standardized curriculum sequence and competencies. Semi-structured interviews were used to gather data on the use of service-learning and to determine factors that contributed to the likelihood of faculty using service-learning. Supporting data was gathered from program accreditation reports and review of the college websites. Perspectives of faculty currently using service-learning (n = 5) and faculty who do not use service-learning (n = 4) were studied. Interviews were transcribed and coded using traditional methods and computerized assisted qualitative data analysis software (Atlas ti.). A grounded theory, factors supporting faculty in using service-learning, emerged. Themes of knowledge of service-learning, level of confidence, positive attitude towards the role of the college in developing social responsibility, and benefits of service-learning emerged as factors contributing to the likelihood of using service-learning. Barriers of time, fit, and logistics deterred faculty from using service-learning. The barrier of time included actual time needed to design and implement the service-learning project, time associated with adding service-learning to an already full curriculum, and time necessary to learn to be an effective teacher. Faculty not using service-learning reported being more likely to consider service-learning if the college focused on increasing overall awareness on the value of service-learning, and if professional development opportunities were offered to assist faculty in developing their skill in using service-learning as a method of instruction. Non-service-learning faculty also would be more likely to embrace service-learning if the college provided financial support (including acknowledgement on faculty workload) and/or access to a "go to" person (e.g. service-learning coordinator) to assist with logistics [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: College Faculty, Faculty Workload, Teaching Methods, Physical Therapy, Technical Institutes, Grounded Theory, Qualitative Research, Service Learning, Social Responsibility, Teacher Attitudes, State Colleges, Semi Structured Interviews, Content Analysis, Web Sites, Accreditation (Institutions), Reports, Coding, Computer Software, Barriers, Allied Health Occupations Education, College Curriculum
ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml
Publication Type:Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations Education Level:Higher Education; Postsecondary Education Audience:N/A Language:English Sponsor:N/A Authoring Institution:N/A | 4,156 | 1,875 | 0.000535 |
warc | 201704 | ERIC Number:EJ1064510 Record Type:Journal Publication Date:2013-Dec-10 Pages:N/A Abstractor:ERIC Reference Count:N/A ISBN:N/A ISSN:ISSN-1938-5978
White Space Odyssey: Bringing Big Bandwidth to College Communities
Nichols, Bob
New England Journal of Higher Education, Dec 2013
Many rural areas of the country lack an on-ramp to the information superhighway for people who are looking for educational and professional advancement, which leaves these rural communities frustrated by a situation that puts their residents at a significant disadvantage. This article describes Quick Start and Advanced Internet Regions (AIR.U) as solutions to rural communities' broadband connectivity issues. Quick Start establishes a nationwide collaborative to evaluate, design and deploy high-capacity broadband networks, including a campus and community assessment to identify network expansion approaches that establish sustainable models which will significantly increase the coverage and capacity of high-speed wireless connectivity. By incorporating powerful white space technologies into existing and future broadband infrastructure, AIR.U communities can leverage the extended coverage areas to drive deeper into neighborhoods to provide affordable, scalable broadband access to end-users and create a sustainable ecosystem of broadband connectivity that is aligned with community needs well into the future. For many rural communities, this is the broadband on-ramp they have been waiting for that will allow their communities to thrive in the digital age.
Descriptors: Rural Areas, Rural Schools, Colleges, Access to Computers, Internet, Telecommunications, Information Networks, Information Technology, Access to Information, Computer Networks, Sustainability, Community Needs
New England Board of Higher Education. 45 Temple Place, Boston, MA 02111. Tel: 617-357-9620; Fax: 617-338-1577; e-mail: info@nebhe.org; Web site: http://www.nebhe.org
Publication Type:Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive Education Level:Higher Education; Postsecondary Education Audience:N/A Language:English Sponsor:N/A Authoring Institution:N/A | 2,127 | 1,144 | 0.000878 |
warc | 201704 | Summary, etc.: If you're interested in growing your own fruits and vegetables, you've joined the ranks of a blossoming group of DIY gardeners who place a premium on the idea of self-reliance. But like any other kind of gardening, growing edibles is not a one-size-fits-all pursuit: in order to be successful, you'll need to know not only which plants grow well in your state or region, but also how to grow them with careful methods and a schedule that caters specifically to your local microclimate. Fortunately for you, Mid-Atlantic Fruit & Vegetable Gardening is written exclusively for gardeners who want to grow edibles in Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, Washington, D.C., or New Jersey. Author Katie Elzer-Peters, the master gardener responsible for our bestselling Beginner's Illustrated Guide to Gardening (2012), equips you with all the information you need to design your edible garden, tend the soil, maintain your plants throughout their life cycles,... | 994 | 608 | 0.001648 |
warc | 201704 | From Watsonville.Patch.com, Maria Grusauskas, 9 Apr 2011.
Watsonville residents and representatives of various local organizations learned about the Oaxacan community in Watsonville and California in a free workshop Thursday.
The workshop, entitled “Working with Oaxacan Populations” was held at the Watsonville Civic Center Community Room and covered the history of the indigenous people, their immigration patterns to California and their traditions and beliefs. The goal of the meeting was for organizations to network and think together about how to better serve the local community of indigenous people and families in Watsonville.
Over 100 individuals attended the workshop, representing various organizations including the CRLA, the Pajaro Unified Valley School District, Neighborhood Services, the Watsonville Police Department, and many different educational outreach and youth services groups.
The Central Coast has the highest percentage of indigenous migrant laborers in California at about 45 percent, according to the Indigenous Farmworker Study published in January 2010. Approximately 120,000 indigenous persons work in the agricultural sector in California, and that number jumps to 165,000 when children are included. This means that 45,000 children are are also working in the fields. Agrigultural labor laws are different than other labor laws, making this legal.
California Rural Legal Assistance (CRLA) was one of the first organizations that realized indigenous farmworkers were being marginalized, speaker Leoncio Vasquez said at the event.
“They saw that indigenous farmworkers were very different from the traditional farmworkers. The CRLA sought the support of the leaders of these communities, to work with them, to educate them, to get involved in educating their children and be active in the community as they were in Mexico,” he said.
Vasquez is Project Coordinator of the Binational Center for Developement of Indigenous Oaxacan Communities, an organization that formed in 1993.
The greatest difficulty facing the indigenous communities living in Watsonville is the language barrier.
“A lot of people assume that since we are Mexican, we should speak Spanish. And a lot of people think we speak a dialect of Spanish,” he said.
The reality is that the state of Oaxaca is home to 16 different ethnic groups, each with its own language.
Mixteco is spoken by the majority of Oaxacan immigrants to the Watsonville area, followed by Zapoteco and Triqui. “We look different, we dress differently, and there are really negative terms and discrimination even in Mexico,” said Sarait Martinez, the other speaker of the CBDIO.
The term
Oaxaquita, or “little Oaxacan” is a common term applied to Oaxacans by Mexicans, and although it seems to be used in an affectionate manner, Martinez said it is offensive to many Oaxacans.
Vasquez and Martinez addressed the differences in Oaxacan customs, including medicinal practices and beliefs as well as family and social values.
El Tequio is the strong sense of community and collective work valued by Oaxacans, and males over 18 are expected to partake in this work for their communities.
When it comes to family, Oaxacans generally do not date. They live with their parents until marriage, which is often arranged and asked for formally, Vasquez said.
“We don’t have a word for divorce. There is no concept. Or girlfriend or boyfriend,” said Vasquez.
Indigenous Oaxacans in the United States must also learn about western medicine, which is vastly different from their traditional medicine.
“We believe there is a balance between hot and cold and when that balance breaks down we get sick,” said Vasquez.
The Oaxacans are very connected to the earth and have been using medicinal herbs for hundreds of years to treat a variety of ailments.
“It is a shock for us to wait for four hours and only get five minutes with a doctor,” said Vasquez.
Rosa Hernandez, a member of the Oaxacan Action Group, said the greatest need right now among the indigenous community is for Mixteco interpreters. The group has been meeting with members of the indigenous community once a month in an effort to make valuable connections in providing them with the services they need.
“We’ve started to have our meetings at local homes now. At every meeting we have a facilitator and a translator so that whatever is being said is understood by all. It gives us an opportunity to learn about the Oaxacan community and to have that dialogue,” she said.
The event was organized by the Watsonville Community Connections Coalition, and presented by the Binational Center for Developement of Indigenous Oaxacan Communities. | 4,783 | 2,174 | 0.000472 |
warc | 201704 | By Vandana Shiva
Grist
Today, Feb. 27, is an Occupy Our Food Supply day of action. The following essay is just one of several related posts that will be appearing around the internet to mark the day.
The biggest corporate takeover on the planet is the hijacking of the food system, the cost of which has had huge and irreversible consequences for the Earth and people everywhere.
From the seed to the farm to the store to your table, corporations are seeking total control over biodiversity, land, and water. They are seeking control over how food is grown, processed, and distributed. And in seeking this total control, they are destroying the Earth’s ecological processes, our farmers, our health, and our freedoms.
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Posted in Biotechnology, CAFOs, Environment, Factory Farms, Genetically Engineered Food, Health Foods, organic, Peasants, Farmers, Ranchers
Tagged food freedom, Navdanya, occupy food supply, ows food, seed sovereignty, vandana shiva
Food justice advocates rise up to confront corporate control of our food system
By Common Dreams
An alliance of Occupy groups, environmental and food justice organizations have called for a global day of action on February 27 to resist corporate control of our food system and to work towards a healthy food supply for all.
Occupy Our Food Supply is a call facilitated by Rainforest Action Network and is supported by over 60 Occupy groups and over 30 organizations including Family Farm Defenders, National Family Farms Coalition and Pesticide Action Network.
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Posted in Biotechnology, Genetically Engineered Food, Health Foods, Sustainable Practices
Tagged feb 27 occupy food, food democracy, food freedom, food rights, food sovereignty, just food, no GMO, occupy food supply, slow food, vandana shiva | 1,808 | 889 | 0.001138 |
warc | 201704 | The text of a lecture given by
Mary Kaldor, Professor of Global Governance at the LSE , at Tufts University on October 2012, when she was awarded the Dr Jean Mayer Global Citizens Award, named for Tufts’ former President and Chancellor. The lecture also coincided with the publication of the third edition of Kaldor’s New and Old Wars: organized violence in a global era.
She emphasises that this lecture is a work in progress, a way-station en route to a book she is writing with
Christine Chinkin, Professor of International Law who is also at the LSE. Building on her discussion of ‘new wars’, and on her collaboration with Shannon Beebe, The ultimate weapon is no weapon: Human security and the new rules of war and peace, Kaldor argues for a ‘new peace’ in these terms:
I am arguing for international law that prohibits the use of force, as in domestic contexts, except in the very limited case of individual self-defence. The only argument for the international use of force is the scaling up of individual self-defence, e.g. genocide or massive violations of human rights. But in this case, the conduct of force is not the same as war-fighting. It is defensive, aimed at protection. Those responsible for the attacks are to be arrested where possible rather than killed. Any international use of force would take place under the authority of a reformed United Nations Security Council. Such an approach would require something like international emergency services rather like in a domestic context, we have police, fire fighters and emergency medical services.
In case this sounds excessively utopian, it is worth noting that something along these lines has been developing in parallel with the War on Terror. All sorts of new techniques have been developed in wars in the Balkans and Africa – safe havens, humanitarian corridors, the establishment of courts to try war crimes. New types of security capabilities are being developed by the European Union and in the thinking about civilian protection in the United Nations. New commitments to humanitarian intervention or Responsibility to Protect have been adopted by the African Union. Many international missions, not all successful of course, have been taking place alongside the War on Terror and have involved a learning experience. We tend to focus on Iraq and Afghanistan because they are so visible but they may well turn out to be exceptions as a consequence of a more traditional war-fighting military intervention. To put it more simply, in difficult situations like for example Syria, it is important to identify an alternative between old-fashioned military intervention where the aim is to win and where many get killed and there is a risk of escalation, and doing nothing. Or in the case of the War on Terror, it is about taking the problem of terrorism seriously. When terrorists are treated as enemies in a war, they are elevated and legitimised. In the case of the drone attacks, for example, it is not just a problem that mistakes are made and civilians sometimes get killed, more importantly, it escalates the violence. It provides an argument and justification for mobilising more recruits to extremist causes. What I worry about is that the combination of the economic crisis and what is happening the Middle East could portend a spreading protracted new war in large parts of the world.
I think there is a slippage between the first and last paragraphs of this extract: to claim that, in the circumstances Kaldor outlines, ‘the conduct of force is not the same as war-fighting’ is to ring-fence ‘war’ in ways that are increasingly problematic, as that last sentence concedes. And to assume that a re-calibrated international law can somehow insulate the one from the other
is utopian, isn’t it? | 3,845 | 1,868 | 0.000545 |
warc | 201704 | Other slides in this set Slide 2
Here's a taster:
Risk of CVD can be reduced by...
· Not smoking · Moderate exercise several times a week · Not over consuming alcohol · Dietary changes, especially lowering cholesterol and saturated fat intake…read more Slide 3
Here's a taster:
Treatments of CVD
· Reducing high blood pressure by antihypertensives. · Reduction of blood cholesterol e.g. By diet or by drugs such as statins. · Anticoagulants (substance that prevents blood clotting) · Platelet inhibitors (more effective in the arterial circulation- decrease the aggregation and activity of platelets)…read more Slide 4
Here's a taster:
Drug treatment Mode of action Risks/side effects
Diuretics Increase volume of urine; lowers blood Very occasional dizziness, nausea, (antihypertensive) volume and pressure muscle cramps Beta blockers Block response of heart to hormones Possible link with diabetes and make contractions less frequent and less powerful ACE inhibitors Block the production of angiotensin Cough, dizziness, heart arrythmia, (antihypertensive) -(ACE stands for which normally causes arterial impaired kidney function. angiotensin converting enzyme) costriction and a rise in blood pressure. Statins Lower cholesterol level in the blood Muscle aches, nausea, constipation, and blocking the liver enzyme that makes diarrhea; very rarely inflammation cholesterol. reactions can occur which even more rarely are fatal also again rarely liver failure, people may stop trying to eat a healthy diet leaving it all to the statins. Anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin) Reduce risk of clot formation Risk of uncontrolled bleeding; dosage control is essential. Platelet inhibitory drugs (e.g. Aspirin, Make platelets less sticky Aspirin irritates the starch lining and can clopidogrel) cause serious stomach bleeding, using clopidogrel with aspirin can make the risk even greater.…read more | 1,954 | 983 | 0.001053 |
warc | 201704 | Responses to Climate Change- Introduction
Most World leaders agree climate change is a threat, and that needs to be done about it. It seems certain that responsibility for action will lie mainly with HIC's as these nations have been, and still are, major global polluters.
There are two types of response to climate change:
Plan to reduce the damaging effects of warming- Building sea defences, Improve water catchment and supply in areas likely to become drier, develop 'drought-proof' strains of plants. Try to slow down global warming by controlling greenhouse gases- Reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and use more renewable types of energy, afforestation, conserve energy. Global Responses to Climate Change- Earth Summit
-Held at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
-June 1992
Main Discussions
-Fossil fuel alternatives
-Public transport
-Water scarcity
-Climate change
Rio Declaration - sustainable development Forest Principles Climate Change Convention- stabilise greenhouse gas emissions Global Responses to Climate Change- Kyoto Conferen
-Held at Kyoto, Japan
-December 1997
Main Discussions -Climate changes-wanted to establish legally binding international agreement to tackle global warming and greenhouse gas emissions -Kyoto Protocol- International treaty to stabilise emmisions by 5.2% globally compared to 1990 and 2012.
Countries agreed on national emissions limits (EU 8% decrease, USA 7% decrease, Japan 6% decrease, China 0%, Iceland 10% increase)
Countries can trade emissions (high polluting countries can buy credits from other countries and gain credits from activities which boost carbon absorption.)
Signed to come into force in 2005. 191 countries signed by 2011. Aimed to be reviewed in 2012, no one met their targets, and the date is to be extended to 2020. Richer nations can pay poorer nations for their failures.
Global Responses to Climate Change- Bali
-Held in Bali, Indonesia
-December 2007
Main Discussions -Discussions on the implentation of the Climate Change Convention and Kyoto Protocol. Agreements -Bali Road Map - a set of decisions representing the various pathways to reaching global climate deal. The pathways were: Deforestation and Forest Management Use of cleaner technology in LIC's Emission reduction (40% reduction by 2020) Global Responses to Climate Change- Cancun
-Held at Cancun, Mexico
-Decemeber 2010
Main Discussions
-Climate Change
-Protecting LIC's from climate change impacts
Agreements -Cancun agreement- Keep global temperatures rise below 2 degree. Provide funds to enable LIC's to take action against climate change and protect the World's forests. Global Responses to Climate Change- Durban
-Held at Durban, South Africa
-December 2011
Main Discussions -Discussion on implementation of the Climate Change Convention, Kyoto Protocol and Bali Road Map Agreements
-
Post 2020 agreement- legally enforcable agreement that will come into force in 2020 for all countries to control greenhouse gas emissions (not just those that sign) Global Responses to Climate Change- Doha
-Held at Doha, Qatar
-Decemeber 2012
Main Discussions
-Ammending the Kyoto Protocol.
Agreements -Doha Amendment- Some countries to aim to stabilise greenhouse gas emissions to 18% below 1990 levels by 2020. Global Responses to Climate Change- General Info
-These conferences are held anually by governments in different locations.
-They are funded by the EU
National Responses to Climate Change- NGO's 1
-NGO- 'Non-Governmental Organisation'
-Example:
Greenpeace ☮ Key Idea: They want energy to be produced and used in a more sustainable way 1) Focus 1:
-Use renewable energy sources
2) Focus 2: -Low carbon cars/electric cars
-More effecient and accessible public transport
-No further airports to be built
-Raise taxes on flights
National Responses to Climate Change- NGO's 2 (Focuses of Greenpeace continued) 3) Focus 3:
-Reduce emissions (since 2005)
-Buy Carbon Credits
Local (UK) Responses to Climate Change- 'Live Simp
This was a campaign run by the Catholic Church in
2007. It encouraged local school children to consider the choices they made and the imapct this had on our world. Schools introduced energy effecient water and heating systems which ran from wind turbines and solar panels.
It also encouraged people to:
-Reduce emissions
-'Green' Church buildings
-Recycle
-Have fair trade products
It now runs as an award for Catholic parishes. To enter, parishes have to "encourage the whole community to live simply; sustainably with creation; and in solidarity with those in poverty"
Local (UK) Responses to Climate Change- 'MIMP' 'Manchester is my Planet'
This is a campaign encourgaing individuals to make a pledge aimed at reducing their carbon footprint. Manchester council in partnership with NPC car parks introduced the 'Green Badge Parking Permit'. Owners of cars which produce low carbon emissions can apply for the badge which gives them a 25% parking discount.
They aim to connects individuals and organisations to tackle climate change.
They offer advice to reduce your carbon footprint and emissions, and free aid such as cycle training. Advice is given on journey planning, alternative fuels and car purchasing.
There are also workshops to connect the communtiy, such as 'PlanLoCaL' | 5,311 | 2,402 | 0.000422 |
warc | 201704 | Q. Were dinosaurs ‘named’ by Adam? Isn’t that a good question? Think about it. Why is it all animals have a name from Adam and they all carried over after the flood…except for dinosaurs? I understand the word ‘dinosaur’ became a word in 1841. I also understand that the words dragon and Behemoth that are found in the bible are most likely talking about a dinosaur. So, why do dinosaurs have names from recent discoveries in the fossil record but not the name that Adam chose? And, I believe with all my heart dinosaurs were on the Ark of Noah. I look forward to your answer. Many blesses to you all there at Grace Thru Faith. A. Dragon, behemoth, and leviathan are all words that appear in the Old testament and are thought by some to refer to dinosaurs. But the specific meanings of these words is unclear so no one really knows for sure. The fire breathing dragon appears in enough mythologies to have probably existed at some time. The word dinosaur was coined in 1841 and means terrifying lizard.
Some say dinosaurs disappeared millions of years ago when a giant meteor strike raised a cloud of dust and smoke that blotted out the sun’s light and killed off all the vegetation they ate, essentially starving them out.
Others believe the dinosaurs were abominations that perished in Noah’s flood. All we know for sure is that there don’t deem to be any around today, and the only real evidence we have of their existence is in the fossil record.
I don’t think we can prove that animals of today are still known by the names Adam gave them. And as for dinosaurs we don’t know if Adam named them or not, only that if he did he didn’t use the word dinosaur. Neither do we know for sure what specific animals Noah took on the ark.
I believe that dinosaurs as we know them were the result of genetic tinkering by Satan and the Nephilim and were destroyed in the flood. Although God must have originally created them, since only He could do so, I don’t think that his version looked or acted anything like the fossil record indicates. If I’m right then it’s logical that if there were two left who hadn’t been tampered with and were still in their original form, then Noah took them with him. But as far as I’m concerned all our speculation about the dinosaurs, whether from scientists or creationists, is just that – speculation. | 2,424 | 1,187 | 0.000877 |
warc | 201704 | We will make a clean break from austerity to create a more
equal society and job-rich economy.
Scotland has a vast resource of creative and productive people. We will work to ensure we all have access to satisfying, secure and rewarding work. Rather than prioritising growth at all costs, Greens believe that economic policy should also take quality of life into account – things such as our health, our relationships, our rights and our sense of community.
Supporting Workers
We will increase the Minimum Wage to the Living Wage, because nobody should be expected to work for a wage that keeps them in poverty. We will raise the minimum wage in steps, with a target of £10 an hour for everyone by 2020. To tackle the worst pay inequality we will link directors’ pay to a multiple of their lowest paid employees.
We will defend workers’ rights to collective bargaining and roll back anti trade union laws. We will work to end discrimination in the work place through strengthening legislation and education. No-one will be forced into the insecurity of a zero-hours contract and access to employment tribunals will once again be free to workers.
In too many workplaces we see unacceptable pay inequality, abuse of tax loopholes and poor treatment of employees. In such circumstances we will develop rights for employees to cooperatively manage and own their companies.
Green Jobs and Enterprise
We need a transition to a jobs-rich economy which respects the environment and provides for us all. We will deliver a government-led Green New Deal to invest millions of pounds in sustainable jobs and enterprise.
We will support sustainable expansion in industries such as great quality food production, clean chemical sciences, digital and creative industries, medical and life sciences, construction, energy efficiency, engineering and the low carbon energy industry. We will back independent small retail, tourism and sports, waste reuse and recycling, civil shipbuilding, textiles and design.
Small businesses are the foundation of our economy and we can create an economic revival and thousands of jobs by focusing on rural and urban small business growth.
We will support start-ups and an inclusive economy by tapping everyone’s potential. We will invest in apprenticeships, colleges and universities, and invest in research and innovation. Retail and financial services will always be important parts of our economy, but Scotland deserves an economic strategy with a sustainable industrial core providing good quality jobs in the real economy.
Equality not Poverty
In order to ensure a fairer and more equal society, Greens believe that the universal approach to benefits must be defended. We will roll back welfare cuts founded on false claims that people prefer benefits rather than rewarding work. We will abolish the Bedroom Tax and Workfare, lift the punitive sanction regime, halt the roll-out of Universal Credit and allow the Scottish Parliament to design a scheme that works with new devolved social security powers.
In the longer term we will build a welfare system which removes the stigma of benefits, helps end the ‘poverty trap’, recognises unpaid work and promotes equality. A Citizens’ Income is emblematic of this approach. A Citizen’s Income will require a reform programme replace almost all benefits apart from disability payments with a simple regular payment to everyone – children, adults and pensioners. The beginnings of this system already exist with state pensions and Child Benefit.
Banks and Finance
The banking system must serve everyone, and do so fairly. To this end we will encourage a variety of financial institutions, including mutuals, credit unions, and local or regional banks. Banks should focus on sustainable investment and not casino-style speculative activities.
Banking and finance regulation should be well resourced, restricting speculative credit creation, excessive bonuses, aggressive marketing, market dominance by a small number of large players, and the marketing of high interest payday loans.
Restrictions on credit union lending will be eased, enabling them to compete with big banks. We will support the creation of small local banks with a centralised, efficient infrastructure. A National Investment Bank will be created to invest in activities benefiting all of Scotland’s communities while respecting ecological limits.Jobs in Scotland's New Economy Economy and Jobs Briefing Wealth & Equality Banking Briefing Citizens-Income-Briefing-Note.pdf | 4,582 | 2,183 | 0.000466 |
warc | 201704 | As the electoral cycle begins both locally and nationally, it’s not surprising to find various formulations of the increasingly toxic 99-meme spreading virulently. At its heart, the Occupy movement has been characterized by a rejection of status-quo organizing, electoral end-runs and “progressive” establishment institutions. A decades-long frustration with illusory gains from orderly city-certified “protest” parades led by police, has united a motivated aggregate of new and old activists whose primary goal has been to call an end to the kind of political protest that has characterized the last twenty years of Democratic-Republican hegemony. Ongoing environmental depredation, increasing war-mongering, the erosion of labor rights and organizing alongside the emergence of a government-nurtured oligarchy can no longer be ignored at election time with hopes for the best. Unlike the kind of organizing and political manifestation we have seen for the past decades, Occupying is not easy; it is not something you stop doing when you get home at night. Sometimes you don’t get home at night. Occupy’s saving grace and only power is that it is not permitted, and it is not ‘legal’.
Faced with a complete rejection of the kind of “activism” that has been diverted towards bolstering Democratic candidates over the years, establishment-fluffing institutions, organizers and punditry have scrambled over the past weeks to create an alluring siren’s call back to the old ways, selling virtual change without the IRL-strain. Such retrenching forces invite occupiers, and those that have perhaps admired the movement but have been slow to become involved, to come back to the Matrix, where the illusion of change can be exchanged for complicity in a corrupt process.
The recent piece by the SF Chron’s Chip Johnson on the May Day protests provides an instructive boilerplate of everything that is stupid and vile about that regressive campaign. It’s no secret that Johnson loathes Occupy. He is a creature of electoral politics and glad-handing access, like so many other journalists and pundits, so the movement is anathema to him. But Johnson hits new lows t in his most recent attempt to paint Occupy as the ineffectual product of effete academics and out of touch suburban teenagers.
