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warc | 201704 | Telehealth
== About Telehealth ==
Telehealth is the delivery of health-related services and information via telecommunications technologies. Telehealth is an expansion of telemedicine, and unlike telemedicine (which more narrowly focuses on the curative aspect) it encompasses preventive, promotive and curative aspects.
Nonclinical uses of telehealth technologies Distance education including continuing medical education, grand rounds, and patient education administrative uses including meetings among telehealth networks, supervision, and presentations research on telehealth online information and health data management healthcare system integration asset identification, listing, and patient to asset matching, and movement overall healthcare system management patient movement and remote admission Clinical uses of telehealth technologies Transmission of medical images for diagnosis (often referred to as store and forward telehealth) Groups or individuals exchanging health services or education live via videoconference (real-time telehealth) Transmission of medical data for diagnosis or disease management (sometimes referred to as remote monitoring) Advice on prevention of diseases and promotion of good health by patient monitoring and followup. Health advice by telephone in emergent cases (referred to as teletriage) | 1,339 | 622 | 0.001614 |
warc | 201704 | A record 4,143 MW of solar photovoltaics was installed in the US in the third quarter, with 3,200 MW being utility-scale PV installations, GTM Research said Tuesday in a report commissioned by the Solar Energy Industries Association.
The previous quarterly high was in the fourth quarter of 2015, with 3,284 MW of solar installed, according to GTM. US solar installations drove 60% of new electric generating capacity additions in Q3 2016, a record quarterly market share, GTM said. "Between Q1 and Q3 2016, solar accounted for 39% of all new electric generating capacity brought on-line in the US, ranking second only to natural gas as the largest source of new capacity additions," it said.
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Total installed solar generation capacity in the US at the end of the third quarter reached 35,743 MW, up from roughly 10,000 MW three years ago, GTM said.
The utility-scale PV market continues to be the primary driver of solar installation growth in the US, while residential rooftop installations have slowed, it said. The utility-scale segment represented 77 % of solar PV installed in the third quarter of 2016.
"Driven by a large pipeline of utility PV projects initially procured under the assumption of a 2016 federal Investment Tax Credit expiration, the third quarter of 2016 represents the first phase of this massive wave of project completion, a trend that will continue well into the first half of 2017," said Cory Honeyman, associate director of US solar at GTM Research, in an accompanying statement.
California, which now has 15,251 MW of solar generation, added more than 1,000 MW of utility scale in Q3, GTM said.
GTM expects the US to install 14,100 MW of solar PV in full-year 2016, which, if reached, it said, would be 8 % above the 2015 total of 7,300 MW.
In the fourth quarter, GTM said it believes 7,800 MW of solar will come online, with "a massive" 4,800 MW of utility PV projects making up the bulk of that quarterly total. The consultants said that 19 utility-scale projects greater than 100 MW are expected to come online in Q4.
"More solar capacity is expected to come online in the second half of this year than has ever come online in a single year," GTM said.
More than 50% of the original utility PV pipeline intended for 2016 has "successfully pushed out interconnection into 2017, or later," it said. This roughly 6,000 MW "spillover" of utility PV installations was enabled by the extension of the federal Investment Tax Credit, which Congress approved in December 2015.
California's investor-owned utilities have "already procured enough renewables to meet their renewable portfolio standard obligations through the end of this decade," GTM said. "Despite dirt-cheap PPA pricing, the utility PV segment is struggling to reboot procurement given the degree of demand pull-in in 2016."
Even with PPA pricing consistently ranging between $35/MWh and $60/MWh, utility offtakers have only partly countered the demand rollback from utilities that over-procured in the past couple of years, GTM said.
As a result, over 70% of the 2017 utility-scale project pipeline procurement will come from entities other than utilities seeking to meet renewable portfolio standards, it said.
Corporate customers have already procured more than 1,500 MW of so-called off-site wholesale solar for post-2016 installation dates, GTM said.
--Jeffrey Ryser, jeffrey.ryser@spglobal.com
--Edited by Richard Rubin, richard.rubin@spglobal.com | 3,778 | 1,766 | 0.000572 |
warc | 201704 | I knew the day would come, and I knew it would be awful. But I still wasn’t prepared for when my sweet, darling boy became sick out of nowhere.
At first I didn’t know it was happening. We had been practicing napping on surfaces that weren’t my arms, and he’d been averse to it for the most part. Instead of encouraging him to sleep in his crib, on this day I thought I’d let him sleep on the couch next to me. I transferred him easily (a bit too easily), and he napped for a whole hour (as opposed to the 30-45 minutes he had been getting). I mistook this as a sign of progress. Shortly thereafter, it was clear that my hopes were misguided and that poor Rowan was sick.
What tipped me off? My usually happy, active baby was completely lethargic. He had far fewer soiled diapers than usual. Oh, and what I thought was a whole lot of spit up that turned out to be throw up.
I’m ashamed that it took me as long as it did to realize Rowan was sick. I was set to drop him off at my friend’s house before heading out for an appointment when I realized something wasn’t right. But was I overreacting? While my baby didn’t usually spit up, I couldn’t tell the difference between throw up and spit up. I had to make a decision – stay home with my sweet and call the doctor, or let him be and hope all’s well?
Fortunately, my mama instincts kicked in and were right. I cancelled my appointment and made one for Rowan with his pediatrician. It turned out there was nothing the doctor could really do except tell me what I already suspected—he was dehydrated and needed fluids. She guessed it was a stomach bug that had been going around, which I had heard of but desperately hoped we’d avoid. No such luck.
I did everything I could to comfort Rowan and keep his food down, but I’ve never felt more helpless in my entire life. I would’ve traded places with him in an instant if given the opportunity. The next two days were the longest, especially after the doctor informed me that if he threw up again, we’d have to go to the children’s hospital. I am so grateful it didn’t come to that.
Rowan showed signs of improvement within 48 hours. Soon after, Arthur and I got to the task of disinfecting and deep cleaning the entire house. I might not have been able to switch places with Rowan when he was sick, but Arthur did, within hours of us finishing the purge of germs.
My poor boys just couldn’t catch a break, which meant neither could I. | 2,539 | 1,306 | 0.0008 |
warc | 201704 | Teachers: Sara Conway, Barbara Geary, Joy Evans Project Children L.E.A.D. Director: Dr. Vincenne Revilla Beltran Subject Area: Multicultural Diversity Grade level: Early Pre-School (Ages 2-3) Length of Lesson: 60 minutes I. Objectives
A. The children will learn that the story "Hansel and Gretel" is from Germany
B. The children will learn a matching game
C. The children will learn about the kinds of food that are eaten in Germany
D. They will also learn what a gingerbread house is made of
II. Pennsylvania Department of Education Indicators and High scope Key Experiences
A. Education Indicators
1.18 Teachers support children's competent and self reliant exploration and use of classroom materials
1.20 Teachers support children's development of friendships and provide opportunities for children to play with and learn from each other
1.21 Teachers help children practice social skills and build friendships by helping them enter into, sustain, and enhance play
2.27 Children have varied opportunities and are provided materials that encourage them to engage in discussions with one another
2.75 Children are provided varied opportunities and materials to understand diversity in culture and language
B. High scope Key Experiences
Social Relationships
Sense of Self
Communication
Physical Development
Exploring Objects; Pre Representation
Exploring Attributes of Objects; Classification
Space
III. Materials
Book- "Hansel and Gretel"
Large sheet of brown paper
Colorful shiny confetti
Glue
Scissors
Hansel and Gretel matching game
Pictures of German food
Gingerbread cookies
Gummi bears
Cold cuts (meats)
Cheese
IV. Procedure
The teacher will read the "Hansel and Gretel" story to the children
After the story the teacher will discuss the concepts in the story to the children in a simple manner. The teacher will discuss that the house made of bread and sugar and candy is called a gingerbread house. The teacher will also explain to the children that the story is from Germany and that gingerbread is from Germany.
Activity One
The children will be given a large sheet of brown paper that has been cut into the shape of a house by the teacher.
A few children at a time will come over to the tables and squeeze glue onto the house and place confetti on it. The confetti represents candy and icing.
After all the children have had a chance to add some confetti to the gingerbread house it will be set aside to dry.
When the gingerbread house dries the children will be able to look at their work and discuss it with their classmates
Activity Two
The teacher will have a "Hansel and Gretel" matching game made up for the children.
The teacher will have pictures of items from the story put on index cards. There will be two of each picture.
The teacher will give the children instructions on how to match up the pictures.
The children will be free to play the matching game as they wish
The children will play the game with a classmate and converse and work with a friend to find the matches
Activity Three
The teacher will discuss some German foods with the children
The children will be shown some pictures of some German foods
The teacher will ask the children if they have ever tasted any of these foods
The children will be given a taste of several German foods which will include gingerbread cookies, gummi bears, cold cuts and cheese
The teacher will ask the children what foods they liked and disliked
V. Evaluation
The children seemed to be really interested in the story of "Hansel and Gretel." Some of the children had a bit of trouble sitting still because the story was a little bit long for them. When the story was explained to them they did ask questions about the house made of bread and sugar. They also asked about the lady who was really a witch. The children had a fun time making the gingerbread house. Some of the children talked about it with their parents when they came in to pick them up at the end of the day and showed their parents their work. They also told them it was from Germany. Not all the children took part in the matching game, but the ones that did really got into it. They talked about the pictures and talked with their classmates about things that they remembered from the story. The children also enjoyed tasting some of the German foods. Their favorite overall was the gummi bears. As a whole this lesson was successful. The children seemed to be interested in learning something new and they had a lot of fun doing all parts of this lesson. | 4,557 | 1,901 | 0.000534 |
warc | 201704 | CLASS dismissal leaves White House without a plan B
But even if consumers were better informed, competing spending priorities — on homes, college funds, retirement, etc. — often get in the way, Certner said.
Getting enough people to buy in at a young age is the main obstacle to a viable program, a challenge that has frustrated private insurers and the actuaries trying to design a workable CLASS program.Continue Reading
MetLife, one of the biggest players in the private market, got out of the business last year, a testament to the difficulties. And the administration killed the voluntary CLASS Act program because it couldn’t be certified as solvent for 75 years, as required by the health reform law, the Affordable Care Act.
So what’s to be done? In the current political environment, the prospects are grim.
“There are ways to fix this, but all those ways right now look politically impossible,” said John Rother, president of the National Coalition on Health Care. “Getting Congress to agree on anything related to the Affordable Care Act is just not practical.”
The best strategy is to keep the CLASS Act on the books until health reform takes hold and hope the political environment changes enough so that the program can be tweaked into shape, Rother said.
But after the administration announced it would halt implementation of CLASS, the Congressional Budget Office zeroed out what had been projected as $86 billion in savings over a decade from the program — making it a ripe target for repeal since it wouldn’t cost anything.
On Friday, Bruce Josten, executive vice president of government affairs at the Chamber of Commerce, sent a letter to Congress urging legislators to do just that. “With this prior arbitrary budget hurdle removed, repeal of this provision is both critical and attainable. … It is necessary to eliminate the underlying statutory provisions authorizing the program,” which otherwise could be revived through the regulatory process “at the whim” of the Health and Human Services secretary, Josten wrote.
The administration has offered little evidence that it will fight Republican efforts to roll back that piece of health reform. “If Republicans in Congress want to spend their time repealing a law that we have already said we aren’t implementing, that’s between them and their constituents,” an administration official said last week.
Those who can’t afford long-term care often pay for what they can until they spend enough of their assets that they qualify for Medicaid. That brings them down to $2,000, excluding their home.
Medicaid pays about half of long-term care costs, and the majority of those are for in-patient nursing home care for the indigent rather than the home-based services that allow people to continue living independently. But the deficit supercommittee is looking for ways to cut the program’s spending, which it probably will have to do to meet its goal of $1.2 trillion in savings.
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Brett Norman | 3,100 | 1,577 | 0.00066 |
warc | 201704 | Voters in Oklahoma and Arizona resoundingly supported ballot initiatives to opt-out of the federal health reform law, while Colorado voters appeared headed to rejecting a similar measure.
Strong support for the anti-health reform ballot initiatives, which push back against the health law’s mandated purchase of insurance, echoed a national swing in favor of the Republicans, who reclaimed the House and picked up at least a half dozen Senate seats Tuesday night.
Story Continued Below
Oklahoma approved an opt-out ballot initiative by a 2-to-1 margin. Proposition 106 in Arizona gained 55 percent of the vote while Colorado’s Amendment 63 was trailing early Wednesday morning.
Missouri voters approved a similar measure, Proposition C, with 71 percent support on a primary ballot in August.
All three ballot initiatives on Tuesday would amend state constitutions specifically to outlaw the mandated purchase of health insurance. The winning Arizona and Oklahoma ballot initiatives were based off of model language from the American Legislative Exchange Council, a conservative group that promotes limited federal government.
Health reform advocates have written off the ballot efforts as little more than symbolic gestures that have no effect on the implementation of the health reform law, given that federal law supersedes state regulations.
But the ballot initiative supporters say their efforts do more than send a signal about voter opposition to the health reform law, laying the foundation for future legal challenges.
I don’t think it’s symbolic at all,” says Eric Novack, the orthopedic surgeon who directs Arizonans for Health Care Freedom, the group that backed Proposition 106. “It becomes, in some ways, a foundation for rational health care reform that can protect the rights of the individuals, increase access and encourage innovation.”
Mike Krause, campaign coordinator for Colorado’s Amendment 63, said his side struggled against strong liberal organization and tight campaign races. While Arizona and Oklahoma had longtime Republican senators, John McCain and Tom Coburn, to help solidify report, Colorado had a tight race between incumbent Democrat Michael Bennett and challenger Ken Buck.
“Democrats and the left have built a very impressive capacity to get out the vote that flipped the state blue in 2008,” Krause told POLITICO. “I think that capacity, which is quite impressive, is still in place.”
Krause also notes that the health reform opt-out amendment fared much better than other conservative issues on the Colorado ballot. An anti-abortion measure that would have declared life as beginning at conception, for example, only received 25 percent of the vote.
The ballot initiative campaigns ranged greatly in size and scope. Arizonans for Health Care Freedom raised and spent about $2 million, running television ads and distributing 700,000 flyers over the weekend. The backers of Amendment 63 in Colorado ran a much smaller-scale operation, relying on about 7 to 10 volunteers driving 3,000 signs around the state and using Facebook advertising to get their message out.
“With $2 million we would have won,” says Krause. “We’d be lucky if we even spent 15 percent of that.”
Exit polls indicated that health reform was an important issue at the polls, albeit dwarfed by concerns over jobs and the economy. Nineteen percent of voters named health care reform as their top concern, a distant second to the 61 percent of voters most concerned about the economy, according to early CNN exit polls.
Public opinion on health reform has remained staunchly divided since the law passed in March. | 3,721 | 1,806 | 0.000569 |
warc | 201704 | Depression is an illness, not a sign of weakness. Left untreated it can develop into clinical depression. There’s no need to suffer with the condition - proven treatment exists and can improve how you feel. Get the expert help you need now.
How do you know if you might be depressed? Are you experiencing any of the following...
Lacking energy and motivation Worrying a lot Increased irritability or outbursts of anger Lack of interest in everyday life A sense of hopelessness Feeling worse in the morning Sleeping or eating too much or too little Crying often Negative thoughts about yourself or others Retreating from social situations
If these sound familiar it’s important to realise your life does not need to be like this. To find out how we can help improve how you feel, please contact us.
You can overcome your depression by receiving treatment. The treatments most commonly used are cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) – a type of psychotherapy, and antidepressants. Both are proven to be successful in combating depression.
It’s easy to start getting your life back on track. Just fill in the form for a free, confidential no-obligation chat about your way back to health. Alternatively, call our enquiry line free on:
0800 840 3219 | 1,271 | 735 | 0.001391 |
warc | 201704 | “I have been investing for close to 20 years. In my younger days, I went with the hot tip of the month from friends, and I did a bit of day trading. But five years ago, I realized how few success stories I’d had. Chasing hot tips is just gambling—you might as well go to a casino.
“So, I sought out a professional money manager. He charges 1.25% to generate consistent returns—and doesn’t go crazy trying to beat the market by 20%. I get enough of a white-knuckle ride running my business, so I have a ‘sleep well at night’ investment strategy. I won’t risk losing a major portion of my money, and I’ll be really happy to get a 7% return on the whole enchilada—which is tough these days.
“My money manager has 75% of my portfolio in exchange-traded funds, which are highly diversified and have very low management fees. I have ETFs in a cross-section of sectors, such as precious metals, real estate, financial stocks and U.S. equities.
“For the other 25%, I have a portion in cash, in order to be really safe should anything happen. And I balance out my portfolio with some selected equities that are a bit more aggressive.
“I don’t avoid any particular category of investment vehicles. But now, if I hear a hot tip, I ask my advisor what he thinks. With the Facebook IPO, I got caught up in the hype and called my advisor to say, ‘Hey, why don’t we grab some of this stuff?’ But he said his researchers were warning that investors should stay away. That was one crisis averted.”
Photograph by Reynard Li | 1,607 | 903 | 0.001182 |
warc | 201704 | Fibromyalgia Alternative & Complementary Therapies
Alternative/complementary therapies have become very popular among fibromyalgia patients seeking better, more effective and more natural methods to reduce their pain, fatigue and other FM symptoms.
What Are Alternative and Complementary Therapies?
First, it's important to clarify the terms "alternative" and "complementary." Both refer to health care approaches that fall outside the mainstream of Western or conventional medicine. Although most people use the two words interchangeably, there is a significant difference in their meanings.
The therapies covered in this article are complementary therapies and should be just one part of a comprehensive fibromyalgia treatment plan.
Alternative - refers to a non-mainstream therapy that is used in place of conventional medicine.
Complementary - refers to a non-mainstream therapy that is used in addition to conventional medicine.
Complementary Therapies for Fibromyalgia
Researchers have evaluated a variety of complementary therapies as possible additions to conventional treatment for fibromyalgia. Keep in mind that every patient is different and may have very different responses to any given therapy.
The following complementary therapies have been found to be effective in reducing various symptoms of FM:
Acupuncture
Massage Therapy
Qigong
Yoga
Balneotherapy
Myofascial Release Therapy
Tai Chi
Acupuncture -
Acupuncture is a form of ancient Chinese medicine that involves the insertion of extremely fine needles at strategic points on the body. Although most often thought of as a treatment for pain, acupuncture can be effective for many other health issues. Traditional Chinese medicine describes acupuncture as a technique for balancing the flow of energy or "qi" (pronounced CHEE) that is thought to flow through various pathways in the body. Numerous studies have been done on the use of acupuncture for fibromyalgia. The results have been mixed but most found at least some degree of effectiveness for relieving pain, fatigue, anxiety and/or depression.
Balneotherapy - Balneotherapy, also called spa therapy, involves the use of thermal mineral water from natural springs, as well as natural gases (CO2, iodine, sulphur, radon, etc.), peloids (mud) and other soil-related remedies for the treatment of medical conditions. Several studies looking at the use of balneotherapy for FM found that it could have positive pain-relieving effects.
Massage Therapy - There are numerous types of massage therapy, each designed for a specific purpose. It is very important to find a massage therapist who has experience working on fibromyalgia patients. Following are eight types of massage techniques that may be beneficial for people with FM:
Several studies have found various forms of massage therapy to be effective for improving sleep and overall quality of life as well as reducing other symptoms of FM, such as pain, stiffness, fatigue, anxiety and depression.
Swedish Massage
Passive Stretching
Neuromuscular Therapy
Proprioceptor Neuromuscular Facilitation
Reflexology
Cranial-Sacral Therapy
Positional Release Techniques
Energy Healing
Myofascial Release Therapy - Myofascial release therapy is an extremely gentle form of bodywork designed to relieve tightness and restrictions in connective tissue (fascia). It decreases the connective tissue's pull on bones and muscles, allowing the muscle fibers to relax and lengthen. MRT is usually performed by either a physical therapist or a massage therapist who has received specialized training in MRT. Studies have shown that myofascial release improved pain, anxiety levels, quality of sleep and quality of life in FM patients.