Johnson doesn’t interview any of the thousands of labor activists that staged walk-outs and work stoppages on May Day, nor any Occupy organizers, despite the fact that representatives of the ILWU and California Nurses Association both participated in Occupy Oakland’s pre May Day press conference. He skips talking to individual participants in the march, choosing instead, to speak only to lead organizers. And Johnson is obsessed with the opinions of police about putative “heated exchanges” between members and marchers in the D&R coalition. That’s because, for Johnson, like so many of those that pay lip service to ideas of systemic change, but are willing to do nothing new to achieve it, nothing is better than a march that pleases police and city officials.
Several pull-outs are notable in this regard. Johnson boasts that D&R ” had no incidents involving police.”; “It was beautiful and festive. Dancers and mariachi bands entertained thousands of people who lined both sides of the street.”; “There was a high school marching band and floats. It was more like a parade than an angry march.”; “law-abiding protesters did their thing and went home.”
Johnson’s absurd view of what “good” protest looks like hews closely to the profile of the ‘99’ roll-outs by a consortium of unions and Democratic party proxy groups, except perhaps that the latter have added unthreatening and controllable “non violent” civil disobedience to the optional features package of “99% Power”. “Good protest” respects authority, it concedes the power of local officials, it is polite and doesn’t cuss on camera. Most importantly, “good protest” goes home at night, not to emerge again until another coalition does the work of negotiating with various establishment organizations. leaving the consortium of state and corporate dictators free to sleep soundly at night in multi-million dollar mansions paid for with the rape of the world’s people and resources.
There’s a lot to be said about how ineffective this “good protest” is, especially in the specific context of rights for undocumented immigrants and undocumented labor. An orderly parade and march may be a great way of showing ethnic pride. But the crisis facing undocumented workers is horrifying and relentless, and it has proven resistant to all manner of “permitted” demonstrations against it.
Under the Obama administration, a million undocumented immigrants have been deported, new and foul ways of using federal security state apparatus to entrap and frighten undocumented immigrants under S-Comm increase daily. And even problematic legislation like the Dream Act–which offers mercenary service in the military in exchange for residency rights–languishes despite having “democratic allies”. The result is that six years after their momentous emergence on US streets, and nearly four years into the Obama administration’s first term, undocumented immigrants are light years further from a solution to their most critical issues. Every day, thousands of immigrant parents leave home for work, never knowing if they will ever see their children again, or if, instead, they will spend deadly months or years in for-profit detention centers before being separated from them forever. Yesterday’s actions in Fruitvale cannot even said to be a footnote in that narrative.
Perhaps Johnson genuinely believes that the purpose of protest is the hollow exercise of rights of assembly and speech, signifying nothing more than the normative fact that the US is an ostensibly liberal nation-state with a constitution. The subsequent parades such a viewpoint engenders are indeed nice to look at and have the added advantage of being relaxing to march in on a sunny afternoon. But whether you regard it as legitimate or not, the rights enshrined in the constitution are there for the possibility of overthrow of bad government, not to congratulate it for being munificent once in a while.
Power concedes nothing without struggle: undocumented immigrants understood this in 2006 in raucous nation-wide, brimming marches. But they were lured back into their stable by the empty promises of the Democratic organizing machine as just another ethnic voting bloc long before they were able to challenge power at an effective level. This May Day, then, changed as little as the last several have, despite a slightly larger turnout in Oakland—that is a historic loss of an opportunity provided by the Occupy window, despite the pleasant day of cultural awareness applauded by those like Johnson.
______________________________
Part 2:
Johnson misses a few other issues around M1GS; but on that front he’s not alone. The “Good” protester meme is of use to more than just establishment-enabling fluffers like Johnson who have a cranky axe to grind against upstart activists. City and police officials were also able to skillfully use “good” protesters, sanctioned with a permit, against “bad” protesters responding to Occupy’s call for general strikes.
The strategy began early in the day, after Occupy organizers managed to pull hundreds of protesters into the street, shutting down several banks with actions not unlike those carried out by mainstream organizations like Causa Justa, ACCE and even SEIU all across the US in the past year. The marches then converged at the intersection of 14th and Broadway and occupied it throughout the late morning.
After having received word that many banks had re-opened after the initial protests, another band of protesters set out from the plaza to shut them down again in the same way. Short-lived, the march headed back to the plaza to, in the words of an ad-hoc organizer “stay on schedule” with the rally at OGP at noon. The announcement was made on a bullhorn and likely heard by police, which makes what came next all the more troublesome.
Just as the procession reached the North entrance of the plaza, kevlared police charged marchers from behind, causing wide-spread panic amongst those assembled. Then several protesters were “targeted” according to the OPD’s ostensibly “new” tactical protocol; the first, a young woman in her twenties, meandering up Broadway on her bike, was tackled and thrown violently to the ground; she’s someone I know, the sweetest person you can imagine. Her face was contorted in fear and pain as police wrenched her arms behind her back and stuck their knees in her back.
Several other protesters were also seized in a similar way, one put in a choke-hold with a baton, the other tazed–the latter it seems, for no other reason, seemingly, than he’s a young, tall African-American.
Police weren’t done though. Some hours later, they surrounded the area and chased out protesters with tear gas and baton strikes, until most were forced out of the downtown area. What followed was more a product of confusion and rushed thinking than an actual strategy by Occupy protesters. Their access to OGP curtailed, the fragmented group sought to meet up and bolster the Dignity and Resistance March, while a diminished and demoralized group reconvened on the plaza.
Contrary to the narrative that has emerged in some odd places, including some organizers of the Dignity and Resistance March who oddly consider themselves allies of the Occupy movement, the group had no plans to co-opt the march. I biked to meet the group from my home in Fruitvale, and an hour or so ahead of the D&R march and I found a festive group eating ice cream and talking, and eager for the arrival of D&R.
As the group waited, announcements were made intermittently about the success of various Occupy actions nationwide, with hooting and hollering throughout. It was clear that this was a group excited about solidarity on May Day. When the D & R march finally arrived, there was a huge upswell of emotion, and a spontaneous—if ill-advised, considering the width and location of the street–rush to meet the crowd. Whatever difficulties were caused by both groups, the excitement and sense of solidarity was genuine and even inspiring.
After an unfortunate series of interactions—the groups arrived together at OGP again. Just as many—including myself—had predicted, police moved in almost as soon as the D&R participants left at the conclusion of their 2 hour permitted rally at OGP. OPD pulled out al the stops with flash-bang grenades and baton strikes, warning protesters that they would target those that had taken the experience of Scott Olsen to heart and covered their heads in helmets.
This is the police force then that Johnson describes so admiringly; the one that was sent to protect ‘good protesters’ as they marched. The same police force facing seizure by the federal government; that once set an infant girl’s pajamas on fire with a flashbang; that supervised the lethal use of non-lethal ordinance against Scott Olsen as well as lesser-known protesters, and nearly killed Kavan Sabehgi with baton blows.
This police force was there to protect ‘good’ protesters from ‘bad’ protesters as a way to promote its anti-Occupy agenda. But the losers in this game of legitimate vs. illegitimate were both sets of activists: those who lost the untapped power of assembly by giving control of it to thugs and corrupt officials; and those who were unable to hold the fruit of their labors, the politicized Oscar Grant Plaza, because the former had unknowingly and without malice, reserved it as a police repression strategy. The greatest failure of May Day, which was, despite everything I’ve written here, a historic revitalization of the original “labor day”, would be if neither group learned lessons from it. | 12,340 | 5,669 | 0.000183 |
warc | 201704 | A simulation estimator for testing the time homogeneity of credit rating transitions
The measurement of credit quality is at the heart of the models designed to assess the reserves and capital needed to support the risks of both individual credits and portfolios of credit instruments. A popular specification for credit- rating transitions is the simple, time-homogeneous Markov model. While the Markov specification cannot really describe processes in the long run, it may be useful for adequately describing short-run changes in portfolio risk. In this specification, the entire stochastic process can be characterized in terms of estimated transition probabilities. However, the simple homogeneous Markovian transition framework is restrictive. We propose a test of the null hypotheses of time-homogeneity that can be performed on the sorts of data often reported. We apply the tests to 4 data sets, on commercial paper, sovereign debt, municipal bonds and S&P Corporates. The results indicate that commercial paper looks Markovian on a 30-day time scale for up to 6 months; sovereign debt also looks Markovian (perhaps due to a small sample size); municipals are well-modeled by the Markov specification for up to 5 years, but could probably benefit from frequent updating of the estimated transition matrix or from more sophisticated modeling, and S&P Corporate ratings are approximately Markov over 3 transitions but not 4.
(This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)
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References listed on IDEAS Please report citation or reference errors to , or , if you are the registered author of the cited work, log in to your RePEc Author Service profile, click on "citations" and make appropriate adjustments.: Lando, David & Skodeberg, Torben M., 2002." Analyzing rating transitions and rating drift with continuous observations," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 26(2-3), pages 423-444, March. Tauchen, George E. & Gallant, A. Ronald, 1995. " Which Moments to Match," Working Papers 95-20, Duke University, Department of Economics. Gourieroux, C. & Monfort, A. & Renault, E., 1992. " Indirect Inference," Papers 92.279, Toulouse - GREMAQ. Jafry, Yusuf & Schuermann, Til, 2004." Measurement, estimation and comparison of credit migration matrices," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 28(11), pages 2603-2639, November. Bangia, Anil & Diebold, Francis X. & Kronimus, Andre & Schagen, Christian & Schuermann, Til, 2002." Ratings migration and the business cycle, with application to credit portfolio stress testing," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 26(2-3), pages 445-474, March. Anil Bangia & Francis X. Diebold & Til Schuermann, 2000. " Ratings Migration and the Business Cycle, With Application to Credit Portfolio Stress Testing," Center for Financial Institutions Working Papers 00-26, Wharton School Center for Financial Institutions, University of Pennsylvania. Anil Bangia & Francis X. Diebold & Til Schuermann, 2000. " Full references(including those not matched with items on IDEAS)
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warc | 201704 | Boiteux's solution to the shifting-peak problem and the equilibrium price density in continuous time
Bewley's condition on production sets, imposed to ensure the existence of an equilibrium price density when $L^{\infty}$ is the commodity space, is weakened to allow applications to continuous-time problems, and especially to peak-load pricing when the users' utility and production functions are Mackey continuous. A general form for production sets with the required property is identified, and examples are given of technologies which meet the weakened but not the original condition: these include industrial use and storage of cyclically priced goods. This gives a framework for settling Boiteux's conjecture on the shifting-peak problem. To make clear the restriction implicit in Mackey continuity, we interpret it as interruptibility of demand; and we point out that, without this assumption, the equilibrium can feature pointed peaks with singular, instantaneous capacity charges. The general equilibrium results are supplemented by results for prices supporting individual consumer or producer optima.
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Volume (Year): 20 (2002) Issue (Month): 3 () Pages: 503-537
Handle: RePEc:spr:joecth:v:20:y:2002:i:3:p:503-537 Note: Received: February 16, 2000; revised version: July 7, 2001 Contact details of provider: Web page: http://www.springer.com
Order Information: Web: http://www.springer.com/economics/economic+theory/journal/199/PS2
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warc | 201704 | Practical Approaches to USO Costing and Financing
In this paper we set out a holistic approach that incorporates recent developments in assessing the net cost of the USO and presents a robust methodology for practical implementation. We analyse the issues relating to assessing the net costs of the USO with particular focus on the benefits associated with USO and current empirical approaches to calculating the net costs. We then present an overview of approaches that have been applied in various countries and highlight their strengths and shortcomings in light of the necessarily theoretical aspects discussed in the first part of the paper. Finally, we present a practical approach that we believe assesses robustly the net cost of the USO.
Length: Date of creation: Jul 2010 Date of revision: Publication status: Published in Competition and Regulation in Network Industries, 12(2):108-129 Handle: RePEc:chc:wpaper:0021 Contact details of provider: Web page: http://www.swiss-economics.ch
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warc | 201704 | English français Single trial prediction of self-paced reaching directions from EEG signals
Early detection of movement intention could possibly minimize the delays in the activation of neuroprosthetic devices. As yet, single trial analysis using non-invasive approaches for understanding such movement preparation remains a challenging task. We studied the feasibility of predicting movement directions in self-paced upper limb center-out reaching tasks, i.e., spontaneous movements executed without an external cue that can better reflect natural motor behavior in humans. We reported results of non-invasive electroencephalography (EEG) recorded from mild stroke patients and able-bodied participants. Previous studies have shown that low frequency EEG oscillations are modulated by the intent to move and therefore, can be decoded prior to the movement execution. Motivated by these results, we investigated whether slow cortical potentials (SCPs) preceding movement onset can be used to classify reaching directions and evaluated the performance using 5-fold cross-validation. For able-bodied subjects, we obtained an average decoding accuracy of 76% (chance level of 25%) at 62.5ms before onset using the amplitude of on-going SCPs with above chance level performances between 875ms to 437.5ms prior to onset. The decoding accuracy for the stroke patients was on average 47% with their paretic arms. Comparison of the decoding accuracy across different frequency ranges (i.e., SCPs, delta, theta, alpha and gamma) yielded the best accuracy using SCPs filtered between 0.1 to 1 Hz. Across all the subjects, including stroke subjects, the best selected features were obtained mostly from the fronto-parietal regions, hence consistent with previous neurophysiological studies on arm reaching tasks. In summary, we concluded that SCPs allow the possibility of single trial decoding of reaching directions at least 312.5ms before onset of reach. | 1,954 | 997 | 0.001007 |
warc | 201704 | [This series of posts won’t be a traditional book review. Rather, I’ll summarize parts of
To Change the World: The Irony, Tragedy, and Possibility of Christianity in the Late Modern World by James Davison Hunter, and then I’ll add my own thoughts. I may criticize the book here and there, but I don’t have much to criticize.]
Liminality
“Liminal” is used by anthropologists and others to speak of the state of mind of an individual or community when they transition from one reality to another. As the Wikipedia says,
The liminal state is characterized by ambiguity, openness, and indeterminacy. One’s sense of identity dissolves to some extent, bringing about disorientation. Liminality is a period of transition where normal limits to thought, self-understanding, and behavior are relaxed – a situation which can lead to new perspectives.
We go through this state after a marriage, divorce, or the death of a spouse. We Alabama football fans went through this when Coach Bryant died. Southern Cal fans are going through this now that their team is on probation (I’ve been there).
The American church has been in liminality ever since the Supreme Court banned prayer in public schools and it became clear that the old Constantinian consensus — the alliance of church, culture, and state — was ending. Of course, the blows to the church’s sense of normality have been continuous ever since.
The result has been ambiguity, indeterminacy, and disorientation. The church has spent 1,500 years in league with the government and, perhaps more importantly, the prevailing culture. As a result, the church has struggled to find its footing. Do we seek a return to the alliance of church and state? Do we classify the government as the church’s enemy? How do we even
do church in this new world?
This has led to the Church Growth Movement, which often devolved into American marketing — branding of churches, turning pastors into celebrities, and efforts to meet “felt needs,” such as the felt need for a mocha latte on the way to hear the alternative rock Christian band next to the church-league basketball court and free weight room and yoga clinic.
Then there’s the house church and new monastic movements seeking to flee the institutional church. And the missional movement, seeking to send the church out into the world to do not only evangelism but also good works in the form of soup kitchens and halfway houses.
Indeed, in last 30 years or so, there’s been a succession of “how to” books on how to do church in the new world, with each effort seeking a truer, better Christianity. And, in fact, a lot of good work has been done as we vacillate toward a new, better consensus through a slow process of successive approximation.
Each book, each seminar, and each movement adds an element of truth that had been missing. And so it would be foolish to claim that
To Change the World is the end of the process. We don’t have the perspective to make such a judgment — and surely there are truths yet to be added. But it’s clearly a major step forward — and a bigger step the most of the others. Why?
What’s right about the book
* To
Change the World is built on a solid theology. It’s not just the Great Commission, but the Great Commission re-envisioned to see “all the world” in more than geographic terms. We must go not only into the slums but also the graduate schools, not only to homeless shelters but art museums. We have to grow up and stop being scared of the cultural elite and reclaim Christianity’s place at the cutting edge of art, music, science, architecture, philosophy, etc.
Christianity thus must be both conservative and progressive (neither term being used in the Church of Christ senses). Christianity is conservative in that it preserves the Biblical teachings, including the scriptural understanding of man and right relationships. Christianity is progressive in that there is no better framing story or metanarrative in which to find solutions to the problems of all men.
Christianity offers much more than a ticket to heaven at death. It offers a better way of being and relating right here and now, and thus a better understanding of the human condition. And a better understanding of the human condition leads to better sociology, better art, better science, better everything.
* To
Change the World gives a better understanding of how to live as a Christian. The traditional evangelical view of how to live is (a) be moral and (b) tell your neighbors about Jesus. And those are true but incomplete. The Church Growth Movement and many other “how to” teachings of the last several years work within that narrow framework — friendship evangelism, Barnabas parties, meeting felt needs, slicker marketing, etc. — some good ideas, some not so good, but all taught within that framework.
The missional perspective correctly adds to the mix the necessity of doing good for the weak through food programs, Celebrate Recovery, and many other excellent and much needed initiatives, showing the love of Jesus in practical ways that go far beyond “come worship with me.” The change is toward going into the world to lift up Jesus through works of service. But the missional approach offers little guidance on how to live outside the church-world. What is our mission in our spare time, on weekends and holidays. What about 8 to 5?
Just so, the neo-Anabaptist perspective correctly urges to us work hard to build the church into the community God intends for us to be, and to so offer the world a preview of heaven. If the church really lived the Sermon on the Mount and 1 Cor 13 internally, it would offer an alternative community showing what Jesus offers. And this is right and good, but says nothing about 8 to 5.
The Christian Right and Left pursue holy ends through governmental means, and so take us in entirely the wrong direction. We have to reject their methods while retaining many of their goals. Both are right to call us to be active in standing up for the defenseless: the unborn, the poor, and the discriminated against. And yet neither addresses how to live — only how to vote. They share a sadly narrow perspective on what Christianity is about.
As long-term readers know, I’m a big advocate for the missional approach to Christianity and for building up the church as the neo-Anabaptists envision — and for fleeing the search for political power. But the “faithful presence” perspective adds some much needed thoughts —
1. While it’s not much taught in the churches, the Bible is clear that part of God’s goal for his church is for us to become like God.
(Eph 4:24 ESV) [P]ut on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
(Eph 5:1 ESV) Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.
To be like God has profound implications.
2. It means sharing in his generous common grace, doing good for the just and the unjust.
(Mat 5:44-45 ESV) 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
(Luk 6:27-28 ESV) “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.”
But “doing good” is more than evangelism and traditional acts of benevolence. It could be as simple as serving on the board of education and doing good for all the students, not just the baseball team your son plays on or the honors classes where you daughter attends. Or running a business for the good of the employees and the community, as well as the customers.
We so want to compartmentalize our lives that we can’t even imagine how being a Christian businessman or professor would be different from a secular businessman or professor. At least part of the difference is the call to use all your gifts to bless others — lost and saved.
3. It means being creative — in everything — and recognizing the image of God even among non-Christians, indeed, even in the enemies of Christianity. God is creative, and therefore we draw others closer to God as we exercise our own creativity in constructive ways.
4. It means sacrifice. This is the essential theme of the Cruciform God series. Theosis (becoming like God) is kenosis (imitating the self-emptying of Jesus on the cross). Indeed, one of the most common errors in contemporary “how to” Christianity is the omission of sacrifice from our theology. There is no suffering in voting for the right candidate or lobbying for the right bill. There is little sacrifice in building up the perfect community of Christians.
But to be like God, you have to be willing to submit to the cross for people who hate you. And this means, at least, that we should be willing to be faithful no matter the cost — and that we
don’t market Jesus as having a low, low cost available, on sale now, with interest-free financing, all for the price of an immersion in water!!! No, Jesus was a terrible marketer —
(Luk 14:26 ESV) “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.”
You’d think the Son of God, possessor the Spirit without measure, would be a better salesman than that! You see, sacrifice and service are very nearly the definition of what it means to live for Jesus.
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warc | 201704 | Diversity and distraction is what I am experiencing in Howard Rheingold’s Towards a Cooperation of Literacy course. One participant described it as
‘the beauty of endless distractions’. I think there are 31 participants in this course – its difficult to be sure, since there is no participant list and maybe some are just observing – but those who are there are very active.
In all there are 16 forums in this first week, with 5 of these devoted to the subject matter of the literacy of cooperation and containing 183 posts. Some of the remaining 11 forums also contain posts related to the subject matter; in all there are 349 posts in these eleven forums (probably going up as I write) and we are not yet at the end of the first week.
I have tried to capture some of the ideas from two of the forums to illustrate how wide ranging the discussion is. Discussion is so intense and fast moving that inevitably I will have missed some. I do not have the time nor space here to explain the ideas, but they can all easily be followed up on the web. Nor do I have time to attribute them to individual participants – rather I will say that their range and diversity exemplify cooperative and co-learning in this course.
Forum 1: Philosophize about cooperation — looking at the big picture while examining the details
The following ideas have been mentioned and/or discussed:
Dancing as an example of human synergy and cooperation, with particular reference to Chicago Step and Swing Morphic Resonance and the work of Rupert Shelldrake in relation to flocking birds. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XH-groCeKbE (I had to copy and paste the URL into my browser to view the video. Ambiverts as written about by Daniel Pink in his book ‘Drive’. Ambiverts are both extrovert and introvert. The question raised was ‘Do ambiverts best understand their partner’s thinking?’ The role of rewards in cooperative activity Risk and failure in collaboration ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ – Daniel Kahneman’s book ‘Why plans fail: Cognitive bias, decision making and your business’. Jim Benson’s book
So in this forum there has been limited discussion about cooperation in biology. Most of the discussion has been about the conditions which enable us as humans to cooperate, what motivates us and how and why we might decide to cooperate.
Forum 2: Cooperative arrangements in ecosystems
There has been extensive discussion in this forum covering wide ranging topics with, again, a tendency to move away from biological cooperation (as in plants and animals) to human cooperation – but as one participant pointed out, we are a product of biology too (not her exact words).
Biological cooperative arrangements
Gaia Hypothesis – if the evolution of life and its environment affect each otherr, is it in our self-interest to cooperate?
Self-interest and collective action – how do we make choices? Stickleback fish exhibit Prisoner’s Dilemma strategies.
Plants know their relatives and like them, but is this in their best interest?
Identity and membership in communities was related to mustard shoots recognizing their genetic partners.
Mapping biological concepts onto human consciousness One participant cautioned ‘Don’t press the metaphor of biological evolution too hard’. Consider the
– noosphere (which emerges through, and is constituted by, the interaction of human minds – net-based consciousness)
– Global Consciousness Project
The same participant thinks ‘there is more going on than science and pragmatism can uncover’.
Tielhard de Chardin described evolution as a 3-fold process diversification individuation communion when the diversified and individuated entities begin to cooperate
His thinking was thought to be both pantheistic and teleological.
Ervin Laszlo has written in his book ‘Quantum Shift in the Global Brain’ about the brain as a quantum computer, connecting to the mind of God. The Institute of HeartMath researches thinking with the heart and heart intelligence; and a participant quoted Pascal ‘The heart has its reasons which reasons knows nothing of… We know the truth, not only by the reason, but by the heart.’ Links between the body and environmental cues have been discussed in relation to Dr Shepard Siegel’s work on performance, emotion and environment David Bohm’s ‘Thought as a System’ was mentioned as was Henry Markram’s work on a unified model of the brain. ‘Evolution’s Arrow: the direction of evolution and the future of humanity’ by John Stewart was another book mentioned and of course Richard Dawkins’ – ‘The Selfish Gene’
But one participant writes:
‘There are not individuals, just interacting systems at all different levels. And we call some sorts of interaction cooperation and other sorts competition.’
The discussion then moved on to the question of…
Where is technology leading us?
Here are some of the ideas that were thrown into the pot:
Self–replicating machines Autopoietic and allopoietic systems Conway’s ‘Game of Life’ Eric Drexler’s ‘Engines of Creation: The Coming Era of Nanotechnology’ George Dyson’s – ‘Turing’s Cathedral: The Origins of the Digital Universe’ Game theory’ Cybernetics, information theory, network theory and chaos theory are all thought to be important in attempting to understand cooperation. ‘Evolutionary Ecology of Technology’ (an article)
Finally a question from a participant: ‘What are we talking about – semantic cartography?’
Despite the discussion being all over the place the patterns of interest are emerging. | 5,859 | 2,786 | 0.000384 |
warc | 201704 | Title: Symptoms of endocrine treatment and outcome in the BIG 1-98 study Authors: Huober, J × Cole, B F Rabaglio, M Giobbie-Hurder, A Wu, J Ejlertsen, B Bonnefoi, H Forbes, J F Neven, Patrick Láng, I Smith, I Wardley, A Price, K N Goldhirsch, A Coates, A S Colleoni, M Gelber, R D Thürlimann, B BIG 1-98 Collaborative and International Breast Cancer Study Groups # Issue Date: Jan-2014 Publisher: M. Nijhoff Series Title: Breast Cancer Research and Treatment vol:143 issue:1 pages:159-69 Article number: 10.1007/s10549-013-2792-7 Abstract: There may be a relationship between the incidence of vasomotor and arthralgia/myalgia symptoms and treatment outcomes for postmenopausal breast cancer patients with endocrine-responsive disease who received adjuvant letrozole or tamoxifen. Data on patients randomized into the monotherapy arms of the BIG 1-98 clinical trial who did not have either vasomotor or arthralgia/myalgia/carpal tunnel (AMC) symptoms reported at baseline, started protocol treatment and were alive and disease-free at the 3-month landmark (n = 4,798) and at the 12-month landmark (n = 4,682) were used for this report. Cohorts of patients with vasomotor symptoms, AMC symptoms, neither, or both were defined at both 3 and 12 months from randomization. Landmark analyses were performed for disease-free survival (DFS) and for breast cancer free interval (BCFI), using regression analysis to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI). Median follow-up was 7.0 years. Reporting of AMC symptoms was associated with better outcome for both the 3- and 12-month landmark analyses [e.g., 12-month landmark, HR (95 % CI) for DFS = 0.65 (0.49-0.87), and for BCFI = 0.70 (0.49-0.99)]. By contrast, reporting of vasomotor symptoms was less clearly associated with DFS [12-month DFS HR (95 % CI) = 0.82 (0.70-0.96)] and BCFI (12-month DFS HR (95 % CI) = 0.97 (0.80-1.18). Interaction tests indicated no effect of treatment group on associations between symptoms and outcomes. While reporting of AMC symptoms was clearly associated with better DFS and BCFI, the association between vasomotor symptoms and outcome was less clear, especially with respect to breast cancer-related events. URI: ISSN: 0167-6806 Publication status: published KU Leuven publication type: IT Appears in Collections: Gynaecological Oncology | 2,355 | 1,224 | 0.000823 |
warc | 201704 | I know a lot of people give credit to the idea of “time to login“. Personally, I don’t think that’s the right way to look at starting an app. ( Note: As Joshua Flanagan pointed out in the comments below, I completely mis-represented the post I linked to. Sorry about that. The rest of this post is still valid, though.)