Qigong - Qigong (pronounced chee-GONG) is a Chinese practice that involves coordinating slow flowing movement, deep rhythmic breathing, and a calm meditative state of mind. It is thought to relax the mind, muscles, tendons, joints and other organs, which helps improve circulation, ease stress, reduce pain and restore overall health. Studies have found qigong to be effective for improving pain, function, sleep quality and overall quality of life in FM patients.
Tai Chi - Tai chi (pronounced ty-CHEE) is another Chinese practice that involves slow, gentle movements coordinated with deep breathing and mental focus. Originally developed for self-defense, tai chi is now used for stress reduction and to improve balance and flexibility. Studies have found that FM patients who participated in tai chi reported improvements in pain, mood, sleep, exercise capacity and quality of life.
Yoga - Yoga is an ancient Hindu spiritual and ascetic discipline aimed at transforming the body, mind and spirit. It involves breath control, meditation and the adoption of specific body postures. In contemporary practice, yoga focuses more on the physical aspects and is widely used to promote health and relaxation. Studies have shown yoga to be effective for reducing pain and fatigue and improving mood, ability to relax and coping abilities in FM patients.
Other Complementary Therapies - A number of other complementary therapies are still being evaluated. As yet, there is insufficient evidence to draw conclusions about their effectiveness for fibromyalgia. Some of those therapies include: chiropractic, homeopathy, hypnosis, magnet therapy and Reiki. | 5,381 | 2,312 | 0.000436 |
warc | 201704 | Washington — With both presidential candidates running on their opposition to President Obama’s proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade agreement, the White House is gearing up for one last, desperate push to get the deal through Congress. The pitch, which will begin in a few weeks, will rely on what President Obama thinks is his ace in the hole: the argument that, regardless of its economic merits, the deal, as a counter toChina’s rising influence, is essential to America’s national security.
[Clyde Prestowitz| August 23, 2016 | The New York Times]
This administration, like previous ones, has played this card repeatedly, and it’s one reason the TPP has gotten as far as it has. But the national security case has always been weaker than the president and his allies insist.
In the fall of 2009, I was invited to the White House with a few other think-tank analysts to discuss the deal, then still in its early stages. I pointed out that among the seven other countries then in discussion, we already had free trade deals with all but Brunei, New Zealand, Malaysia and Vietnam, and that these were all tiny economies that didn’t seem to offer much potential economic gain to America. Moreover, all of these countries were members, along with the United States, of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation group, which was committed to free trade in the Asia-Pacific region by 2020. What was the point? I asked.
The response from the administration officials in the meeting was, in essence, “geopolitics”: that many of our friends in Asia were feeling neglected by America, and that it was being pushed aside in the region by China. Without a sign of American strength in the area, China might step into the vacuum.
But, I replied, the United States had never left. The Seventh Fleet has been patrolling the waters of East and Southeast Asia since World War II, and America has had at least 100,000 troops based in Asia for just as long. And, trade deals or not, America had enormous, chronic trade deficits with most countries in the region, guaranteeing economic and political engagement for decades to come. If the combination of the American military presence and their trade surpluses with the United States weren’t enough to mollify Asian leaders, no free trade deal would significantly change the situation.
What was true then is even truer today. The president often speaks of the TPP as a tool that will prevent China from writing the rules of trade for the future. But even as we negotiate the TPP, China is negotiating its Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership with all the Asia-Pacific TPP countries, as well as South Korea, the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar and India. That deal may not be as sophisticated or comprehensive as the TPP, but that isn’t preventing all the Asia-Pacific countries from rushing to sign up, just as they have for China’s new Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. It’s already clear that the TPP is not going to stop China from writing some of the future rules of world trade.
A key reason is that Washington no longer has a great deal to offer. In the days of Pax Americana, America could use trade deals to buy allies and geopolitical influence. Offering free and largely nonreciprocal access to the huge American market, coverage under the American defense umbrella and American foreign direct investment — along with transfer of production and technology by major American companies — all in return for geopolitical cooperation was a great deal.
But those days are over. The American market is open to virtually all comers; what tariffs remain are small hurdles for countries looking for American consumers. The United States still has significant technology and intellectual capital, but it’s no longer alone in that category. And whereas all trade roads once led to (or through) the United States, today it is just one part of a global network of supply chains.
If anything, America is too often at the end of those chains, as the global consumer of last resort. It’s not investing in domestic, let alone global, infrastructure. It is the world’s largest debtor, and its role in the world economy is primarily to borrow and consume. It is hugely dependent on China to fund its borrowing. Were it not for the fact that the dollar is the main global currency and that Washington can still borrow in the dollars it prints, the country would have gone bankrupt long ago.
In comparison to this, China is now by several important measures the world’s largest economy, with about $4 trillion of reserves that it is investing in global infrastructure like the One Belt, One Road project, a multidecade, multitrillion-dollar effort to better connect China with markets in the Middle East, Europe and other parts of Asia. It is now the biggest foreign investor in most of the developing countries of Latin America, Africa and the Middle East. It is also the biggest foreign investor in Australia and much of Europe.
In other words, the administration is absolutely right that America needs tools to counter China’s growing influence in Asia and around the world. But until America can come close to matching China’s dynamism, it has no hope of countering its economic and geopolitical influence with old-fashioned trade agreements, no matter how monumental they are said to be. | 5,469 | 2,548 | 0.000401 |
warc | 201704 | LINCOLN, Neb. (PRWEB) April 15, 2015
Beliefs create the cultures that define and connect people. Over time belief systems, even though many are suppressive and restrictive, become the truth of the culture. If those living within those belief systems are not willing or able to accept or explore new ideas they are forced to live in a society that limits ideas, visions, dreams and creativity.
Lark Aleta Batey has more than 30 years of experience, education, and exploration in human relations and spiritual psychology. She provides the tools for a fascinating and liberating journey of systematic self-exploration that can inspire an opening to truths within and stimulate realizations that will lead to deeper understanding of ones purpose on Earth. In her new preparatory book, she encourages readers to keep an open mind and engage in self-exploration, which will lead to new truths preparing human consciousness for a new paradigm on a new earth.
At the foundational level of westernized culture is a Core Belief Matrix. Batey has identified seven embedded beliefs of that matrix that bind us to a limited perspective. Throughout her book she unveils the profound influence the matrix has on collective and individual belief systems. “Breaking Free from the Tyranny of Beliefs” investigates the matrix, reveals the ruse and encourages conversation to break free from the limitations of belief systems that will bring the explorer to the threshold of a new paradigm where glimpses of the sovereign self appear.
For more information, visit sovereignexplorer.net.
“Breaking Free from the Tyranny of Beliefs: A Revolution in Consciousness”
By Lark Aleta Batey ISBN: 978-1-4525-4320-8 Available in softcover, hardcover, e-book Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Balboa Press
About the Author
Lark Aleta Batey’s professional experience includes various positions within the human services field across a 40-year span. She currently works as resource developer for the Department of Health & Human Services in Nebraska. In tandem with her professional life she has explored her interests in spiritual psychology by attending more than 30 seminars and intensives, taken correspondence courses and read countless books of non-fiction and spiritual psychology. She has training in Psychosynthesis; has completed three years of teacher training through Corelight and attended all four levels of Matrix Energetics. She is the mother of six children and currently lives with her husband in Nebraska. | 2,531 | 1,286 | 0.000789 |
warc | 201704 | “We can’t wait to show off the best performing and smallest home people have ever seen,” said Lunsford. “We’ll show people that they can do this, too.”
TAMPA, Fla. (PRWEB) December 12, 2015
Paul Lynch, an attorney with Shumaker, Loop and Kendrick, LLP, a full-service business law firm, is building a tiny house on wheels in his backyard with his eldest son, Corbett Lunsford, to promote quality control known as “Home Performance” in construction practices.
The father-and-son duo is constructing the tiny house at the Hillsborough County base of operations – the backyard of Lynch’s Valrico home. The 200-square-foot home will have solar panels, a composting toilet, sensors built into the walls to measure performance and the highest-quality non-toxic materials from manufacturers around the world.
“I started woodworking as a hobby in 2006 when we renovated our house,” said Lynch, “and took classes to perfect my craft, so this project was naturally something I was really excited about. To be able to do something I love with my son, and have an impact on people around the country, was extremely appealing,” he said.
Lunsford, a Home Performance Testing Specialist, left his home and client base in Chicago with his wife Grace, a voice artist and filmmaker, to move to Florida. He’s constructing the custom tiny house full time with his dad’s assistance from November to February, when the couple will also welcome their first child.
“Quality, efficient home design and construction is something I’m passionate about, and it’s a dream come true to begin this journey with my family here in Florida and then share it with people all over America.” Lunsford and his wife, newborn baby and two cats will take the home on the road, across country, to 20 U.S. cities starting with St. Augustine, Fla. in April 2016.
This tiny house on wheels is being called the “Tiny Lab” because of its unique construction. “Everything in this home will work as a system, making it extremely efficient,” said Lunsford. “We have manufacturers who have donated products, which will work in harmony with each other to shine a spotlight on quality control and efficiency in home building.”
Some of those manufacturers include Purebond formaldehyde-free plywood, Zehnder ventilation, Panasonic solar panels, RAB LED lighting, Dwyer Instruments and Mitsubishi heating and cooling.
“Mitsubishi has a product that uses an infrared eye to sense which area of the home needs the temperature adjusted, and it sends the cool or warm air there,” said Lunsford.
One of the main factors contributing to an efficient home, he says, is its air tightness, and this home will include several different layers of air tightness. “Air sealing is more important than insulation; air goes right through insulation and can lead to condensation, mildew and mold,” Lunsford noted.
The Lunsfords crowd-sourced the locations for their tour with a RocketHub crowdfunding campaign that raised $71,490, 119 percent of the couple’s goal of $60,000. The tour is called “Proof is Possible” and the Tiny Lab will stop in for showings and seminars based on fan input. That list includes 20 cities: St. Augustine, Raleigh, Washington DC, Baltimore, Dallas, San Diego, Phoenix, San Francisco, Denver, Chicago, Ithaca, Cincinnati, Birmingham, Atlantic City, New York, Washington Township, Princeton, Rochester, Atlanta and Wilmington, Del. The map is available at ProofisPossible.com.
“We’re hoping to change the expectations for residential construction across the country with our tour and encourage legislators to pass more high performance codes,” said Corbett Lunsford. “Other places around the world like Belgium are leading in this area, and we hope to encourage those changes here.”
The Tiny Lab and team will spend one week in each city and offer tours, workshops and contractor training for the public.
“We can’t wait to show off the best performing and smallest home people have ever seen,” said Lunsford. “We’ll show people that they can do this, too.”
About Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP
Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP is a full-service business law firm with more than 240 lawyers, 60 paralegals and 495 employees in five offices: Toledo and Columbus, Ohio; Tampa and Sarasota, Florida; and Charlotte, North Carolina. In each of its markets, Shumaker is the premier provider of quality legal services to individuals, small businesses, health care providers, nonprofits and Fortune 500 and international corporations. For more information, call 813-229-7600 or visit SLK-Law.com. | 4,778 | 2,306 | 0.000456 |
warc | 201704 | Mon, Jan 23, 2017 at noon:
Decline of cash assistance and child well-being, Luke Shaefer
Liang, Jersey, Ana R. Quinones, Joan M. Bennett, Xiao Xu, Benjamin A. Shaw, and Mary Beth Ofstedal. 2010. "Evolving Self-Rated Health in Middle and Old Age: How Does it Differ Across Black, Hispanic, and White Americans?"
Journal of Aging and Health, 22(1): 3-26.
Objective This research focuses on ethnic variations in the intra-individual changes in self-rated health.
Methods Data came from the Health and Retirement Study involving up to 6 repeated observations between 1995 and 2006 of a national sample of 18,486 Americans over 50 years of age. Hierarchical linear models were employed in depicting variations in self-rated health across white, black, and Hispanic Americans.
Results Subjective health worsened over time albeit moderately. Relative to younger persons, older individuals rated their health poorer with a greater rate of deteriorating health. With reference to ethnic variations in the intercept and slope of perceived health, white Americans rated their health most positively, followed by black Americans, with Hispanics rating their health least positively. This pattern held even when socioeconomic status, social networks, and prior health were adjusted.
Discussion Significant ethnic differences exist in the evolvement of self-rated health in middle and late life. Further inquiries may include analyzing ethnic heterogeneities from a person-centered perspective, health disparities across subgroups of Hispanics, effects of neighborhood attributes, and implications of left truncation.
PMCID: PMC2833212. (Pub Med Central)
Country of focus: United States of America. | 1,697 | 948 | 0.001063 |
warc | 201704 | It is the beginning of December and for those of us who NaNoWriMo’d that means we have made it to the end! Congratulations to those who met the goal of 50K words or beyond. To any of you who did not quite make it, this is truly one of those times when you get props for making the attempt and better luck next year.
The rush of counting down those last words or those last steps until you make your goal is addicting. Being done is wonderful! Then there is the temptation to rush to send it to an editor or god forbid trying to publish it. But the most important thing to do next is
Stop.
Take a breather. Go do something else. Connect with family. Binge watch a show. Clean. Sleep! Anything but what you were doing. Don’t be stingy, give yourself enough time for a real breather. The manuscript or project will still be there, just like you left it. Except now you have fresh eyes and clear mind to look at your work again.
After you have given yourself a break, there is one more step that you should do. This is one I pull from my experience as a software engineer and the software life cycle. This is how you get more out of your hard work.
Evaluate the performance. What does that mean, especially with writing? With software you are usually evaluating the performance of the application, but you are also evaluating the whole process of development. With writing you are not evaluating the words, but your writing process.
Take time to look back at what you have accomplished. Did you meet your goal? What worked well? What do you need to improve? By taking a moment to be introspective and review your efforts you can greatly improve your work and yourself.
For example, this is my eighth year of doing NaNoWriMo and I did make the 50K goal. I have one year I did not complete the required words, so every year I do manage to make it is a pat on the back. Looking back after a breather, I find that my storytelling has grown immensely, with a depth of character that surprised me. I am now inspired to continue to work on this story due to that success.
This introspection also showed me that I need to grow in two areas. I still struggle with having dialogue that flows. Moving forward I will be looking for articles and help in that area. I also need to improve my work/life balance because to be honest I did most of my words in the last three days. It is nice to know that if my life depended on it, I can whip out 15k words in a day but I don’t want to do that again. But now I know what to spend my time focusing on to grow as a writer.
We often push ourselves or get caught up in the moment and rush to the next whatever. But by stopping and giving our brains a chance to rest, then looking at our work and ourselves we actually improve more so than by just pushing forward blindly.
~ * ~
If you liked this article, please share. If you have suggestions for further articles, articles you would like to submit, or just general comments, please contact me at paula@publetariat.com | 3,021 | 1,499 | 0.000673 |
warc | 201704 | Session 2012-13 Publications on the internet Energy and Climate Change Committee - The road to UNFCCC COP 18 and beyond - Minutes of EvidenceHC 88 House of COMMONS Oral EVIDENCE TAKEN BEFORE the Energy and Climate Change Committee The Road to UNFCCC COP 18 and Beyond Thursday 10 May 2012 Dr Katherine Watts, Jazmin Burgess and Mohamed Adow DR Tim Fox and Gareth Stace Evidence heard in Public Questions 1 - 84 USE OF THE TRANSCRIPT
1.
This is a corrected transcript of evidence taken in public and reported to the House. The transcript has been placed on the internet on the authority of the Committee, and copies have been made available by the Vote Office for the use of Members and others.
2.
The transcript is an approved formal record of these proceedings. It will be printed in due course.
Oral Evidence Taken before the Energy and Climate Change Committee on Thursday 10 May 2012 Members present:
Sir Robert Smith (Chair)
Dan Byles
Barry Gardiner
Christopher Pincher
Dr Alan Whitehead
________________ Examination of Witnesses Witnesses: Dr Katherine Watts, International Climate Change Policy Adviser, WWF-UK, Jazmin Burgess, International Policy and Research Officer, UNICEF UK, and Mohamed Adow, Senior Committee Adviser, Global Advocacy and Alliances, Christian Aid, gave evidence.
Q1 Chair: Welcome to our first evidence session on the road to UNFCCC COP 18 and beyond. For the record, if you could introduce your names and organisation briefly.
Mohamed Adow: Mohamed Adow, with Christian Aid.
Jazmin Burgess: Jazmin Burgess, UNICEF UK.
Dr Watts: Kat Watts, WWF-UK.
Q2 Chair: Thank you very much for agreeing to give evidence and help us with our inquiry. First of all, if we could look at the priorities for Doha, what do you think the main priorities for the UK should be at COP 18?
Dr Watts: Just to pull back slightly from Doha. I think we are in a situation where we have a very limited amount of time left for action, and action is needed at the international level to work to build on that international agreement that we secured in Durban, which we said we would aim to achieve by 2015. It is also clear that we need to reduce emissions in the shorter term, and one of the things that Doha will need to help deliver are some ideas on how we can reduce those emissions in the shorter term.
In terms of what the UK specifically needs to offer, there is a real case for a strong outreach using the UK’s strong diplomatic corps and abilities, working with partners, such as the Durban alliance partners, the Alliance of Small Island States, and the least developed countries, and with other EU countries. I think there is a very strong role for the UK within the EU to help increase EU ambition.
Mohamed Adow: On the Kyoto Protocol side, we have an agreement coming out of Durban that parties will be able to agree and adopt at a viable second commitment period. What we would expect, at least from the UK and the EU, is help to ensure that we have the broadest participation by the Kyoto parties in the second commitment period, and that the second commitment period has a high ambition, one that matches what science says is required-in line with what Kat is saying-to close the gap. The pledges that are currently on the table are nowhere near where climate scientists advise we should be, so getting that done is going to be a key priority.
Just building on that part of the outreach, we need to get to those countries and put pressure on the Kyoto parties who have indicated that they may not join the second commitment period, particularly Japan, a country that still continues to sit on the fence and says that it will not be joining the second commitment period. Russia is the second country: we are not sure yet whether they will join the second commitment period. Australia and New Zealand have indicated that they will be there but there is no certainty yet. We must reaching out to those countries, with the UK in the driver’s seat, exerting as much pressure as possible, so that we have the widest participation in the second commitment period and we use that to build trust and build momentum for the future.
Jazmin Burgess: Can I just chip in on top of what Kat and Mohamed have said? From a UNICEF UK perspective, one thing that we are really aware of is the need for high ambition, in order to make sure that we have Doha as an opportunity to push for the most ambitious deal possible so that we can safeguard a future for children, particularly in developing countries. The agreement at UNFCCC is about making sure that we have a legacy for future generations for children now so that they grow up in a climate-safe world. In addition to what they have outlined, the other thing that is really important, in the run-up to Doha, is the issue of financing and the need to secure new additional funds for climate adaptation and mitigation. One of the things that we were particularly happy with in the outcome from Durban was the ratification of the Green Climate Fund. What we would like to see this year is full operationalisation of the fund, ahead of Doha, and the UK to play a full leadership role, as it has done in the transitional committee over the past year but also in making sure that the Green Climate Fund is up and ready to go by 2013.
Q3 Chair: What do you think the main threats are to achieving any of those ambitions you have outlined?
Mohamed Adow: I think there are certain political challenges. On ambition, there is that aspect of countries not having a common understanding of how they are going to share the effort, particularly in terms of ambition. So, what is a fair share and will every country do its fair share? There doesn’t seem to be a common understanding among countries on how to share the effort. The second thing, of course, is if there is no understanding of what a fair share is then whatever you do others will free-ride on your efforts. There isn’t much confidence that all countries will contribute to the global effort adequately to be able to resolve climate change.
In terms of finance, I think there was a pledge in Copenhagen for first-start finance and then there was a pledge for the $100 billion by 2020. But we haven’t seen the commitment at least that will help deliver that necessary finance to support adaptation, to support mitigation, particularly in vulnerable countries. It is a case of ensuring that we have a climate diplomacy that can help achieve that, and to bring parties to the realisation that it is in our common interest to work together collectively towards this goal.
Dr Watts: There are two points I would like to raise: one is, building on what Mohamed says, there is a need to build trust between countries because what we have seen in the negotiations is a lot of finger pointing. Also, what we are asking for in decarbonisation of economies-if you look at the global budget that we have to 2050-is going to require quite substantial changes in the way we run our economies and how we use resources. Whenever there is any question of change, there are always the entrenched interests that do not want to make that change. So one of the questions that we have to be able to address is: how do you facilitate that? How do you make a fair transition from the high-carbon world that we are in, moving towards a low-carbon world, and how do you address the concerns of those who will be affected by the change?
Jazmin Burgess: On the finance question, just to elaborate on one of Mohamed’s points, we are all very aware we are living in an economic crisis. One of the things that UNICEF UK congratulates the Government on is the fact that it has stuck to its 0.7% commitment to ODA. On top of that, we need more money for climate change and this is the very difficult political context in the UK and in other developed countries. Trying to find progress through that framing is something that is definitely a challenge, both in the run-up to Doha and at the conference itself, particularly as finance is such a key issue for developing countries in terms of building the trust that both Kat and Mohamed have outlined.
Q4 Chair: I should also remind the Committee and the witnesses of my entries in the Register of Members’ Interests related to the oil and gas industry. In particular, a shareholding in Shell, who have actually given us evidence where they are more talking on the technical side of things, about the need for CCS. Do you see any technologies that should be prioritised in trying to achieve the objectives, or do you think the technologies flow from the commitments?
Dr Watts: I think there is a case for a strong top-down as well as bottom-up approach. The top-down is where we have the space to talk about the science and the needed levels of action overall, and also the space to talk about who does what and how much. But obviously, as you say, there is a need to deploy technology across the board and I would say it wouldn’t tend to be a question of choosing particular technologies as being most important. It is pretty clear that with the levels of emissions that we have at the moment, and where we need to be, we need to deploy rapidly across the board, particularly on things like energy efficiency and renewables.
It does seem pretty clear too that, particularly for some of the industrial sectors, CCS may be needed to be an important part of the mix going forward, but there doesn’t seem to have been the investment or the pace in improvements on CCS and really getting it to a full-scale deployment, so that you can actually prove that this technology is part of the mix and can actually be brought forward. At the moment, it is still quite nascent and I think putting all our eggs in the CCS basket is very dangerous. What we need to be doing-at least in the short term-is focusing very strongly on energy efficiency, which is win-win across the board. Also, looking at the renewables deployment, I was reading the IEA statement recently that found that in some countries the costs, for instance, of solar PV have come down by as much as 75% in as little as three years because of the rapid deployment. Bringing down these technology cost curves does facilitate more rapid deployment in many other countries.
Q5 Chair: Do you have any views on that?
Mohamed Adow: Not on CCS, but on the other side of the spectrum, particularly those without energy access. The 1.4 billion people without energy access are going to be extremely costly and, given the considerable potential for renewable energy, helping them with the technology that can help them leapfrog that energy so that they can get us on the path to decarbonisation, to be able to give the two degrees achievable, is something that, as a development agency, we are extremely interested in.
Q6 Dan Byles: WWF have described the UK and EU emission reduction targets as "embarrassingly weak". Would you like to elaborate a little bit on that? Does the rest of the panel agree with that assessment?
Dr Watts: I believe the EU is currently on about minus 17.4% for the period 1990-2009-roughly of that order of magnitude-as of around 2011-2012. It has a target for minus 20% by 2020, so it does feel, given those three or so extra percentage points of emissions reductions over an eight-year time span, that it rather lacks leadership and ambition. We feel that there is a lot of scope for much more rapid decarbonisation in the European economy, and we are calling for a 30% reduction in European domestic emissions as part of an overall 40% emissions reduction to be in line with the 25% to 40%.
Mohamed Adow: What is on the table is not going to get the job done. If the UK and the EU are going to step forward and provide leadership, it is particularly at the domestic level with ambition but also at the European level. Looking at IEA and the latest analysis that they produced, that indicates that we are on course to a six-degree warming, which is going to have catastrophic impacts. In the parts of the world that Christian Aid works in, we are seeing the consequences of climate change. It is a reality and people are grappling with that on a daily basis. Given that we have had 20 years of negotiations and not much in terms of ambition-and all the indications show, that with the current pledges we risk altering the maintenance and balance of life on this planet-we should be talking about how to increase ambition. Increasing ambition will require stepping forward and providing that high ambition, but also providing the leadership so that you can work towards a collective outcome.
Jazmin Burgess: Just to add to what Mohamed said, from a UNICEF UK perspective one of the things that we are very aware of is the lack of ambition in emissions reduction targets, which means that we are moving towards higher global temperature rises, which in turn will have knock-on effects for developing countries, and particularly vulnerable communities. In the past we have congratulated the UK Government on the work it has done to push the EU towards a 30% emissions reduction target, but while this progress is slow there is also a need to continue the focus on the adaptation side of things and not just the emissions reductions because they go together.
Q7 Dan Byles: What do you think are the main obstacles affecting the emissions targets? Because if it is that obvious, it should be obvious to the planners and policy makers as well.
Dr Watts: One of the problems that we have is the amount of political oxygen the current economic situation, particularly in Europe, is taking up. While we would see opportunities in the current situation-and I understand that Greece sees renewables as part of its readjustment of its economy in trying to grow its way out of its current situation-there is also a lot of room for improving energy efficiency standards, because of the billions that are flowing out of Europe to pay for oil and gas and other fossil fuels and there is a very good argument for much more indigenous energy. I don’t think that linkage is being made, because of the panic around the future of the euro and the whole political fallout from the current situation.
Q8 Dan Byles: The emissions debate is being squeezed out basically at the moment, is it?
Dr Watts: It is not getting the political oxygen it deserves.
Q9 Dan Byles: You have all alluded to this already, but the report for the United Nations Environment Programme has itself said there is a gap between the emission reductions committed to by the parties and the emissions reductions required to limit temperature rise to two degrees. Do you think anything can realistically be done to close that gap?
Mohamed Adow: Yes. I don’t think we have an option not to close the gap. If we are going to make this planet habitable, and be able to maintain the standards of living we have had, and be able to afford the poor, who have those rights and haven’t attained them, we have to find all ways to be able to do that. Some of the ways we could do that is getting the developed country parties and the developing country parties that have put ranges in terms of their emissions reductions targets to move at least to the higher target by Doha, so that the second commitment period can have the highest legally enforceable targets for those parties. Also, we should get those parties that haven’t actually put forward any targets to come forward with their emissions reductions target.
There are other innovative ways. In Christian Aid, one of the things we are looking at is how we can help a continent like Africa, where you have in excess of 600 million people without basic energy access, to be able to meet that need, but meet it from the huge renewable energy potential that exists within the continent. I have a copy of that report, which is about helping Africa to leapfrog that energy to be low-carbon leaders. We looked at the potential of Africa and then looked at its need. If you square that, you could easily facilitate these countries that currently don’t have any targets, that have low emissions, and this is building such a country where you don’t have a lock-in of dirty technology or fossil fuels.
Those opportunities exist, so we must bring these things together, and address them in the context of the post-MDGs world that is going to happen, but also within the UNFCCC negotiations, particularly for the 2015 deadline, so that these things can be tackled together. There is an energy poverty problem, true, and these countries have a right to energy, but they can meet that without actually joining the league of big polluters. This is the opportunity we see, and helping to incentivise that transition is something we would like to get support for.
Dr Watts: I would like to add that the UNEP report from last year,
Bridging the Emissions Gap, found that moving to the high end of the conditional pledges could give you two to three gigatonnes of CO2 equivalent. Addressing the AAU carry-over, the Assigned Amount Units, the credits that carry over between commitment periods and the land use change emissions could also give two to three gigatonnes of CO2 equivalent and avoid double counting by creating the right structures within the accountancy methods. Again, this is probably worth around two gigatonnes of CO2.
There are also pieces that we would see as being important within the UN context, but I think there are a lot of opportunities outside the UN context moving forward on energy efficiency renewables. We would be quite interested in exploring moving the HFC gases, the fluorinated gases, into the Montreal Protocol, because that has been a very effective piece of international legislation, and addressing sectors like aviation and shipping, which are responsible for about 5.5% of global emissions currently and rising rapidly. There are many other ways, and WWF has a submission, which we did for the UNFCCC, on ideas for closing the gap that I would be more than happy to share with you if that would be of interest.
Q10 Christopher Pincher: It was interesting listening to the tone of your thoughts on the priorities for Doha. Mr Adow, you said that there are political challenges ahead. There is currently no common understanding of the effort to deliver on a fair share of reducing emissions between countries. Dr Watts, you said that we need to build trust and stop the finger pointing. I just wonder, as we now come to the end of the first commitment period under Kyoto, whether you think that period has been a success or if there are serious and significant omissions about dealing with emissions?
Dr Watts: I would say the first commitment to the Kyoto Protocol has been a success, largely in its own terms. To understand, the Kyoto Protocol was set up with binding commitments for a number of countries, the OECD countries I believe in 1992, so the range of developed countries. Also, there were obligations under the Convention that developing countries would work towards clean, sustainable development but without particular binding targets. Many of the countries look like they will be in compliance with their first commitment targets, including the EU. We won’t know that until about 2015 through the truing-up period where you have the emissions inventories, you buy any CDM credits that you would need to buy to be in compliance or not.
One of the important things to recall about the Kyoto Protocol is the architecture that it has built. What I see in the negotiations is a real ideological divide between countries-and this is a little bit of a caricature but I think there is more than a kernel of truth to it-countries that want this top-down science-based approach are generally the most vulnerable countries, definitely the EU, and countries that want very much more of a pledging review, so it is a question of not what must we do but what do we want to do. The architecture that Kyoto has built is one that is very much based on looking at the top-down target. There is a particular article in there that creates space for that discussion, and I believe we wouldn’t have had the discussions on the 25% to 40% range from the IPCC unless that particular provision was in the protocol. We have common accounting standards. We have common reporting. We have a compliance system. We have a fairly transparent system that is renewable, revisable. There are triggers within the protocol that allow it to be revised, and that is something that we are looking towards in the second commitment period. The EU has put forward a package of amendments that it does want to see brought forward into the second commitment period.
In terms of that ideological divide, keeping that architecture alive has been an incredibly important part of the process moving forward. One of the key things that were won at Durban was that political commitment, through a number of parties, to that architecture and keeping that on the table as part of the negotiations looking forward to the future.
Mohamed Adow: The hard nut to crack in this process is equity. So long as parties have the confidence that there is a fair and equitable approach to sharing the mitigation and adaptation costs, then it is likely that countries will be able to step up and increase their ambition. That is the thing that if there is going to be a dialogue that works towards creating a common understanding, so that they can then arrive at some metrics that helps to share it, then we will be able to arrive at a better outcome. This is particularly so because of the disproportionate impact of climate change on poor people, and ensuring that these countries can contribute but contribute to the extent possible and every country doing their bit so that they can work towards that common goal.
Q11 Christopher Pincher: Do you think that there is a realistic opportunity of agreeing that common goal through process? What I mean by that is you have a group of countries like Japan and China that would like to see, it would appear, a new agreement because they are not keen on making cuts under Kyoto in the second commitment period. You have another group of countries, which includes China, a major emitter, which would like to see progress within the current Kyoto arrangements, and another group of countries that would like to see both things happen, probably at the same time. Do you think that we are going to get wrapped up in process but not really go anywhere?
Dr Watts: There are a number of questions within that. One of the key things in the state of negotiations at the moment is to recognise-as Mohamed has emphasised-the equity issue. You talk about China and Japan-
Chair: I will be coming to equity a bit later.
Dr Watts: Okay. But you mention China and Japan in the same breath, and if you look at the status of economic development of those two countries they are in very, very different places. Going forward, the challenge will be to find a framework that is broad enough to cover all countries but also to have enough space for different countries’ specific stages of capability and responsibility to be taken into account.
Q12 Christopher Pincher: Do you think that-we mentioned China-we need some of those major emitters to agree to the process, and to binding cuts, for the second commitment period to really bite and work?
Mohamed Adow: Coming out of Durban some of that has been achieved with the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action, which is going to negotiate the new agreement that has to be finalised by 2015. One of the things that is a small achievement of Durban is the workshop on equitable access to sustainable development that is going to happen in Bonn in a week’s time.
These are important opportunities for parties to come out and exchange their views and their differences, to try and understand what fears exist and how they can work around those issues. Of course, it is going to take a while but there is a commitment to agree to an outcome that is going to be applicable to all countries. So the question is: how do we avoid a low ambition outcome and ensure that we have a high ambition outcome? This is now the question that they have to address to ensure that that outcome is going to be a high ambition outcome. The process in Bonn, but also going into Qatar, is going to lay the foundation. I don’t expect all this to be concluded in Doha, but you will have a transitional period where parties will be talking and trying to understand. The confidence and trust has to be built with what is achieved in Doha, particularly on what was said at the beginning on Kyoto but also on finance, so that you can create momentum.
One of the things we are looking to do is to encourage the UK to play the leading role it has played in the past. This is quite important, particularly the diplomatic FCO work in terms of reaching out to other countries. In Durban, one of the reasons we actually had the outcome we had is because of the alliance between the EU, the least developed countries and the small island states. That has translated into achievements. We need to start thinking of how we can strengthen and expand that alliance to include the medium and marginal economies, so that the middle income countries coming on board will bring the issue of equity into the discussion. So that you can now have LDCs bringing in urgency and saying, "We need it now" and then this one is bringing in the issue of equity so that you have an attitude that helps you move forward.
Dr Watts: If I may just add, I think what is on the table at the moment is two phases. There is this transition period, which Mohamed was talking about, where we will have domestic action being undertaken by developing countries. Frankly, the levels of emissions reductions being undertaken by China, and the other developing countries, far outstrip that being achieved by the developed world in this transition phase while they don’t have international binding commitments. What was agreed in Durban was looking forward to a much broader framework, and we are just at the beginning stages-starting in Bonn next week-of what that framework could look like. So there are two separate things on the table; there is the transition period and looking forward to the new agreement.
Q13 Christopher Pincher: As part of the framework you need a timeline.
Dr Watts: Yes.
Q14 Christopher Pincher: The second commitment period, as proposed by the EU and the UK, you have asked the UK to take a leading role in this, I think, for eight years. Do you think that is the right amount of time?
Dr Watts: I think the key question for us is urgency. The EU has suggestions for provisions for increasing ambition, having a review clause in the Kyoto Protocol. As part of the 2013 to 2015 review on whether the temperature goal should be two degrees or 1.5 degrees, coinciding with the publication of the
Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, we will have this nexus around 2013 to 2015 of discussion on ambition. If we do get that review clause within the Kyoto Protocol track, that timeline kind of fits together where we do have a real discussion. Personally, I am terrified by the idea of not having that urgency, but in terms of the political timelines the eight-year one does have a certain logic to it.
Q15 Christopher Pincher: Do you get a sense that there is a sense of urgency?
Dr Watts: Not enough. We talked about barriers to achieving what we need to achieve and I think one of the key things is lack of political will.
Mohamed Adow: The UNFCCC has negotiated an outcome that is only going to come into force in 2020. If you look at what scientists advise us, it is for emissions to peak by 2015. Is that going to happen? It doesn’t look likely, of course, but you have an opportunity with the Durban Platform to negotiate an ambitious outcome. That is going to mean that mitigation in the post-2020 period is going to be more costly than it is now, because the more you delay mitigation the more adaptation is going to be extremely costly. By choosing to delay that important outcome, in effect, you are accepting that you will pay more for what you would have been able to do for less in the pre-2020 period.
There is another important hook in the decisions at Durban, which is to increase ambitions between 2015 and 2020. Even though they don’t have a target for the second commitment period-and it is likely to be for an eight-year period-if we can have that provisional measure for parties to be able to revisit their targets and increase it, based on that review and also on the
Fifth Assessment of the IPCC, we have a chance. So, we should not lock in the low ambition but allow parties, given the realities that they are working with, to be able to prescribe their current target but also revisit it, based on the latest science, so that they are able to increase it.
Jazmin Burgess: As Mohamed and Kat have outlined, there is this issue of urgency in terms of emission reductions and working towards a binding deal. While that urgency is not as forthcoming as perhaps some of us would like to see, at the same time there isn’t a parallel urgency in finance and movement towards adaptation. We are not seeing sufficient funds come forward, in terms of ensuring that developing countries and those that are the most vulnerable are prepared for the impacts of climate change they are facing. It is a kind of two-tier thing. There is urgency in terms of delivering an agreement, delivering emissions reductions, but in terms of making sure there are enough resources available, whether financial or for technology transfer, for countries to prepare for the impacts of climate change, the timelines are eight years long.
Q16 Christopher Pincher: Just one last question. Mr Adow, you have said that as part of the binding global framework there must be strong restrictions against the carryover of emissions rights. There are some countries in Central and Eastern Europe that have surpluses in their AAUs, and that is on the first commitment period. What do you think that we can do to ensure that they are not carried over into the second commitment period?
Mohamed Adow: One of the things that is currently happening is you have developed country parties who have made pledges, but these have been compromised by a series of accounting loopholes and the AAUs are one of them. These things taken together mean that any pledges on targets will be negated by those AAUs. To safeguard the environmental integrity of the outcome, AAUs-those assigned amount units from the first commitment period-have either to be eliminated or reduced so that the integrity of the outcome is safeguarded.
The way it looks now-and going back to what Kat said at the beginning-you have developed countries and you have developing countries. We have to abate emissions by up to 12 gigatonne CO2 equivalent. You have pledges of up to 3.8 gigatonne by developing countries and you have about 3.9 by developed countries. A huge part of the developed country pledges are going to be negated by these loopholes. One of the proposals on the table comes from the Africa group, I think, supported by the LDCs, and it is to reduce that so that parties don’t carry that over into the second commitment period. What we expect is support from the UK and the EU, to be able to say, quite strongly, that if we are going to agree to a second commitment period then it has to have the emissions reductions levels that are going to make the two degrees possible. The probability we are now looking at is indicating, quite clearly, that if that isn’t addressed we will have a second commitment period but not the emissions reductions it has to include. Ambition is important in terms of increasing the target, but it is also important to deal with this quite difficult issue.
Dr Watts: It is also useful to look at how it works on two levels. You have the international level, and one of the big countries is Russia, which has said it won’t sign up to the second commitment period; therefore, that effectively removes its hot air, however hard it will huff and puff to try and keep it. You have countries like New Zealand that have concerns about the trajectory of their emissions, bearing in mind that their forest estate is due to be harvested in the 2020s, so they want to build some flexibility for themselves into the future to be able to do that. My sense is that they see AAU banking as one opportunity to smooth the perception of their emissions.
Within Europe, we have an interesting nexus of legislation and things interacting. We have the Energy Efficiency Directive, a number of provisions in there, but that links to the EU emissions trading system. It also links to the overall level of ambition in Europe and the real emissions reductions. One of the opportunities that we have in negotiating greater ambition is looking more closely at the EU Commission’s proposal of greening the cohesion funds. I believe there is a proposal for 20% greening of cohesion funds from the Commission on the table. If there was support from the UK and other member states for that kind of measure, that would be quite an interesting way to be able to support energy efficiency in the countries that are quite concerned about not being able to evolve away from their coal economies. Poland, for instance, with over 90% electricity based on coal, has quite strong concerns about that transition away from that particular source of energy and what that looks like.
There are opportunities to look at how we can facilitate that transition in those countries. I don’t think it is a question of buying Poland; I think it is a question of how do you facilitate that transition? Where are the opportunities? How do you create the incentive structures? There are opportunities in using, as I said, the EU budget to get some extra wins that we need on energy efficiency and the Energy Efficiency Directive, being able to actually achieve those on the ground, getting a set-aside of some of the ETS credits that are being discussed in the Energy Efficiency Directive at the moment but would need to be legislated through the ETS Directive in future.
Chair: We might come on to some more of that.
Q17 Barry Gardiner: Dr Watts, why should we heed your advice when you guys got it so spectacularly wrong about the negotiating stance going into Durban?
Dr Watts: Would you be able to give a little bit more detail on the-
Barry Gardiner: Before Durban, you were saying that the UK and the EU had to sign up and absolutely say that we were going to go into the second commitment period without any preconditions attached. It was only because we maintained the EU negotiating position that we eventually got the other countries signed up to agree to commit by 2015 and 2020. Do you recognise that you got the call wrong there or do you not accept that?