Let’s say you are hired to build a time-punch machine, for clocking in and out of work. Do you immediately go and build a secure room with a buzz-in door and hire an armed guard to make sure only actual employees can get to the time-punch machine? Or do you build the time-punch machine and once it’s ready, figure out how the company wants to secure it? Chances are, it’s enough to just have a card wall where people keep their cards. You grab your card and punch-in or punch-out. You don’t grab other’s cards. It’s the honor system and it works. (yes, that was an extreme and probably ridiculous example, but it gets the point across)
Back to software, now… If you’re hired to build a time-tracking software application, why do you want to go off and build a security mechanism first? If the time-punch machine can use the honor system, why can’t the first working version of the time tracking app? Maybe the first version can just deliver a screen that let’s people enter time and write their name in as one of the fields.
It’s About Value, Risk, and Validation
When a client asks you for the time tracking app, their goal is to track time. Yes, they also want to make sure people are tracking their own time and not messing things up. Eventually a security mechanism will be needed as it helps to solve some of these potential problems. But delivering a working version of the time tracking page(s) first gives you much faster feedback on the direction of the app, with something that is actually valuable to the customer – for more valuable than just a login screen.
There is also a lot of risk in building a security system first. It’s very easy to over or under engineer a security system and find out that you built a secure room with armed guard when all you needed was an “on your honor” sign next to the card wall. I’ve often spent weeks or months building a full security system with role management and permissions that are stored in a database, etc, just to find out the client really needed something simple. I’ve also found myself in the opposite corner, building something simple and then the client coming back and saying that they need something much larger. It’s difficult to know with any certainty what kind of security needs a system will have, until there are things that actually need to be secured. Once those exist, though, it’s easier to judge how they need to be secured and how access to them needs to be granted.
As someone who has been a client, and now someone that is in the business of making clients happy, I can tell you that I want to see functionality first. It’s hard to get validation of what your building when you aren’t building the thing that gets you to your end goal. So, don’t build a security system until there is something to secure. | 3,242 | 1,501 | 0.000696 |
warc | 201704 | Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology Industry. The report contains detailed information about SkyePharma plc that gives an unrivalled in-depth knowledge about internal business-environment of the company: data about the owners, senior executives, locations, subsidiaries, markets, products, and company history. Another part of the report is a SWOT-analysis carried out for SkyePharma plc. It involves specifying the objective of the company's business and identifies the different factors that are favorable and unfavorable to achieving that objective. SWOT-analysis helps to understand company’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and possible threats against it. The SkyePharma plc financial analysis covers the income statement and ratio trend-charts with balance sheets and cash flows presented on an annual and quarterly basis. The report outlines the main financial ratios pertaining to profitability, margin analysis, asset turnover, credit ratios, and company’s long-term solvency. This sort of company's information will assist and strengthen your company’s decision-making processes. In the part that describes SkyePharma plc competitors and the industry in whole, the information about company's financial ratios is compared to those of its competitors and to the industry. The unique analysis of the market and company’s competitors along with detailed information about the internal and external factors affecting the relevant industry will help to manage your business environment. Your company’s business and sales activities will be boosted by gaining an insight into your competitors’ businesses. Also the report provides relevant news, an analysis of PR-activity, and stock price movements. The latter are correlated with pertinent news and press releases, and annual and quarterly forecasts are given by a variety of experts and market research firms. Such information creates your awareness about principal trends of SkyePharma plc business. About SkyePharma plc
SkyePharma PLC engages in the research, development, manufacture, and sale of prescription pharmaceutical products. The company has a portfolio of 12 approved products.
Inhalation Products Flutiform: Flutiform is a fixed-dose combination of fluticasone, an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS), and formoterol, a longacting beta agonist (LABA) in a Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI). Flutiform is licensed to Abbott in the United States, to Mundipharma in the rest of the world (apart from Japan and the Americas) and to Kyorin for Japan. Pulmicort HFA-MDI: This new HFA-MDI containing AstraZenecas inhaled corticosteroid Pulmicort (budesonide), which was developed for territories outside the United States. Oral and Topical Products Paxil CR: Paxil CR is a formulation of the antidepressant Paxil and was developed by SkyePharma with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) using SkyePharmas Geomatrix technology. In May 2008, Mylan Pharmaceuticals (Mylan) announced that it had launched a generic version of Paxil CR. Xatral OD: Xatral OD (Uroxatral in the United States) is a once-daily version of sanofi-aventis Xatral (alfuzosin hydrochloride), a treatment for the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). Solaraze: Solaraze (diclofenac), a topical gel treatment for actinic keratosis, is marketed in the United States by Nycomed. Triglide: Triglide (fenofibrate), an oral treatment for elevated blood lipid disorders, is marketed in the United States by Sciele Pharma Inc. (Sciele), a Shionogi Company, and is being sold by Sciele alongside Fenoglide, a fenofibrate product in-licensed from LifeCycle. Requip Once-a-day: Requip Once-a-day is a once daily formulation for Parkinsons disease which was developed in collaboration with GSK. The new extended release Requip uses SkyePharmas patented Geomatrix technology and is designed to provide smoother blood levels of ropinirole without the peaks and troughs that multiple daily doses invariably deliver. ZYFLO CR (zileuton) Extended-Release Tablets: The company developed an extended release formulation of the oral asthma drug zileuton for Cornerstone Therapeutics, Inc (formerly Critical Therapeutics Inc.). ZYFLO CR extended-release tablets, taken twice daily, utilize the company's Geomatrix technology. ZYFLO CR and ZYFLO (zileuton tablets) are the only FDAapproved leukotriene synthesis inhibitors. Cornerstone Therapeutics launched ZYFLO CR in the United States together with its co-promotion partner, Dey, L.P. Sular: In July 2008, the FDA approved a generic version of the old formulation of Sular for the 20mg, 30mg and 40mg doses. In March 2009 a further certification was filed for the 8.5mg and 17mg strengths of the new formulation. Lodotra: Lodotra, developed together with Nitec Pharma AG (Nitec), is a delayed release night-time release formulation of low dose prednisone, a glucocorticoid used in the treatment of inflammatory conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, where it is used as a core treatment. SKP-1041: In December 2008 SkyePharma and its partner, Somnus, completed Phase I trial of the controlled release sleep maintenance drug SKP-1041. The product is a new formulation of zaleplon, a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic agent, which utilises SkyePharmas proprietary Geo clock technology for delayed release. The formulation is designed to treat people who have difficulty maintaining sleep but not with sleep onset, and is intended to prevent middleof- the-night awakening, while avoiding daytime drowsiness. History SkyePharma PLC was founded in 1910.
The above Company Fundamental Report is a half-ready report and contents are subject to change.
It means that we have all necessary data in our database to prepare the report but need 2-3 days to complete it. During this time we are also updating the report with respect to the current moment. So, you can get all the most recent data available for the same price. Please note that preparation of additional types of analyses requires extra time.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
DISCLAIMER
1. SKYEPHARMA PLC COMPANY PROFILE
1.1. Key facts
1.2. Financial Performance 1.3. Key Executives 1.4. Ownership and Major Holders 1.5. Company History 2. SKYEPHARMA PLC BUSINESS OVERVIEW
2.1. Business Description
2.2. Major Products and Services 2.3. Markets and Sales Activities 2.4. Locations, Subsidiaries, Operating Units 3. SKYEPHARMA PLC SWOT ANALYSIS
3.1. Overview
3.2. Strengths 3.3. Weaknesses 3.4. Opportunities 3.5. Threats 4. SKYEPHARMA PLC FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
4.1. Financial Statements
4.1.1. Income Statement 4.1.2. Balance Sheet 4.1.3. Cash Flow 4.2. Financial Ratios 4.2.1. Profitability 4.2.2. Margin Analysis 4.2.3. Asset Turnover 4.2.4. Credit Ratios 4.2.5. Long-Term Solvency 4.2.6. Growth Over Prior Year 4.2.7. Financial Ratios Charts 4.3. Stock Market Snapshot 5. SKYEPHARMA PLC COMPETITORS AND INDUSTRY ANALYSIS
5.1. SkyePharma plc Direct Competitors
5.2. Comparison of SkyePharma plc and Direct Competitors Financial Ratios 5.3. Comparison of SkyePharma plc and Direct Competitors Stock Charts 5.4. SkyePharma plc Industry Analysis 5.4.1. Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology Industry Snapshot 5.4.2. SkyePharma plc Industry Position Analysis 6. SKYEPHARMA PLC NEWS & EVENTS
6.1. News & PR Activity Analysis
6.2. IR Corporate News 6.3. Marketing News 6.4. Corporate Events 7. SKYEPHARMA PLC EXPERTS REVIEW 1
7.1. Experts Opinion
7.2. Experts Estimates 8. SKYEPHARMA PLC ENHANCED SWOT ANALYSIS 2 9. UK PESTEL ANALYSIS 2
9.1. Political Factors
9.2. Economic Factors 9.3. Social Factors 9.4. Technological Factors 9.5. Environmental Factors 9.6. Legal Factors 10. SKYEPHARMA PLC IFE, EFE, IE MATRICES 2
10.1. Internal Factor Evaluation Matrix
10.2. External Factor Evaluation Matrix 10.3. Internal External Matrix 11. SKYEPHARMA PLC PORTER FIVE FORCES ANALYSIS 2 12. SKYEPHARMA PLC VRIO ANALYSIS 2 APPENDIX: RATIO DEFINITIONS LIST OF TABLES
SkyePharma plc Key Facts
Profitability Management Effectiveness Income Statement Key Figures Balance Sheet Key Figures Cash Flow Statement Key Figures Financial Performance Abbreviation Guide SkyePharma plc Key Executives Key Executives Biographies 1 Key Executives Compensations 1 SkyePharma plc Major Shareholders SkyePharma plc History SkyePharma plc Products Revenues by Segment Revenues by Region SkyePharma plc Offices and Representations SkyePharma plc SWOT Analysis Yearly Income Statement Including Trends Income Statement Latest 4 Quarters Including Trends Yearly Balance Sheet Including Trends Balance Sheet Latest 4 Quarters Including Trends Yearly Cash Flow Including Trends Cash Flow Latest 4 Quarters Including Trends SkyePharma plc Profitability Ratios Margin Analysis Ratios Asset Turnover Ratios Credit Ratios Long-Term Solvency Ratios Financial Ratios Growth Over Prior Year SkyePharma plc Capital Market Snapshot SkyePharma plc Direct Competitors Key Facts Direct Competitors Profitability Ratios Direct Competitors Margin Analysis Ratios Direct Competitors Asset Turnover Ratios Direct Competitors Credit Ratios Direct Competitors Long-Term Solvency Ratios Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology Industry Statistics SkyePharma plc Industry Position Company vs. Industry Income Statement Analysis Company vs. Industry Balance Sheet Analysis Company vs. Industry Cash Flow Analysis Company vs. Industry Ratios Comparison SkyePharma plc Consensus Recommendations 1 Analyst Recommendation Summary 1 Price Target Summary 1 Experts Recommendation Trends 1 Revenue Estimates Analysis 1 Earnings Estimates Analysis 1 Historical Surprises 1 Revenue Estimates Trend 1 Earnings Estimates Trend 1 Revenue Revisions 1 LIST OF FIGURES
SkyePharma plc Annual Revenues in Comparison with Cost of Goods Sold and Gross Profit
Profit Margin Chart Operating Margin Chart Return on Equity (ROE) Chart Return on Assets (ROA) Chart Debt to Equity Chart Current Ratio Chart SkyePharma plc 1-year Stock Charts SkyePharma plc 5-year Stock Charts SkyePharma plc vs. Main Indexes 1-year Stock Chart SkyePharma plc vs. Direct Competitors 1-year Stock Charts SkyePharma plc Article Density Chart
1 – Data availability depends on company’s security policy.
2 – These sections are available only when you purchase a report with appropriate additional types of analyses. The complete financial data is available for publicly traded companies. Enhanced SWOT Analysis
Enhanced SWOT is a 3×3 grid that arranges strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats into one scheme:
How to use the strengths to take advantage of the opportunities? How to use the strengths to reduce likelihood and impact of the threats? How to overcome the weaknesses that obstruct taking advantage of the opportunities? How to overcome the weaknesses that can make the threats a reality?
Upon answering these questions a company can develop a project plan to improve its business performance.
PESTEL Analysis
PESTEL (also termed as PESTLE) is an ideal tool to strategically analyze what influence different outside factors – political, economic, sociocultural, technological, environmental and legal – exert on a business to later chart its long term targets.
Being part of the external analysis when carrying out a strategic assessment or performing a market study, PESTEL gives an overview of diverse macro-environmental factors that any company should thoughtfully consider. By perceiving these outside environments, businesses can maximally benefit from the opportunities while minimizing the threats to the organization.
Key Factors Examined by PESTEL Analysis:
Political – What opportunities and pressures are brought by political bodies and what is the degree of public regulations’ impact on the business? Economic – What economic policies, trends and structures are expected to affect the organization, what is this influence’s degree? Sociological – What cultural and societal aspects will work upon the demand for the business’s products and operations? Technological – What impact do the technological aspects, innovations, incentives and barriers have on the organization? Environmental – What environmental and ecological facets, both locally and farther afield, are likely to predetermine the business? Legal – What laws and legislation will exert influence on the style the business is carried out? IFE, EFE, IE Matrices
The Internal Factor Evaluation matrix (IFE matrix) is a strategic management tool helping audit or evaluate major weaknesses and strengths in a business’s functional areas. In addition, IFE matrix serves as a basis for identifying and assessing relationships amongst those areas. The IFE matrix is utilised in strategy formulation.
The External Factor Evaluation matrix (EFE matrix) is a tool of strategic management that is typically utilised to assess current market conditions. It is an ideal instrument for visualising and prioritising the threats and opportunities a firm is facing.
The essential difference between the above mentioned matrices lies in the type of factors incorporated in the model; whilst the latter is engaged in internal factors, the former deals exceptionally with external factors – those exposed to social, political, economic, legal, etc. external forces.
Being a continuation of the EFE matrix and IFE matrix models, the Internal External matrix (IE matrix) rests upon an investigation of external and internal business factors integrated into one suggestive model.
Porter Five Forces Analysis
The Porter’s five forces analysis studies the industry of operation and helps the company find new sources of competitive advantage. The analysis surveys an industry through five major questions:
What composes a threat of substitute products and services? Is there a threat of new competitors entering the market? What is the intensity of competitive rivalry? How big is the bargaining power of buyers? How significant is the bargaining power of suppliers? VRIO Analysis
VRIO stands for Value, Rarity, Imitability, Organization. This analysis helps to evaluate all company’s resources and capabilities and bring them together into one aggregate table that includes:
Tangible resources Financial Physical Technological Organizational Intangible resources Human Innovation and Creativity Reputation Organizational capabilities
The result of the analysis gives a clear picture of company’s competitive and economic implications, answering the questions if the resources mentioned above are:
Valuable? Rare? Costly to imitate? Organized properly? | 14,588 | 6,013 | 0.000168 |
warc | 201704 | Is dieting or exercise better for losing weight?February 1, 2013 in Medicine & Health / Health
Are you diligently exercising but seeing no results around your midsection? It's not just you.
Two new studies may explain why many people who begin exercise programs often lose little to no weight in the long run.
In the first study, published in the online science journal
PLoS One, researchers compared the daily energy expenditures of Westerners and the Hadza, a population of hunter-gatherers living in northern Tanzania. Many believe modern Westerners burn fewer calories than in the past because their lives have become more sedentary. The Hadza, who are generally very lean, hunt and forage for food without modern tools such as vehicles or guns. Men walk about seven miles each day, while women walk about half that.
What was surprising was that although the Hadza seem to be more active, the researchers found little difference in calories burned between the Hadza and their Western counterparts.
The second study, published in
Obesity Reviews, analyzed the effect of exercise interventions on body composition. The researchers found that—contrary to popular belief—when people exercise but keep their energy intake constant, their resting metabolic rate (i.e., metabolism) actually goes down. Exercisers who ate more calories than they usually do did burn more fat than predicted, but some overcompensated and negated the effects of their hard work.
These studies suggest two things: exercise programs may not lead to as much calorie burn as you would think, and many people start eating more when they exercise, and they may eat too much.
Bottom line, if you start exercising to lose weight, you won't succeed with the mentality of "I can eat anything because I'll burn it off later." You will have better results if you choose a healthy diet of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats while exercising. Although these two studies show that diet may be more important than exercise for weight loss, don't discount the other benefits of exercise, including decreased stress and anxiety, improved mood and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some cancers.
Source: Tufts University
"Is dieting or exercise better for losing weight?" February 1, 2013 https://medicalxpress.com/news/2013-02-dieting-weight.html | 2,384 | 1,226 | 0.000825 |
warc | 201704 | In the 20 years since the first exoplanet was detected, astronomers have been homing in on an Earth-like planet orbiting another star. The dream is to find an alien Earth on which life flourishes.
Such a planet will almost certainly have plenty of water, large amounts of gaseous oxygen and even chlorophyll or something very like it. All these things are signatures of life on Earth so it makes sense to look for similar signatures elsewhere, at least for the moment.
So NASA and other space agencies are drawing up plans to launch telescopes capable of spotting these bio-signatures. And that raises an interesting question. If an Earth-like planet orbiting another star does have water, oxygen and chlorophyll, would we be able to spot it?
That’s a question addressed today by Timothy Brandt and David Spiegel at the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton University, New Jersey. These guys have calculated the kind of signal that these features would present on an Earth twin and worked out how good the next generation of space observatories will have to be to spot them.
Astronomers are well aware of the effect that molecules of water, oxygen and ozone have on light— they all absorb strongly in optical wavelengths ranging from 500 to 1000 nanometres (from green to the near infrared). “These molecules are the most prominent absorbers in this spectral range, and are all critical species for terrestrial life,” say Brandt and Spiegel.
Beyond that, in the region of 1 to 4 micrometres, Earth’s spectrum is dominated by the absorption features of water with some broad overlapping features generated by carbon dioxide and methane.
So if an exoplanet is anything like this, light from a nearby star that is reflected from the planet’s surface will bear the signature of these gases.
To find out whether this signature is detectable, Brandt and Spiegel first created a model of the way light would reflects from the surface of such a planet. On the one hand, they consider an ice and desert world and on the other, an Earth analogue with landmasses, vegetation and oceans. In both cases, they consider the case in which clouds obscure 50 per cent of the surface in the case in which no clouds are present.
They then calculate the effect that these molecules would have on the reflection spectrum.
The results make for interesting reading. The easiest molecule to spot by far is water. To pick this out, space telescope must first be able to cope with the contrast between the planet and its parent star, a difference in the region of 1 in 10^10.
It must then be able to resolve the reflected spectrum with a resolution that allows it to distinguish water’s absorption bands. Brandt and Spiegel say this ought to be possible with a resolving power greater than 20, which is well within the reach of today’s instruments.
Oxygen, on the other hand, is more difficult to see. Brandt and Spiegel calculate that the spectral resolving power of a space observatory would need to be in the region of 150, somewhat higher than is possible today, they say. At the same time, detecting oxygen will require three times a signal to noise ratio as detecting water.
But both these goals seem achievable. “Our results suggest that a well-designed space mission could detect O2 and H2O in a nearby Earth twin,” they say.
Spotting chlorophyll, however, will be much harder. Earth’s reflection spectrum contains a “red edge” produced by chlorophyll’s absorption of red light on the surface. An important question is whether the family of chlorophyll-like molecules can work at wavelengths that are significantly different from this.
Even if they don’t, the signature will be hard to see. Brandt and Spiegel conclude that a future mission “would need to be significantly more sensitive (or very lucky) to see alien chlorophyll.”
These results point towards an obvious strategy for studying promising exoplanets. Brandt and Spiegel say that such missions should begin by looking for water and then oxygen on the more favourable planets. But the search for chlorophyll should be reserved for later, since it will be much more time-consuming and therefore expensive, and only then on the most promising targets.
When might we begin looking for such planets? Not any time soon.
NASA has developed plans for is space observatory called the Advanced Technology Large-Aperture Space Telescope or ATLAST with this goal in mind. This is envisioned as a flagship mission on a timescale beyond 2025.
That’s some way off. But when space observatories like these finally begin to gather data, it’s quite possible that they will make some of the most astounding discoveries in the history of science.
Ref: arxiv.org/abs/1404.5337 : Prospects for Detecting Oxygen, Water, and Chlorophyll in an Exo-Earth | 4,896 | 2,251 | 0.000456 |
warc | 201704 | Search Results Tagged With Self-Care https://nwpf.org/stay-informed/blog/2013/08/are-there-recommendations-for-the-best-type-of-mattress-for-parkinsons/
Preference for bedding and type of mattress differs from one person to the next. An old mattress can be uncomfortable, lose its support and contribute to back pain or sleeping problems.
August 03, 2013
Parkinson’s disease is not a condition transmitted by blood so having PD does not exclude a person from giving blood.
November 12, 2012
You have just received a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) or perhaps you have been living with PD for many years. Either way, you are probably wondering what steps are important for living your b…
July 07, 2016 https://nwpf.org/stay-informed/blog/2013/02/how-does-parkinsons-affect-cognition-what-can-be-done-about-it/
Cognitive changes associated with Parkinson’s are mostly a category of thinking skills called executive function.
February 06, 2013
A positive attitude and gratitude for that which adds meaning and value to life can help you deal with life’s set backs, frustrations and improve health related problems.
December 17, 2012
Music therapy is the use of music, sound, and rhythm to restore, maintain and/or improving physical, emotional, psychosocial and neurological function.
August 05, 2012 https://nwpf.org/stay-informed/blog/2012/07/parkinson’s-fitness-programs-need-to-be-tailored-to-the-individual-to-get-results/
Begin by consulting with your medical exercise team (your healthcare provider, physical therapist and exercise trainer with medical expertise).
July 14, 2012
What is the association between Parkinson’s and depression? Many people with Parkinson’s experience depression, in fact, up to 50% of people with Parkinson’s.
May 07, 2012
Help us make this site yours!
Let us know what is of interest to you and the Parkinson’s topics you would like to learn about by commenting to this post
April 14, 2012
Caregiver burnout is caused by emotional and physical stress that is associated with the toll caregiving can place on finances, social engagement and physical health. In this blog, we will explore si…
September 15, 2014 | 2,226 | 1,155 | 0.000897 |
warc | 201704 | What is Parkinson's disease? What is Parkinson's disease?
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a brain disorder associated with a loss of dopamine nerve cells in a brain region called the
basal ganglia. The basal ganglia consist of a network of nuclei or nerve circuits involved in motor control. The figure on the right illustrates key regions of the basal ganglia. Dopamine nerve cells are located in the substantia nigra. This nucleus, in turn, projects to other regions within the motor circuit including the caudate nucleus, putamen, thalamus and subthalamic nuclei. One of the primary tasks for these nerve cells is the planning, initiation, and control of movement.
Motor symptoms of PD emerge as these nerve cells degenerate. In fact it is estimated that between 60 to 70% of dopamine nerve cells are lost before the initial motor symptoms are noticed.
Motor symptoms typically begin on one side of the body and over time 'spread' to the other side. These include:
Rest tremor Bradykinesia Rigidity Postural Instability
More information on motor and non-motor symptoms can be found in the Symptoms section.
Are there non-motor symptoms?
Nonmotor symptoms are listed below. These symptoms can precede the earliest motor symptoms:
Loss of smell Depression or anxiety Constipation RLS REM Sleep disorder
Occur after diagnosis throughout the disease:
Cognitive symptoms- executive dysfunction Behavioral symptoms- depression, anxiety, apathy Pain- Restless leg syndrome, burning sensation, spasm Autonomic dysfunction- constipation, bladder control problems, low blood pressure, temperature dysregulation and sexual dysfunction Sleep- REM sleep disorder, poor sleep, sleep apnea
Parkinson's medications can also worsen non-motor symptoms:
Confusion and visual hallucinations Sedation Impulsivity control Lightheadedness due to low blood pressure Nausea Leg swelling
Learn more about PD diagnosis and progression.
Learn more about motor and non-motor symptoms.
Monique L. Giroux, MD
Guest Blogger, Former Medical Director of NWPF | 2,047 | 1,018 | 0.000994 |
warc | 201704 | We think that the time has now come to remove all the sanctions that hurt us economically, because our country is in a position to open up to those who are interested in taking part in our economic enterprises. We would like to invite all of you to come to see our country, to see why you should invest there, and see how you can invest there in such a way that you will benefit from it as much as we can.Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
When President Obama was first elected in 2008, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was in her thirteenth year of house arrest. This April, the Burmese people elected Daw Suu as the official State Counsellor. Daw Suu's political transformation mirrors that of Myanmar, which has overcome decades of military rule to achieve a democratic state.
Yesterday, during Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s first official visit to the Oval Office, President Obama announced plans to reward Burma’s progress by lifting long-held U.S. sanctions, stating that it is “the right thing to do in order to ensure that the people of Burma see rewards from a new way of doing business and a new government.” Speaking on behalf of the Burmese people, State Counselor Daw Suu thanked the United States for its continued support in fighting for “a truly democratic, federal union - a union in which we can create true strength of our diversity, in which we can celebrate our diversity as a greater resource, a greater richness.”
Watch President Obama and State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi deliver their remarks:
Or read them here.
Daw Suu, once a prisoner in her own country, sat down to reflect on what her first visit to the U.S. as an elected leader of Burma meant:
Read the joint statement released between Myanmar and the United States:
“At the invitation of President Barack Obama, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, State Counsellor of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, is on an official visit to Washington, D.C. in September 2016. During the visit, State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and President Obama held a meeting on September 14 in the White House and adopted this joint statement.
Both leaders remarked on the tremendous change in Myanmar over the past five years, during which time Myanmar moved from a military government through a period of opening, held free and fair elections in November 2015, and inaugurated a new, democratically elected government in March 2016. State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi expressed her appreciation for the role played by the United States and other members of the international community in encouraging and supporting this transformation, and President Obama affirmed continued U.S. support for Myanmar's democratic transition. Both leaders noted that Myanmar's transition has allowed for a dramatic change in the bilateral relationship, creating opportunities to build a robust, multi-faceted partnership for the mutual benefit of both countries.
The State Counsellor reiterated to the President her commitment to furthering Myanmar's democratic transition by pursuing peace, national reconciliation, and inclusive growth. She expressed her belief that the 21st Century Panglong process, inaugurated on August, 31, 2016, would lead to a lasting peace with armed ethnic groups and help the people of Myanmar build an inclusive Union that embraced the country's rich diversity. She stressed her government’s commitment to the resolution of the complex political, economic, and humanitarian challenges in Rakhine State and the development of the state's economic potential. Noting that peace, national reconciliation, and inclusive economic growth were mutually reinforcing, the State Counsellor described the range of economic policies the Government of Myanmar was pursuing to develop its economy. She stressed that Myanmar welcomes international investment to help promote strong, inclusive, and long-term economic growth and asked that the United States lift remaining sanctions on Myanmar to encourage this investment and in recognition of the steps Myanmar has taken toward democratization.
The President told the State Counsellor that the primary focus of U.S. policy toward Myanmar was to help Myanmar succeed. He reiterated that the United States would continue its strong support, both diplomatically and through assistance programs, for the priorities expressed by the State Counsellor. He welcomed the Myanmar government's initiatives to address the longstanding concerns of all communities in Rakhine State, including the establishment of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State chaired by Mr. Kofi Annan, former Secretary General of the United Nations. The President expressed his hope that all parties to civil conflict in Myanmar would seize the opportunity offered by the 21st Century Panglong process to seek peace and build the foundations for a democratic, federal Union through dialogue. The President affirmed the importance of the role of civil society in the pursuit of Myanmar’s national development goals and the promotion and protection of human rights and democratic governance. The President expressed his commitment to helping Myanmar achieve inclusive economic growth, both through continued assistance and by changes to U.S. policy designed to encourage responsible investment in Myanmar. Concurring with the State Counsellor on the importance of the rule of law, the President said the United States would continue to support Myanmar's efforts to develop domestic institutions to promote the rule of law and would work closely with Myanmar and other partners in ASEAN to address regional and transnational challenges including nonproliferation and countering the scourge of drugs, terrorism, and extremism.
The President and the State Counsellor committed to mark this new era in the bilateral relationship by announcing a U.S.-Myanmar Partnership. This partnership, anchored by annual dialogues led by the U.S. Department of State and Myanmar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will allow the two countries to broaden and deepen their cooperation across a range of sectors. To further this effort, the President and the State Counsellor committed to collaborate on the following steps:
Grace Aranow is an intern in the Office of Digital Strategy. | 6,263 | 2,637 | 0.000383 |
warc | 201704 | Death by Forklift is Really the PITs
Powered Industrial Trucks are critical to many industries. By implementing a forklift safety program and effective training, you can ensure that this asset doesn't become a liability.
By Chuck Paulausky Sep 01, 2013
The owner of a machinery and equipment training school was killed while filming a forklift safety video. He was thrown from the forklift and crushed. The investigation revealed the fatality was due to driver error, high speed over rough terrain, and an unused seat belt. Unfortunately, this type of forklift fatality is all too common. OSHA statistics indicate that there are roughly 85 forklift fatalities and 34,900 serious injuries each year, with 42 percent of the forklift fatalities from the operator's being crushed by a tipping vehicle.
The safest place for the driver to be is strapped into the seat with a seat belt. According to OSHA, its enforcement policy on the use of seat belts on powered industrial trucks is that "employers are obligated to require operators of powered industrial trucks which are equipped with operator restraint devices or seat belts to use the devices." Compliance officers will enforce the use of such devices under Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act, the General Duty Clause.
OSHA has established detailed regulations for operation of "powered industrial trucks," which include all types of material-handling vehicles, from forktrucks to powered pallet jacks to order-pickers. The Powered Industrial Truck (PIT) regulations can be found at 29 CFR 1910.178. Incorporated into the regulation by reference, ANSI B56.1-1969 covers the design and construction requirements for PITs.
The OSHA regulation provides specific designations for PITs based on the type of power source and safeguards. In addition, "designated locations" are identified, such as hazardous atmospheres. The regulation also covers a variety of other topics, including operation, maintenance, and regular, documented inspections of the vehicles. One critical part of the regulation covers operator training.
PITs can be especially unforgiving under the wrong conditions. Operators need to understand that PITs are very different from regular vehicles in the way they maneuver and are balanced. Employees who have never driven a PIT will not have the innate knowledge and skill to drive one without training. For this reason, much of the required training is focused on operation, load capacity, stability, and operating limitations.
Some of the key factors that should be covered to help operators understand technical aspects of forklift operation include:
Center of Gravity: The size and the center of gravity of a load can directly affect the safe lifting capacity of the PIT. Positioning the center of gravity as close as possible to the center of the PIT will help keep the vehicle from toppling sideways, especially when turning. Load Center: The load center relates to the distance of the center of gravity from the vertical face of the forks. Keeping the load as close as possible to the vertical face will help keep the load from overcoming the counterweight at the rear of the vehicle and causing it to tip forward. Simple calculations can be used to determine whether a load can be handled by a particular forklift: Capacity x rated Load Center = Maximum Allowable Inch-Pounds. Dividing this by a load's actual load center will tell you the maximum allowable weight for the load. For example, let's say a forklift has a 4000-pound capacity with a 24-inch load center. The Maximum Allowable Inch-Pounds is 96,000 in-lbs. Suppose a load has a 30-inch Load Center. Dividing 96,000 by 30" results in 3,200 pounds, the maximum the load can weigh to be safely lifted by this forklift. Stability Triangle: This is a triangle formed by the front axle and the rear center point inline with rear axle. The combined center of gravity (load center plus vehicle center of gravity) must stay within the stability triangle to maintain stability. Speed of travel, centrifugal force from turning, load height, mast tilt, ground slope, and various other factors also will affect the location of the combined center of gravity.
Site-Specific Training is Required Operators must receive training for each type of PIT they will be operating, including the use of any attachment (e.g., manlifts, drum attachments, etc.). The training also must include the conditions under which the vehicle will be operated, such as surface conditions, ramps and slopes, hazardous locations, visibility, and pedestrian traffic. Because these factors are different from workplace to workplace, OSHA requires the training to be site-specific.
Training must be conducted by "persons with the necessary knowledge, training, and experience to train powered industrial truck operators and evaluate their competence." The training must include both formal instruction and practical driver training. Trainees also must be evaluated initially and every three years thereafter to establish that they are qualified to operate the equipment safely.
Refresher training is required: (1) whenever an operator is observed operating unsafely, (2) when an operator receives an unsatisfactory evaluation, (3) when an operator is assigned to a different type of PIT, and (4) when changes in workplace conditions could affect safe operation. As with any OSHA-required training, the training and evaluations must be documented.
The use of Powered Industrial Trucks is critical to many industries. By implementing a forklift safety program and effective PIT training, you can ensure that this asset doesn't become a liability.
Stay Safe!
This updated article was originally published in the June 2008 issue of the Journal of Environmental Management-Arizona.
This article originally appeared in the September 2013 issue of Occupational Health & Safety. | 5,884 | 2,610 | 0.000385 |
warc | 201704 | Culination wants to teach you how to become a top chef
As much as I may want to prepare scrumptious dinners I am no cook. The last time I prepared a meal for a guy in my life, I went down to my local family-owned Italian restaurant, bought some Eggplant Parmigiana, heated it up in the oven and pretended it was mine. (Don't judge me.)
In comes Culination, a website and app that, if it ever makes it to market, would allow chefs to bring their recipes to life through video. The brainchild of Caen Contee, a chef who's worked at a Michelin Star restaurant and is collaborating with James Beard award-winning restaurants, although he is only 27 years old, Culination would enable users to advance at their own pace through recipes and ultimately achieve different levels of cooking certification. If you are preparing a recipe and don’t know how to zest an orange or dice an apple, you would be able to click on a short video that shows you how. The site or app would remember that you watched the video and log it as learned, which would go towards your learning progression, and help it suggest suitable new recipes for you in the future. It would also connect to an online store so you could have ingredients – and cooking tools – shipped to your door.
As much as I like the idea Culination has a lot of convincing to do. The company has no website and has not yet released an app. Contee is, instead, trying to crowdsource the money he needs to create the first 40 videos. But with just a few days left to go in its Indiegogo campaign, he's only a little more than halfway to his modest $30,000 goal. That's too bad, because I think Culination represents an opportunity for increasing the accessibility of advanced education. Actual proven ability may soon trump degrees because of sites such as Culination, Udacity, Lynda.com, and Khan Academy. We've already seen it happen in Silicon Valley.
I hope Contee makes it because I never want to try and pass off someone else's Eggplant Parmigiana as my own ever again. | 2,039 | 1,097 | 0.000921 |
warc | 201704 | March 13, 2016
My co-worker recommended
The Martian to me, after she and her husband went to see the movie based on it. I might decide to see the movie at some point, just for the visual enjoyment, but I’m sure the book is better (as is almost always the case).
It also turned out to be our book club’s selection for March, and we all agreed it was a great choice (except for one person who couldn’t make it to our meeting, who found it rather dry). We were impressed by Mark Watley’s ingenuity and enjoyed his humor.
What I really wanted to know after reading it, though, was how much
The Martian gets right – and wrong – about science. Finding online articles on the subject turned out to be easy, though I was frustrated to discover that nearly all of them deal with the movie, not the novel, and at least one of the things the movie gets wrong is where it differs from the novel. But I finally found one that is specific to the novel.
Read the rest of this entry »
May 8, 2014
I checked this book on CD out of the library at the librarian’s recommendation, when I was looking for something we could listen to during our trip to Michigan and back for Zach’s graduation. I mentioned that we all like science fiction, so Pam suggested
Robopocalypse.
It’s a reasonably interesting story (at least it kept me alert while driving hour after hour, although Jon managed to fall asleep a few times while it played). We would have preferred less coarse language, but it likely is fairly realistic considering that the book is all about fighting a war.
Read the rest of this entry »
March 18, 2014
Yesterday our younger son asked why science fiction so often portrays problems that arise from a mix of the biological with the mechanical. We had an interesting conversation about real-life instances of machines embedded in people’s bodies, such as mechanical heart valves and cochlear implants. Such devices clearly improve a person’s quality of life without raising concerns that machines could be taking over.
Science fiction, of course, is always looking at what could happen in the future based on current trends. Might we someday have implants that challenge our ability to distinguish between person and machine? Or that make the distinction meaningless?
Read the rest of this entry »
October 6, 2013
I had no idea that Mary Doria Russell had written a sequel to her excellent novel
The Sparrow. It didn’t need a sequel and any continuation of the story could easily be a disappointment.
But I happened to notice
Children of God in the library and recognized the author’s name. Considering the spiritual depth and emotional impact of the first book, I decided to finish up some lighter reading before tackling this new novel.
Once I started it, however, I was engrossed in the story. It deals less with specifically spiritual issues (i.e. in terms of our relationship with God – though everything we do has spiritual significance) and more with sociological and political matters. Much of the story takes place on the planet Rakhat, and I have to agree with those reviewers who see those as the more interesting parts of the book. I cared what happened to Emilio Sandoz, but as a character he is less of a draw than in
The Sparrow.
Read the rest of this entry » May 17, 2013
Orson Scott Card is a prolific writer, and there are a number of his books that I haven’t read, but whenever I see another book related to
Ender’s Game, I read it. First he wrote sequels, starting with Speaker for the Dead, then later he went back and wrote a parallel series in which the central character is Bean rather than Ender.
I don’t think any of them are as good as Ender’s Game, but I read all of them, because Card is a good writer and I’m interested in the characters and themes he explores in the series. So when I saw
Ender’s World in the library, it was a given that I would read it, even before I knew what it was about.
Ender’s World is a book of essays, rather than fiction, and written by other people about Card’s classic novel (but edited by Card, who includes Q&A about how and why he wrote various aspects of the book the way he did). As one reader review at amazon.com says, it’s a bit like having a book club discussion about Ender’s Game. Everyone has a slightly different take on it.
Read the rest of this entry »
April 23, 2013
Anvil of Stars is the sequel to Greg Bear’s The Forge of God. While the previous novel dealt with human reactions to the impending end of the world, this book chronicles what follows: the journey of a small group of human survivors whose purpose is to find and destroy whatever race of beings is responsible for the destruction of Earth.
The larger part of the remnant of humanity – rescued by some other unknown alien group referred to only as the Benefactors – has been settled on New Mars, a newly terraformed version of the Red Planet. But the Benefactors require that a group of children from a destroyed planet set out on a Ship of the Law to bring the Killers to justice.
By the time the novel starts, they aren’t exactly “children” anymore – the youngest of them are teens, and their current leader is in his early twenties. But they continue to be referred to as “the children,” which I found somewhat discordant. Perhaps it emphasizes their sense of dependence on the “moms” – robots belonging to the Ship of the Law who have taught them the Law and trained them for war with the Killers.
Read the rest of this entry »
April 3, 2013
Having decided to read something else by Greg Bear (after reading Dinosaur Summer), I chose
The Forge of God. I’ve read a number of post-apocalyptic science fiction stories, usually where humans are the cause of worldwide destruction. This is the first I can think of that I’ve read – from a sci-fi perspective anyway – about the time period before the end of the world.
It’s not humans who threaten to cause their own doom; aliens from some unknown place in the universe are the villains here. They send out machines that destroy planets, presumably to re-make them in a form more suited to the aliens. The science behind the means of the expected destruction is explained in some detail, though my knowledge of those areas of science isn’t enough to know how convincing the scenarios are.
What is of more interest to me is how different people react to the prospect of not only their own death but the end of humanity. Some want to fight back, even if they can’t change the ultimate outcome. Some turn to religion, convinced that the aliens are acting as agents of God’s judgment. Some try to squeeze in all the enjoyable experiences they can have before the end. Others seem overwhelmed by anger, fear, and or despair.
Hardly anyone just goes on with life as usual. Parents keep their children home from school. Businesses fail to deliver products on their normal schedules so stores run out of fresh food.
I can’t say how I would react if I knew for certain that the end was coming in the near future. But it has always made sense to me that one should live in such a way that, if one were to find out that death was coming soon, there would be no need to start living differently. I’m not saying I succeed in living up to that ideal, but I can’t think of major changes I think I would make if I found out I were dying (in a sense other than the way we all are). | 7,647 | 3,540 | 0.000294 |
warc | 201704 | One of the topics I covered during my presentation about using Akka.NET in production at MarkedUp was the concept of stateful applications built with actors - the idea that state can
reside within your application rather than outside of it by default, and how it was this idea that made our marketing automation product possible to build.
This tweet from an attendee sums up the realization well:
@Aaronontheweb A key take away for me is Actors are stateful and I do not have to get/post constantly from Redis. Wow that is liberating.— akshay123 (@akshay123) August 12, 2015
Exactly right! Actors can be stateful - and that means we no longer have to factor round-trip times to SQL Server, Redis, Cassandra, or whatever into the design of our applications. The application
already has the state it needs to do its job by the time a request arrives! The Limitations of Stateless Design
The traditional way of developing web applications is stateless - and that’s a natural consequence of HTTP, itself an inherently stateless protocol.
But unless you’re just serving up static content, nearly all of the web applications we are responsible for as developers are stateful!
For instance, all of the following commonly developed types of applications have mission-critical behavior that is inherently stateful:
Application Type Stateful Entities eCommerce inventory, pricing, availability Social Apps updates, graph CRM activity / deadlines Analytics reports / indicators Marketing Automation activity / rules HR resource status, workflow state IoT device status Games multiplayer Chat / Messaging messages
I could spend all day coming up with different examples for this, but the point’s clear:
a large part of our jobs as engineers already consists of managing, mutating, and retrieving state. Why Stateless Design Worked
Throughout most of the history of web programming, however, we’ve largely delegated these responsibilities to the database. I would argue that most web applications, even today in 2015, follow this CRUD design:
In this design, your “web application” is really just a stateless command processor - all of the information about a user’s session, such as their identity and authorization claims, are really stored and retrieved from the database. All of the content you need to serve, whether it’s listing products for an eCommerce system or any of the other examples I gave above, are all things that fundamentally live in the database.
What makes this design great is that it cleanly separates your application from your data - you can easily throw more web servers under a load balancer if your traffic increases. And you can easily update your stateless web applications dozens of times a day without worrying about the availability of your data.
There’s a lot to like about this design - that’s why it’s ubiquitous in modern web programming.
Where Stateless Falls Short
But increasingly, this stateless application approach is showing its age. There are two primary areas where this design falls apart:
Can’t support increasingly popular categories of applications demanded by users- any application that needs to perform real-time work could never be built using stateless CRUD models, because you need state locality in order to achieve those response times. This is why you’ll never see a multiplayer video game or chat application implemented using a stateless application model. Can’t support increasingly large workloads- as I point out in my talk, the Internet is a much larger place now than it was a few years ago and we developers are expected to retain and use as much data as possible in order to satisfy the increasingly high standards of our customers. As a result of that, we’re throwing a lotmore information at our data tier than we used to - like multiple orders of magnitude more data. And those databases can’t scale to support arbitrarily large workloads, especially write-heavy ones. Thus we have to rethink the way we store and retrieve data in order to support the larger units of work while still maintaining fast response times.
It’s because of both of these trends that many architects are being forced to reconsider the decades-old stateless “get the data into SQL Server as fast as possible” approach to web application design.
One solution many architects are considering for solving the “data layer scalability problem” is NoSQL. This approach certainly worked for me and our first product at MarkedUp (we used Cassandra and Hadoop,) but it didn’t make a difference at all when it came to building our second product, which imposed a soft real-time requirement that was essential to the success of the product.
So I would like to propose a new possibility… Developing
stateful web applications. Stateful Applications
The idea behind stateful applications is elegantly simple: your application is the single source of truth for the “state” of things, and your database is just cold storage / backup.
For instance, if we were to architect a typical web application to be “stateful,” here’s one way how that might look:
We retain the stateless Web UI / presentation layer, because we want to keep the benefit of being able to deploy changes to our UI with zero risk to the integrity of our state. This design achieves that. But we’ve added a new, “middle” application tier that sits between the Web UI and the database. This is novel part of the design.
The stateful middle service is responsible for doing the following:
Accumulating state, in-memory, and asynchronously flushing updates in critical state to a durable store; Re-hydrating its state, on-demand, from the durable store; Fulfilling requests from other servicesusing its state; and most importantly Reacting to changes in state as they occur in real-time.
It’s the fourth trait that makes this design approach so powerful, and it’s something no off-the-shelf NoSQL product could ever do for you. The ability to react in an application-specific way to changes in state over time is an immensely powerful tool - this is what allowed MarkedUp In-App Marekting to function quickly and at considerable scale.
Instead of polling the database for answers continuously, which increases contention, I/O, response times, and error rates, we can simply react to changes we’re interested in as they occur. This change can produce a multiple order of magnitude increase in throughput, responsiveness, resiliency, and scalability of the system.
By treating the database like merely a durable store for looking things up and not the beating heart of our application, many of the problems we run into with the traditional CRUD model are gone.
For instance, suppose we were building a marketing automaton system and our customer wanted to send one of their users a message after that user had triggered events 0-3, often in
rapid succession.
This approach would fail miserably using the CRUD model - observe:
CRUD: Theory
In theory, this is how it would work if we trusted the database to handle everything for us. Our stateless web application would write the event currently being observed to the database, and then read that event
plus all of the other accumulated events out of the database. Eventually, when the last event was observed, we’d send the message to the end-user because the database would have returned all four events to us.
In reality, this idea failed miserably - even under the most idealized test environment.
CRUD: Reality
The CRUD design simply can’t account for two things:
Consistency of the data store at the time of query, even under ACID; Concurrency of the events and requests happening at the level above the database.
As a result, the values you retrieve under this Read-after-Write model are chaotic and random. Whether you use SQL Server or Cassandra is irrelevant. You’d have this problem with any database.
The real failure of this system is that we’re trusting the database to be responsible for the ordering of the messages and to have an immediately consistent view of that data whenever we please, ignoring any other traffic or network conditions that might be affecting the application as a whole or the database specifically. This is madness.
So to resolve this problem, we take matters into our own hands.
Stateful: Reality
Under the stateful programming approach, we design our system such that all events for an individual user are always routed to the exact same machine and the exact same actor in our network; in Akka.NET a Consistent Hashing Router is one such tool we could use to accomplish this.
These events can arrive in any arbitrary order, interleaved with other events potentially, and multiple web servers operating under the load-balancer can each forward one or more of these events to the stateful application server responsible for accumulating them for this user. But once all four events are observed, this fact is both consistent and well-known to the application
immediately without needing to talk to a database.
The result is a predictable product with low overhead, great scalability, and
extremely fast response times.
The tradeoff is in that it requires more care and caution to deploy updates to the stateful application and requires the developers to learn how to manage their state in a concurrent + distributed fashion. This used to be quite hard, which is why this type of application design has been rare until very recently, hence why Akka.NET and the actor model have become so popular.
Why You Should Learn Stateful Application Design… Today!
By now I’ve made it clear that the CRUD model of application design limits our success and self-expression as developers, and therefore we must change our assumptions and design techniques in order to meet the standards of today’s users and information economy. Nothing is more crucial than taking control of your state back from the database.
If message-ordering and timeliness is important to you, deal with it at the application level.
If dynamic state-driven behavior is something your application needs, a database won’t do this for you.
And on and on.
Not every application will have stateful requirements that necessitate the need to have a stateful service, but those applications will become the exception rather than the rule in the future. Becoming comfortable with state
and distributing it across a networked application is something web developers will become expected to do.
So I’d like to give you access to a possibility:
what if you could be the person who transformed your organization to use stateful programming to your advantage? What if we embraced this coming change as an opportunity to revolutionize our software and make the experience of its users radically better than could ever be accomplished using CRUD alone? You could take that on. Try it!
If you want to learn more about how to put stateful programming to work for you, I suggest checking out the example below and
signing up for our Akka.Cluster training course, where we dive deep on the subject. If you’ve never done Akka.NET or stateful programming with actors before, give Akka.NET Bootcamp a try - that’ll show you the ropes. A Real-World Example
In the video below, I explain how and why our attempts to build MarkedUp In-app Marketing with stateless design approaches failed, and ultimately how stateful application programming techniques are what made this product possible to build.
It’s about 30 minutes in length, although we do an hour of Q&A afterwards. Definitely recommend watching it to see if any of the painful mistakes I made are ones you can learn from for free.
Upcoming Petabridge Live Akka.NET Webinar Trainings
Get up to speed on the bleeding edge of large-scale .NET development with the Petabridge team. Each training is done remotely via webinar, lasts four hours, and will save you
weeks of trial and error.
Course US/EU Dates Asia / Australia Dates Akka.NET Application Architecture and Design Patterns Building Networked .NET Applications with Akka.Remote .NET Distributed Systems Architecture and Design with Akka.Cluster | 12,363 | 5,460 | 0.000188 |
warc | 201704 | One membrane, many frequenciesMarch 27, 2007 in /
Modern hearing aids, though quite sophisticated, still do not faithfully reproduce sound as hearing people perceive it. New findings at the Weizmann Institute of Science shed light on a crucial mechanism for discerning different sound frequencies and thus may have implications for the design of better hearing aids.
Research by Dr. Itay Rousso of the Weizmann Institute’s Structural Biology Department, which recently appeared in the
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggests that a thin structure in the inner ear called the tectorial membrane responds to different frequencies. This membrane communicates between the outer hair cells (which amplify sound in the form of mechanical vibrations) and the inner hair cells (which convert these mechanical vibrations to electrical signals and pass them on to the brain via the auditory nerve). If certain genes for this membrane are missing or damaged, total deafness ensues.
Rousso and research student Rachel Gueta, together with researchers at the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, wanted to explore the mechanical properties of the tectorial membrane. Using an atomic force microscope, which probes surfaces with a fine microscopic needle, they tested the resistance of the gel-like membrane at various points to assess precisely how rigid or flexible it was. To their surprise, the scientists found that the level of rigidity varies significantly along the length of the membrane: One end of the membrane can be up to ten times more rigid than the other.
These differences occur in the part of the membrane that is in direct contact with the outer hair cells. Observation under a scanning electron microscope revealed that this variation is due to changes in the way the protein fibers are arranged: At one end, they form a flimsy, net-like structure that allows the membrane to be flexible; on the rigid side, the fibers are densely and uniformly packed.
The more rigid a tectorial membrane is, the higher the frequency at which it can vibrate. Thus, the flexible end of the membrane, which should respond to low-frequency vibration, is found near the hair cells that transmit low frequencies, and the rigid end near hair cells that transmit high ones. This spatial separation, say the scientists, translates into the ability to distinguish between sounds of different frequencies.