Dr Watts: I would say that there is a very particular role for NGOs and our particular role is to drive ambition.
Barry Gardiner: Absolutely. No, that is fine, that is a good answer.
Dr Watts: In terms of pre-Durban, certainly the EU and the UK took a lot of persuading from the NGOs, among others, to see the importance of the second commitment period. But I think the strongest thing that was important-as Mohamed has alluded to-is the Durban Alliance, about building the alliance, not-
Q18 Barry Gardiner: Absolutely. You hit the nail on the head. The NGOs’ role is to drive ambition, but that means that sometimes on the detail of the politics and of the negotiations you may not be right. I think a very good example of that was given by Mr Adow when he said earlier about the two degree target, "We have to. There is no alternative". I doubt that any of you three actually believe that. I doubt any of you believe that we will meet the two degree target. I don’t know many people who do much research into this area who think that that is achievable. If you look at the International Energy Agency report, and see the way in which they say that the existing infrastructure already closes that gap by 2015, the idea that we could peak in 2015 or peak by 2020 is really politically a nonsense. It may be right that people keep on saying, "There is no alternative" but we do have to have a level of realism about what is going on in the world, don’t we?
Mohamed Adow: How I would like to look at this is-
Barry Gardiner: Do you really think there is no alternative?
Mohamed Adow: How I would like to look at this is-
Q19 Barry Gardiner: No. That is not what I asked you. I didn’t ask you how you liked to look at it. I asked you: what is a realistic way of looking at it?
Mohamed Adow: This is what I am giving you. People have a right to life, and have a right to very safe and secure habitation and have a right to a safe and secure future. Climate change is a man-induced phenomenon and man has to take responsibility and help create a safe and sustainable future. Even two degrees for parts of Africa is unsafe, because that part of the world, from the IPCC report, will actually be warming 1.5 times the global average. We are seeing some of the impacts. We are seeing this with extreme weather events. We are seeing this with water stress. We are seeing this with productivity.
Barry Gardiner: Mr Adow, let me get to the point.
Mohamed Adow: We need to create a shared vision that the world has to face together and tackle this challenge. What we are seeing with the pledges made since Copenhagen is that those pledges don’t add up to get the job done. Parties have to acknowledge that fact and then bridge that gap. In terms of bridging the gap-and I repeat what I said at the beginning-for us to be able to bridge this ambition gap we have to bridge the equity gap. There is a fear that people will be asked to do more than their fair share, and they hide behind that fact. Others will fear to be free-riding on others’ efforts.
Q20 Barry Gardiner: Okay. Mr Adow, stop a second. You haven’t answered the question. You have gone off on a tangent, which is a very good tangent and I want to come on to that. I want to talk about equity. I want to talk about the structure of the agreement, of the global agreement, and as to whether that can deliver equity, and we will move on to that in a second. Look, I love the enthusiasm. I love the vision and the idealism. But you work for Christian Aid, don’t you?
Mohamed Adow: Yes.
Q21 Barry Gardiner: You know how many people are dying in Africa every day, don’t you? What you are saying is, "There is no alternative but for us to meet the two degree target because the alternative is unthinkable to me". But you see the unthinkable happening every day in Africa, so don’t come and tell us that there is no alternative. The alternative may be wrong, the alternative may be unjust, but there is an alternative and it is called failure. We have to be realistic about what is going on, because if we simply keep on in a world that says, "Oh there is no alternative" then we are not actually playing in the real world. That is the problem with organisations like yourselves coming here and saying things like that.
Jazmin Burgess: You make a very fair point. I think there is an issue in terms of balancing what we want to see. That is, a two degree world that will ensure a safe future for all and making sure that we reiterate this because, hopefully, that encourages more movement by other Governments. But we must also be aware that there is a possibility that we won’t meet this two degree world, that there is a need to invest in adaptation and there is a need to be aware of the fact that this is the ideal world we want, but we also have to be aware that there are, as you mentioned, communities in Africa already suffering the impacts of climate change. UNICEF know that there are children suffering in small island states from the impacts of climate change. While the process of the negotiations may be slow, there is a need to recognise that we have to prepare for what might be more than a two degree world. For us, that is investing in adaptation. It is pushing Governments to do more in terms of mobilising climate finance to make sure those resources are available.
Q22 Barry Gardiner: Let’s come on to the practicalities of the architecture, the structure of the global agreement, and let’s specifically get your views on how the architecture of that global agreement relates to the issue of equity. Does it at the moment? Is it satisfactory or do you think it needs change?
Dr Watts: Of course the architecture needs to be expanded. That just goes without question.
Q23 Barry Gardiner: Dr Watts, please elaborate in what ways.
Dr Watts: This is still very early stages in the discussions, so there is a lot of thinking to be done, but I think it is obvious that there are capacity issues in a number of countries coming forward with economy-wide targets. There are practical levels of creating the inventories to be able to do that level of monitoring. Frankly, for some of the poorer countries, which have levels of emissions that are so low, because they are not industrialised they are not emitting at that level, that is work that can be developed over a longer timescale. There are groups of countries in the middle where we need to be building that capacity much more urgently, to be able to do the monitoring and evaluation and to put in place the structures, and I think there is space for that. However, from the experience of the developed world, it is clear that it does take time to really bed down and have the information available to be able to do that.
Having said that, for economy-wide targets there is a lot of scope to look at particular sectors, at different ways of approaching it. It is really interesting watching the evolution of a number of emissions trading systems around the world. South Korea has just made an announcement; I believe China is in the process of building its own systems in different parts of the country. What they are finding, as the EU found in building its emissions trading system, is the importance of information. The reason the EU first period collapsed was-
Q24 Barry Gardiner: With respect, I wasn’t really talking about the information necessary to get the architecture to work, to get the legally binding agreement. What I was really talking about was whether the architecture of the Kyoto Protocol was an appropriate architecture to get that legally binding agreement.
Dr Watts: One of the things that I really like about the Kyoto Protocol is the review provisions and the potential for adding new provisions to it. What we would support is a protocol coming out of the process. If you take that as your presumption, there are three basic options on the table. You come up with a new protocol; you come up with two protocols, the Kyoto Protocol and the new protocol; or you crack open the Kyoto Protocol, add any kind of new annexes, any kinds of new articles that you want to, to express the political agreement on what different countries will be contributing.
Q25 Barry Gardiner: Can I give you a suggestion and see how you respond to it? The way in which we are moving towards a legally binding agreement at the moment is to identify what dangerous climate change looks like and then to try and divvy up the burden of getting there. Very crudely, would you accept that as a characterisation of what we are doing?
Dr Watts: In a thumbnail.
Q26 Barry Gardiner: If we looked at it in a different way, if you looked at it from the perspective of the equity issues, which all three of you have focused on, and started to talk about to avoid dangerous climate change by 2050 we need to be emitting on an annual basis no more than 20 gigatonne per year, reducing thereafter, but in 2050, 20 gigatonne a year, and you have a global population of-let’s call it-10 billion, 9.5 billion, what it means is that each person gets two tonnes per year by 2050?
Dr Watts: That is roughly the calculations I have seen, yes.
Q27 Barry Gardiner: That is a different way of tackling this problem. Why should we favour an architecture that is looking at it as an objective with a burden to be shared out rather than as an equitable apportioning per capita, which has to be ratified and verified and adhered to?
Dr Watts: I would say that there are other elements and other factors. While the per capita is obviously an incredibly important part of any-
Q28 Barry Gardiner: None of them work in the developed world’s favour, though, do they?
Dr Watts: Of course not, no. We have eaten more than our fair share of the pie.
Q29 Barry Gardiner: One of the great virtues of Kyoto is common but differentiated. That would imply that, in order to reach that, we have to take an even greater share of the historical burden of which we in the developed world have accumulated the benefits. I am trying to minimise the pain here. I am just suggesting that it is an alternative way of constructing the architecture. It is an alternative way of constructing the approach.
Dr Watts: The equity debate is one that is just opening up this year. There will be a workshop in Bonn next week or the week after at the UN negotiations, and the position that you are talking about is one that India has put some of its energy behind and it will be one of the things on the table being discussed.
Q30 Barry Gardiner: Indeed, yes. Let’s look at the equity business from entirely the other end, from an end that you and I would both not like to go down but let’s try and put ourselves in the shoes of somebody in Russia. In 1990 they were set targets, as everybody else was under the Kyoto Protocol, and we all know what happened. Just after 1990, or just around then, the whole of the Soviet Union economy collapsed and it became a lot easier for them not only to meet but way exceed those targets. Why should they be penalised for that? Have they not paid for that? Did their economy not go into free fall? Did they not have all the cataclysm of the transition from the Soviet Union to the Russian Federation and live with the pain of that? Why are you now wanting to penalise them twice over by saying that their hot air should not be credited to them? That was the deal. Some people did a little bit better by the deal; some people did a little bit worse by the deal. But they would say, "We have paid for that. It was very difficult for our economy to go through that transition. All the jobs that we lost, all the standard of living that went" so why are you now trying to penalise them twice over? What is the equity in that?
Dr Watts: Maybe you heard the phrase I used earlier. The phrase was "just transition", and I am certainly no Russia expert but my perception is that it wasn’t so much a transition as a collapse of the economy.
Barry Gardiner: Absolutely. It was a collapse.
Dr Watts: While there is a lot of work being done, I am not sure that they have necessarily restructured-
Q31 Barry Gardiner: You mean because they did not mean to do it they should not get the credit for it, even though it cost them quite dearly? That is not fair. It is not equitable. Equity, it seems to me, is running in one direction here. If we cannot put ourselves in the other person’s shoes in an international negotiation, we are never going to get that binding agreement because we don’t understand the perspective that the other person is coming from.
Mohamed Adow: I will agree, and that is why national circumstances will have a part to play. But what is lacking-to use your language earlier-and perhaps is the failure of the process, is the fact that we don’t have a principled best-effort sharing framework that will adequately consider responsibility, capacity and the national circumstances. How we like to approach this is, if we really mean business, and understand the fact that we have to have an emergency stabilisation goal and take the science behind climate change seriously, we have to adequately consider those elements within an approach. How those elements will play out will have to be negotiated. There are countries that will say, "Because of the path of industrialisation the world has taken, let’s look at it from 1850". Others will say, "From the time we have acknowledged that there was a problem called climate change, let’s look at it from 1990". If you were just to look at historical responsibility and look at the problem as a global commons problem, you have a pie where about 20% of the global population have emitted three quarters of the emissions. That is just looking at historical responsibility.
There is a fair argument that when we emitted we didn’t know there was a problem. That is why if you bring in capacity and say, "We will also have to consider the financial and technology wherewithal to deal with it", then that index shifts. But then you have this side of the argument that there are other national circumstances. There is an opportunity with the workshop, of course, but we need to have a political strategy to deal with that issue so that you can work out how the effort will be shared.
Q32 Barry Gardiner: I am with you a lot of the way, but now let me ask you this. You say it is a global problem of the commons. I am the President of Russia and I look at what is going to happen, given all the prognostications, all the scientific evidence, and I go into the negotiations in the UN and I say, "I am here to represent the people of the Russian Federation and their best interests", and that is what we are all there for. Is it in the people of the Russian Federation’s best interests to see this as a common problem, which I as a moral contributor am going to play my part in resolving for the global benefit, or actually am I going to say, "Well, actually climate change could be extremely good for us because it would open up the reserves in the Arctic. It is going to create much more fertile land in Siberia". Why should the President of the Russian Federation, or their representative, come into the United Nations negotiating arena and do anything that is going to be against the best interests of the people in Russia?
Dr Watts: That was an argument that was very much in Russia’s mind until a few years ago, when I think the fires that occurred suddenly opened up Russia’s mind somewhat to its own vulnerabilities to the impacts of climate change and climate-impacted results. There were quite a few deaths in Russia. The smog over Moscow was quite a potent reminder to Russia of its own vulnerability.
Q33 Barry Gardiner: What you mean is actually it is in its own best interest? Dr Watts, you are conceding the principle, which is that each of those countries should be acting in their own best interest. What you have said is, "Well, actually, there were some things that made them change their mind about what was in their best interest" and we may disagree about whether actually that is going to be preponderant enough to swing them one way or another. Canada would be another example of somebody who was once seemingly with us and now seems to be against us? Why? They have tar sands and they have seen the economic opportunities of that. Their best interest now seems to be swinging in the other direction. You seem to be conceding the principle that the countries in the UN negotiating framework should act in what is in their best interests.
Dr Watts: No. The point I am conceding is that they do act in their best interests, not that they should act in their best interests.
Q34 Barry Gardiner: Let me ask you a very specific question, then, really about going forward to COP 18. If COP 18 is going to make a difference in getting the countries that have committed to committing by 2015, how is it going to do that, or is it just going to be another one of those COPs where there is a sort of standstill and then we wait, until 2014 or 2015, and we suddenly get a jerky movement forward?
Dr Watts: There are some opportunities. I don’t think we are going to see the big bang that we would ideally like to see with the urgency that we have been talking about, but I think there are real opportunities that countries may come forward with new pledges. The discussion around the hot air, the AAU surpluses, is very much on the table for the Kyoto Protocol track of negotiations. There may be some opportunities for countries to increase their ranges to the top end of the ranges. That is still work that we need to do and work in progress, and we will have a much better sense of the political temperature going into and working through Bonn. I think there are opportunities on some of these loophole issues. I don’t see a massive up-swelling, but I see things like the Mexican climate change law really concretising its own pledge into a framework that is going to help it implement it on the ground. I do see more countries coming forward more and more with things.
There are some quite large countries that haven’t put forward any mitigation actions into the international process, and I think there is some opportunity for that. We can get some greater clarity on what the pledges actually mean, in terms of some of the accounting and technical assumptions behind the headline figures.
Q35 Barry Gardiner: One of the things that we have been focusing on, to the exclusion of all else, is mitigation, but what about adaptation? Christian Aid has talked about putting that back at the centre of the agenda. What progress on adaptation is going to be made at Doha, if any?
Jazmin Burgess: From UNICEF’s perspective, we were very heartened by some of the progress that we saw on adaptation at Durban. It was one of the few areas that we thought that this is actually an-
Q36 Barry Gardiner: If it wasn’t going to be made in Africa, where was it going to be made?
Jazmin Burgess: Yes exactly, and also on the issue of loss and damage as well, which is very much linked to this concept of adaptation. What we would hope is more progress is made on-
Q37 Barry Gardiner: Be specific, though. Let’s try and nail this down. What progress on adaptation would count as progress?
Jazmin Burgess: I can speak from a UNICEF perspective: we would like to see further reference in the text to issues around specific vulnerabilities of children, specific vulnerabilities of women, and instigating work that can support that because that starts the starting block to then build further. But what I was going to say is-and I sound a bit like a broken record-it is great having the text, and it is great being able to have this as a starting point, but unless there is money and political momentum behind this it is just text. We need to be able to see resources being mobilised. We need to see political will from developed countries to be able to say, "This is actually where we need to put our money where our mouths are".
Q38 Barry Gardiner: So we need money. Now let’s get into the specifics. How much? From whom? Through what mechanism?
Jazmin Burgess: Can I kick off? One of the things that we have been very heartened by is the fact that the UK Government continues to reiterate the $100 billion pledge made at Copenhagen, $100 billion of new and additional funds by 2020 for adaptation and mitigation in developing countries. Continuing to work towards this target, that is what we would want to see.
In terms of specifically how much, in 2013 the fast-start finance commitment period ends and we would like to see a move towards a trajectory of moving to this $100 billion. There have been figures released by the UN, in terms of developed countries’ GDP, that it could be something like 0.5% of GDP. That isn’t necessarily something that is set in stone but that is the kind of amounts that we are looking at. In terms of where from, the best option is innovative finance mechanisms. It isn’t about taking money from existing areas. It isn’t about refocusing the whole ODA budget towards climate change. It is about finding new sources that won’t divert money from other places.
Dr Watts: I would also say that there are some timeline issues here. We have the fast-start finance period. Any new mechanisms that we need to come up with, to find innovative sources, will take a number of years to develop and to actually put in place. So in this intervening period, there will still be a strong need for Government money, public money, for its own right. It is very important, particularly for adaptation in small communities, where there isn’t an economic or a business case that can be made for adaptation, to have that kind of source, but it is also using Government money to help leverage in the private sector, particularly where there are opportunities for the private sector.
Then it is about building, looking towards the slightly longer term, and finding mechanisms for new and innovative sources. We would certainly see trying to get an agreement around international aviation and shipping as extremely important, not just because it is an important mitigation sector in its own right and rapidly increasing but because some of the calculations we have done with Oxfam suggest we could get up to $25 billion per year from that sector. This is one of the ways, too, that you can address some of the equity issues within a globally traded system, like shipping in particular, by having the global mitigation but having a mechanism to use some of the finance generated towards climate finance. We do see that as one of the great opportunities and there is some work going forward in the IMO on this.
Q39 Barry Gardiner: Finally, at Doha do we need to have a transition mechanism to bring countries into Annex I status? How would you envisage that transition mechanism being established?
Mohamed Adow: We are looking at these bigger than Annex I. We are looking at these as a common responsibility that has to be shared. Annex I, for the purposes of Kyoto, bringing together OECD countries at that time was useful and has brought us this far, but the scale of the problem we are dealing with requires countries to contribute to that effort. That is why post-
Q40 Barry Gardiner: But they always did through NAMAs.
Mohamed Adow: Yes. They have done. That is why developing countries, who are not Annex I countries, in mitigation terms have contributed more emissions reductions than those Annex I countries in the Kyoto Protocol. The way to look at this is to assess again what ought to be done. That is where we are falling short. That is why rather than looking into the short term and looking at annexes-
Q41 Barry Gardiner: But you are giving me a sermon rather than a process.
Mohamed Adow: The process is the equity process. You will have Kyoto Protocol with Annex I targets, so those parties that inscribe go into the Kyoto Protocol. Out of Doha, you will have developing countries parties who have targets inscribed in the long-term co-operative action, which is LCA. That is the pre-2020 period, but that is still not adequate. That is why annexes will be a thing of the past and countries have to be at least where they share responsibilities among themselves.
Q42 Barry Gardiner: I understand what you are saying. As far as you are concerned, actually transitioning countries to Annex I status really doesn’t matter?
Mohamed Adow: What matters is that all countries contribute their fair share, and not transitioning from an Annex that is not going to be able to get the work done.
Q43 Barry Gardiner: Is there any leverage that a country being part of Annex I gives the international community on that country that you think is worth having?
Mohamed Adow: We have had opportunities that we have missed.
Barry Gardiner: That is not what I asked.
Mohamed Adow: We have had opportunities. The only leverage has been the flexible mechanisms, and those are currently covered under the Convention.
Q44 Barry Gardiner: As far as you and Christian Aid are concerned, you don’t think that Annex I status, and countries taking on the responsibilities of Annex I, is actually worth anything?
Mohamed Adow: Yes.
Dr Watts: I would pull away a little bit from that and put this in its historical context. Annex I was a creation under the Convention negotiated in 1992. Then in 1997 we got the Kyoto Protocol. What I am seeing very much out of the Durban Platform is an opportunity to open that debate again. There was an evolution from 1992 to 1997. I think we are in a stage of new negotiation. You obviously have a very clear interest in Russia because I am sure you are aware the Russians have put forward a proposal.
Barry Gardiner: I think we all do.
Dr Watts: Exactly. I personally don’t necessarily see a great value in opening up the Convention for renegotiation. I see real political risks in doing so, because if you open that you potentially open up a lot of other issues and create a very large can of worms. Where I do see the political opportunity is in the negotiations going forward, the discussions that are just beginning to happen around equity and how that will fit into the new framework which-I am not an international lawyer-will become the new framework that will be most closely looked at. There are obligations for Annex I countries under the Convention but they are not legally binding, they are not particularly target driven. When we get the new framework it will have its own logic, its own body, and I think that is the space where it would make a lot more sense to discuss those issues.
Q45 Dan Byles: I am conscious we are short of time, but if I can briefly come back to the Green Climate Fund that you welcomed; the pledge for $100 billion. Do we have the slightest chance of hitting $100 billion a year by 2020? How are we doing?