The new understanding of the mechanics of hearing may assist in the development of better hearing aids. Rousso, meanwhile, plans to continue exploring how variations in membrane rigidity affect hearing. He intends to test tectorial membranes under different physiological conditions to further understand how we hear such a wide range of frequencies (the highest is a thousand times the lowest), as well as to shed light on the causes of certain hearing problems.
Source: American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science
"One membrane, many frequencies" March 27, 2007 https://phys.org/news/2007-03-membrane-frequencies.html | 3,053 | 1,448 | 0.000695 |
warc | 201704 | Researchers at the University of Bergen and Uni Research have found that a certain type of tunicate - ascidiacea - can be used as a renewable source of biofuel and fish food. This is particularly good news for the growing ...
The sight of valuable fish being thrown back into the sea, mostly to die, has been a public relations headache for the fishing industry and driven calls for a discard ban by celebrity chefs and environmentalists.
(Phys.org) —Researchers working with the groundfish fishing industry in the Pacific Northwest have tested a new "flexible sorting grid excluder" – a type of bycatch reduction device that shows promise to significantly ...
Palau's president has proposed banning all commercial fishing in the Pacific nation's waters to create one of the world's largest marine reserves, covering an area roughly the size of France.
U.S. commercial and recreational saltwater fishing generated more than $199 billion in sales and supported 1.7 million jobs in the nation's economy in 2011, according to a new economic report released by NOAA's Fisheries ...
Fishers near marine protected areas end up traveling farther to catch fish but maintain their social and economic well-being, according to a study by fisheries scientists at Washington State University and in Hawaii.
EU fishery ministers agreed Wednesday to implement a ban on discards—the wasteful practice of dumping unwanted fish overboard—by easing quota limits, much to the anger of environmental groups.
Peruvian authorities say at least 50 sea lions have been intentionally poisoned with fish laced with insecticides since mid-January off a single beach.
The European Parliament approved Wednesday a new fisheries accord hailed by environmental groups as a breakthrough in managing a key food resource which has been over-exploited for years.
EU fishery ministers began difficult talks Tuesday on the vexed question of 2013 quotas as they sought to balance conflicting demands from environmentalists and fishermen alike. | 2,038 | 1,091 | 0.000932 |
warc | 201704 | Contaminant inputs from wastewater discharge, a major source of contamination to Santa Monica Bay (SMB), have declined drastically during the last three decades as a result of improved treatment processes and better source control. To assess the concomitant temporal changes in the SMB sediments, a study was initiated in June 1997, in which 25 box cores were collected using a stratified random sampling design. Five sediment strata corresponding to the time intervals of 1890-1920, 1932-1963, 1965-1979, 1979-1989, and 1989-1997 were identified using 210Pb dating techniques. Samples from each stratum were analyzed for metals, 1,1,1-Trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDT) and its metabolites (DDTs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and total organic carbon (TOC). Samples from the 1965-1979, 1979-1989, and 1989-1997 strata were also analyzed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and linear alkylbenzenes (LABs). Sediment metal concentrations increased from 1890-1979 and were similar during the time intervals of 1965-1979, 1979-1989, and 1989-1997, although the mass emissions of trace metals from sewage inputs declined substantially during the same time period. Trace organic contamination in SMB was generally highest in sediments corresponding to deposition during the years of 1965-1979 or 1979-1989 and showed a decline in concentration in the 1989-1997 stratum. Temporal trends of contamination were greatest in sediments collected from areas near the Hyperion Treatment Plant (HTP) outfall system and on the slope of Redondo Canyon. The highest contaminant concentrations were present in sediments near the HTP 7-mile outfall in the 1965-1979 stratum. Elevated trace metal and organic concentrations were still present in the 1989-1997 stratum of most stations, suggesting that sediment contaminants have moved vertically in the sediment column since sludge discharges from the 7-mile outfall (a dominant source of contamination to the bay) ceased in 1987. The widespread distributions of DDTs and PCBs in SMB and highly confined distribution of LABs around the HTP outfall system were indicative of a dispersal mechanism remobilizing historically deposited contaminants to areas relatively remote from the point of discharge. ?? 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Additional publication details
Publication type:
Article
Publication Subtype:
Journal Article
Title:
Temporal and spatial distributions of contaminants in sediments of Santa Monica Bay, California | 2,512 | 1,193 | 0.000841 |
warc | 201704 | Check Your Health SPRING 2017 DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED.
Profile Name Regular Price Fall 2016 Check Your Health Sale Price Mega Panel $2825 $1836 Nutrition Panel $1992 $1422 Methylation Panel $1079 $701 Brain Panel $1741 $1132 Heart Panel $1319 $857 Inflammation Panel $860 $559 Breast Panel $757 $492 Energy Panel $1035 $672 Prostate Panel $966 $628 Eye Panel $742 $482 Pre-Diabetic Panel $604 $393 Skin, Hair, Nail Panel $1084 $705 Bone Panel $983 $639 *Sale prices available only during designated “Check Your Health” sales events. Limited spaces – sign up for your spot today!
Check Your Health is an opportunity to measure your own individual nutritional status. Nutrient deficiencies have been shown to suppress immune system function, which contributes to chronic disease. Don’t wait until a chronic illness develops, act now while information about PREVENTION can make a difference. Mainstream medicine does not normally test for vitamin, mineral and other nutrient deficiencies – don’t be left in the dark!
During our on-site laboratory testing event (September 12-16, 2016 ) we perform self-ordered nutrient blood testing. A doctor’s referral is NOT required. These tests are an important tool to measure your individual biochemical status. The results identify key vitamin, mineral and other nutrient deficiencies that can compromise your well-being. Use your test results to create a roadmap to better health by implementing lifestyle, food choice and supplement changes to address your unique nutritional needs.
During this week we also offer a discount on the supplements in our Nutrient Store as well as promotions on selected clinic services. Click the link above to see the brochure and find out more!
People with degenerative diseases can still receive benefits from these nutritional panels. By increasing nutrients to optimal levels a better response to treatment may occur.
Make the choice to start maximizing your health and maximizing your life today. Call 316-682-310 x271 to schedule an appointment for September 12-16, 2016 and receive a substantially discounted test rate.
At the Riordan Clinic, our 40+ year history is built on measuring biochemical individuality in our federally-certified laboratory. Since 1975 we have helped thousands of people. Come to this important event and let us help you!
What Are The Benefits?
The intention of most laboratory tests is to detect or monitor a disease. Only a few of these tests will tell you the “nutritional” status of your body, yet the literature is filled with thousands of reports showing that many degenerative diseases can be prevented by having adequate levels of certain nutrients in the body, especially antioxidants. Over 4,000 reports have been written on vitamin C (ascorbic acid) alone.
It is much less expensive to prevent a disease than to treat it!
Since 1992, the Clinic has offered a program to the public to let them monitor the level of nutrients in their bodies. We have progressed from one basic antioxidant panel to eleven different health panels. Knowing your nutrient level is important. There are about 55 essential factors that your body cannot make; 45 of these are nutrients. These “Health Panels” have been designed so that you may select the panel that is most beneficial to you. For example, suppose that you have a family history of heart disease, breast cancer, prostate cancer, etc. Many research articles have shown that certain nutrients may delay or prevent the onset of these diseases.
By measuring blood levels of these nutrients, we can also tell if you are absorbing what you eat. Remember, it is what you eat, digest, absorb, metabolize, and excrete that keeps you healthy. Also remember, the “RDA” is designed to prevent deficiency diseases, not necessarily to keep you healthy.
Let’s look at “Heart Biomarkers.” There are many nutrients and other factors (stress) that are important to prevent heart disease. There are over 2,600 deaths each day from heart disease, yet 50% of the heart attack victims had no abnormalities in the traditional heart disease markers. Vitamins E and C prevent bad LDL from oxidizing; therefore, it cannot attach to the artery wall and form plaques. CoQ10 is a nutrient that is used by the mitochondria of cells to make ATP, or energy. It is also a very strong antioxidant. CoQ10 prevents heart attack and hypertension.
Magnesium is a mineral that is important to just about everything in the body. It is hard to absorb, and 74% of Americans fail to meet the RDA. In a study performed on patients just entering the hospital after a heart attack, of all the interventions tried on the patients, those having the best statistical chance of survival were the ones given intravenous magnesium chloride.
Homocysteine, a metabolite of the amino acid methionine, is a good predictor of heart disease. It can damage the heart and brain arteries similar to low density lipoprotein (LDL). A 4.0 mM/L increase in homocysteine is equivalent to 20 mg/dL increase in cholesterol. An elevated homocysteine in men makes them three times as likely to have a heart attack, and it can usually be brought back down to acceptable levels by taking vitamins B12, B6, and folic acid.
Another test that is gaining more and more interest in heart health is the ultra-sensitive C Reactive Protein, or CRP-hs. This is an indicator of inflammation at a very low level. Since plaque formation is a type of inflammation, an elevated CRP could indicate early problems with the arteries in the heart (and brain). Other tests included in the heart health panel are lipoprotein(a), lycopene, lipid profile, red blood cell selenium, and urine vitamin C.
Also important is our Breast Health Panel. Many women may not have enough vitamin D. This fat-soluble vitamin has anti-estrogen activity. It is necessary for normal cell growth and suppresses cancer cell growth.
Selenium is a mineral that is included in many of the panels. This mineral supports a very important antioxidant enzyme that destroys hydrogen peroxide. A government study was done on 1,312 people over a 4-1/2 year period. Half of the people received 200 micrograms of selenium in yeast; the other half received a sugar pill. Those getting the selenium had a 50% reduction in cancer mortality.
High CoQ10 levels can mean a lower cancer risk. Folic acid deficiency is associated with cancers of the epithelial cells, including the ductile tissue of the breasts. Taken appropriately, selenium, CoQ10, folic acid, and vitamin D appear to increase your protection against breast cancer. Other nutrients measured in this health panel are vitamins A, C, and B6, lycopene, and urine vitamin C. Vitamin C is important against all cancers in that it destroys free radicals and inhibits the formation of carcinogens.
Another important health panel is the Eye Health Panel. One in 25 people over the age of 65 has significant vision loss due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Cataract surgery is the most common surgical procedure performed in the U.S. Both of these conditions can be delayed, if not prevented, with proper nutrition.
The National Eye Institute conducted a study to see if nutrients would have any effect on AMD or cataracts. The nutrients used were 500 mg of vitamin C, 400 IU of vitamin E, 80 mg of zinc oxide, 2 mg of copper oxide, and 15 mg of beta carotene. Although the study showed little or no effect on cataract formation (probably because the doses of nutrients were too low), it did show a reduced risk of AMD by 25% and vision loss by 19%.
Other studies have shown that lutein, a carotenoid responsible for macular pigment optical density (MPOD), alone or in combination with antioxidant vitamins and minerals, improved the MPOD and near visual acuity, slowed the progression of AMD, and improved the central vision of patients with existing AMD. It is also interesting to note that the vitamin C concentration in the front part of the eye is about six times that in the blood.
The Prostate Health Panel measures many of the nutrients necessary for a healthy prostate. These include vitamins A, C, and E, urine vitamin C, lycopene, selenium, and zinc. More than 180,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year. More than 40,000 men will die from the disease. It is increasing at a rate of 6.4% a year among men 59 to 79 years old.
Lycopene, a carotenoid found in red tomatoes and watermelon, etc., is a very strong antioxidant and is probably in the highest concentration of any antioxidant in the tissue. Several studies have shown that men in Italy have 60% less prostate cancer than men in the U.S., England, and Ireland. It is thought this is related to the amount of tomatoes and tomato products Italian men eat.
For those with a history of Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease, a Brain Health Panel might be in order. From 65-74 years of age, 3% of people have Alzheimer’s; 75-84 years, 19% have the disease; and above 84 years, 47% of people have it. This panel contains vitamins A, C, E, B1, B3, B6, and B12, folic acid, fatty acids, CoQ10, homocysteine, amino acids, lipid profile, CRP-hs, selenium, magnesium, zinc, and urine vitamin C and pyrroles.
Vitamin B deficiencies result in memory loss and ataxia. People with increased homocysteine have 2 to 4 times the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Homocysteine also causes vascular disease of the cerebral arteries and is a neurotoxin to the brain. Vitamin A protects the brain cell membranes, while vitamin E protects the cells from lipid peroxidation and may protect from a stroke. A form of vitamin B1 is important for some enzymes in the brain. Many of these enzymes have been found to be low in the brains of patients who have died with Alzheimer’s.
Low levels of selenium and vitamin E increase the risk of stroke by 4 times in men. CoQ10 increases HDL and decreases lipoprotein(a). Zinc is involved in over 100 enzymes in the brain.
Amino acids are important for brain health. Taurine is most prevalent in the brain. Leucine and isoleucine stimulate the upper brain and make you more alert. Low levels of lysine lead to an inability to concentrate. Methionine clears the brain of metabolic and toxic wastes (cadmium and mercury). Phenylalanine brightens mood and improves long-term memory. Tryptophan is the precursor of serotonin, the feel-good neurotransmitter. Valine promotes a calming effect on our emotions. Certain fatty acids are useful in preventing Alzheimer’s disease, and some fatty acids are low in children with ADHD.
Other panels available on the order form are the Skin/Hair/Nail Health, Bone Health, Energy Health, Nutritional Health, Pre-Diabetic, Inflammation and Mega Health (our most comprehensive panel). Although not on the order form, we do offer a Pre-conception/ Fertility Health panel. All panels are available to the public, usually in March and September. | 11,002 | 4,956 | 0.000204 |
warc | 201704 | What is Culture?
For a rational mind, it is natural to seek precise definition of the terms and nomenclature, that form the manifold of the thought and experience.
A standard onine dctionary provides the basic notions that are implied by the word Culture:
Culture noun the quality in a person or society that arises from a concern for what is regarded as excellent in arts, letters, manners, scholarly pursuits, etc. that which is excellent in the arts, manners, etc. a particular form or stage of civilization, as that of a certain nation or period: Greek culture development or improvement of the mind by education or training the behaviors and beliefs characteristic of a particular social, ethnic, or age group: the youth culture; the drug culture the behaviors and beliefs characteristic of a particular social, ethnic, or age group: the youth culture; the drug culture
Anthropology
the sum total of ways of living built up by a group of human beings and transmitted from one generation to another.
Biology
the cultivation of microorganisms, as bacteria, or of tissues, for scientific study, medicinal use, etc the product or growth resulting from such cultivation the act or practice of cultivating the soil; tillage the raising of plants or animals, especially with a view to their improvement the product or growth resulting from such cultivation verb (used with object) to subject to culture; cultivate
Biology
to grow (microorganisms, tissues, etc.) in or on a controlled or defined medium to introduce (living material) into a culture medium
From the perspective of a critical examination of culture, the definition for culture would be the logical starting point of the culture, and that definition should imply these essential notions that are presented above.
Individual Qualities and the collective Qualities Growth, Improvement and Development Belief and value systems of the individual and the collective The collection of the artefacts, symbols, values, concepts and notions that are resultant of the culture and which in turn again reinforces the culture. Necessity of the Culture Critic
The cultural artefacts are traditionally experienced rather than studied. Culture is the by product of a civilization, the effects of the intentional and extensional historic of the civilization. Yet, culture forms a vicious circle, culture tends to be the cause of the future effects. Culture has a deterministic role in the future of the civilization, the birth, growth, development and progress of the civilization are being controlled by culture. It becomes imperative for human beings to study culture appropriately, so that, we can judge (though from our limited experience and understanding), if the directions determined by culture is right or not.
Culture, the totatlity, of yesterdays, play a big part in the present. Civilization subjects the individual’s present to the culture, the totality of past, and thereby, individual is being chained to species own past. Culture would determine, where you will be educated, where and how will you be employed, it also dictates what you are going to breathe, eat and dream. And many a times, this dependence is unnecessary, devolving, detrimental and dangerous for the survival of the individual and the collective.
To make righteous choices and to build a better civilization, to carry the righteous notions of being and doing, it is imperative that we study the culture from a critical point of view, as the first step and then reengineer the culture. These two steps adds a feedback loop the culture system, thereby, making the system more intelligent. The power of sentience promotes us to become an architect of the future. Analytical thought, creative solutions, empowers humanity to play a an active role enables us to choose the directions of our evolution. And it would be for the first time in the history of evolution that an individual or a specie has taken an active part in evolving, a far better development, compared to the history of evolution, where in species and individuals are being subjected to the ‘tyrannical’ evolutionary forces. Probably this would be the first step in the evolution of the God or the emergence of the overman or the branching of homo sapiens evolving as a better species, is only what future can tell us. But the idea is simple.
Humanity has the necessary and the sufficient requriements to start playing an active role in the evolution, in choosing the directions to evolve. There is a necessity to inculcate, incorporate and internalize the notion of the righteous evolution, at all leves in the anthropologic specturm. Culture is the primary factor that program the individuals of a species it is imperative to reengineer culture so that we play an active role in evolution.
Culture as Symbols and Values:
Culture can be defined as the cummulated collection of the symbols, values, beliefs, and the resultant thought and material artifacts of a civilization. And the chronological ordering of such symbols and values, and how they changed over the course of time, can provide some insights to reengineer culture. A critical examination of these symbols, the questions of a curious and sane mind, would reveal us the the soul and the nature of culture.
Evolutionary perspective of Culture:
Cultural entities evolves very similar and parallel to the biologic life. Old symbols and values, discarded to the past, new symbols, values emerging and the cuture evolution shares the same bias that evolution favors. Symbols, ideas, notions, values, faiths that are favorable for evolution, are reinforced and those that are not favorable are inhibited. Thereby Culture evolution and biologic evolution form a closed loop, influencing each other.
Internalizing Evolution:
Growth, development, progress are natural and real – as real and natural as change. Evolution like time, seems to have a bias towards ‘growth’, ‘development’, ‘progress’. And for the first time in the natural history, a species has been presented with a power, that makes humans, the gods. At the least, the ancestors of Gods. For the first time, ithe invidual and species are permitted to participate in the cosmic design room. And this is a big turning in the evolution. All the factors that humanity is subjected to, need to be streamlined with this thought. Religion, culture, society, political systems, economic systems, value systems, belief systems, each and every aspect of the individual and the collective, need to be changed, to incorporate the ideas of playing an active role in the evolution. We can choose to change, or we can choose to let the nature take its own course, which in its natural flow, will bring the changes in all these systems.
A flatlander, would only be recognize the situation of reaching the same point as he starting from. It would be only upto his analytical mind to infer that the manifold, he is subejcted is not flat and that it is curved. We have now been given this opportunity, where in we have a certain idea of our existential manifold, and it is but natural to apply our knowledge, understanding and wisdom, in our day to day lives.
Culture Reengineering:
Civilization in the human context is diverse, numerous and dynamic. History reveals us, various civilizations, that existed and existing, and the interactions of these civilizations and cultures. And these interactions are not always, beneficial, symbiotic, cooperative, and harmonious. History also reveals us the suffering, war, death and destruction, when the cultural notions of these civilizations were in conflict.
In the modern world, and in the technological times, the borders between the civilizations are thinned down. And our condition permits us to promote symbiotic and harmonious interactions amongst civilizations and cultures. No more civilization is an island. We are not bound by the traditional constraints, that borded civilizations to their isolation. Information, people, matter, energy, resources, ideas, notions, symbols and values, travel freely across civilizations, more or less all around the planet.
We are in the Global Context:
The exponential growth of technology and science, the conception of a global civilization, can be seen emerging. No more are men bound to the borders that their ancestors drew in those yonder times, where communications happen through travelling messengers. The notions of a singular global civilization, the idea of a unified humanity and the notion of “human consciousness”, are here and are going to grow. And we need to reengineer the existing civilizational frameworks, like culture, to incorporate three basic premises, into the human subconscious mind. And there is a need to incorporate and code these ideals at the genetic level. So that the seond step of evolution starts, and the environment would be conditioned so as to promote the betterment of the indivudual and species. There is a need for spiritual reengineering of symbols and values, so that the new human being (human being 2.0) would carry the necessary and required spiritual acumen and the wisdoom, to handle the powers bestowd upon him. It is not appropriate to argue as to who provided these powers. Were they being created by a creator, or is it a probabilistic outcome, or is there any external phenomenon or other forces at work behind the curtains of the universe stage. It is pragmatic and pertinent to realize that humanity just reached the point, where humanity is presented with the power to participate in evolution in an active manner. And it is righteous to seize such a moment, adapt and enter the design rooms of the universe and be there. And it is righteous, egalitarian, humanistic and spiritual in the senses that the intentionality is the betterment of life, the quality of the human condition, at the level of an individual and at a collective species level.
It is imperative that Humanity has to have, one basic collection, to which each individual subscribe. The conception of a global civilization. The notion that I am part of the global civilzsation and that my participation and involvement is not limited by any local constraints, but be encompassing the globe, the planet. It is imperative to change the attitudes, conceptions, value systems to incorporate the three key notions:
Planetary/Global Civilization Active Participation in Evolution. Choosing the Direction to Evolve.
Without the change, the existing system, would always play a detrimental role with development. For growth and betterment of life and human condition, would always be in conflict with the tradition. Without these cultural notions, science would always be in conflict with religion, truth would always be facing traditional falses and facts shall always be in conflict with the superstitions. | 10,899 | 4,455 | 0.000226 |
warc | 201704 | Steven Novella recently wrote a post discussing an FDA warning against the use of homeopathic teething products over safety concerns related to the possibility of toxic amounts of belladonna. He goes into the hypocrisy of the FDA regulation of homeopathic products, a topic covered numerous times here on Science-Based Medicine, as well as the misleading initial response from Hyland’s, producers of the...
The FDA recently put out a consumer warning about homeopathic teething gels and pills. The warning states: The FDA recommends that consumers stop using these products and dispose of any in their possession. The warning is not because all homeopathic products are inherently useless. As we have discussed here often, the basic principles of homeopathy are pure pseudoscience. The practice of diluting...
I run across a lot of information in my feeds that I need to save for further evaluation. The study “Does additional antimicrobial treatment have a better effect on URTI cough resolution than homeopathic symptomatic therapy alone? A real-life preliminary observational study in a pediatric population“, I saved with the file name, ‘jaw droppingly stupid’. The worst homeopathy clinical trial ever doesn’t...
Do you believe in magic? It might surprise you to learn that some people believe sugar pills have healing properties. This belief system, called homeopathy, is a multi-billion dollar industry worldwide, and it’s growing. While there is no convincing evidence to demonstrate that homeopathic treatments are more effective than a placebo, many consumers and even some health professionals accept homeopathy as a...
I had never heard of Dr. Shantaram Kane, a chemical engineer in Mumbai, India. I don’t know how he heard of me, but he apparently knows I am critical of homeopathy. He e-mailed me out of the blue to tell me about a study he had published in 2010 in the journal Homeopathy: “Extreme homeopathic dilutions retain starting materials: A nanoparticulate perspective.”... | 2,052 | 1,082 | 0.00095 |
warc | 201704 | Non-Member Price: $33.95
NCTE Member Price: $24.95
Editor(s): Linda Bergmann, Edith Baker
This collection focuses on the rift between literature and composition in English studies, examining the extent to which this division affects teaching practices in colleges and universities.
Level(s): College
ISBN/ISSN: 9780814108079
Stock No.: 08075
Description
Foreword by Winifred Bryan Horner Afterword by Patricia Harkin
A rift between literature and composition has long existed in the field of English studies. As a result of the increasing professionalization of composition, some schools have created composition/rhetoric/writing departments separate from the literature department; in other institutions, the two disciplines have continued to uneasily coexist under the “English Department” banner.
Contributors to this collection revisit the teaching of literature in composition classes, examine the extent to which the division between literature and composition affects teaching practices in colleges and universities, and document cases of success and failure in the collaboration between the two fields.
Divided into three parts, the volume offers distinct perspectives on the issue of composition and/or literature. The first part, Institutional Contexts, reviews some of the theoretical underpinnings of the rift between composition and literature; Part 2, Departmental Cultures, explores how these differences are set in institutional contexts and departmental cultures; and the final section, Applications in the Classroom, examines classroom approaches that draw on materials and practices from both literature and composition.
Because so many composition courses are taught in English departments, by literature scholars, the relationships between reading and writing, literature and composition, must be continually reexamined and redrawn in order to maintain a vital curriculum. This book provides an opportunity to reconsider the relationship between the two fields and to reframe the discussion that has largely depended on ideas about how composition should be taught, rather than on recognition of the institutional conditions under which it is taught.
Refiguring English Studies. 248 pp. 2006. College. ISBN 10: 0-8141-0807-5; ISBN 13: 978-0-8141-0807-9.
No. 08075
Learn More
* Sample files are typically provided in PDF format and can be opened using the free Adobe®
Reader® program or a comparable viewer.
Click here to download and install the most recent version of Adobe Reader. | 2,543 | 1,239 | 0.00082 |
warc | 201704 | Creative teams in digital
This is how it was inside an agency: a creative team was briefed on a job to communicate something from the client to the target market. That something, called the unique selling proposition (or the single most important point, as it’s called where I work) was often communicated on TV first, and then into things like Radio, Print and outdoor.
The creative team would then try to get into the head of the target market. They would read the same magazines, watch the same TV shows, eat the same foods, as the target market. They would attempt to live the life of that person to effectively get their voice. Then, they would craft a communication, in the target market’s manner of speaking, and advertise the selling proposition. “You should buy this because…”
Creative teams were able to get in the head of people because there were limited places to look. Think about it like this: we all consumed virtually the same media 20 years ago. Thus, creative teams could focus on those media to get across the message.
Now, the system’s been hacked.
In the new digital paradigm, we don’t all consume the same media. Not even close. Some people watch TV shows on TV, others watch it on their phone. Some people use radios to listen to the radio, others use the internet (or iPods). People don’t need a phone to make calls, or paper to read newspapers. And they don’t need news departments to get news.
This is all pretty obvious, and not really new if you’re paying attention. But this is why it matters:
The agency crafts a brief looking for 18-22 year old males. The media department informs the AE that 18-22 year old males don’t watch TV (on TV), listen to the radio (on the radio) or read magazines or newspapers (in paper form).
So, it’s decided that the one of the ways to reach this market is with a Page in Facebook, using social ads. This is where it gets different.
To create a message in this medium, creative teams have to be participating members of Facebook. And this isn’t jumping in and hanging around it for a few days (like was the custom when they consumed the media of their target market). This literally means, being part of the community.
In other words, unlike the old days of getting into the head of the consumer in a week, one can’t get a sense of Facebook by logging in for a week.
Now, creative people have to live the media to get the voice of the media. And this isn’t unique to Facebook. This applies to Bebo, Twitter, MySpace, Digg. It applies to the media that the brief says your target market is using.
To me, this could be one of the larger barriers of adoption at agencies of these new mediums. Because while the junior creative team might already be using these mediums, there’s a good chance that the senior creatives aren’t. And that’s the disconnect.
Because unlike traditional media, we have to actually use the media to use it for marketing. | 3,010 | 1,377 | 0.000752 |
warc | 201704 | Video update here:
The AGU (American Geophysical Union) has confirmed Fukushima Radioactive fallout, specifically Cesium 137, to be present in West coast ocean water off the shores of Vancouver, British Columbia.
_________
Radiation from Japan’s leaking Fukushima nuclear power plant has reached waters offshore Canada, researchers said today at the annual American Geophysical Union’s Ocean Sciences Meeting in Honolulu. Two radioactive cesium isotopes, cesium-134 and cesium-137, have been detected offshore of Vancouver, British Columbia, researchers said at a news conference. The detected concentrations are much lower than the Canadian safety limit for cesium levels in drinking water, said John Smith, a research scientist at Canada’s Bedford Institute of Oceanography in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Tests conducted at U.S. beaches indicate that Fukushima radioactivity has not yet reached Washington, California or Hawaii, said Ken Buesseler, a senior scientist at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in Woods Hole, Mass. “We have results from eight locations, and they all have cesium-137, but no cesium-134 yet,” Buesseler said. (Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have different numbers of neutrons in their nuclei. In this case, cesium-137 has more neutrons than cesium-134.) The scientists are tracking a radioactive plume from Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. Three nuclear reactors at the power plant melted down after the March 11, 2011, Tohoku earthquake. The meltdown was triggered by the massive tsunami that followed the quake. [Fukushima Radiation Leak: 5 Things You Should Know] Cesium signals The initial nuclear accident from the Fukushima reactors released several radioactive isotopes, such as iodine-131, cesium-134 and cesium-137. Cesium-137 has a half-life of 30 years and remains in the environment for decades. Cesium-134, with a half-life of only two years, is an unequivocal marker of Fukushima ocean contamination, Smith said. “The only cesium-134 in the North Pacific is there from Fukushima,” he said. Cesium-137, on the other hand, is also present from nuclear weapons tests and discharge from nuclear power plants. Smith and his colleagues tracked rising levels of cesium-134 at several ocean monitoring stations west of Vancouver in the North Pacific beginning in 2011. By June 2013, the concentration reached 0.9 Becquerels per cubic meter, Smith said. All of the cesium-134 was concentrated in the upper 325 feet (100 m) of the ocean, he said. They are awaiting results from a February 2014 sampling trip. The U.S. safety limit for cesium levels in drinking water is about 28 Becquerels, the number of radioactive decay events per second, per gallon (or 7,400 Becquerels per cubic meter). For comparison, uncontaminated seawater contains only a few Becquerels per cubic meter of cesium. Cesium-137 levels at U.S. beaches were 1.3 to 1.7 Becquerels per cubic meter, Buesseler said. That’s similar to background levels in the ocean from nuclear weapons testing, suggesting the Fukushima plume has not reached the U.S. coastline yet, he said. The new monitoring data does not show which of two competing models best predicts the future concentration of Fukushima radiation along the U.S. West Coast, Smith said. These models suggest that radionuclides from Fukushima will begin to arrive on the West Coast in early 2014 and peak in 2016. However, the models differ in their predictions of the peak concentration of cesium — from a low of 2 to a maximum of 27 Becquerels per cubic meter. Both peaks are well below the highest level recorded in the Baltic Sea after Chernobyl, which was 1,000 Becquerels per cubic meter. “It’s still a little too early to know which one is correct,” Smith said. Safety concerns The impending arrival of radioactive contaminants from Fukushima has raised concerns among coastal residents in the United States and Canada. But oceanographers and radiation experts say the radiation levels will be too low to threaten human health. “These levels are clearly not a human or biological threat in Canada,” Smith said. Fukushima’s radiation reached coastal Canada first because of the powerful Kuroshio Current, which flows from Japan across the Pacific. The plume will then flow down the coast of North America and circle back toward Hawaii, models predict. But Buesseler thinks even low levels of contamination merit monitoring, both for human health information and for the wealth of data about Pacific Ocean currents such monitoring could provide. On Jan. 14, he launched a website called “How Radioactive is Our Ocean?“, where the public can make tax-deductible donations to support the analysis of existing water samples, or propose and fund new sampling locations along the West Coast. And at Fukushima, radioactive water continues to escape from the damaged power plant into the ocean. A new leak was reported last week, although that one did not empty into the ocean.
___________
The washout from the Japanese 2011 Tsunami , has also reached the West Coast of North America… much of the debris also contaminated with radioactive fallout. | 5,231 | 2,300 | 0.000443 |
warc | 201704 | A noteworthy (and rare) 3.2 magnitude earthquake struck Southwest France near a large facility which is INTENTIONALLY censored on Google Earth images.
Intentional blurring (censorship) of an image is usually only done over the most secret of facilities. In the past , areas intentionally blurred were nuclear test sites, military facilities such as HAARP in Alaska, and areas blurred at the request of security agencies of foreign governments.
Pictures of the location from Google earth community reveal a giant industrial complex.
Picture titles:
Why would the French (or Google) blur out a bioethanol plant? This is a very good question to ask at this point. Why hide regular industrial operations?
As it turns out, this location now doing CO2 sequestration! Capturing, and storing CO2 underground. Literally like the CO2 in a can of soda, pumping the gas into chambers in the ground for “storage”.
Total Lacq Fact Sheet: Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage Project Company/Alliance: Total, Air Liquide, French Petroleum Institute (IFP), the French Bureau of Geological and Mining Research (BRGM) and Alstom Location: Lacq, France Feedstock: Heavy Oil, with possibility of other fuels being tested Process: Natural gas boiler Size: 35 MW: 40 tons of steam per hour and 75,000 tons of CO2 per year captured and stored for a two year period Capture Technology: Oxy fuel combustion CO2 Fate: Onshore sequestration in depleted natural gas field at Rousse (Pyrenees), 30 km from Lacq, at 4.5 km underground Timing: Preliminary study (2006), Engineering study (2007) and Capture and CO2 injection (2010). Completion: Scheduled (July 2013) Motivation/Economics: The project will cost €60 million (US$83 million). It is the first integrated CO2 capture and storage system using oxy fuel combustion technology combined with injection in a depleted hydrocarbon field. Comments: Greater understanding of the oxy fuel combustion process will help with the “hot” production of the extra-heavy Athabasca oils in Canada. Total, on January 11 2010, inaugurated the Lacq project (“Europe’s first end-to-end carbon capture, transportation and storage demonstration facility, in southwestern France, at a ceremony attended by Valérie Létard, France’s Secretary of State for Green Technology and Climate Negotiations”). Over 120,000 tons of CO2 were successfully captured and sequestered by June 2010. Project Link: Total: A pilot installation at Lacq
We’ve seen massive failures of these CO2 storage systems — usually done in old frack wells. In 2014, we saw a CO2 sequestration operation blow its top, and sent millions of sq feet of liquid CO2 escaping with high pressure water filled sand over entire mountains before coming to a rest.
See the Colorado event here:
Information on the current 3.2 magnitude earthquake in France from the EMSC:
Magnitude ML 3.2 Region PYRENEES Date time 2015-03-26 15:14:02.0 UTC Location 43.39 N ; 0.64 W Depth 2 km Distances 202 km NW of Andorra la Vella, Andorra / pop: 20,430 / local time: 16:14:02.0 2015-03-26
104 km NE of Pamplona, Spain / pop: 198,491 / local time: 16:14:02.0 2015-03-26
24 km NW of Pau, France / pop: 82,697 / local time: 16:14:02.0 2015-03-26
1 km NE of Lagor, France / pop: 1,355 / local time: 16:14:02.0 2015-03-26 | 3,339 | 1,742 | 0.000588 |
warc | 201704 | I am a biologist with no formal training in Computational Science. A couple of years ago, the increasing size of my data forced me to stop using Excel, and switch to the Unix command line and scripting for my analyses. In the process, I learned what I needed by mostly by just doing it, but also from books, websites, and of course google.
Almost exactly one year ago, I attended a Software Carpentry bootcamp. I had heard about Software Carpentry and its bootcamps through twitter, started following their blog and became convinced that this was something I wanted to attend. At some point, I fired off an email to Software Carpentry asking what it would take to have a bootcamp at our university, the University of Oslo in Norway. The answer came down to 'get us a room and advertise the event, and we'll provide teachers'. This, in fact, was what happened, and as teachers, we got Mr Software Carpentry himself, Greg Wilson, who taught together with a local teacher (Hans Petter Langtangen).
This first bootcamp in Oslo (and in Norway) taught me a lot, and has in fact very much changed the way I do my work. These changes came gradual over the last year, and I am still not finished adjusting completely yet.
The first immediate effect was that I permanently switched from perl to python as my scripting language. This process had already started but using that language at the bootcamp convinced me that python is a better language for beginners. In the end, it doesn't matter what language you use. But I now feel that for people who need to learn a scripting language for the first, and probably only, time, python is much easier to grasp and makes for code that is more understandable.
Secondly, I now find myself automating my work on the command line. No more copy-and-paste a few lines of code, change a few small things, run again and discovering (or not...) that I forgot to change one of the '1's into a '2'. Small scripts and for-loops to the rescue!
Also, I am (finally?) using version control, Git to be exact. It turned out our university offers Git repositories to its employees, both private and public repos, and repos for teams of researchers. No excuse not to use it! I am also putting the course work I develop on GitHub: have a look at the latest instalment of my two-day de novo genome assembly module. I haven't begun to master branching yet, but that doesn't matter, Git is already extremely useful.
Even though I am not writing huge pieces of code, I still find it very useful to include a few unit tests in my scripts: a set of expected outcomes based on some input, and the obvious 'empty' input, input that shouldn't give any result etc. I have already experienced making a small code adjustment that worked fine, but broke an essential test. Discovering this without the test would not have happened until much later.
I also am using the IPython Notebook more and more. I love the interactive coding, easy data exploration and visualisation, and possibilities to make nice looking, sharable documents. As an example, I recently shared code I developed for a blog post in an IPython Notebook as a GitHub gist, and as a formatted Notebook.
Last but not least, I became a Software Carpentry instructor. I first followed the online training program. Then, together with colleague Karin Lagesen, we held the second Oslo Software Carpentry bootcamp last July. To me, it was fantastic to be able to share my newfound knowledge with researchers from different fields, and see the same 'aha'-moment looks in their eyes during the bootcamp.
Today there are many more such self-taught bioinformaticians like me in our group, and other research groups around Norway. In my experience, the Software Carpentry bootcamp is exactly fitting for people like us, and I am looking forward to inspire coworkers and other researchers to apply the Software Carpentry principles.
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Dialogue & Discussion
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warc | 201704 | Please boost your Plan to download papers
Essay
Health Sciences & Medicine
Pages 6 (1506 words)
According to a work published by Ritchie & Kildea in 1995 it was found that Alzheimer's disease strikes 8 to 15 percent of people over the age of 65. Alzheimer's disease is a disorder of fundamental importance to older adults and it is most notorious among old age disease because this aliment affects the function of the brain by gradually and surely decreasing the brain's ability to perform tasks…
Introduction
Behavioural symptoms-such as psychosis, agitation, depression, and wandering-are common and impose tremendous strain on caregivers. Diagnosis is challenging because of the lack of biological markers, insidious onset, and need to exclude other causes of dementia. (Mental Health, 1) Download paper
Dementia is a prominent healthcare issue for primary care physicians and specialist services. Over 90% of patients with dementia experience a "behaviour disturbance," often referred to as behavioural or psychological signs in dementia in accordance with the recommendation of the International Psycho geriatric Association. These symptoms are distressing to patients and troublesome to carers and often precipitate admission to residential facilities. What is the evidence that any of the several drugs that are currently used to treat these symptoms are effective
Managing the behavioural and psychological signs of dementia is a major problem for healthcare professionals. Narcoleptic drugs are the mainstay of pharmacological treatment, although their use is justified largely on the basis of clinical anecdote, and they have many harmful side effects. These include Parkinsonism, drowsiness, tardive dyskinesia, falls, accelerated cognitive decline, and severe narcoleptic sensitivity reactions. ...
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warc | 201704 | If you’ve worked in the accounting profession long enough, your understanding of the pathway to equity ownership includes working long hours, over many years, with the goal of being asked to buy-in as a partner. After all, the next generation should have to work the same way you did to reach the top, right? Wrong. The foundation of the accounting profession’s time-honored management model is splintering as millennials now surpass Baby Boomers as the largest percentage of the U.S. workforce—and technology is supporting this divide.
To account for the sweeping change driven by the expectations of millennials and rapidly evolving technology, the most successful accounting firms are beginning to adopt a new management approach. It’s a term known as collaborative management and it’s defined as a management practice focused on leadership skills across functional and organizational boundaries. This approach is vastly different than the hierarchical structure most of us in the accounting profession are used to, but it’s what makes companies like Google so appealing to the younger generation.
Forward-looking firms are giving collaborative management practices a go by using technology to give staff more flexible work hours, providing more opportunities for self-management, and offering staff the ability to build niche practices. It’s a move that not only proves profitable, but one that could also help cure the 17.1% staff turnover rate within the accounting firm profession—a rate that’s at its highest point in over 10 years.
“With Baby Boomers retiring in droves, it’s time for accounting firms to appeal to the younger generation,” says Alan Long, CPA, CITP, CGMA, and managing member of Baldwin CPAs, a four office firm in Kentucky. “Technology is the key to attracting and retaining millennials—not only from a staff standpoint, but a customer standpoint. Anytime, anywhere access allows firms to provide better client service and greater flexibility for staff and clients. A collaborative approach is really what the younger generation is looking for.”
A collaborative management approach also encourages staff to work together, as opposed to solely focusing on their individual climb up the hierarchical ladder. That makes firms much more productive—and fosters a better work environment for everyone involved.
“In a collaborative work environment, there is a focus on “knowledge transfer” so that client information is not locked up inside the head of any single staff member,” says Paul Miller, Founder and President of Business By Design. “By sharing information, any member of our staff can assist a client, as opposed to only certain staff members working with certain clients.”
While hierarchical management may still reign supreme at most accounting firms, the seeds of collaborative management practices are being sewn as more and more firms adopt cloud-based applications, client portals, and workflow software that enables staff to work collectively. If your firm is using these types of technology, chances are you’re on your way to adopting a collaborative management approach.
Is your firm managing collaboratively?
With evidence mounting for the benefits of collaborative management supported by the latest technology, is your accounting firm changing its management approach? If so, I’d love to hear your story. Share it with me in the comments section below. | 3,525 | 1,624 | 0.000639 |
warc | 201704 | The program, now two years running, provides funds for students, staff and faculty to research, develop, implement and design solutions to address campus sustainability challenges.
The application process asks for a comprehensive overview of the project, a detailed budget and letters of support, in both a written application and a presentation.
Some of the projects established by the grant include the Field Guide to Sustainable Living in Davis, a two-unit course offered twice a year, the Aggie ReStore Project, a resale store that sells gently used items and holds lessons on creative repurposing and Wild Campus, a team of students, faculty and staff dedicated to building, studying and maintaining a wildlife habitat in addition to informing the community.
“The Go Green Grant was perfect [for Wild Campus] because it talked about sustainability and we only use sustainable resources,” said third-year wildlife, fish and conservation biology major and member of Wild Campus Alexa Kownacki. “A lot of funds through UC Davis only allow funds to be used for UC Davis students, and we wanted to preach our ideas to the Davis community of all ages.”
The grant will be accepting applications until Dec. 7. For more information, visit dining.ucdavis.edu/sus-green.html.
ROHIT RAVIKUMAR can be reached at campus@theaggie.org. | 1,351 | 759 | 0.001344 |
warc | 201704 | Kindness is man’s memorial. – Maxims of Ptahhotep II.34
Ptahhotep (whose name means “the Peace of the god Ptah”) is the most prominent philosopher and sage that we have record of from Ancient Egypt. He was believed to have lived to a ripe old age (according to the text, of over 100 years old) and his wisdom is collected in his Maxims, which are divided into three parts: the Prologue, the Teaching and the Epilogue, and seem to have constituted advise that he was giving for the profit of his son.
The Maxims contain religious teachings and some religious ideas, together with prohibitions against greed (II.20), theft (II.31), and other crimes, and a small bit of what may be considered today anti-women and anti-gay speech. The text also prescribes roles according to one’s social class and place in the social hierarchy, and in this it’s a bit reminiscent of Confucius. We should not be surprised about this: the entire religious and ethical system of the Egyptians was based on the belief in their Emperor-God and in the preservation of a certain cosmic order.
Before we delve into the reasonings, I wish to remind the reader that this is an extremely ancient document, and is somewhat sophisticated for its day. I know of no other society of its day that was producing this kind of literature. It’s believed to be over 4,200 years old. Although I consider the duty-based system of philosophy taught by Ptahhotep as flawed, I am amazed at how early in history this was written and am particularly interested in ancient Egyptians notions related to the physicality of the soul, a theme which is also prominent in Epicurean therapy and philosophy, and in a few of the other parallel texts.
Ma’at
A complex religious, cosmological, and ethical concept, Ma’at usually translates as righteousness or propriety, order, harmony, and the pleasure we derive from it. Ma’at is also a Goddess, the measurer of our good or evil deeds.
The curious thing about Ma’at is that she is said to confer imperturbability (ataraxia) to great men, where isfet (the quality of evil, chaos, turmoil, trouble: that is, perturbances) is said to take it away. As we see when we read
A Few Days in Athens, there is a connection between virtue and pleasure and imperturbability, where virtue (or Ma’at, to use Egyptian terminology) is that which leads to pleasure and isfet is that which leads to pain or disturbance. This is made plain in Epicurus’ Principal Doctrines, where evil is described as it is felt and experienced by the evil man: as a perturbation, a pang from our conscience, and a fear of being discovered.
17.
The just man is most free from disturbance, while the unjust is full of the utmost disturbance.
34. Injustice is not an evil in itself, but only in consequence of the fear which is associated with the
apprehension of being discoveredby those appointed to punish such actions.
35. It is impossible for a man who secretly violates the terms of the agreement not to harm or be harmed to feel
confident that he will remain undiscovered, even if he has already escaped ten thousand times; for until his death he is never sure that he will not be detected.
In other words, insofar as a man is evil, he can not experience pure imperturbability. Ptahhotep explains this by saying that the “criminal has no peace” (II.5).
On Speech
Protocol for disputes varies according to social standing, which again is of huge importance in hierarchical society: with inferiors we are advised to have distance and to display no aggression.
In a section that warns against punishing the messenger instead of the one who sends the message, II.15, we are told that we are responsible (only) for what we say. Prudent silence is highly valued. Those who know when to be silent are said to get more respect in society.
II.23-24 teaches that haters will be hated, that we should use words only if they’re useful, and that silence is best.
We are advised to restrain speech before evil speakers. Ptahhotep advises that we give imprudent people the silent treatment as a way to “belittle evil speech” saying of the opponent that “he will be called a know-nothing”.
Do not boast about it at your neighbour’s side, for one has great respect for the silent man. (II.9)
In II.8, it says that “
the ka abhors when we speak ill of others“, and here the ka is not just our soul or double, but a kind of conscience, a moral authority. II.14 says that we can gain trust and power by good speech, which produces good reputation.
All of these teachings resonate with ancient Egyptian belief in the power of words, or
heka. Heka are not just words of power in the social and political sense: they can also be incantations, conjuring spirits and hidden powers. This belief was deeply embedded in Egyptian culture. It explains the authority of scribe-priests and of hieroglyphs as pockets of magical power, and it explains practices related to using people’s names, as it was believed that using a name implied power over the spirit or person being named. This taboo made its way into the Biblical commandment against using God’s name in vain and helps to explain the folk beliefs behind it.
But
heka is not the only thing that holds power in this wisdom tradition. There’s also, as we have seen, a certain power in silence. On Listening
The epilogue of the work concerns itself primarily with the virtues of being a good listener, particularly as this concerns the son or the hearer of the maxims. As for the speaker, the words of the father must profit the son.
Honoring the sages is a great benefit to the one who does the honoring. – Hermarchus
As for the listener, he must be a “master of listening”, and if so he is “adjusted in his inner beings”, which is an honor to his father. As we saw in Confucius, making a mentor proud is an achievement and a source of satisfaction. If he does not listen, he will end up treating evil and its ill effects as good.
Further Reading:
Enumeration used in these reasonings is from this translation of Ptahhotep’s Maxims
The Instruction of Ptah-Hotep, from the translation by Battiscombe G. Gunn
The Maxims, from humanistictexts.org | 6,325 | 2,986 | 0.000346 |
warc | 201704 | An Equal Place at the Table: A guest post by Neesha Meminger {Trisha’s note: My most recent post at the Kirkus blog is about Neesha Meminger’s new novel, Jazz in Love . I said, among other things, that it was predictable but fun, and I was intrigued by Neesha’s response on her blog: “I don’t mind ‘predictable’ – there are thousands of predictable books on the shelves featuring white teens. In a sea of books about PoC who suffer nobly, are rescued by white or western saviours, or are living amidst despair and violence, I am delighted that in this book, South Asian teens get to star in a light, fun, somewhat predictable read that was compared to some of Meg Cabot’s (The Princess Diaries) writing :).” Oh, I thought, I want to hear more about this! So I asked Neesha if she’d be willing to write a guest post about why predictable can be a good thing, and (yay!) she agreed.}
My first novel,
Shine, Coconut Moon, which I am very proud of, was about race and identity–not groundbreaking themes in South Asian literature, or literature by and about people of colour in general. The book explored issues of racism, discrimination, terrorism. These themes have been done time and again, superbly, by many an author of colour before me.
My second novel,
Jazz in Love, is steeped in teen culture and gets very close to the teen view of life. I was clear at the onset that I wanted to write a light, fun, contemporary novel featuring South Asian teens. I didn’t want to focus on the identity of my characters, but I didn’t want to ignore it either. I wanted to place my story smack dab in the middle of popular culture, and I wanted to create a world that consisted of teens from a variety of cultural backgrounds. While there are issues of class (Jazz’s parents are working class, unlike the usual Indian-American narrative), caste, spousal abuse and dating violence, there is no identity struggle, no overt racism or racial issues, no overt mention of discrimination and no references to terrorism. The “heavier” issues are dealt with using a light touch, and the focus is the universal journey of teens navigating the often volatile landscape of teenhood.
My first novel was picked up by a large, New York publisher and my second novel was self-published. I think the reasons
Jazz in Love didn’t get picked up by a large publisher are complex. But one of them had to be the big economic crash in 2008. My (then) agent sent the manuscript around on Monday and on Wednesday news broke of what became known as “Black Wednesday” in publishing. Editors were laid off left and right, and most were afraid for their jobs. The last thing, I’m sure, an editor was thinking of doing at that time, was fighting to acquire a manuscript others might consider “risky”. There are so many reasons a book is successful or not, and a lot of them have to do with a publisher’s expectations for a book at the onset. One editor responded most honestly to passing on Jazz in Love, saying that while she loved reading it, she just didn’t have a strong enough vision for where the book could go. But I did. I knew there were readers for this book–books like the Bindi Babes series by Narinder Dhami have enjoyed enormous success in the UK, and Tanuja Desai Hidier’s Born Confused which has been described as “chicklit” and is edgy with a dash of romance and fun, did remarkably well in the US and abroad. Even if that editor and others were not aware of such examples, I was. I also felt it was important that teens of colour have access to this type of story–one that delves into the harder issues of South Asian teen life, but also entertains.
In an online article I recently read, the author writes about the marginalization of people of colour in general, and women of colour in particular, “We deserve an equal place at the table of fantasy and play and romance, and we deserve to own and nurture our desires free from colonialities that exploit our longings in order to perpetuate white heteropatriarchy.” (I recommend reading the entire post if you’re interested in representations of race, gender and sexuality in books and media.)
Fantasy and play and romance.
Play. It’s the space where creativity happens. It’s a place of joy, hope, rejuvenation, innocence, and a throwback to childhood when things are (or should be) carefree. In the vast majority of books featuring people of colour and other marginalized voices, the offerings are of overcoming suffering, the pain of being “other”, and the untimely loss of innocence. Not that there isn’t a place for these novels. They are vital and necessary, and offer a most important mirror for those in similar situations–and I reserve the right to have my next book explore suffering and pain and violence, and maybe even identity. All I am saying is that to only put forward stories of marginalized people suffering nobly or weathering hardship, to the exclusion of other types of stories, is where we once again risk falling into the trap of what Chimamanda Adichie terms the “single story” trope.
When I was a teen, all the books I read for fun featured white protagonists. When I think of some of my favourite books in the YA romance genre now, books like those of Sarah Dessen, Megan McCafferty, and Meg Cabot–I doubt that any of the authors were expected to create artful, powerful narratives about social issues. These books are allowed to be pure entertainment because there is a vast plethora of novels showing the full gamut of the white, heterosexual, able-bodied, middle/upper-middle class teen experience. In terms of racial representation, there are white characters in horror, fantasy, romance, historical, and whatever other genres exist on bookshelves, while teens of colour are offered a limited array of options.
South Asian teens rarely see themselves depicted in mainstream media, if at all. They are not all immigrants (though some are), they are not always-all-the-time focused on being “other” (though some are). And they don’t always see themselves as outsiders–especially now, when there are second and third generation teens who are as versed in mainstream American/western pop-culture as they are in their home culture.