Dr Watts: As far as I am aware, the structures of the Green Climate Fund were agreed in Durban, but there are still some technical things around the bodies, who is going to be represented, and so on, so it is still in a formation stage.
Q46 Dan Byles: They are certainly committing money to it?
Dr Watts: In terms of committing money my-
Dan Byles: It seems that there has been a lot of talk but no one is really opening their wallet, are they?
Dr Watts: The rhetoric that we get from the UK is that they will quite happily open their wallet once they know what the whole thing looks like. I think there will be countries that will come forward. I recall there were some pledges put forward to facilitate the fund getting up and running. It is a question, too, of how you set up these new and innovative sources, so that if you do get an agreement on international maritime that creates money it goes directly into the fund and so forth. It is new. It is a new structure that is still in play but-
Q47 Dan Byles: So you are waiting and seeing?
Dr Watts: We shall wait and see.
Jazmin Burgess: I would say there are two issues. We were heartened by the progress in terms of establishing the Green Climate Fund, particularly the leadership role that the UK and DFID have played in shaping the fund and we hope that they will continue to do so over the coming year, and that is the architecture and the governance of the fund.
In terms of mobilising the money, from a UNICEF perspective there has been insufficient progress since the release of the UN high-level report on innovative finance at the end of 2010. There has been a lot of rhetoric and there have been a lot of statements around it, but there are no processes in operation to move towards this mobilisation of innovative sources. There is more that needs to be done. We saw last year that the G20 Finance Ministers commissioned a report by the World Bank to look into how to mobilise this money. That had some very positive statements in it, in terms of what could actually be done in the short to medium term, but nothing has been moved on. There are a lot of good documents out there and there are a lot of statements, but there is not enough that is being done. One thing that UNICEF UK is urging is for the UK to take a leadership role in encouraging other countries to come forward to move this process along, both at a UNFCCC level but also at a G20 level.
Q48 Dan Byles: Do you think the UK Government should commit more money or is it more about the leadership role it plays?
Jazmin Burgess: I think the UK Government should be applauded for how they have committed money so far. They are showing a leadership role, and we are very supportive of the way they have allocated 50% for adaptation and 50% for mitigation and beyond the fast-start period, so they should capitalise on that and use it to encourage other donors to do the same thing and to play that leadership role that we have had in the past. As for the longer-term trajectory towards 2020, that debate is still open, in terms of what the UK could do, and that could be the one that could start to have momentum this year.
Mohamed Adow: The UK has played an important leadership role. The fact that it is money up to 2015 is something we should applaud and celebrate, but we should use that to get other donors to come on board. Just the same way we have talked about equity and mitigation, there is also going to be the question of who is going to contribute and who is going to receive. Who is going to contribute will fall within that matrix that I discussed earlier about mitigation ambition, but who is going to receive has to be based on vulnerability, and that understanding has to be built so that those countries that require most are actually supported to be able to adapt to the inevitable impacts.
The question you have raised links up with this in some way. We are at a point where, with the level of warming that has been locked in, we need to support some of the poorest countries to transform their livelihoods and to make them better suited to the changing conditions, to have forward-looking plans that help them understand what is going to come. We must prepare communities so that the wrong response to an emergency, or to an extreme event, is avoided, so that you are able to build resilience and even deliver development, making sure that that it is climate resilient and able to withstand the changes that are predicted. This is the direction we are moving in. I think the UK, with its diplomacy, particularly given that it is out there and in the driving seat, particularly up to 2015, must be-
Q49 Dan Byles: Do you think it has the balance right between mitigation and adaptation? Given the pessimism about the fact that we have locked in such a large increase in temperatures, do you think they should perhaps be moving more towards adaptation rather than-
Mohamed Adow: The more you avoid mitigation the more costly adaptation will be. So, in terms of risk management, if you are able to mitigate more now, in the end you will need to adapt less. It is a difficult thing. The 50/50 works well at this stage, but if we fail to mitigate and transition to a low-carbon pathway or decarbonise our economies at the scale that is required, adaptation is going to be extremely costly. We will then have to revisit, but revisiting will put us in a difficult place because the choices will be between people either incinerated or people inundated because of the sea level rise. That will mean there will be a lot of territorial security issues that you have to deal with.
Q50 Dan Byles: Very briefly before we move on, you mentioned maritime and some of the innovative approaches. WWF has specifically said that the Treasury is blocking market-based mechanisms that could raise revenue from shipping and aviation. Would you like to expand on that a little bit because it seems at odds with the UK’s leadership role?
Dr Watts: The key concern that I understand the Treasury has around this is the issue of hypothecation. I think research is being done. This is not my specialist area, and so if you would like more detail I can refer you to a colleague. My understanding is that there are ways of setting up a mechanism such that it doesn’t have to be hypothecated. I understand the Treasury was actually quite comfortable with the Norwegian proposal on finance that was set up in such a way, but I think that is a question that needs to be addressed specifically. Again, it is the devil in the detail and we need to find ways through that. Hopefully, if the right mechanism is found, the Treasury would be able to see that as part of its contribution and not impacting on other parts of the equation.
Chair: Alan, briefly.
Q51 Dr Whitehead: Yes. Extremely briefly, even briefer than the last extremely brief one, could you just share some thoughts on the "near negotiations"? Particularly, Dr Watts, you mentioned in the written evidence to us that "near negotiations" such as the UN General Assembly, G8, G20, Major Economies Forum, Cartagena, have advanced part of the process but they concentrate on a small number of wealthy, powerful countries and lack legitimacy. However, one could say that the UNFCCC process has actually been going since 1992, emissions have gone up. Maybe concentrating on those smaller negotiations, and specific negotiations, might be more productive than continuing to try and get all 195 signatories on board all the time. Is that a view you share?
Dr Watts: No. I believe there is a good role for using some of the parallel processes to develop thinking and to talk and to build trust. Certainly, my understanding from comments from people who have participated in the Cartagena group, or the Cartagena process, has been that that is really a good space where they have been able to put down national flags, brainstorm in a safe space, see if they have ideas in common, see where there are opportunities for political movement sharing. That is something that we have seen in the UNFCCC; new alliances, new strengths of countries.
Two points: one, you have commented that emissions have gone up in the UNFCCC. It is important to recall that the Kyoto Protocol, which was the key instrument for implementing the convention, only had specific targets for a small number of countries. I don’t think at the time anyone foresaw quite how rapidly economies of countries like China, Brazil and India would increase. That was one area and one explanation for why the emissions increases have happened.
Within the UN process there is some opportunity for streamlining. There is a proposal from Mexico and Papua New Guinea to make it less of a consensus process and potentially more of a majority process, or to have greater opportunities for majority voting. I think there are ways in which we could look at the process within the UNFCCC and see whether there are ways to avoid having a one-country block.
On the other hand, I think a real great advantage of the UNFCCC, compared to "near negotiations", is the fact that it does give the space for the vulnerable countries to really have a say and to be visible. While the voting idea is an interesting one, I do think it is important to recall that in Copenhagen, for instance, it was Tuvalu-potentially one of the most vulnerable countries, if not the most vulnerable country in the world-that was one of the ones standing up at the end saying, "This is unacceptable. This will kill us. Our territory is going to suffer greatly from this level of ambition".
To have those voices out there is absolutely crucial, so where they have the space to have their voices legitimately heard is crucial. After all, we wouldn’t have the Kyoto Protocol if it had not been for the small island states putting forward a protocol proposal. They are the ones that have really been driving ambition through the process. If you leave it to the Major Economies Forum it has been a talking shop. I think there is some technology programme going forward, but that isn’t where the action seems to be. As for the G20 and the G8, there was some movement on the global ambition under the G8 some years ago. The G20 is talking about climate finance. Again, I think there are opportunities for advancing that in that discussion but bringing it back to the UNFCCC.
Mohamed Adow: What is actually happening in the UNFCCC is that the countries that are most vulnerable, and that are least responsible, are the ones that are driving high ambition. They seem to have a voice there, a voice that is able to push for greater ambition. There is no denying that the UNFCCC isn’t moving quickly enough to the goal. But if you think about the other processes-and moving away perhaps from UNFCCC, and whether that will take us closer to the goal-look, for example, at the Major Economies Forum and G20, that is where you have the biggest polluters and they haven’t been able to resolve their differences.
Those are very important processes and I look at them as tributaries that will actually bring momentum to the UNFCCC process. Every time you have had outside meetings, particularly including some of the most vulnerable countries, that has actually been reflected at the UNFCCC. That is what happened in Durban. You have EU going into alliance with two vulnerable groups, LDCs and small island states, and that actually drove the outcome we had in Durban. Those outside processes are very important, so long as those processes are geared towards helping to build trust, to create it, and bring momentum so that you have a bigger push within the UNFCCC negotiations.
Jazmin Burgess: I want to jump in quickly, just to echo what both Kat and Mohamed have said. Sometimes these other processes get the right people in the room. For example, on the issue of finance, you need the involvement of the finance ministries. It is not necessarily the case in the UNFCCC process, but the G20, for example, can provide the forum for that discussion to happen. It is about how we can get others to feed momentum into the UNFCCC process.
Mohamed Adow: This process is actually mitigation rather than adaptation, so it is not at the heart of the bargain when you have a G20 Major Economies Forum meeting. Given the importance of adaptation, particularly in terms of minimising the vast effects of climate change, this is the space where the most vulnerable are able to articulate their issues and be able to get support for that.
Chair: Thank you very much for that extensive evidence to get our inquiry off to a good start. If there is anything you think you should have said, which you haven’t said, you can always get in touch with us in writing after the meeting. Thank you again for your evidence.
Examination of Witnesses Witnesses: Dr Tim Fox, Head of Energy and Environment, Institution of Mechanical Engineers, IMechE, and Gareth Stace, Head of Climate Change and Environment Policy, EEF, The Manufacturers’ Organisation, gave evidence.
Q52 Chair: Thank you very much for agreeing to come today to take part in our inquiry and give us evidence. You sat through the first session and have an idea of where the Committee is going. For the record, will you introduce yourselves and your organisations?
Dr Fox: Yes, my name is Dr Tim Fox. I am Head of Energy and Environment at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
Gareth Stace: I am Gareth Stace. I am Head of Climate and Environment Policy at EEF, The Manufacturers’ Organisation, and I am also representing UK Steel, the trade association for the steel sector.
Q53 Chair: Thank you very much. If we could start again on what you both think are the main priorities the UK should adopt for COP 18.
Dr Fox: From the institution’s point of view, the main priority at Doha should be to take the unique opportunity that presents itself to start thinking about a completely different way to drive emissions reduction globally. We see a unique opportunity through the establishment in Durban of the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action, which expressed a grave concern in the recognition of the emissions gap between the pledges that are on the table with regard to emissions, from both industrial and developing nations, relative to the emissions that are required to make the two degree target. Analysis of the gap shows that emissions pledges on the table are something like 60% of the pledges that are really needed to close the gap. The Durban Platform recognises that there needs to be a strengthening of the rules-based regime, and that there needs to be an outcome that is some form of agreement or other legally binding outcome. We very much see this as an opportunity to instigate a paradigm shift in thinking, in terms of how we go about encouraging reduced emissions globally.
Gareth Stace: I would say the main priority for Doha is to ensure that we capture what happened in Durban, in terms of finally agreeing an international agreement and to ensure that we are on that path towards 2015 and COP 21, where we need to agree the international agreement and what the targets are, to take effect in 2020. That is the main priority. From our point of view, the specific priority would be that we need progress on discussions and agreement on sectoral agreements for certain global sectors.
Q54 Chair: We will be coming to the sectoral issue. What do you think are the main threats to achieving these priorities out of Doha?
Dr Fox: From the institution’s point of view, we really see the main threat as a lack of knowledge, essentially, of what the alternatives could possibly be, and an entrenched and incumbent thinking that is completely focused on negotiating a legally binding global agreement that is based on-as we heard earlier today-divvying up the potential emissions reduction requirements and trying to find a way forward with that. From our point of view, the issue, the barrier, is really about an openness to think about things in a different way and to look and gather knowledge on alternative approaches.
Gareth Stace: In terms of the barriers, we heard a lot about the failings of the UNFCCC process today. There are issues there, but I think the UNFCCC process is the process to take the international agreement forward. The barriers are bringing all 190-odd countries together to agree something. But it is a global problem; it suits a global solution. In terms of the barriers for sector agreements, that would be just bringing the significant players to the table and they are not there at the moment.
Q55 Barry Gardiner: Dr Fox, your institute has said that trying to mitigate climate change through a global agreement is an approach that was at worst failing. Do you just want to jettison it? I go with a lot of what you are saying about the fact that there is an opportunity to source funds in a different way, but surely we have to work within the overall architecture of the UNFCCC because it is all we have, isn’t it?
Dr Fox: Yes. We have a number of alternatives, which I will come on to in just a moment, but focusing on the UNFCCC. Our institution believes that the UNFCCC has been a very useful architecture within the time and space in which it was created and has existed. Essentially, it has raised the issue of climate change, both mitigation and adaptation, very high up on international and Government agendas. This meeting is just a small piece of evidence to that effect. Through its links and relationship with the IPCC, it has shown what we need to do to move forward.
Essentially, in its existing philosophical dimension of focusing on a mechanism that really has-as the evidence shows-passed its point in history, we have an opportunity to move away from that and the UNFCCC is very useful as a mechanism to enable us to do that. We are not saying that it has completely reached the end of its life. It has reached a point where it can facilitate and broker a move in a different direction. We also see that it would have some continuing role to play, in terms of the work that it has begun on adaptation, on the work that it encourages in terms of development funds, and in terms of providing a measurement verification and monitoring activity to support some other activity. With regard to other organisations that would be well placed to take the issue on board-and I am probably going to discuss this in more detail as the questioning moves forward-we very much see the G20 as an appropriate vehicle for moving forward with reducing emissions. The reason we see that is that, effectively, the G20 accounts for 80% of global emissions and it ties up the significant players.
Q56 Barry Gardiner: I understand what you are saying. But aren’t you confusing the vehicle with the mechanisms used? In a sense, the UNFCCC is the vehicle that the international community has. It is the way to get agreement about what is done. You have a specific proposal about changing the "what is done" element here, which I want to explore with you, but it seems to me to talk in terms of the last days of the UNFCCC is to confuse these two. It may be that there are new things that need to be done-I am sure there are new things that need to be done-but nonetheless you still need that buy-in by the global, international community in the only, desperately poor, inadequate, incompetent framework that it has, which happens to be this.
Tim Fox: My starting point for answering that question is to pose to you the thesis that the problem is an economics problem, it is a finance problem. The reason we are not making any progress is essentially economics, and the UNFCCC isn’t essentially an economics and finance forum. For example, the representation on the G20 is finance ministers and governors of national banks and is an appropriate forum to discuss an economics problem.
Q57 Barry Gardiner: The nub of our disagreement is that you regard this as simply an economic problem that can be resolved by market mechanisms, which you have proposed very elegantly and which on the whole I would agree are a useful tool. However, you are ignoring what some of our earlier witnesses were talking about, which is the problem of equity, and you are ignoring the fact that it has become and is a political problem. The reason we are where we are is that there has been a market failure-in fact, climate change, some would say, is the biggest market failure the world has ever seen-and to simply think that you can only address it by another market mechanism, or by a tweaking of that market, is false.
I do want to explore the mechanism that you are putting forward. You said that you want the framework to ensure the emission of greenhouse gases incurred an appropriate cost or penalty that was of a sufficient magnitude to discourage further emissions and that, of course, the Government could choose to ban emissions, which would simply be a regulatory mechanism, or to use economic instruments that apply a financial penalty, and you think that that is the only viable political and economically acceptable way forward. Is that right?
Tim Fox: Yes. There are two dimensions to the problem, as we see it. The first dimension is that you are trying to get agreement between 195 nations who have very different agendas. We have already heard a lot about that this morning so I won’t rehearse those topics. The second issue is that there isn’t a globally justifiable and transparent price that has logic and credibility for the cost of emitting CO2 into the atmosphere. I am focusing on CO2 now. There is clearly a wider greenhouse gas emissions issue, but let’s focus on CO2 for the moment. There isn’t a justifiable and politically tenable price for that pollution being put into the atmosphere, and there is technology available today that would enable us to set that price. Our thesis is that by setting that price, using the technology, you have an unequivocal and unarguable price for CO2 pollution.
Q58 Barry Gardiner: Let me give you a political counter or a political feed-in to that, because I don’t disagree with you that having a global price would be an extremely helpful way to go here. Of course, the problem is that rich countries can afford the technology to emit more cheaply, or to reduce their emissions accordingly, but on the whole poor countries can’t. That goes right to the heart of what the gentleman from Christian Aid-although I berated him generously-was saying about equity. It is inequitable within the global community, and therefore politically unacceptable within the global community, just to say, "Well, fine, let the rich get the benefit of this new market mechanism because they can afford the technological solutions that will enable them to produce more cleanly" without having a transfer mechanism for the wealth that is created to enable in many cases what we would like to see, which is poor and developing countries leapfrog our dirty technologies into cleaner technologies themselves, so I am absolutely with you on a global price for carbon. My political overlay on that is how do you then get justice into that system and how do you recycle to ensure that others can get the benefit of that clean technology as well?
Tim Fox: I am going to be very brief. There are three points that you raise there that I see. The first is that the G20 contains the nations that emit 80% of the global emissions of greenhouse gases and-as you quite rightly point out-they can fundamentally afford to put this technology in place. One of the key points of our submission is that, by putting this technology in place and harnessing market forces in a competitive environment, not only will the price of CO2 emissions come down, as fleet operators of these machines or these technologies compete with each other for market share, but they will also drive down the cost of all other abatement technologies because, without question, this type of technology will be the most expensive form of cleaning up CO2 emissions. It will drive the cost of everything else downwards. As we heard this morning, ultimately that has a benefit for newly emerging countries. The institution fully agrees with you, we have laboured this point many times, that we need to find a way of enabling newly developing and newly emerging countries to leapfrog over the dirty, industrialised, unsustainable phase that we went through. We are very clear on that in a number of our reports.
The mechanism for that is the market-driven force of driving down the cost of green technologies, as we have seen with solar in Africa. We know that solar is below the cost of grid electricity in Kenyan villages, for example. We heard about that this morning. It is one small example. We could discuss why that is for a long time, but it is basically being driven by the cost being driven out by innovation in China. We see this technology as driving all the costs down.
I come back to your earlier point to wrap up that final third point, and that is that moving forward, very clearly, we still see a role for the UNFCCC in enabling the requirements and the interests of these newly emerging nations to be taken care of. There are a number of ways that that can be done. One is through the Adaptation Fund, through the Green Development Fund, through Least Developed Country Funds, and there are mechanisms in place that should be built on to enable that to happen. We see that as a very appropriate role for the UNFCCC. As for how you make that happen, I think there is a role for the G20 to take leadership on cleaning up the emissions using this kind of technology. There is a role for the UNFCCC in ensuring that the equity issues associated with poorer nations are taken care of, and also undertaking the monitoring, measurement and verification of the work of the G20.
Q59 Dan Byles: I would like to come back to the sectoral approach that you have mentioned. In the EEF’s submission, you said that that should be a UK priority at COP 18. Would you like to outline very briefly why you think that is a better mechanism than the geographical approach?
Gareth Stace: I think it is a better mechanism for certain sectors. We talked just now about developed and developing countries and the different approaches that you might have between both of them. The problem that we have is that sometimes you find developed sectors in developing economies. That is why we would wish to see a global sectoral approach for certain carbon intensive, internationally tradable sectors such as steel in the short and medium term. That would be the best approach and the approach that we will get to the quickest, in terms of waiting for a truly global, international agreement that puts us all on a level playing field. A sectoral agreement will put us on that level playing field.
Q60 Dan Byles: There is steel and one or two other documented examples. How wide would you see this? How many different types of sectors? Would you see this being quite widespread or limited to a fairly narrow field of high energy-intensive sectors?
Gareth Stace: In the first instance it is fairly limited. We talk about industrial sectors, steel, cement, aluminium and perhaps certain chemicals. Then we also look at aviation and shipping, and there may be some agricultural potential as well, but it is really those ones that I was talking about. That is where it is most suited and we shouldn’t think that it goes much wider than that. The other process within the truly international agreement, it caters for those other sectors that are not exposed to international competition and perhaps are not as carbon intensive.
Q61 Dan Byles: This isn’t new. It has been on the agenda since the
Bali Action Plan of 2007. But how firmly would you say it is on the table? Is it a realistic priority for the UK?
Gareth Stace: Yes, and I think that is where our problem lies. At Government level, I don’t think it is on the table nearly enough in the UK. I don’t think it is, but I don’t think the UK is unique. Industries are working together to achieve this, to make progress on collecting data, benchmarking sectors before setting targets, but industries cannot and, in terms of the WTO, wouldn’t be allowed to perform that agreement on their own. They need to work with Governments.
There are two stages. We would like to see it firmly on the UK Government’s agenda, that, "Yes, we are going to make significant progress". When I say "significant progress", we are talking about sectors that have particular technologies that the carbon price won’t enable to move forward and reduce those significant carbon emissions at all. It takes something very different to make that step change. We need the UK Government on board, but then, in terms of diplomacy, it is much more about encouraging other nations, particularly those that have really significant players in the steel industry in those countries that are not working with this process at all that the industry is working with under the World Steel Association framework.
Tim Fox: Could I offer a comment about the sectoral approach? One option that we are proposing is to use technologies such as air capture technology to fix a carbon price. One of the other key advantages of that technology is that it can deal with difficult-to-get-at and difficult-to-tackle emissions. There are a number of sectors where the emissions from that industry are very difficult to tackle using either conventional abatement technologies or something like CCS, for example, so you can think about large, complex operations where CO2 is emitted at several different points in the process. You can think about aviation, shipping and other forms of transportation that isn’t amenable to electrification, for example, such as heavy freight.
The use of air capture machines to take the CO2 out of the atmosphere, and then to make it available for sequestration and storage, means that you can tackle those emissions and also, geographically, it doesn’t matter where your fleet of air capture machines are located. For example, you could imagine a fleet of machines located in the Australian desert or other desert areas with ideal geology for sequestration accounting for emissions from aviation and shipping, or a chemical process or other process that emits at several points, that doesn’t have access to a CCS-type infrastructure or any other way of tackling the process.
Q62 Dan Byles: So you don’t stop the emissions? You still make them; potentially, you just clean them up somewhere else?
Tim Fox: Yes. Essentially, it is a logical extension of carbon capture and storage, in that with carbon capture and storage you are taking the CO2 out of the flue gas at its point of emission. In this case you are allowing the CO2 to transition through the atmosphere and be picked up elsewhere. As long as each tonne of CO2 you emit at one location is collected at another location the atmosphere doesn’t know any different and the climate won’t know any different. You don’t have to take out those exact CO2 molecules. As long as your net balance is zero then you have accounted for those emissions somewhere else.
Gareth Stace: Can I say that in terms of creating a global sectoral agreement, say for the steel sector, we would like to reduce our emissions significantly. The reason why we are calling for a sector agreement isn’t just to get together and agree a target. It is because it would be the only way that we could significantly reduce those emissions. For example, in the steel sector, 90% of our emissions are unavoidable process emissions-using current technology, we have reached the end of that technology and we cannot reduce those emissions any further, so we don’t have a lot to play with in terms of reducing emissions from that sector.
The only way we can do that, to make that significant change is to make steel in a very different way from how we have made it historically, and that is going to take an awful lot of money. That is why I said that the price signal alone won’t do that at all. The UK on its own could not fund that. It is tens of billions. The EU could not fund that on its own. We need to bring all of the research programmes together, operating in the US, Korea, Japan and the EU, and pool those resources, technology and understanding in order to make steel in a very different way and emit significantly much less than we emit at the moment.
Q63 Chair: With the technology of emitting in one place and capturing somewhere else, is there any loss of effectiveness in the sense of the level that the CO2 rises to in the atmosphere or does it make a difference where, if you are allowing the emission to go up there?
Tim Fox: No. Please take into account I am not a climate scientist or a climate modeller-I am an engineer-but essentially the atmosphere is a well mixed fluid, and CO2 will mix very quickly in the atmosphere and move through global circulation patterns to move around the globe very quickly. In overall terms, as long as you are balancing the CO2 that is emitted at one point by taking CO2 out at another point the effect is more or less the same as taking it out at the point. There are some interesting thoughts that you might pursue in this respect, which would need the deeper engagement of the climate modelling community in exploring these opportunities. There are points on the planet where my understanding is that CO2 does have a higher level of concentration than other points, and you might like to think about how you would use these machines to explore that, but I think that is a completely different option. It is starting to move the technology away from the proposal that we are making, which is that it is really to be used as a carbon price setter, a driver of innovation, harnessing market forces to solve the problem, and as a way of providing a route to tackling difficult-to-get-at emission sources.
Q64 Chair: Given the progress or lack of progress being made on carbon capture and storage, where on the timeline would you see this process? Presumably gathering the CO2 is a slightly tougher process when it is just being pulled out of the atmosphere rather than a concentrated source?
Tim Fox: I can offer quite a detailed comment on that, and I will keep it brief. There are several entrepreneurial organisations across the world that are very busy at the moment developing this technology, with investment from sources that include venture capitalists and funds that look to support innovative technologies. The key driver for them is to take CO2 out of the atmosphere and provide it to industries that use CO2 as a source of chemicals for whatever process it is undertaking. At the moment that is driving the development of these machines forward quite rapidly. There is one in Canada; there are two in the US; there is one here in the UK up on Teesside; there is one in Switzerland and one in Holland at the moment. They are the key players. They are doing a lot of work associated with overcoming the increased difficulty of removing CO2 out of the atmosphere relative to taking it out of a flue gas. It isn’t an intangible problem but you do pay a little bit more of an energy penalty. Capturing CO2 from flue gases isn’t a new departure. We have been doing it for decades on chemical plants and other industrial plants globally, and using it for enhanced oil recovery, for example, in the US. We know how to do it and the technologies are there. There are some issues, because of the reduced concentration in the atmosphere, but they are not insurmountable. Then it is a question of developing a storage capability, which we are busy doing with CCS at the moment anyway.
Q65 Barry Gardiner: These machines to take CO2 out of the atmosphere, the ones that I like have been around for a millennium; they are called trees. Your submission said nothing about REDD+. Isn’t the most obvious way of doing this to actually fund REDD+ so that you get the trees doing that? You don’t just get the carbon sequestration as a benefit. You get all the other ecosystem services such as climate regulation, water regulation, provisioning services alongside. It seems to me that you have a rather driven fixation to have a technological solution when a green solution would be a lot better.
Tim Fox: The short answer to that is, no, we are not fixated on a technical solution. On numerous occasions we have put forward our thinking on having a mix of approaches, including afforestation and land management. There is a whole range of ways of dealing with the provision of carbon sinks. One of the key points, though, is that these types of machines can take CO2 out of the atmosphere thousands of times more quickly and effectively than natural trees, and of course they can plug into or they can be provisioned with an infrastructure that enables you to store that carbon away and lock it away for centuries in saline aquifers or depleted oil and gas reserves. The difficulty with surface biomass is that essentially as it rots it returns the CO2 to the atmosphere. In terms of the scale of the challenge that we have heard about this morning, the deployment of technology is part of a mix of approaches, but the deployment of technology to accelerate the removal of CO2 and sequestration of CO2 seems perfectly logical to us.
Gareth Stace: Can I add something very briefly on technology being the solution to climate change? I think at the moment, particularly in the EU and the UK, we have a fixation on targets. We set a target and we think it is a done deal, and, okay, a target is good where you set the target and you are not being proscriptive about how you get there, you just want to see the outcome. However, what I think the UK Government is failing to do-and this applies globally as well-is that governements don’t believe that technology is the solution, so the Government isn’t backing the development of technology going forward.
A good example of this occurred at our recent conference. We had invited Siemens and somebody asked them, "Why do you invest more in manufacturing in Germany than you would in the UK?" and they said, "Because in the last 15 years, the German Government has invested heavily in our supply chains. The UK Government has not done that". I think if the UK Government was really looking to make big strides, and be a leader in this-the UK keeps talking about leadership-it should actually be a leader and show the rest of the world that we can have green and growth at the same time, and we can be a leader in developing low-carbon technologies in the UK at least cost.
Q66 Chair: Rather than using market mechanisms to send a signal to the market for them to come up with an optimal solution, the Government should actually target technologies?
Gareth Stace: I am not saying that we should get rid of our targets. I have said before that market mechanisms don’t solve all the problems. There are technologies and sectors, the market mechanism and the pricing alone won’t change that. I am saying more that we need a greater focus on how we are going to meet those targets within the Climate Change Act here in the UK, and I think we don’t have that at the moment. We don’t have that vision in terms of the industrial strategy, or the industrial policy of how we are going to make our supply chains really robust to be able to deliver the low-carbon solutions that manufacturers will provide to meet the challenge that we face in terms of mitigation.
Tim Fox: It is interesting that we are sitting in the Thatcher Room. From our perspective, it is really about harnessing market forces to do what markets do best. They will drive forward innovation, and they will innovate costs out once you get them to work properly. They are an ideal tool for doing that, particularly in technology. The best innovation in technology comes from market forces and market-driven innovation, but there is also a role for Government beyond creating a framework that enables the market to work as freely and as optimally as possible. There is a role for Government in providing catalytic activity in areas where it believes strategically there needs to be a start-up of a new activity.
I don’t want to appear to be fixated on these machines but we are going down that track and it is a good example of a different way of thinking, which is our key tenet. We are not saying that this is the only solution; we are saying this is a different way of thinking, which comes back to the UNFCCC. In terms of those machines, for example, there is a very real need for an open, public domain-a publicly accessible version of these machines that you can walk up to and kick the tyres on, essentially. At the moment, all these machines are being developed in entrepreneurial companies to solve a feedstock to chemical customers’ issues. We would call on the Government to invest a small amount of our research budget in demonstrating these machines at small scale, in a similar way to the way in which it is funding, through £1 billion, the demonstration of CCS. They are very allied technologies, in that you need to bridge the gap between the university laboratory and the public laboratory, across that chasm into the commercial world, and there is a role for Government in doing that.
Q67 Barry Gardiner: But you do accept that there is an ironic asymmetry to what you are saying? You start off by saying, "Look, when it comes to the global issue, politicians need to get out of the way and we need a market-based solution, and we need a price for carbon that is going to drive that market-based solution", despite the fact that politicians in Mexico or China or somewhere might say, "We would rather have our cheap, low, dirty technology that is producing the goods at the moment, and you are wanting us to disadvantage our industry by coming into that global agreement about a market price". So you ignore the political in that sphere, yet when it comes to what you call "investment", but which others might call "subsidy", into particular technological development, you want the politicians to come in the back door and make sure that our industry in this country is being advantaged over others. Come on, guys. You can play on this playing field or you can play on that playing field, but you want to switch the playing field, depending on whether you are talking about technology or whether you are talking about market forces. Is that not a fair criticism?
Tim Fox: No, not all.
Q68 Barry Gardiner: I didn’t think you would agree with me, but it seems pretty fair to me.
Tim Fox: No. In a nutshell, what we are saying is that we need recognition that there is an economic problem and an economic driver that needs to be put in place, and that is to solve the CO2 price issue. We have agreed that earlier in the conversation. We understand that that is a major issue.
Q69 Barry Gardiner: We have agreed it, but where you and I differ is on the fact that I recognise that there is a politician somewhere else in the world who says, "Yes, but if I sign up to that it is going to disadvantage my industry, and I am going to get my institute of mechanical engineers and my manufacturers federation on to me telling me that this is a bloody stupid thing to do and I’m going to be out of office". That is the political dimension that in this sphere, when you say, "Let’s get a market price for carbon", you are just ignoring.
Tim Fox: No. What I am saying is that by using this approach to drive the carbon price, create competition for that carbon price and driving that carbon price down, you will also drive down globally the cost of all abatement technologies.
Q70 Barry Gardiner: Eventually you will. What are you going to say to the Chinese or the Mexican or the Indian politician in the meantime, who are sitting on large stocks of coal that they can then use to produce your steel, or whatever else they are going to produce in a dirty fashion, that is at the moment much cheaper to supply to the world market than if they go into the fancy, clean technology that you want us all to adopt because you have put in the market mechanism? They are not going to accept it. You are just ignoring the politics here. You are speaking as an economist not as a politician, or you are not taking on board the politics of the situation.
Tim Fox: Yes, I am. Fundamentally, I am taking on board the politics of the situation in that I am recognising that politically where we are with the UNFCCC process, trying to get an agreement between 195 nations with very different political objectives, isn’t working. What I am coming to the table to propose here is that we need to look at alternatives, and this is one possible alternative that is worth exploring.
Q71 Barry Gardiner: But you are saying that politicians need to get out of the way but we want a group of politicians-namely, the G20 leaders-to sign up to this market proposal. In and of itself, from an economist’s point of view, I am totally with you. All I am saying is I don’t think that certain guys who are around the G20 table are politically going to be able to sign up to it, because of the short and medium-term problems it is going to create for their equivalent of you two sitting in their Committee in their Parliament.
Gareth Stace: Then we are absolutely going to achieve nothing. China makes 49% of the world’s steel. If we cannot get China on board then we are not achieving anything. There is going to be an 80% increase in demand for steel by 2030. That is going to happen and the Chinese will meet that demand, and if they are not tackling the emissions from that sector then anything we do here-they make 600 million tonnes, we make 11 million tonnes of steel-means nothing.
Q72 Barry Gardiner: Of course, I absolutely understand that and agree with you. All I am trying to say is that, in the same way as I think our first witnesses presented us with a visionary, rosy and idealistic picture, I think you are presenting us with an economist’s rosy, idealistic picture. It doesn’t wash, because you have to accept that those political barriers, the two of you sitting in Beijing are going to be saying, against what you are saying to their Select Committee and their Ministers, "This would be crazy. You would disadvantage our industry at a stroke. China has to grow at its own level. We can’t have this restriction". You could make the arguments for them; you know what they would be saying.
Tim Fox: But we have seen already significant shifts in thinking and in investment in China and other countries. They lead the world in the production of wind turbines. If there is an industrial strategy to be had then there is an interest.
Q73 Barry Gardiner: What they are not doing is disadvantaging their own industry in getting those advances. You have to accept that, because that is the fact. They have made huge strides. They are doing much more than America and everybody else would like to credit them with. That is absolutely for damn sure. The point is they are doing it according to their own lights, in a way that is establishing their own growth trajectory, and you are going to interfere with that.
Gareth Stace: They are doing more in absolute terms, but if you look at per unit of GDP they are not. We are probably doing better and Germany certainly is doing much better in terms of investing in low-carbon technologies. I am not coming to this Committee with rose-tinted glasses about a sectoral agreement for the steel sector. If I was I would just be sitting here saying, "It’s going to happen and it’s going to happen by then". At the moment, I don’t think it is going to happen because we have 70% of the world’s steel companies on board in what the World Steel Association are doing but only 30% of production, so we just cannot proceed until we get buy-in.
Tim Fox: We have essentially come to the table to offer alternative ways of thinking, and we call for the politicians here to solve the political problems and find a way forward. That is a leadership role for the UK. In the last decade, the UK has been incredibly innovative in finding frameworks and diplomatic ways forward. The Climate Change Act 2008 is a major example, a piece of evidence of what the UK political community can do if it puts its mind to it. I am coming here as an engineer and I am asking you as a politician to find a way forward.
Chair: On finding ways forward, a bit on markets, Alan.
Q74 Dr Whitehead: I have always thought that the idea of capturing carbon in order to inject it into oil seams to get more intensive carbon out is a rather intuitively counterproductive process, but in terms of-as you have said previously-machines to take carbon out of the air and inject it, as one does with CCS, that is a different process. However it is one that requires, presumably, a substantial price floor in order to proceed and invest in. The market mechanisms to produce that are already in place but they don’t work very well, do they?
Tim Fox: That is coming at the problem from back to front, if you will excuse my way of putting that. First, what we are proposing is the use of these machines to lock up the carbon in disused-
Dr Whitehead: Yes, I understand that.
Tim Fox: So that is clear. Secondly, we are calling on the use of these machines to set the price for carbon, not to be driven by the price for carbon. Current estimates for these machines, based on the work of these entrepreneurial companies-this isn’t yet through vigorous, mature, commercially pressurised development of second or third generation technology-is putting the carbon price that these machines will produce in a range that at the moment seems quite expensive, but these machines are currently being developed to very immature levels. What we are saying is that, by bringing those machines forward and creating a competitive environment, the carbon price set by that machine will reduce over time through innovating the costs down.
Q75 Dr Whitehead: The point I was making is that presumably someone has to finance putting these machines up and making them run and putting the stuff in the ground. Presumably that is driven to some considerable extent by the fact that there would be a pre-existing carbon price floor of some description in order to make that finance possible.
Tim Fox: Right, yes, I understand your question.
Dr Whitehead: The credits presumably coming from the sequestration of that carbon would then effectively fund those machines and their maintenance and their operation.
Tim Fox: There are two points there. First, like any emerging technology, there is going to be a need to fund the initial development and get them moving. At the moment that is being done by the attraction to those entrepreneurs of potential markets for their CO2, which isn’t dealing with the global warming issue. It is a commercial relationship that is driving it forward at the moment.
Q76 Dr Whitehead: Yes, but presumably the machines eventually, in order to have any effect on carbon levels in the atmosphere, would need simply to sequester it. That wouldn’t be in itself a commercial operation and would presumably come into being and would continue to operate as a result of credits arising from the fact that you put X tonnes of CO2 into the ground and had got credits from other polluters. Is that how you see it?
Tim Fox: We would see them operating commercially in that companies would take an opportunity to buy a fleet of these machines and-
Q77 Dr Whitehead: Commercial operation is carbon circular, inasmuch as the reason for doing it from a commercial point of view is to undertake other processes that use that carbon and put it back into the air or extract oil and burn that.
Tim Fox: Let me answer that question very clearly. We would see these machines operating in a purely commercial environment when they take the CO2 out of the atmosphere and sequester it. You can imagine companies setting themselves up as operators of fleets of these machines. They are taking the CO2 out of the atmosphere and they are charging to do that and they are making a profit out of that.
Q78 Dr Whitehead: Who are they charging? Presumably they are charging people.
Tim Fox: Yes. They would be charging organisations that have no other way of abating their CO2 emissions. Let’s say I am an industrialist and I operate an industrial plant and I have renewable energy. I have all my processes as tight as possible but there is a point at which I inevitably have to emit some CO2 because I have no other way of abating it at that point. Then I have to pay you as an operator of a fleet of these machines to take that CO2 and sequester it on my behalf, and I pay you to do that.
Q79 Dr Whitehead: In order to have an abatement mechanism, presumably if we are still going on market mechanisms, we need some sort of carbon price floor in order to make the abatement necessary?
Tim Fox: Or you would need to have an international agreement at some level-and it could be at the sector level, it could be at the global level, it depends at what level you want to solve this problem-that says if you have no other way of abating emissions from that plant you have to pay a CO2 sequester to take that CO2 away.
Q80 Dr Whitehead: Yes, but doesn’t that sound rather similar to EU-ETS, that is you have allocations, national allocations and sub-national allocations, and you buy permits? Other people, who are doing the business, then get the money from the fact that permits have been created and there is a trading process and the market mechanism in theory creates those circumstances under which those obligations can be discharged.
Tim Fox: There would be some type of mechanism that looked something like that, yes. There would have to be.
Q81 Dr Whitehead: But EU-ETS doesn’t work very well, does it?
Tim Fox: It has enabled us to learn a lot about how carbon markets work and where the failings are in the mechanisms of carbon trading markets and it has not accounted for-
Q82 Dr Whitehead: Where do you think the failings are?
Tim Fox: As we see it, the failing with EU-ETS is around the over-allocation of credits and the fact that there has been quite a lot of apparent leakage within the system. We see room for tightening that system and we are proposing that if you take a look at setting the initial carbon price, using this technology, you could create a mechanism that would enable you to trade in some sort of permits. This might look quite different from EU-ETS, but there would need to be some sort of tradeable credit-type mechanism and we believe that you could learn from the existing systems to create this new mechanism.