The truth is that people of colour, LGBTQ folks, working class folks, and other under-represented communities are comprised of complex, multi-faceted experiences. Most of us love at least
some aspects of popular culture. Some of us enjoy watching/reading Twilight, others love Sex and the City, still others are die hard Lord of the Rings fans–even while our voices and images are, at best, erased from the worlds created in these narratives, and at worst, denigrated, stereotyped, or belittled.
Storytellers get to make their own rules in the imagined worlds they create. The creators of
Friends envisioned an all-white world until there was pressure to include people of colour; the creators of Sex and the City saw a similar world, as did the creators of 90210, Gossip Girl, and most other prime time television shows and Hollywood films. So, for me, creating Jazz’s world was about challenging commonly-held beliefs and assumptions about what is “normal” and the realities depicted around us, without making that the focus of the book. Perhaps because Cindy, Jazz’s best friend, is biracial (her father is Puerto Rican and her mother is Italian), most readers don’t realize Jazz in Love features a full cast of teens of colour. I take this as a compliment.
I wrote
Jazz in Love because I believe teens deserve all kinds of stories. Teens who fit the mainstream ideal could benefit from reading about teens of colour dealing with the same sorts of issues all teens face, and teens of colour deserve to see themselves reflected in the complex multiplicity of their experience. They deserve an equal place at the table of fantasy and play and romance. Shine, Coconut Moon About the authorNeesha Meminger’s made the Smithsonian’s “List of Notable Books for Children” in its debut year, as well as the New York Public Library’s “Top 100 Books for Teens–Stuff for the Teen Age” list. It was also nominated for the American Library Association’s list of “Best Books for Young Adults” and the online CYBILS award.Jazz in Love is Neesha’s second novel for young adults. Neesha can be found online at NeeshaMeminger.com | 8,633 | 3,969 | 0.000262 |
warc | 201704 | Why *Mintzberg believes incentives should be scrapped
Management guru Henry Mintzberg believes that executive bonuses should be scrapped altogether. “This may sound extreme,” he notes, “but when you look at the way the compensation game is played – and the assumptions that are made by those who want to reform it – you can come to no other conclusion. The system simply can’t be fixed. Executive bonuses – especially in the form of stock and option grants – represent the most prominent form of legal corruption that has been undermining our large corporations and bringing down the global economy. Get rid of them and we will all be better off for it.”
He lists five reasons why senior executives have failed their organizations.
1. They play with other people’s money – the stockholders’, not to mention the livelihoods of their employees and the sustainability of their institutions.
2. They collect not when they win so much as when it appears that they are winning – because their company’s stock price has gone up and their bonuses have kicked in. In such a game, you make sure to have your best cards on the table, while you keep the rest hidden in your hand.
3. They also collect when they lose – it’s called a “golden parachute.” Some gamblers!
4. Some even collect just for drawing cards – for example, receiving a special bonus when they have signed a merger, before anyone can know if it will work out. Most mergers don’t.
5. On top of all this, there are chief executives who collect merely for not leaving the table. This little trick is called a “retention bonus” – being paid for staying in the game!
Is Mintzberg right?
The evidence that incentives lead to higher profit performance is tenuous at best.
Jensen and Murphy showed that there was virtually no link between how much CEOs were paid and how well their companies performed for shareholders. Of the 12 companies employing the highest-paid CEOs in America, only four outperform their peers in terms of shareholder return.
A study by McKinsey found an inverse correlation between top executives’ pay and innovation. They suggest that the secret of persuading people to focus simultaneously on developing new businesses and managing current operations may be to rely less on pay for performance.
In an adaptive organization:
• Assume that people are motivated by self-fulfillment, not financial incentives.
• Base rewards on teams rather than individuals.
• Evaluate and reward team performance “with hindsight.”
• Give everyone a stake in success.
• Take employee recognition seriously.
Conclusions:
Nothing undermines the best intentions of an adaptive organization like a misaligned or ill-thought-out method of evaluating performance and rewarding people. Rewards should be disconnected from fixed targets and based on a fair, open, and agreed formula underpinned by relative performance measures. Many reward systems carry a great deal of “excess baggage” from a company’s history.
They are notoriously difficult to change. But change they must if an adaptive organization is to become a reality. The best approach is for a senior team to thrash out a set of common principles to which everyone can agree. A combination of group-wide and team-based rewards based on relative performance seems to be the way forward. Perhaps the secret of motivation is to make everyone believe that the job they do is important.
As Herzberg once said: “If you want someone to do a good job, then give them a good job to do.”
and Finally
A quote from Jeroen van der Veer, former CEO, Royal Dutch Shell:
You have to realize: if I had been paid 50 percent more, I would not have done it better. If I had been paid 50 percent less, then I would not have done it any worse. * Henry Mintzberg is a consistently contrary Canadian academic and professor at McGill University in Montreal. Trevor Lee, EP International @TBLepi We provide C-suite services in the field of talent acquisition, development and retention. | 4,174 | 2,069 | 0.000508 |
warc | 201704 | If you’re an adventurous sort you might be interested in taking up temporary residence in a foreign country.
Have you considered house sitting abroad?
The opportunity to live like a local in a small Nicaraguan community or in remote British Colombia might at first sound appealing but once you begin to consider the logistics the thought may become a little overwhelming.
Just over two years ago Ben and I joined TrustedHousesitters, created a profile and began applying for our first house sitting stay. Unfamiliar with the concept we were a little unsure how to approach the task of responding to home owners who had shown interest in our profile.
A week after we sent our first application we received a reply from a family in Costa Rica. They were visiting relatives in the USA and required house and pet care for a period of six weeks.
FOREIGN ASSIGNMENTS
Now Costa Rica was somewhere I’d come across during my school geography lessons, this I was sure. However I was having a hard time racking my brain for any further snippets of information about the country.
The inhabitants spoke Spanish, we did not. They experienced two seasons, we were used to four. The country was in sunny Central America, we were in cold and rainy England. Unfortunately my knowledge dwindled into speculative musings at this point and my internal panic alarm went off.
Accepting the assignment we booked our flights and threw ourselves in head first. Since then we’ve looked after twelve homes in six different countries and have collated our own check list that we consult before accepting any opportunity.
We feel we’re now relatively qualified to share our experience and hope this provides a useful tool to consult as you plan your own house sitting adventures.
VISAS
If you’re going to be living in a foreign country your first consideration should be whether or not you will require a visa for your stay. Do not assume that your tourist visa will cover you for duration of the assignment.
Jump online and find out from your embassy exactly what your options are. Most countries automatically provide a tourist visa to foreign visitors however the length of stay varies dramatically.
Find out exactly how many days you’re allowed to remain in the country on the tourist visa. Do not push the limit and extend your stay without authorisation or you could be faced with a hefty fine and have your re-entry to the country restricted.
Consider how you will get the visa. Will it be granted on arrival or will you need to apply before your departure?
Decide if you will need to work during the assignment to fund your stay. If so be aware that you will need to apply for the relevant employment visa. Make the home owner aware of your intention to work. It may be that they require someone to be at the property 24/7, if so this may not be a suitable assignment for you.
LOGISTICS
Find out what transport options will be available to you during the assignment. Some home owners leave a vehicle for your use whereas others will expect you to provide your own or utilise public transport.
Investigate the local area. Find out how close you are to amenities you require and whether you can get yourself around with ease. A remote house sit may sound appealing on paper but if you have to travel three hours by bus to do grocery shopping you may decide it isn’t the assignment for you.
FINANCE Consider the logistics involved with travelling to and from the assignment. Factor in your air fare as well as ground transport once you land. Consider public transport, vehicle hire and any additional layover accommodation costs. Determine what financial responsibilities you will have during your stay. You may be asked to cover anything from utilities and property maintenance costs to vehicle insurance and vets bills. Don’t get caught out know exactly what you are letting yourself in for. Decide whether you require payment for your services as a house sitter and make this clear on your profile. Remember that if you are going to charge to house sit in a foreign country this will be classed as working and you will be required by law to hold a working visa. Protect yourself. Never transfer any money to a home owner as a ‘down payment’ on utilities or to secure the assignment. If asked express your concern and ask to pay in full once you arrive at the property. Consider how you will manage your cash while abroad, look for credit and debit cards that do not charge foreign currency conversion fees or charge you for foreign transactions. Read our Guide to Savvy Travel Finance PERSONAL SAFETY Take the time to research the local area, just because the home owner chooses to live there doesn’t mean you would. Keep up to date with local news and find out the weather patterns for the duration of the assignment. Don’t negate your personal health requirements, if you suffer with a recurring condition find out if your medical needs can be accommodated locally. Stock up on medicines you require daily and consider what vaccinations may be applicable to the country you are visiting. COMMUNICATION
This is a vital tool for any house sitter. Without the ability to communicate with the outside world you can find yourself in a pickle. Find out what telephone and internet package you will have access to. It is vital that you can contact the relevant assistance should an emergency occur. If you run an online business, need constant access to your emails or can’t last a day without tweeting your itinerary to the world make sure the internet speed and allowance suits your needs. If you require an upgrade talk to the home owner, they may agree to upgrade their existing package or suggest you invest in additional mobile internet. ASSIGNMENT REQUIREMENTS Generally all the requirements of the assignment are detailed on the home owners advert however we like to confirm exactly what our responsibilities will entail before accepting a position. We feel it is vitally important to spend as much time as you can conversing with the home owner before committing to house sit. Use a service such as skype to chat with the home owners for free. Spend time getting to know them and ensure they are on the same wave length as you. Being on the same page from day one means there are no hidden surprises in store once you arrive at the sit. Understand exactly what is expected of you. Some owners choose to go away while they have their home renovated or garden landscaped and may expect you to coordinate builders and decorators. While there is nothing wrong with this don’t get caught out and arrive expecting to spend the assignment relaxing or working on your latest novel. LOCATION
While I have left it until now to mention this I know that for most of us location is the driving force behind our decision to house sit. We want to experience areas of the world that interest us and quench our thirst for wanderlust.
Whether it is as an affordable accommodation option when staying near family, a relaxing break from a 9 to 5, an escape to the city or an opportunity to spend time in that particular country, there is a reason you apply for some house sits and not others. Don’t forget this initial consideration.
The thought of a beach house on a remote tropical island can make even the most logical of us weak at the knees however make sure that any opportunities you are offered suit your schedule and requirements.
CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENT
A number of home owners have asked us to sign a short contract on arriving to house sit. In short it can detail whatever is required of you as a house sitter by the home owner. Ensure that you read and understand anything you are asked to sign fully and only do so if you agree to all the terms laid out in the agreement.
Don’t be afraid to ask for additional terms to be added to cover the ‘what ifs’ or extreme scenarios of any responsibilities you have been given.
RESEARCH
A small amount of time spent typing your destination into a search engine can save you the irritation of being stuck somewhere that you don’t enjoy.
House sitting is an opportunity to explore far from the well-trodden tourist trail, it provides the opportunity to experience life living as a local, take advantage of this and apply for assignments accordingly.
Travelling and living abroad can be a daunting prospect for some, yet with a little research and the patience to ensure you find out as much information as possible the experience can enrich your life.
Had you have told me two years ago that I would have learnt the basics of Macadamia farming and alpaca herding, lived in the tropical Costa Rican jungle and the icy cold winter of British Colombia all as a result of house sitting I’m not sure I would have believed you.
But here we are twelve assignments later, temporary alpaca farmers caring for a wonderful hill top home.
For more information on registering as a house sitter read our Guide to House Sitting.
Have you ever taken on a foreign house sitting assignment? Perhaps you’re dreaming of a desert island house sit! Share your comments with us below. | 9,214 | 4,141 | 0.000245 |
warc | 201704 | Be as Little Children TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman Friday, September 28 2012 “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”1 John 3:1a
“I have an important business meeting in the morning. Would you please set the alarm for 5:30 a.m.?” I said to my wife.
“Oh, that won’t be necessary. Just tell the Lord what time you want to wake up. He does it for me all the time,” my wife said.
I rolled my eyes in disbelief. “Well, I’d feel more comfortable if we set the alarm.”
“Okay, ye of little faith. But just to prove my point I am going to ask the Lord to wake us up just before 5:30.”
The next morning I awoke before the alarm went off. I looked at the clock. It read 5:15. I looked at my wife, who had just awakened at the same time with an I-told-you-so smile.
Sometimes we wrongfully view God as someone we go to for only the “big things.” The idea of “bothering God” for such a trivial matter seems foolish and presumptuous. However, when you were a child and had to get up in the morning for school, didn’t your mom or dad come wake you up? They were your parents, and you could come to them with the most trivial concerns or requests. Why would our heavenly Father be any less approachable? Perhaps our problem is that we simply have not developed a level of intimacy with God so that we feel the freedom to approach Him at these daily, routine levels. We often operate with an unwritten code that says our needs must have a certain degree of importance or crisis before we come to God with them. This is not God’s character towards us.
Does the Lord desire this level of intimacy with you and me? The apostle Paul exhorted us to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17 KJV). There is never a caution to pray only about matters of greater importance.
Today, go to God with matters that you might view as trivial and would normally avoid bringing to God. Ask God to increase your level of intimacy with Him. You may even be able to get rid of your alarm clock.
Did today’s devotion encourage you? Encourage your friends by sharing TGIF! Related articles God is the God of Success (wdednh.wordpress.com) The Pitfall of Being Entrepreneurial (wdednh.wordpress.com) Staying the Course (wdednh.wordpress.com) The Church (wdednh.wordpress.com) Modeling Christ to Your Employer (wdednh.wordpress.com) The Perfectionist (wdednh.wordpress.com) Completing the Work (wdednh.wordpress.com) Opposing God’s Leadership (wdednh.wordpress.com) Called to Craftsmanship (wdednh.wordpress.com) Unless the Lord Goes With Us (wdednh.wordpress.com) | 2,740 | 1,372 | 0.000763 |
warc | 201704 | Health Studies Degree Programs
From very early on in your academic career, you were introduced to wellness and healthy living habits and that education has continued to grow. If you’ve taken a particular liking to the content of these courses, you should consider earning a degree in health studies in order to help others understand the importance of living healthy lifestyles. Uncertain of how to prepare for a higher education in health studies? Consult your high school guidance counselor for advice and a list of courses that will give you a taste of a future in health studies.
The University of Alabama offers undergraduate students the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science in General Health Studies. Students will gain the knowledge necessary for planning health promotion programs and educating individuals and groups on good health practices. After graduating from the General Health Studies degree program at the University of Alabama, students have the power to assess needs within communities in order to develop and health programs for those communities and other health departments. This degree program is ideal for students looking to expand their education later in graduate programs related to allied health, health education, or public health.
Located in Utica, New York, Utica College provides undergraduate students with the option of earning a Bachelor of Science in Health Studies, a degree program that is designed to educate students in topics including but not limited to anatomy and anthropology. Mathematics, including statistics, is also an important part of the health studies curriculum. Students are able to get involved in community activities to help build their experience and education, as well; and the school also has excellent learning resources. The program boasts its usefulness in preparing students for graduate studies in subjects like occupational therapy and physical therapy.
The Elon Public Health Studies Program at Elon University helps students learn how to educate the public on disease prevention and control. The program is designed to stress the importance of good health locally, nationally, and across the globe so students are able to recognize the need for public health education at locations around the world. Students take courses in statistics, proper research methods, epidemiology, organic gardening, public administration, natural disasters, and more in order to best prepare them for educating the public or continuing their own education in allied health or other health-related subjects.
Careers in Health Studies
Health studies degree programs cover a wide array of subjects, so the number of types of careers people with degrees in health studies may enter is seemingly endless. It is important, though, that you’re able to form your studies in a way to best mold to your specific career goal in order to help you become more qualified for your desired position. Choosing a career that most interests you while you’re still enrolled in a health studies degree program is a particularly wise decision, and this section is meant to help you do just that.
Entry Level Careers in Health Studies
With a bachelors degree in health studies, you will most likely qualify for numerous entry level positions in the healthcare field. Just some examples of entry level positions for health studies majors are listed and described here.
Health Care AssistantHealth care assistants often help nurses perform basic care for patients within hospitals or other types of health clinics. They may care for patients by assisting in feeding, bathing, traveling between rooms, making beds, and more. Depending on the specific clinic they work at, health care assistants may also set up patients and equipment for therapy sessions and keep track of patient records. Possessing a bachelors degree in health studies or health science can be particularly helpful; and health care assistants are highly personable with excellent organizational and communication skills.
Health care assistants may earn over $23,000 annually, based on education and experience levels.
Clinical Support Worker
Clinical support workers spend their time assisting in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, whether working with scientists or doctors. They perform basic responsibilities such as keeping lab equipment clean and ready for use at all times, recording and updating databases, and observing blood samples for any abnormalities. When working alongside doctors, they may also provide basic care to patients. This is a perfect entry level position or internship opportunity for students looking to earn degrees in public health or other relevant subjects. Clinical support workers pay close attention to detail and take orders and follow instructions in a timely manner. They are also organized and familiar with medical jargon.
Clinical support workers may earn around $27,000 annually, based on education and experience levels.
Community Health Worker
Community health workers educate communities and individuals on the importance of healthcare and where they can go to receive the proper health care they need. Community health workers may work for community organizations advocating for necessary health care that may be scarce within the community. Community health workers often possess bachelor degrees in health studies or related fields. They also have outstanding communication skills and are passionate about health rights for individuals and communities.
Community health workers may earn a salary of around $32,000 annually, based on education and experience levels.
Advanced Careers in Health Studies
After spending a few years in a field related to health studies or after earning a masters degree in a relevant subject, you may find that you qualify for one or more of the positions described below.
Health Promotion Specialist
A health promotion specialist doesn’t just work to educate the public on proper health practices; he or she aims to better the health of individuals and communities as a whole. A health promotion specialist also assists in developing health care policies. He or she has at least a bachelors degree in health studies, and many have master degrees in more specific health related subjects. Health promotion specialists also often possess background knowledge in business, and they are highly organized with a few years of experience in their field.
Health promotion specialists may earn over $52,000 annually, based on education and experience levels.
Health Service Manager
A health service manager may oversee one or more departments within the healthcare system to ensure everything runs smoothly on a daily basis. He or she may also serve as a liaison between the institution for which they work and volunteers or social service institutions. Health service managers often work in hospitals, community health clinics, or other healthcare facilities. They are often knowledgeable in finances and administration responsibilities and have a few years of experience within the healthcare industry as well as at least a bachelors degree in health studies. A masters degree in business administration or a health-related subject is also highly valuable to employers.
Health service managers may earn over $80,000 annually, based on education and experience levels.
Companies that Hire People with Health Studies Degrees
Many health clinics and community organizations around the world hire people with health studies degrees. Below is a list of just a few examples of places that hire people who graduate with degrees in health studies.
Plus One Health Management – locations across the US and Puerto Rico; hires positions for healthy living directors, exercise specialists, group fitness instructors, health specialists, health coaches, etc.
Alere – headquarters in Waltham, MA; hires positions for training outreach specialists, registered nurses, health promotion specialists, etc.
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium – locations throughout AK; hires positions for community health promotion specialists, physician assistants, behavioral health counselors, mental health clinicians, etc.
If you are particularly compassionate and want to promote healthy living practices among individuals or within communities, then perhaps you should consider a career in the healthcare industry. A great way to prepare for a career in the health industry is to start out by earning a bachelors degree in health studies. | 8,556 | 3,353 | 0.000301 |
warc | 201704 | food interaction for VIRAX FC alcohol interaction for VIRAX FC pregnancy interaction for VIRAX FC lactation interaction for VIRAX FC medicine interaction for VIRAX FC
Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effect on the foetus, however, there are limited human studies. Please consult your doctor.
SALT INFORMATION FOR VIRAX FC Uses How it works Common side effects SUBSTITUTES FOR VIRAX FCNo substitutes found Expert advice FOR VIRAX FC Initiation of famciclovir is recommended as soon as possible after diagnosis. Inform you doctor if you have or ever had any liver or kidney problems. Avoid intercourse and practice safe sex if you are suffering from genital herpes and on treatment with famciclovir. Famciclovir is not recommended in children and adolescents <18 years. Do not drive or operate machinery as famciclovir is known to cause dizziness, drowsiness or confusion. Tell your doctor if you are or planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. Frequently asked questions FOR VIRAX FC Famciclovir Q. Is famciclovir safe? Famciclovir is safe if used at prescribed doses for the prescribed duration as advised by your doctor Q. Is famciclovir an antibiotic? No, famciclovir is not an antibiotic; it belongs to antiviral group of medicines Q. Is famciclovir a sulfa drug? No, famciclovir is not a sulfa dru Q. Is famciclovir the same as acyclovir/ Valtrex (valacyclovir)? No, although famciclovir belongs to the same class of medicines as acyclovir or valacyclovir, it is not same. They are different medicinal agents with similar mechanism of action Q. Is famciclovir better than acyclovir? Both famciclovir and acyclovir have similar mechanism of action and have a comparable effectiveness and side effects Q. Can I take famvir (famciclovir) with other medications such as antibiotics? Always consult your doctor before taking any medications while on famciclovir therapy, due to potential chances of drug interactions Q. Can I take famciclovir with ibuprofen (advil), paracetamol (Tylenol) or lysine? There are no known interactions between famciclovir and ibuprofen, paracetamol or lysine. However, consult your doctor before using any other medication while on famciclovir therapy Q. Can I take famciclovir with valacyclovir? No, taking famciclovir with valacyclovir may cause an additive antiviral effect, which may lead to some adverse reactions. Always consult your doctor before taking any medications while on famciclovir therapy Q. Does famciclovir affect birth control? No, famciclovir has no known effects on birth control Q. Does famciclovir cause weight gain, constipation or hair loss? No, famciclovir has no known effects on weight gain, constipation or hair loss Q. Does famciclovir contain penicillin? No, famciclovir does not contain penicillin. | 2,784 | 1,124 | 0.000891 |
warc | 201704 | THE ICAEW has issued its 100th alternative business structures (ABS) licence to Tiffin Green Limited, one year after being granted powers to regulate firms wishing to conduct probate and form an ABS.
Tiffin Green, a Brentwood-based five-director practice, made it a century for the ICAEW, just 12 months after the institute awarded its first licence to Kingston Smith.
Stephen Mitchell, a director at Tiffin Green, said: “Having significant experience in the area of inheritance tax planning, trusts and estates already, it was a logical step for the business to apply for a probate licence.”
The ICAEW is now urging bodies and companies to review and update their guidance and procedures to recognise the changes.
Peter James, head of ICAEW regulatory policy said: “ICAEW became a regulator and licensing authority for probate and ABS in the hope it would give more choice to the consumer, who might want their accountant to handle their legal services too.
“One year on, accountancy firms are seeing the advantages that ABS and probate can bring to their business. It is disappointing however that some organisations have failed to recognise this change in the market place and not updated their guidance accordingly.
“
Kingston Smith, a top 20 firm, was the first to be awarded a licence and I am pleased that Tiffin Green has been awarded the 100th licence. It is a positive step that firms of all sizes are developing a strategy to go beyond traditional accountancy service and offer their clients a holistic approach to probate services.”
In addition to the 100 firms licensed as ABS’s, the institute now has 147 firms accredited to perform probate.
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The new team will begin their new roles on May 9, 2017 for a year term | 2,032 | 1,083 | 0.000949 |
warc | 201704 | What is Dependent Personality Disorder?
Dependent personality disorder (DPD) is the terrifying fear of being alone or abandoned. The person suffering from dependent personality disorder is completely dependent on others for their complete sense of being. The man or woman struggling with DPD is reliant on their significant relationships to meet all of their emotional and physical needs.
The cause of dependent personality disorder is unknown, but it is believed to be a complex combination of overprotective parenting, genetics, environmental factors and trauma. Unfortunately, there is not a cure for dependent personality disorder. The only resolution is continued behavioral therapy. The therapy provides the person suffering from DPD with tools to learn how to manage the disorder.
Dependent personality disorder is a debilitating disorder because it causes the man or woman to give up their personal identity and all decision making to someone else. A person with DPD is often considered to be clingy or needy. People with dependent personality disorder tend to fall into relationships that are both mentally and physically abusive. It is important to recognize the signs of dependent personality disorder because it can lead to treatment and help the individual fighting DPD to manage the disorder and live a productive life.
Statistics About Dependent Personality Disorder
Being among the most commonly diagnosed personality disorder, DPD is found in about 14% of people who have personality disorders and about 2.5% of the general population. Other estimates have shown a median prevalence rate of 20%, with a range from 2% to 55% [1]. Additional statistics that are relevant to dependent personality disorder include:
DPD has also been shown to be comorbid with mood and anxiety disorders, such as depression, phobias, obsessive‐compulsive, and alcohol abuse. Patients have poorer outcomes when they have the combination of mood and/or anxiety disorder along with dependency traits [1]. Research indicates that economic dependency in women and emotional dependency in men independently contribute to domestic-partner abuse risk and that high levels of emotional dependency in an abused partner may reduce the likelihood that the victimized person will terminate the relationship [2]. Causes of Dependent Personality Disorder
The causes of dependent personality disorder are unknown. It is believed that there are multiple components involved in developing DPD. Some researchers think that part of the cause is due to an overprotecting parenting style that can direct a child to develop dependent personality traits. It is also assumed that one’s surroundings and environment can play a crucial part in developing dependent personality disorder. It is thought that a man or woman’s social environment can interact with their genetic disposition and develop dependent personality disorder. More than likely, there has been some sort of trauma or abuse that has led the person to be more dependent on one or two other significant relationships.