Of course, you could stand back and take a complete paradigm shift in thinking and say, "Well, what we are going to do at the global level across all sectors and across all industries and across all jurisdictions is we are going to say, ‘We now have a technology that can remove CO2 from the atmosphere. That is your last resort. If you have no other way of abating your technologies, that is what you must use and you must pay a fleet operator to remove those emissions and sequester them’" and there would be some sort of trading mechanism in place. That is in the limit of what you could do to drive CO2 emissions down, but undoubtedly there are a number of sectoral or trading scheme approaches that would enable you to do different things, once you recognised the value of that technology, to set that price for CO2.
Q83 Dr Whitehead: Do you think a Government-introduced carbon floor price militates against those processes working, assists it, or undermines it?
Tim Fox: I think it would initially help, because if was set on a target price that was of the order of magnitude of the price that you could remove the CO2 emissions from the atmosphere it would begin to get the market moving. Over time, it would act as a brake and a barrier to further progress, because what one would want to do is harness the market forces to drive that price down so the floor price would have to be removed and enable market forces to drive that price down.
Gareth Stace: Could I come in terms of whether EU-ETS is working or not and whether the carbon floor price is helping it or not? The purpose or aim of EU-ETS is to deliver a predetermined cap at least cost, and I think it is doing that very well. If we do have failings in it, the failings are-and there are many-that one size fits all, very different sectors in the same scheme, and the same rules for energy generators and industrial sectors and others, exposed to carbon leakage, not exposed to carbon leakage. It doesn’t work for all. It works for generators perhaps, but I think certain sectors should come out of EU-ETS because EU-ETS does nothing to reduce global emissions from, say, the steel sector at all. If we accept that, we are doing something wrong with the EU-ETS.
Another failing of EU-ETS is that we seem to want to keep tinkering with it rather than let it run its course, and there is one fundamental flaw in it. It is the biggest thing in EU climate change policy and it didn’t have a mechanism for dealing with a recession. That is where it went wrong. We told the Commission and the UK Government, "Ex-ante allocation is the wrong way. You need ex-post allocation" and that would have dealt with the problem that we have at the moment. Is the carbon floor price going to fix that? Absolutely not. It is a unilateral measure. It is the UK Government implementing domestic policy to tackle global problems. It is going to increase our costs unilaterally against our European competitors and actually sets the price years ahead of when it is needed. It is there to give confidence to new nuclear investors. New nuclear investors won’t come on stream until 2020 but the cost is there from 2013, so we are paying for something that we don’t need to pay for until at least 2020. We don’t need the carbon price floor at all and it should be scrapped at the next Comprehensive Spending Review.
Q84 Barry Gardiner: Did you-"you" generically-not have something to do with the failure of the first period, in that you argued with Government to make sure that the cap was set so loose that it wasn’t effective? I grant you, the recession came in in the second period, but the idea that you are going to be happy with Government saying, after the event, "Now we are going to charge you so much on your emissions" rather than giving you a clear warning upfront what you can emit and what you are likely to pay for them; surely you are going to turn round and say at that stage, "Well, this isn’t giving us the certainty that we need to plan our business properly"? It seems to me that you ignored the first argument and Government can’t win either way with you on the second.
Gareth Stace: I think the first phase, learning by doing. We can almost park the first phase. The allocation was supposed to be business as usual. It was supposed to do what it did. The second phase, nobody could predict the recession; we were giving our predictions of where our production was going to be. Even in the July, from the September when the recession hit we had no idea.
Barry Gardiner: I accept that.
Gareth Stace: But I think it depends on the question of certainty. What certainty do we want? If we had the certainty of the cap, then great and we have to live with the fluctuating price. But if we want more certainty of a price, then EU-ETS isn’t going to deliver that unless we cannibalise it so much that it almost doesn’t do both of those issues. Either we have a carbon tax or we have EU-ETS. To try to have both clearly isn’t going to work.
Chair: Thank you very much for the interesting evidence session. If you have any more written evidence to expand on these points it would be most welcome, especially maybe more details of the machine and when it is going to be implemented or in terms of the technical side of things. That would be helpful. Any more thoughts on your submissions, anything in writing would be gratefully received. Thank you again for your evidence. | 123,042 | 43,300 | 0.000023 |
warc | 201704 | Can termite damage be repaired in a house?
Termites can cause a great deal of damage to a home, and if they are not stopped, they could cause your home to become structurally unstable. The damage caused by termites can be repaired provided ... Read More »
http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/1794831 Should I Buy a House With Termite Damage?
Healthy and well-maintained trees provide a refreshing and natural landscape for commercial properties and residential homes. Many people rely on tree service companies to provide pruning, fertiliz... Read More »
http://www.ehow.com/decision_7240268_should-buy-house-termite-damage_.html How to Repair Termite Damage to a Timber House?
Termite damage to your timber house can be overwhelming in regard to time, costs and even emotion. A house is one of the biggest investments a person will make in his lifetime. As such, it needs to... Read More »
http://www.ehow.com/how_6395197_repair-termite-damage-timber-house.html Termite Damage vs. Wood Rot?
Termite damage and a specific type of wood rot, known as dry rot, can not only be confused, but both can cause extensive damage to structures. The two forms of damage look similar to one another an... Read More »
http://www.ehow.com/about_6462347_termite-damage-vs_-wood-rot.html How to Find Termite Damage?
Termites are a major pest throughout much of the world, causing billions of dollars worth of damage every year. These insects have a voracious appetite, feeding on anything which contains cellulose... Read More »
http://www.ehow.com/how_6457707_termite-damage.html | 1,597 | 825 | 0.001241 |
warc | 201704 | The problem with golf is I have to deal with a humiliation factor.
We honor the heritage of all who come here, no matter where they come from, because we trust in our country's genius for making us all Americans - one nation under God.
I didn't grow up in the ocean -- as a matter of fact -- near the ocean -- I grew up in the desert. Therefore, it was a pleasant contrast to see the ocean. And I particularly like it when I'm fishing.
They misunderestimated me.
I think a lot of the national Democrats believe that, you know, Iraq is a distraction and not part of the War on Terror. They've said so. And I strongly disagree.
Our intelligence officials estimate that Saddam Hussein had the materials to produce as much as 500 tons of sarin, mustard and VX nerve agent.
The best way to encourage economic vitality and growth is to let people keep their own money.When you spend your own money, somebody's got to manufacture that which you're spending it on. You see, more money in the private sector circulating makes it more likely that our economy will grow. And, incr
About 14 percent of our nation's civilian workforce is foreign-born.
In the long term, to defeat this ideology [terrorism] - and they [terrorists] are bound by an ideology - you defeat it with a more hopeful ideology called freedom.
I regret that a private comment I made to the vice presidential candidate made it through the public airways.
Americans should not expect one battle, but a lengthy campaign, unlike any other we have ever seen. It may include dramatic strikes, visible on TV, and covert operations, secret even in success.
As far as the legal hassling and wrangling and posturing in Florida, I would suggest you talk to our team in Florida led by Jim Baker.
I think that if you don't think we're in a war that you can't win the war.
We do not know how much our climate could or will change in the future. We do not know how fast change will occur or even how some of our actions could impact it.
Concentration of greenhouse gases, especially CO2, have increased substantially since the beginning of the industrial revolution. And the National Academy of Sciences indicates that the increase is due in large part to human activity.
Some say that by fighting the terrorists abroad since September the 11th, we only stir up a hornets' nest. But the terrorists who struck that day were stirred up already. If America were not fighting terrorists in Iraq and Afghanistan and elsewhere, what would these thousands of killers do - suddenl
Here in the United States our Muslim citizens are making many contributions in business, science and law, medicine and education, and in other fields...[they are]upholding our nation's ideals of liberty and justice in a world at peace.
My administration has been calling upon all the leaders in the - in the Middle East to do everything they can to stop the violence, to tell the different parties involved that peace will never happen.
But the true threats to stability and peace are these nations that are not very transparent, that hide behind the-that don't let people in to take a look and see what they're up to. They're very kind of authoritarian regimes. The true threat is whether or not one of these people decide, peak of ange
More seldom than not, the movies gives us exquisite sex and wholesome violence, that underscores our values. Every two child did. I will.
Our nation must defend the sanctity of marriage. The outcome of this debate is important-and so is the way we conduct it. The same moral tradition that defines marriage also teaches that each individual has dignity and value in God's sight.
Making sure every child can read, making sure that we encourage faith-based organizations ... when it comes to helping neighbors in need, making sure that our neighborhoods are safe, making sure that the state of Texas recognizes that people from all walks of life have got a shot at the Texas dream
And I encourage you all to go shopping more
I'm not a textbook player. I'm a gut player.
I don't bring God into my life to - to, you know, kind of be a political person.
We will stay the course until the job is done, Steve. And the temptation is to try to get the President or somebody to put a timetable on the definition of getting the job done. We're just going to stay the course.
Dealing with Congress is a matter of give and take. The president doesn't get everything he wants, the Congress doesn't get everything they want. But we're finding good common ground. A dictatorship would be a heck of a lot easier, there's no question about it.
The people who did this act on America, and who may be planning further acts, are evil people. They don't represent an ideology, they don't represent a legitimate political group of people. They're flat evil. That's all they can think about, is evil. And as a nation of good folks, we're going to hun
You're either with us... or you're with the memes!
Deeply impressed with the blessing which we enjoy, and of which we have much manifold proofs, my mind is irresistibly drawn to that Almighty Being, the great source source from whence they proceed and whom our most grateful acknowledgements are due. | 5,213 | 2,598 | 0.000387 |
warc | 201704 | The eCB receptors are widely expressed in the body and associated with the nervous system cells and immune system cells. The basic messages of the eCB system are “relax, eat, sleep, forget, and protect.” The system modulates neuroplasticity, neuroprotection, immunity, inflammation, apoptosis, and carcinogenesis. Cells of obese people have increased eCB tone, and eCB antagonists […]View Post
Dopamine (DA), a neurotransmitter*, is involved with brain activity in drug abuse and other addictions. The activity of DA neurons in the brain is reduced in alcohol, opiate and cannabinoid-dependent rats. DA activity is depressed in an area of the brain called the nucleus accumbens in drug-dependent rodents. These deficiencies contribute to the ‘dopamine-impoverished brain’ […]View Post
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are omega-3 fatty acids which are conditionally beneficial. They function on cell membranes where they are attached to phospholipids. Cell membranes are the “pacemakers of metabolism.” Increasing the unsaturated fatty acids in the membranes improves “fluidity” of cell membranes and improves cellular functioning. This is important in such […]View Post
A chemical called protease prolyl oligopeptidase (POP) is associated with schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder, and, possibly, Alzheimer’s disease. In a previous study of Chinese herbs, baicalin, a flavonoid, was found to inhibit POP. Baicalin is found in Scutellaria baicalensis (skullcap) root. The authors studied whether baicalin and it’s derivative, baicalein, would cross the intestinal barrier […]View Post
Adequate levels of two neurotransmitters, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate, are dependent on an adequate supply of glutamine to the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Glutamate does not cross the blood-brain barrier, but glutamine does. Glutamine treatment increases plasma and brain levels of glutamine, and serves as raw material for the production of […]View Post
Hormesis is the “the capacity of low doses of a potentially harmful stimulus to promote beneficial changes in adaptive plasticity”. Diet, exercise and other lifestyle changes can alter the functioning of the brain through hormesis. A substance known as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), found in the brain’s hippocampus, plays a part in synaptic plasticity, mental […]View Post
Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is a necessary cofactor for the synthesis by the body of neurotransmitters containing amines (catecholamines), such as dopamine and serotonin. BH4 is needed to convert phenylalanine to tyrosine and to convert tyrosine to L-DOPA. The conversion to L-DOPA is the “rate limiting step,” (the step that controls the speed of the reaction) in […]View Post
This study by Richardson, et al, was done to test the relationship between blood levels of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) and schizophrenia. BH4 is a vital chemical cofactor necessary for the body for making the following neurotransmitters: Dopamine (DA.) Noradrenaline (NA.) Serotonin (5-HT.) Nitric oxide (NO.) Glutaminergic system stimulation. Phenylalanine blood levels were also tested because phenylalanine […]View Post | 3,314 | 1,599 | 0.00065 |
warc | 201704 | Yes, I would love to get a chance to meet with everyone of you someday. But that is not the point of this article.
Everyone of us needs time with ourselves regularly – sort of “Meet with Me” time. The need is higher at this day and age. Living in an “always connected” world has its advantages but the biggest disadvantage is that it makes it hard to stop, think and reflect unless you force yourself to schedule time to do just that.
The Best YOU!
There are a LOT of important people in your life – and the best gift you can give to them (apart from not being a burden to them) is to give them the best YOU possible.
How do you know you are doing that right now?
If you don’t stop, think and reflect how would you know where you are in becoming the best YOU?
Mirror, Mirror…
When you are managing someone, they expect you to give them regular feedback just so that they do all the course corrections along the way to be and deliver the best. In a way, the most important person you are managing is yourself and you would be expecting that kind of feedback from yourself. After all, who will know you better than yourself.
But, the question is – are you asking for that feedback on a regular basis?
The Invisible Trap
What would be more difficult to schedule some time with yourself? It’s the easiest thing to do. You know your schedule and you have some flexibility to rearrange things. So why not do it? This is where the invisible trap comes into the picture. The trap is – “
if it’s easy to do, it’s also easy to not do.” You can always get away postponing these meetings saying to yourself – “I will get to it as soon as I can.. but let me first focus on things where I have external dependencies. I can always meet with myself ANYTIME I want to.”
Honestly, thinking you can meet ANYTIME rarely works. You and I both know this. If it’s not on the calendar, it’s not there. Imagine adding just one hour on your calendar every week and labeling it as Weekly MWM (Meet with Me) and leave it there. You will start scheduling other things around this time rather than trying to stuff MWM somewhere when there is a slack (which rarely happens)
When Will You Start?
There is no need to wait. You can add MWM to your calendar for next week right after you finish reading this page. if you have never done this before, that ONE hour will be super uncomfortable for you but it’s worth going through every minute of that “pain” and soon you will start seeing the “gain” from this.
Photo Courtesy: Birdman of El Paso on Flickr | 2,661 | 1,318 | 0.000801 |
warc | 201704 | It’s common advice for women to curb excess caffeine consumption while pregnant. But both you—and your partner—might want to consider cutting caffeinated beverages out of your diets if you’re trying to conceive, too. According to new research from the National Institutes of Health and Ohio State University, drinking two or more caffeinated beverages in the weeks before conception may heighten the risk of miscarriage, whether it was by the woman herself or her partner.
For the study, published in
Fertility and Sterility, researchers looked at 344 pregnant or soon-to-be-pregnant couples from Michigan and Texas who took part in the Longitudinal Investigation of Fertility and the Environment (LIFE) study. The couple’s lifestyle factors, such as cigarette use, caffeinated beverage consumption, and multivitamin use, were tracked along with the health of their pregnancy from the weeks before they conceived through the seventh week of pregnancy. At the end of the study, 28 percent of pregnancies ended in miscarriage. The researchers found a link between miscarriage and caffeine intake: if a woman or her partner drank more than two caffeinated beverages a day leading up to conception, they were almost 75 percent more likely to miscarry than those who didn’t drink caffeine. Previous studies have linked caffeine consumption during early pregnancy with miscarriage, but researchers couldn't determine if the caffeine was to blame or if the pregnancy was unhealthy to begin with (women with healthy pregnancies, for instance, might have started to experience nausea early on that triggered them to give up caffeine). So looking at pre-pregnancy consumption—and male partners—helps to strengthen the link between caffeinated beverage consumption and pregnancy loss. “Male preconception consumption of caffeinated beverages was just as strongly associated with pregnancy loss as females," Germaine Buck Louis, Ph.D, lead study author, said in a statement.
The good news? Women who took a daily multivitamin prior to conception experienced a 55 percent reduction in miscarriage. | 2,135 | 1,036 | 0.000989 |
warc | 201704 | LEAF(E-book #544106 $24.95)(E-book #544007 $24.95)LI S H E D BYESS The Great Disconnect#543994 $24.95ED PRED PR#544090 $24.95S H E D BYR Available May 2015.Available April 2015.ESS PUBLI Over the years, most reforms in early childhood educationhave been well-intended, yet have not kept up with theneeds of young children and educators in the classroom.Author Michael Gramling provides an historical overviewof how educational policies came into effect and how theyare driving educational practices. Gramling argues thatineffective practices arethe result of unexaminedpublic policies and assertsthat educators need tochallenge this kind ofthinking in order to makea difference in children’slives Powerful, thoughtprovoking stories willinspire you to examinethe problems andchallenge you to envisiona preschool classroom thatworks for all children.Softbound, 148 pgs.PUB Educators are among the most loving and nurturingpeople on earth. Yet those same caring adults are toooften very hard on themselves. The Comfort of LittleThings provides strategies and tips on how to giveyourself a second chance. Drawing on the growing bodyof brain research along with personal experience andstories from educators, Holly Elissa Bruno fills her bookwith ideas that will help you see the world with thewonder of a child.You can learn toopen yourself to themoment, to look atyourself anew, and tolet go of negativity.As she writes,“Second chancescome from lettinggo of what holds usback. These secondchances take morework. The work isalways rewarded.Fear not.” Softbound,144 pgs.The Comfort of LIttle ThingsLEAF CHILD DEVELOPMENTBRAIN INSIGHTS FROM REDLEAF PRESSQuick and easy brain-building activity ideasPromote children’s brain development with fun and easy activities throughoutthe day. Each set of age-appropriate cards provides ideas to jumpstart learningand interactive play, as well as explanations about how each activityenhances brain development. Each set contains LISH ED BY40 laminated cards on a ring.ED RNEW! Promises made, promises brokenRNEW! Take comfort in the possibility ofsecond chancesESSPROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENTShop Online at www.RedleafPress.orgSave more than$20 when youbuy the setPRDOUBLE TAP TO ZOOM, WHEN VIEWING ON A MOBILE DEVICE OR TABLETPUBLEAF Brain Insights Complete SetIncludes all six BrainInsights card sets.#543116 $49.95My First Year: Making Connectionswith Infants#542997 $11.95More to Do While I’m Two: MakingConnections with Two-Year-Olds#543000 $11.95Let’s Learn More While I’m Four: MakingConnections with Four-Year-Olds#543017 $11.95Fun While I’m One: Making Connectionswith One-Year-Olds#543024 $11.95Play with Me While I’m Three: MakingConnections with Three-Year-Olds#543031 $11.95Help Me Thrive While I’m Five: MakingConnections with Five-Year-Olds#543048 $11.9521 COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL20,21.wtr&spr.RP.2015.indd 2111/5/14 2:59 PM | 2,921 | 1,571 | 0.000649 |
warc | 201704 | January 18, 2008 Culture Fundamentally Alters the Brain
It's no secret culture influences your food preferences and taste in
music. But now scientists say it impacts the hard-wiring of your brain.
New research shows that people from different cultures use their brains differently to solve basic perceptual tasks.Neuroscientists Trey Hedden and John Gabrieli of MIT's McGovern
Institute for Brain Research asked Americans and East Asians to solve
basic shape puzzles while in a functional magnetic resonance imaging
(fMRI) scanner. They found that both groups could successfully complete
the tasks, but American brains had to work harder at relative
judgments, while East Asian brains found absolute judgments more
challenging.
Previous psychology research has shown that American culture focuses on the individual and values independence, while East Asian culture
is more community-focused and emphasizes seeing people and objects in context. This study provides the first neurological evidence that these cultural differences extend to brain activity patterns.
"It's kind of obvious if you look at ads and movies," Gabrieli told LiveScience.
"You can tell that East Asian cultures emphasize interdependence and the U.S. ads all say things like, 'Be yourself, you're number one, pursue your goals.' But how deep does this go? Does it really influence the way you perceive the world in the most basic way? It's very striking that what seems to be a social perspective within the culture drives all the way to perceptual judgment."
The results of the study were published in the January issue of the journal Psychological Science.
Hard work
The scientists asked 10 Americans and 10 East Asians who had
recently arrived in the U.S. to look at pictures of lines within squares.