Signs and Symptoms of Dependent Personality Disorder
Dependent personality disorder is sometimes confused with borderline personality disorder (BPD). With BPD, the fear of abandonment is met with emptiness, fury and rage. A person with dependent personality disorder will meet the fear of abandonment with submissiveness and passivity. The sufferer will do virtually anything to avoid the rejection. They will also find another relationship to preserve his or her dependency. Some symptoms of dependent personality disorder include:
Need the reassurance of others to make even the most menial decisions Avoids personal responsibility Deny their individuality Oversensitivity to criticism Avoids being alone Dependent Personality Disorder Effects
Living with dependent personality disorder can be exceedingly arduous. A normal fulfilling life cannot be lived because most all life decisions are made by someone else. There are a multitude of negative psychological effects and several social consequences, but there are only a few physical outcomes. If the warning signs of dependent personality disorder are identified, then the sufferer needs to seek professional assistance. Some of the psychological effects include:
See themselves as inadequate and/or helpless Oversensitivity to criticism Spend great effort trying to please others Avoids personal responsibility Deny their individuality Avoids being alone Define themselves as inept Retain unsophisticated ideas See others as they wish they were Fear of separation Turn their fate over to others Exceptionally passive in relationships View other people as powerful and competent
Some of the physical effects are:
Physical abuse Death due to abuse
Negative social effects:
Can lead to drug and alcohol abuse Relationships with family members are ruined Lack of or no career Can become reclusive Self esteem is based on other’s opinions Economic security can be lost Dependent Personality Disorder Treatment
The only treatment for dependent personality disorder is long-term behavioral therapy. This is because there is not a cure for the disorder. The behavioral therapy will help the person suffering to learn how to manage the DPD. People dealing with dependent personality disorder will often find themselves in unhealthy relationships that can lead to mental abuse, physical abuse or both. This is a simple example of the significance to find professional assistance to manage the disorder. A dependent personality disorder treatment center can help a man or woman learn to control the disorder through various behavioral treatments.
References:
[1]: http://epublications.marquette.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1023&context=gjcp
[2]: Bornstein, Robert F., American Psychologist, Vol 61(6), Sep 2006, 595-606.
Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on April 15th, 2013 Published on AddictionHope.com, Substance Abuse Guide | 5,993 | 2,521 | 0.0004 |
warc | 201704 | Somebody just bought a watermelon for $4,700
Some people can't resist the temptation to splurge on a fancy dinner. Then there are others who can't resist the temptation to splurge ¥500,000, or about $4,700, on a rare black watermelon.
According to Mental Floss, that's exactly what happened Tuesday, when a lucky bidder took home a rare melon after an auction in Asahikawa, Japan, at a fresh produce market.
Densuke watermelons are known for their "black and shiny skin as well as their crunchy texture," according to The Japan Times. They're also considered a primo gift in Japan, notorious for fetching high prices, especially when they're part of the country's first harvest of the season. Peak season is usually in July, so this Densuke was prime for the picking.
See photos of the rare Densuke watermelons:
See Gallery
Many consumers couldn't afford such an extravagance. For instance, the average American, at least, doesn't have thousands gathering dust in their savings account and can hardly afford to cover an unexpected expense or emergency. In fact, a survey conducted by the Federal Reserve in 2014 found 47% of Americans said they wouldn't be able to cover a $400 emergency expense. (You can learn how to retrain your brain to cut debt and build savings here.)
And even people with some savings can benefit from carefully considering any splurges they're inclined to make — particularly if they plan to charge the purchase to a credit card. High levels of debt, related to pricey watermelons or otherwise, could wind up hurting your wallet and your credit score.
Before you consider running up any big bills, make sure you know where your credit stands, as it's a huge indicator of your financial standing that can affect your ability to secure a home loan, rental agreement and so much more. You can view two of your credit scores, updated each month, for free on Credit.com. And, if your credit is in lackluster shape, you may be able to improve your score by paying down high credit card balances, disputing any errors with the credit reporting agencies and limiting new credit inquiries.
This article originally appeared on Credit.com. | 2,176 | 1,158 | 0.000873 |
warc | 201704 | Safety Publications/Articles Keeping It Real Maintaining A Safe Level Of Emergency Simulation For StudentsThe military has a saying, "If you train like you fight, you will fight like you train." The theory is sound; if the training is identical to the mission, the mission stands a greater chance of success. As flight instructors, can we adapt this doctrine to our daily instructional duties? Absolutely. In fact, many would argue that we have a responsibility to expose our students to all the situations that might arise when they are pilots in command. The trick is to maintain an acceptable level of safety while simulating those situations.
Certain procedures and maneuvers are simple - a standard entry to a traffic pattern, a full-procedure ILS, or a normal takeoff in a twin. The instructor's challenge comes when we have to practice the procedures that are not so normal, such as an engine failure in the pattern, a partial-panel ILS approach, or an engine failure after takeoff. These are the operations that we need to simulate as genuinely as possible so that our students are more confident and prepared when we are not with them in the aircraft.
The value of physically performing an emergency maneuver is immeasurable. Consider the example of an emergency power-off landing in a field. A student who is continually made to go around at 3,000 feet agl would most likely have a difficult time actually hitting the emergency landing spot that he or she has picked, whereas the student who has routinely glided down to 1,000 feet agl will have a better perception of what it looks and feels like to reach, or miss, a specific point. Those extra 2,000 feet will better prepare your student for that unfortunate possibility that a go-around is not an option.
The application of checklists can also be improved through more realistic practice. Fortunately, our emergency checklists rarely make their way into our daily aviation lives. But the failure to use those checklists also hinders our ability to use them when the situation warrants. We can combat disuse by requiring our students to actually run the appropriate checklist for the given maneuver (the next flight review that you perform might be the perfect time to try this). These are perfect examples of how realistic training benefits your students, but for us, keeping it real poses some interesting problems.
Let us examine the concept of reality a bit deeper. During instruction, we are intentionally putting our aircraft (with us in it) in abnormal situations for the learning benefit of our students. The more life like those situations are, the more valuable the lessons are for the students. This puts a tremendous amount of responsibility in our hands as CFIs.
My first student and I were practicing steep turns at 4,500 feet agl. After the second turn, and seeing that my student was faring well, I decided to simulate an engine failure. As he was rolling wings level, I brought the throttle back to idle and informed him that his engine had just failed. I watched as he immediately started to pitch our Piper Warrior to find its best glide and began to run the engine-restart checklist. Once he completed that checklist, I told him that the engine had not restarted. He then began to look for a suitable place to land. What he found was a nice long road about three miles west of our position - a road that I wasn't sure we were going to make.
As we maintained our descent, my student continued the engine-securing checklist, and I concentrated on the landing point that he had picked out. More specifically, I was occupied with the fact that we were not going to make the road. I brought myself back into the cockpit and instructed him to go around at 1,500 feet agl. As the big arm of the altimeter passed five on the dial, my student advanced the throttle and nothing happened. My heart stopped when I looked down to find the mixture at idle-cutoff. I rapidly reduced the throttle, increased the mixture and gently pushed the throttle forward. We passed through 1,200 feet agl, the engine roared back to life, and my heart started to beat again. While I was busy watching our approach, my student was dutifully executing the engine-securing checklist, which included shutting off the mixture. He was only doing what he had been instructed to do.
The first day we covered emergency checklists I had taught him that it was his responsibility to treat all the emergencies as if they were real, and it was my responsibility to ensure the safety of the procedures. In this situation he kept his end of the deal, but I did not. It became a perfect example of how quickly a simulated emergency can become an actual one if we're not careful. With that in mind, there are actions we can take to maintain an acceptable margin of safety during emergency procedures.
Always think ahead of your student and the aircraft. Understand and learn to anticipate the reactions of your students. Knowing how your student and aircraft react will help to keep you in control of the situation. Maintain a high level of discipline. Keep your situational awareness inside and outside of the cockpit. Follow all limitations outlined by the PTS. These limitations are a built-in safety margin - it's our job to know and follow them. Always leave yourself an out. Be ready to recover from every situation. Leave an acceptable margin for error and reaction time. This might be extra altitude, the area in which you train, or simply taking control of the aircraft. Whatever the case may be, always have an escape plan.
Since learning is a change in behavior as a result of experience, our job as CFIs is to provide quality experiences to our students. That is why it is imperative that the experiences we provide are as true to life as we can make them. Keep it real and keep it safe. Train like you fight and you will fight like you train.
David Wright is director of training for the AOPA Air Safety Foundation. A former pilot for US Airways Express, he is a CFI with more than 2,000 hours.
By David Wright | 6,075 | 2,778 | 0.000361 |
warc | 201704 | Robert M. Silverman is highly regarded throughout the legal community and the automotive industry for his continuing efforts in helping consumers with their Lemon Law and breach of warranty claims. Mr. Silverman has been featured in The Philadelph...
Practice areas & skills: Lemon Law
Protecting the rights of the "little guy" from "big guy" corporations can result in a consumer lawyer finding himself squarely in the crosshairs of the rich and powerful. Business-friendly interests and/or those who come from such backgrounds don...
Practice areas & skills: Lemon Law, Debt Collection, Employment & Labor, Class Action
At Davis Consumer Law firm we are working to help the people. I represent consumers exclusively- in credit and debt related proceedings and lemon law and defective products. There is never a charge for a lemon law or FDCPA related case, and while ...
Practice areas & skills: Lemon Law, Debt Collection, Consumer Protection Review: “Mr. Litvak consulted me regarding the legal issues of family reunification in the USA. The lawyer provided me with meaningful advice and suggestions on the steps in the process that I should follow. The immigration case h... Practice areas & skills: Lemon Law, Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, Bankruptcy & Debt, Immigration
Cars with problems that substantially impair the use, value, or safety of the vehicle are often called “lemons.” If your car repeatedly breaks down and you're unable to get it repaired, you may benefit from the services of a lemon law attorney, who will know which specific problems are covered by lemon laws. Certain lemon laws also cover other mechanical appliances that fail to work properly, such as a generator or washing machine. Lemon law attorneys know the information you need to better negotiate repairs to your car, or whether you qualify for a replacement car. You are often able to recover your lemon law attorney fees from the business that sold you the lemon. | 1,993 | 1,030 | 0.000984 |
warc | 201704 | What do exit strategies have to do with your real estate offers?
Everything! You always need to begin with the end in mind.
It’s a well-known fact that you make your money on a property the day you buy it. If you pay too much initially, there is a very good chance you will lose money in the end. So it’s vital that you know your exit strategy right from the beginning.
Your exit strategy will have an effect on a lot of things. It will determine the amount of money you will need, and most likely the type of financing you get. Your particular exit strategy will play a part in the finishes you put in the house; in most cases you will use different materials for a rental then you would for a home that has been beautifully renovated for a retail buyer.
3 Popular Exit Strategies for Real Estate Investors Buy, rehab and sell (short term) Hold the property as a rental (long term) Wholesale the property to another investor (short term) Should You Have A Plan B?
Most experienced rehabbers in my area are now buying property with two exit strategies in mind. If you ask them, they will tell you that they always have a “plan B” or a “back up plan” in today’s market. Let’s face it, things don’t always work out the way we plan them.
What I mean by that is that they might buy the property with “plan A” being to rehab it and sell it to a retail buyer. But if the house doesn’t sell in a reasonable amount of time, they will rent it until the market improves. Experienced investors want options. For instance they will want to know right from the beginning that this property will cash flow if it ends up being rental. Deals that might be good for an investor to rehab and sell to a retail buyer might be too expensive to cash flow as a rental. I have had investors pass on what was a great rehab opportunity for that very reason in the past year or so.
What About Financing?
The type of financing will be different for different exit strategies. If the intent is for the property to be a rental right from the beginning, the investor would secure long term financing. If the investor is a rehabber and is using a short term or construction type of loan, this could pose a problem if he is has to hold the property long term. He would be forced to refinance the property.
Smart Investing
The days of buying a property, rehabbing it and being
absolutely certain you can sell it quickly have been over for a while now. But with a little planning, and a solid “plan B” you can still take full advantage of this terrific real estate market.
Photo: Peggy Reimchen | 2,643 | 1,216 | 0.000849 |
warc | 201704 | Titel: Handbook of Race and Development in Mental Health
Autoren/Herausgeber: Edward Chang, Christina A. Downey (Hrsg.) Ausgabe: 2012
ISBN/EAN: 9781461404231
Seitenzahl: 389
Format: 23,5 x 15,5 cm Produktform: Hardcover/Gebunden Gewicht: 783 g Sprache: Englisch
Edward C. Chang is Professor of Clinical Psychology and a Faculty Associate in Asian/Pacific Islander American Studies at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. He received his B.A. in psychology and philosophy from the State University of New York at Buffalo, and his M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. Dr. Chang completed his APA-accredited clinical internship at Bellevue Hospital Center-New York University Medical Center. He serves as a program evaluator for the Michigan Department of Community Health – Social Determinants of Health, working with the Asian Center Southeast Michigan. Dr. Chang also serves as an Associate Editor of Cognitive Therapy and Research, the Asian American Journal of Psychology, and the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. He has published more than a hundred empirical and scholarly works focusing on optimism and pessimism, perfectionism, loneliness, social problem solving, and cultural influences on behavior. Dr. Chang is the editor of Optimism and Pessimism: Implications for Theory, Research, and Practice (2001), Self-Criticism and Self-Enhancement: Theory, Research, and Clinical Implications (2007), and Handbook of Adult Psychopathology In Asians: Diagnosis, Etiology, and Treatment (forthcoming), and is a co-editor of Virtue, Vice, and Personality: The Complexity of Behavior (2003), Social Problem Solving: Theory, Research, and Training (2004), and Judgments Over Time: The Interplay of Thoughts, Feelings, and Behaviors (2006). Christina A. Downey is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Indiana University Kokomo. She received her B.A. in Psychology from Purdue University, and her M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in clinical psychology from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Her dissertation work focused on lay theories of health among community adults. Her research interests include mixed-method study of lay theories of health, understanding the relations between perfectionism and disturbed eating behaviors, college student attitudes about various aspects of diversity, and the outcomes of including service learning in college pedagogy. She has published articles in Cognitive Therapy and Research and Eating Behaviors, and has co-authored chapters in Social Problem Solving: Theory, Research, and Training (Chang, D’Zurilla, & Sanna, 2004) and Judgments Over Time: The Interplay of Thoughts, Feelings, and Behaviors (Sanna & Chang, 2006). Her next chapter, on multicultural considerations in positive psychology (co-authored with Dr. Chang) will appear in the upcoming APA Handbook of Multicultural Psychology. She also maintains a strong commitment to excellent college teaching, and has presented on the value of incorporating service learning in the teaching of research methods in psychology.
This project is unique in the field for a number of reasons, both in structure and in content. Specifically, it will have leading experts on specific age groups (Childhood to Adolescence, Young Adulthood to Middle Age, and The Elderly) within the cultural groups of interest (European-Americans, African-Americans, Asian-Americans, Hispanic-Americans, and Native Americans) contribute a chapter covering current research on both positive and negative functioning for each population. Each chapter will present basic demographic information, strengths that contribute to resilience, and three significant challenges each group faces to maintaining mental health. Each chapter will then include an integrative section, where ideas are advanced about how the strengths of each group can be harnessed to address the challenges that group faces. To conclude, each chapter will propose future directions for research which addresses integrative approaches to mental health for each group, and the implications that such approaches could have for future treatment. The main points of each section of each chapter will be visually summarized in a concluding table. | 4,244 | 1,949 | 0.000515 |
warc | 201704 | Criteria for a Recommended Standard: NEG and NIOSH Basis for an Occupational Health Standard: Ethyl Ether February 1993 DHHS (NIOSH) Publication Number 93-103
The purpose of this memorandum is to exchange information and expertise in the area of occupational safety and health. One product of this agreement is the development of documents to provide a scientific basis for establishing recommended occupational exposure limits. The exposure limits will be developed separately by each country according to the different national policies.
This document on the health effects of occupational exposure to ethyl ether is the second product of that agreement.
Page last reviewed: June 6, 2014 Page last updated: June 6, 2014 Content source:
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Education and Information Division | 832 | 468 | 0.002152 |
warc | 201704 | Preliminary survey to determine possible asbestos exposures at rock crushing operations at the Anaconda Company in Butte, Montana.
Abstract
Asbestos (1332214) dust was measured at an open pit copper mine, and several underground copper mines of the Anaconda Company (SIC-3532) at Butte, Montana. Approximately 25 workers were employed in primary crushing operations where the samples were collected. Samples were collected at intervals of 5, and 90 minutes and were taken from around rock crushers, at the discharge of the crusher and next to workers at the sides of the conveyer. All of the samples were within the then existing standard of 5 fibers per cubic centimeter (fibers/cc); however, two samples exceeded the minimum standard that went into effect July 1976. The authors conclude that no asbestos fiber hazard exists.
Keywords
NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Survey; Field-Study; IWS-32-10; Region-8; Asbestos-dust; Heavy-metals; Mine-workers; Work-operations; Health-hazards; Occupational-exposure; Standards
Document Type
Field Studies; Industry Wide
NTIS Accession No.
PB81-241671
Source Name
Environmental Investigations Branch, Division of Field Studies and Clinical Investigations, NIOSH, Cincinnati, Ohio | 1,221 | 708 | 0.001426 |
warc | 201704 | Historic house museums can be found in nearly every city in the United States and Canada. These are the homes of the earliest settlers, statesmen, frontiersmen, great writers, artists, architects, and industrial magnates. These are the places, carefully saved and preserved, that represent acultural heritage. Despite their popularity, it is not uncommon to find museums that are in poor repair, their collections neglected and their staffs grossly overworked. Many are run by well-meaning and hard-working volunteers who have little or no professional training. Often they survive onshoestring budgets and are able to present only limited programs. Serving both as a hands-on guide and reference, this book examines these problems, offering practical advice and solutions which can be easily implemented. Its useful "lessons" include governance, where to find help, care ofcollections, conservation, security, and interpretation--all designed to increase the professionalism of the historic house museum. | 1,009 | 579 | 0.001734 |
warc | 201704 | This book brings together for the first time in a single volume a complete survey of the theoretical foundations of economic aid policies and a critical analysis of aid programs and practices. The book focuses on the contributions of familiar economic growth models and other economic and social theories of development to foreign aid practices, and provides a broad and penetrating overview of the economics of foreign aid.
At the macroanalytical level, the author investigates the savings constraint and the foreign exchange constraint approaches and the models employed for determining the quantity of external capital required for achieving growth goals under varying economic conditions in the recipient economies. The author examines other approaches to aid requirements (including the capital absorptive approach), analyzes debt service capacity, and reviews various debt cycle models. The nature and significance of indicators of economic performance are investigated, and both theoretical and practical policy issues relating to the employment of aid as a means of influencing domestic policies are analyzed. In his final chapter, the author applies his theoretical conclusions to the formulation of an integrated approach to foreign aid, encompassing the major foreign assistance problems faced today.
A clear and comprehensive text for every student of development economics, as well as the most thorough reference of its kind for professional economists, the book, a volume in the Aldine Treatises in Modem Economics series, will be useful to all who are concerned with the analysis, development, and execution of aid programs. | 1,643 | 817 | 0.001227 |
warc | 201704 | Reaching through the bars: Chicago-area prison ministry
The same Spirit that was upon Jesus, bringing good news to the poor and proclaiming release to the captive, is found among Christians today who have a heart for prisoners and their families. Led by two members with such a heart, our church began a ministry to prisoners. We began by inviting representatives of agencies involved in prison ministry to speak in Sunday morning education sessions, at women’s group meetings and at a special breakfast to which we invited individuals we thought might be interested in this ministry. We then began to plug into the work of these agencies.
Through Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, three women from our church periodically take children from Chicago to the women’s prisons in Dwight or Kankakee to visit their moms. Studies show that children who have a parent in prison are most at risk themselves for ending up behind bars.
Three women also tutor in the Cook County jail, helping detainees attain their GED while awaiting trial. Cook County’s resident population is over 10,000, making it the largest “city” of incarcerated men and women in the world. The number of women there has jumped dramatically because of the increase in sentencing for drug offenses.
The church members who have become tutors include a single lawyer, a Barnard graduate who is a mother of two, and a grandmother in her 70s. A recovering alcoholic volunteered to work in an AA program in prison. A young psychologist in the congregation, a mother of two, offered a four-month parenting class for women. The presence of such people who have chosen to walk with those in prison helps those behind bars believe that they have value and worth.
It isn’t, of course, only jail residents who are affected by this ministry. We, too, are changed by the people we meet and the stories we hear. One woman told me why she joined a gang: because her father used to beat her, her mother and her brothers and sisters. “I used to beg him to hit me, instead of the others,” she said. Now her father visits her in jail. Her dad cries when he comes. He says he’s sorry for how he treated her, and doesn’t beat her mother and brothers and sisters any more. Light still comes into the darkness.
Alerted by those agencies that work most closely with prisoners and ex-offenders, a group of us joined some 50 or so others at state legislative hearings on prison reform. (One scheduled hearing didn’t happen because only one state representative showed up. The meeting had evidently been canceled, but no one had told him or those who came to testify.) We sought to ensure that a proposed measure that would prohibit women prisoners from hugging their visiting children would not be enacted into law. By our presence we also sought to encourage state lawmakers to increase funding for community-based drug treatment programs, where children and their mothers are not separated, as an alternative to incarceration. Back at church, we sponsored a four-week adult education series on restorative justice.
Children and adults have been involved in other projects through an organization called Companions, Inc. Church members buy journals and books for Aunt Mary’s Story Book Project, which records the voices of incarcerated women reading a book, and then the book and tape are given to the women’s children, so that they can hear their mom’s voice every night reading to them.
Since holidays only accentuate the separation of incarcerated women from their families, church school kids and women’s groups have participated in Companions Inc.’s Mother’s Day project: assembling over 300 stationery packets (five cards with stamps) that are distributed to women in jail so they can write to their children and moms.
We have also twice sponsored concerts at the Cook County jail by Christian musician Dave Schmidt of Phoenix. A dozen or so church members have come along to help distribute home-made cookies and Coca Cola. At the end of the last concert, the superintendent of the men’s division let us take the remainder of the refreshments up to one of the tiers of cells. A woman officer handed inmates cookies through the bars, while a church member, Dan Muriello, and I poured Coke into the plastic cups for the men who lined up on the other side of the bars. It wasn’t bread and wine, but it seemed holy to Dan and me, and perhaps in some sense it was for the men also. The jail bars were a visible reminder of all the brokenness and divisions that exist in the world and in ourselves, the various barriers that separate us from God and one another.
What we had to offer, cookies and Coke, was surely inadequate, but I’d like to believe the refreshments represented at least those basics that imprisoned men and women hunger and thirst for, those things we all hunger and thirst for—a simple gesture of care; someone who will grieve with us over our losses, over those areas of our past where we messed up; someone who will love us in spite of our brokenness and help us become whole; the opportunity for forgiveness and a new beginning; a oneness that can somehow overcome those things that separate and divide us.
Our congregation’s limited ventures into jails and prisons have taught us that getting out of our comfort zone and reaching out to others enables us to see again God’s intervention and action in our own lives. That’s what happened to us, at any rate, after that last concert. We gained a new insight: that Christ’s Holy Communion is always, in one way or another, God in Christ reaching through prison bars to us; Christ intervening across those things that would keep us locked in or shut out, to feed us and free us; Christ stretching out his arms and hands once more to offer us grace and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit. | 5,954 | 2,782 | 0.000368 |
warc | 201704 | In this video, students see how data from the ice core record is used to help scientists predict the future of our climate. Video features ice cores extracted from the WAIS Divide, a research station on the West Antarctic Ice Sheet.
This is a basic animation/simulation with background information about the greenhouse effect by DAMOCLES. The animation has several layers to it that allow users to drill into more detail about the natural greenhouse effect and different aspects of it, including volcanic aerosols and human impacts from burning fossil fuels.
This short video clip summarizes NOAA's annual State of the Climate Report for 2009. It presents a comprehensive summary of Earth's climate in 2009 and establishes the last decade as the warmest on record. Reduced extent of Arctic sea ice, glacier volume, and snow cover reflect the effects of rising global temperature.
A video from the Extreme Ice Survey in which Dr. Tad Pfeffer and photographer Jim Balog discuss the dynamics of the Columbia glacier's retreat in recent years through this time-lapse movie. Key point: glacier size is being reduced not just by glacial melting but due to a shift in glacial dynamics brought on by climate change.
This video follows Bermuda scientists into the field as they collect data that documents a warming trend in ocean temperatures. BIOS Director Tony Knapp discusses some of the impact of warming temperatures on sea levels, storms, and marine ecosystems.
This video discusses the differences between climate and weather by defining and presenting examples of each. When presenting examples of weather, the video focuses on severe events and how meteorologists predict and study the weather using measurement, satellites, and radar. The climate focus is primarily on an overview of climate zones. | 1,807 | 959 | 0.001047 |
warc | 201704 | The new higher savings account rate at American Express Bank isn't anything to get excited about, but it's nice to see a major internet bank increasing rates for a change. The AmEx High-Yield Savings Account rate was increased today from 0.75% to 0.85%. The last rate change was on February 24th when AmEx cut the rate from 0.90% to 0.75%.
It appears the competition from other internet banks pushed AmEx into this rate hike. With new internet banks like Barclays, TIAA Direct and CIT Bank offering savings account rates over 1.00%, I'm sure AmEx is seeing their deposits falling. That February rate cut to 0.75% was harsh, and it even put AmEx below ING Direct on the savings account rate list.
It has been common for banks to offer high rates for a while to attract deposits. When they reach their deposit goals, they can lower the rates and hope that most customers will be lazy and won't move their money. This strategy probably works better at brick-and-mortar banks where it's harder to find other local deals and to move your money. However, this strategy isn't as effective for internet banks. By their very nature, internet savings accounts make it easy for customers to move their money. Customers only need to log in and initiate a bank-to-bank transfer. Also, many online savings accounts (including this AmEx one) have no minimum balance requirements and no monthly service fees. So customers can move their money without worrying about falling below minimum balance requirements (It's still best to keep at least $1 in any account to ensure it remains open).
This rate increase may not be large enough for AmEx to win back a lot of deposits, but it may prevent some customers from moving their money to Ally, Discover or ING Direct. Banks hope their online banking features can keep customers even with less competitive rates. This may help some, and it may have helped AmEx which does have some nice online banking features such as a fast ACH bank-to-bank transfer service. For more information about this account, please refer to my American Express Bank's Internet Savings Account review.
Have you kept your money at an internet bank when rates have fallen due to the bank's attractive banking features? How much higher a rate does it take for you to move your money to a new internet savings account? | 2,324 | 1,117 | 0.000898 |
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