In some trials, subjects decided whether the lines were the same
length, regardless of the surrounding squares, requiring them to judge individual objects independent of context. In others, participants judged whether different sets of lines and squares were in the same proportion, regardless of their absolute sizes, a task that requires comparing objects relative to each other.
The fMRI revealed that Americans' brains worked harder while making
relative judgments, because brain regions that reflect mentally demanding tasks lit up. Conversely, East Asians activated the brain's system for difficult jobs while making absolute judgments. Both groups showed less activation in those brain areas while doing tasks that researchers believe are in their cultural comfort zones.
"For the kind of thinking that was thought to be culturally
unpreferred, this system gets turned on," Gabrieli said. "The harder you have to think about something, the more it will be activated."
Individual flexibility
The researchers were surprised to see so strong an effect, Gabrieli
said, and interested in the reasons for individual variations within a culture.
So they surveyed subjects to find out how strongly they identified
with their culture by asking questions about social attitudes, such as whether a person is responsible for the failure of a family member.
In both groups, participants whose views were most aligned with their culture's values showed stronger brain effects.
Gabrieli said he is interested in testing whether brain patterns change if a person immigrates.
"There's a hint that six months in a culture already changes you," he
said, referring to psychological, rather than neurological, research. "It suggests that there's a lot of flexibility."
The big divide
Scientists have long wondered about the biological root of cultural differences.
"One question was, when people see the line and box, do they look
different all the way, starting at your retina?" Gabrieli said. "Or do you see the same thing to start with but then your mind focuses on one dimension or another. These data indicate that it's at that later stage. In parts of the brain that are involved in early vision, we didn’t see a difference. Rather we saw a difference in higher-processing brain areas. People from different cultures don’t see the world differently, but they think differently about what they see."
Gabireli said he does worry about unintended consequences of his research.
"The downside of these cultural studies is that one ends up
stereotyping a culture," he said. "Are you creating big differences between people? I like to think the more you understand different cultures, the better you understand their perspectives." Video: Attention Training World Trivia: Challenge Your Brain Top 10 Things You Didn't Know About You | 4,663 | 2,173 | 0.000467 |
warc | 201704 | March 31, 2010 Climate Change Not The Cause Of Mammoth Extinction
The woolly mammoth died out suddenly and without a loss of genetic variation, all but ruling out climate change and inbreeding as possible causes of their extinction, according to a study published Tuesday in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B.
According to a March 30 article by Marlowe Hood of the AFP, "The culprit might have been disease, humans or a catastrophic weather event, but was almost certainly not climate change."Furthermore, the scientists, including Anders Angerbjorn of Stockholm University, extracted mitochondrial DNA from the bones and tusks of female mammoths and analyzed them, finding out that even those creatures who survived late in the species' life span had a stable genetic diversity. In fact, the diversity had even increased slightly, meaning that inbreeding was not a serious issue.
Furthermore, previous research has shown that a colony of woolly mammoths had survived on modern day Wrangel Island, north of Siberia, as recently as 4,000 years ago. Radiocarbon dating shows that the members of the species were only active there until approximately 100 years before humans arrived on the island, making it unlikely that mankind hunted the animal into extinction.
The findings, according to the published study, suggest "that the final extinction was caused by a relatively sudden, rather than gradual, change in the mammoths' environment."
According to Hood, the researchers theorized that an event such as "a mega-storm" or "a novel bacteria or virus could have wiped out the remaining population," and that another possibility is that "expanding forests in Europe and parts of Asia robbed the grass-eating mammoths of their preferred habitat, gradually starving them to death."
The wooly mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius) is believed to have been only slightly taller than modern Asian elephants. They were between nine and 13-feet tall and weighed more than 8 tons, and are well known for their thick coat of fur. They also had curved tusks that could reach lengths of over 15-feet. The first members of the species date back approximately 150,000 years.
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On the Net: | 2,195 | 1,154 | 0.000875 |
warc | 201704 | View larger map
Burlington is largest city in the state of Vermont with a population of 42,417 according the 2010 Census. Burlington is a popular tourism location due its natural beauty and charm. In the fall season Burlington draws crowds of tourists due to the beautiful display changing leaves. The Church Street Market is also a popular tourist destination and is the home of many festivities such as the Festival of Fools and the Great Pumpkin Regatta. Burlington’s economy is largely based on retail, transportation, education and health services and trade. Burlington is also home to many people struggling with addiction.
Drug use on the rise in Burlington, Vermont
The city of Burlington is no stranger to drug abuse. For sometime there have been people suffering from drug and alcohol addiction in Burlington, Vermont but recently the abuse of prescription drugs has increased. Abusing prescriptions drugs is becoming increasingly popular among teenagers and young adults. Recently the city of Burlington has experienced a rise in the amount of young people abusing prescription medication. This is a serious problem because it can lead to addiction, overdose and death. This is also a concern because many officials believe that there is a correlation between prescription drug abuse and heroin use.
Prescription medications
There are a vast number of prescription medications on the market and when used properly they are a huge advancement in medical technology and a vital part of the medical field. When used properly and as advised by health care providers the use of prescription drugs is safe. Unfortunately many of these medications are abused and used for recreational purposes which can be extremely dangerous. When medications are prescribed the type of drug and dosage is determined by licensed healthcare providers who take into consideration the individual’s unique needs and medical history. When prescription medications are used recreationally they are usually consumed at higher doses then intended for medical use which can lead to high tolerance to medication or overdose. Many times they are combined with illegal drugs or other prescription drugs without any knowledge of how the drugs will react together which can have very dangerous consequences. Prescription drug abuse has become very popular among teenagers and has been coined “pharming”. Prescription medications are easily accessible to teens because they often find them right in their own home. Many parents do not realize that leaving medications in their medicine cabinet allows their children easy access to getting high. It is common for teens to steal medications from parents and other family members and trade medications with other teens. Prescription drug abuse can also be very dangerous because many medications are addictive. Some of the prescription drugs that are known to be highly addictive are narcotic pain relievers, sedatives, and stimulants.
Narcotic pain relievers- these include Morphine, OxyContin, Vicodin, Lortab, Lorcet and Percocet. Abuse of these drugs can make the user feel relaxed, euphoric or happy. Other side effects may include nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, slowed motor skills, confusion, dizziness and dry mouth. When pain relievers are consumed the user builds a tolerance to the drug so the user continuously requires a higher and higher dosage just to achieve the same high and this can lead to accidental overdoses. They are highly addictive and generally the user feels dependent on the medication. Sedatives and tranquilizers- these include Xanax, Valium, Restoril, and Ativan. The effects of abusing these drugs include drowsiness, difficulty concentrating, feeling of disconnection from the world, confusion and memory loss. These drugs are highly addictive and may cause withdrawal symptoms in many users such as anxiety, insomnia, irritability and sweating. Stimulants- these include Ritalin, Adderall, and Dexedrine. Stimulants can affect users by making them feel euphoric, energetic, alert, and happy. They are highly addictive and withdrawal symptoms include irritability, anxiety, hostility, paranoia, the chills and hot flashes. | 4,204 | 1,864 | 0.00054 |
warc | 201704 | Phishing attacks have become an increasing problem as of late both for everyday computer users and even major publications. In the last month, there have been widespread phishing attacks aimed at both Apple and Twitter accounts. These attacks come in the form of e-mails or web pages that seem as if they were from a service the recipient uses. These e-mails trick recipients into giving over information, which then lets the cybercriminals access their accounts.
The phishing attacks aimed at Apple users mimicked an account verification page from Apple and prompted users to give their e-mail, credit card information, and account password. This particular attack compromised over one hundred websites, which displayed the page that tricked Apple users into handing over their information. Without proper Internet security service or software, it would be difficult to detect the attack for most people. The intent of such attacks is to gain access to people’s Apple accounts. Criminals will then sell the information or use it to compromise the accounts themselves.
A separate series of phishing attacks have struck much more prominent targets recently. The Syrian Electronic Army, a famous hacker group, has targeted major news outlets over the past few months, taking over the Twitter accounts for the Associated Press, The Guardian, and even the satirical newspaper The Onion. The SEA managed to fool the media professionals at these publications with cleverly placed phishing e-mails. The AP’s twitter hijacking was particularly notable. A false tweet made by the SEA on AP’s account claimed that the White House had been attacked, which briefly caused a crash in the stock market before the news was revealed to be false. Clearly, these phishing attacks can have severe consequences.
While there has been a rise in major phishing attacks recently, it is possible to keep yourself safe. Firstly, always double-check any links before you click on them. Do not open e-mails from sources you distrust. You should also change your passwords frequently. Finally, make sure you have excellent computer support, in case the worst should happen.
About RESCUECOM:
RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit http://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.
For More Information, Contact:
David Milman
CEO david@rescuecom.com 1-315-882-1100 | 2,632 | 1,311 | 0.00077 |
warc | 201704 | Cellulose decomposition in soils amended over twenty year ago with heavy metal-contaminated sewage sludges was assessed by using the cotton-strip assay. The soils of the Luddington Experiment now contain concentrations of Cu, Ni and Zn in selected plots that approximate to or exceed the statutory limits for these elements in sewage sludge-amended soils. The rates of cellulose decomposition were generally lower in the plots with elevated metal concentrations, relative to uncontaminated sludge-amended and unsludged controls. Generally, the metal-rich plots showed reductions in the time taken to reach 50% cotton-tensile-strength loss (CTSL). However, the reductions could not be consistently related to any one metal. The difference in decomposition rates between treatments was systematically reduced over the duration of a time-course experiment. A lower intial population of the appropriate decomposer community of micro-organisms may account for the observed short-term lag in decomposition rates. | 1,008 | 541 | 0.001852 |
warc | 201704 | Published on : Jun 27, 2016
Ever since its introduction, the smartphone has remade many industries such as software, transportation, music, and technology. Advertising has already reached billions of people using smartphones with high-speed internet connection. Advertisements in the newspapers, radio, and television are now taken over by mobile ads. Advertisers are concentrating on spending more on creating mobile ads in the years to come.
Mobile advertising has travelled a long way since ads were first displayed on the mobile screens. Thanks to advancements in the technology, those simple and inefficient ads have now created a way for sophisticated ads. Google and Facebook are two of the global giants ready to capitalize their mobile advertising market. With their strong advertising platform, Facebook and Google are positioned to enjoy many growth opportunities. Mobile advertising provides many growth opportunities for a brand. The mobile video ads are trending in the current global mobile advertising market.
What would be the future of mobile advertising market?
The future of mobile advertising market is expected to be bright due to many reasons. While businesses are willing to become a brand, mobile advertising is helping them achieve their goals. The growing adoption of mobile advertising is expected to propel this market. An increasing number of local ad companies are introducing their ad services for the start-ups. This is expected to double the competition in the global mobile advertising market, creating a chance for leading players to perform better.
Mobile advertising is predicted to be merged with social media for rapid growth. The increasing use of digital cameras, tablets, and feature phones will also create new growth opportunities in the global mobile advertising market. Display ads, in-app ads, in-game apps, and rich media will play a major role in supporting SMS, MMS, and P2P messaging. Industries such as BFSI, FMCG, supply chain and logistics, government, education, hospitality and tourism, telecommunication and IT, and media and entertainment are predicted to increasingly use mobile advertising services.
With changing trends in the economy and improvements in the lifestyle of people, the use of smartphones has increased in recent years. The growing use of smartphones is also expected to benefit the global mobile advertising market. | 2,400 | 1,082 | 0.000927 |
warc | 201704 | In some conditions,when no cure is available, sometimes simply preventing further progression can be enough to help the patient. In this vein, the use of Intacs intracorneal ring segments (Addition Technology, Lombard, Ill.) in moderate keratoconus cases can often help improve the patient’s quality of vision and, more importantly, help slow or stop the progression of the disease, especially when used in combination with corneal cross-linking. As with any corneal procedure, however, especially one involving the use of a device, a breakdown in technique can lead to intraoperative difficulties or postoperative complications. In this article, I’ll share my experience with Intacs and their possible pitfalls, to help flatten your learning curve. Planning the Procedure
In patients with keratoconus, placing intracorneal ring segments shortens the arc length of the corneal curvature and creates an artificial limbus within the cornea. The presence of the ring segments redistributes biomechanical stress forces more evenly, thus helping decrease progression of keratoconus, although not as much as corneal cross-linking. Ring segments also improve topography and reduce corneal irregularity, often improving vision.
Though Intacs placement can be beneficial, it’s not for every patient with keratoconus; it works best when the patient’s condition is neither too mild nor too extreme. In mild cases, the use of Intacs isn’t necessary, and a cross-linking treatment is often enough. On the other hand, in a severe case, the segments don’t provide much benefit and a deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty would be preferable.
The location of the cone will determine the need for one or two segments, or if one should use symmetric or asymmetric segments (i.e., a thick segment and a thin segment). For central or global cones, symmetric segments are useful. For eccentrically located cones, either single-segment placement inferior to the cone or an asymmetric placement with a thicker segment below the cone and a thinner one above it could be useful.
If the cone is centrally located, the ring segments may be centered on the pupil. For an eccentric cone, I try to decenter the Intacs slightly toward the apex of the cone, while still remaining centered within the pupil. Excessive decentration should be avoided to prevent visual symptoms such as glare and haloes in scotopic conditions.
The femtosecond laser is a reliable means to create channels for the Intacs. I program the depth to about 75 to 80 percent of the minimum pachymetry in the implantation zone. The inner and outer diameters will depend on the type and thickness of the segments being implanted. A smaller optic zone as well as thicker segments give a greater flattening effect. Segments that fit well in their channels also have more effect as compared to segments lying in oversized channels. The entry incision is usually placed on the steep axis and oversized by 0.1 mm as compared to the channel thickness.
Proper Insertion
Although the channels are created by a laser, the segments are inserted by hand, so there is an art to it.
Steps of the turnaround technique. Figure A: A false channel is inadvertently created. B: The segment is turned around and pushed in. C, D: The second segment used as an instrument to push the first forward. E: The final position of both segments. F: When the segment approaches the false channel from the opposite side, it flattens out the obstructing internal lip and thus crosses the point of resistance. Dealing with False Channels
A false channel is where the segment begins tunneling into the corneal tissue adjacent to the actual channel. Signs that you’ve inadvertently created a false channel are increasing resistance to your insertion to the point where it may stop entirely, as well as radiating folds at the edge of the segment. The false channel has an internal lip of tissue that separates it from the laser-created channel, blocking the path. In addition to the obvious concern that the false channel results in the inability to implant the segment, it also invites complications such as neovascularization, segment migration and corneal melt.
All is not lost. By using a maneuver I described, the “turnaround technique,” one can still properly position the segments. On encountering resistance to implantation or on seeing corneal folds at the advancing edge, the surgeon stops trying to push forward. Instead, the segment is removed, turned around, and then inserted into the entry incision from the opposite direction. Since the femtosecond laser channel is a circumferential 360-degree channel, the segment will continue around until it’s fully in. The second Intacs segment is then used as an instrument to push the first segment the rest of the way. When the first segment reaches the location of the false channel, it’s coming from the opposite direction and will therefore flatten the lip and close the false channel. Final positioning can be done with a reverse Sinskey hook used in the positioning hole. In the end, both segments will then lie in their proper positions. (For a video of the technique, visit http://tinyurl.com/h8ugvwf.)
For asymmetric segments, the first segment is pushed in from the opposite side and the second segment is used to push it to its final position.
The segments are always pushed in following the arc of bubbles created by the femtosecond laser. If you’re facing difficulty in inserting the segments, and anticipate a delay in final implantation, it’s wise to mark the channel arc with a fine-tipped marking pen on the surface of the cornea so that even when the bubbles have dissipated completely, the segments can still be pushed in following the inked arc.
False-channel Complications
It’s important to recognize and react to false channels when they occur, as continuing to push a segment into the false channel can end in undesirable final positions, such as the segment straddling the entry incision or being too deep, too superficial or on an uneven plane of implantation. In some situations, implantation may have to be abandoned because of an inability to push the segment. Blind pushing can also lead to anterior or posterior perforation of the segment. Complications that can ensue include stromal necrosis and melt, anterior chamber perforation and neovascularization. Neovascularization generally traverses the entry incision and sometimes tracks down the channel, and it’s generally innocuous unless the patient requires a corneal graft later, in which case it can increase the risk of rejection.
Stromal necrosis and melt can lead to infection, and the best response in such a case may be to remove the segment. Stromal necrosis, though it may be deep, is generally localized over the segment and may require removal of the segment with the application of cyanoacrylate glue over the melt. REVIEW
Dr. Jacob is director of Dr. Agarwal’s Refractive and Cornea Foundation at Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital and Eye Research Center. She has no financial interest in Intacs. | 7,146 | 3,062 | 0.000331 |
warc | 201704 | Some of you might have noticed that I tend to get somewhat excited when I discover Sankey diagrams in other languages.
The diagram shows the “energy flows” (エネルギーフロー) as relative values for the year 1993 only. On the left side we can see that more than 80% of the energy consumed in Japan were produced from imported fuels (輸入), while only 17.8% came from domestic production (国内生産). The quantities are broken down into the different types of fuels, such as crude oil (原油, 46,1%) , natural gas (天然ガス, 10,5%) or hard coal (石炭, 16,4%). The right side of the diagram shows the consumption sectors, with industry (31%), residential (16,9%) and transport (15,6%).
Losses are at 29% which seems relatively low, if you compare to similar Sankey diagrams from the U.S. But then I am not sure if they accounted for the losses in the same way for this diagram.
There are these two other similar Sankey diagram thumbnails on that site, and my guess is that they represent different energy scenarios, considering renewable energy sources, as an option to reduce dependency from imports. Maybe someone who can read and understand more Japanese than I do wants to comment? | 1,283 | 749 | 0.001479 |
warc | 201704 | One of THE biggest questions I get, day in and day out, is how I’m able to live well on so little. When I first started blogging, I was living on what the world calls poverty, making $18,000/year. Yet, people would come to my house and their jaws would drop. They’d see a glimpse of my life and they’d have a million and one questions about how I do it.
“How is it possible, that you are a single stay-at-home-mom and have all you have,” they’d ask. I’d chuckle. I figured everyone was doing it. I mean, doesn’t everyone have a savings account?
Doesn’t everyone have a home, a car, kids to feed?
I didn’t understand how my way of living was so different from everyone else’s.
But after so many people ask you what you’re doing, you start to realize that you’re NOT like everyone else. That living what I consider rich on $18,000 with two kids is NOT normal.
I started this blog, as emails to my friends. So, I didn’t have to keep telling the same story over and over and over. I could just point them to a link. “Go here and read all about it,” I’d say. “Oh, I have a post about that topic, here’s the link,” I’d tell them. I had no clue what was about to happen. I had no idea that God would use ME, your totally average girl, to do completely and utterly incredible things.
And, part of me knows that’s why He does.
He gives me this life, so that I can share it with you!!!! He taught me how to save money.
Everything I do, everything I say, everything I am is ALL FOR YOU. To help you.
To show you there’s a better way. To teach you that you DON’T have to make $60,000/year to barely scrape by. You can live in one of the most sought after subdivisions in your whole area, on $18k/year, and while, honestly, I do make more than that now, I HAVE rocked making so little for so long, that even that I have more now, nothing has changed. I’m still my cheap little self. 🙂
I’ve been a homemaker for 10 years. But more than that,
I’ve made money FROM home for around 7 years. It’s been my way of life for so long. The knowledge, the wisdom, the ideas and cleverness of things that I take for granted, someone else is PRAYING for. Maybe you are feeling like there’s no hope
You’ll never get out of debt…you’ll never be able to have the life you dream of. You wonder, “Is this ALL there is to life…or did I miss something along the way.”
I’ve been there, and what I’m about to share with you is a company. It’s a brand that can help you get all your household products for free, yes, but it’s MORE than that!
It’s not JUST a brand, not JUST a company, hear me,
THIS IS A WAY OF LIFE. It’s a principle. It’s a pattern. It’s what I do every single day with SEVERAL companies that allow me to have the things I want on the cheap.
Listen, I don’t pay for household goods. I don’t pay for shampoo, household cleaners, pull ups. I don’t pay for beauty supplies, synthetic medicines, or even laundry detergent. I use sneaky little ways like this, to get all that for free, with various companies.
And this isn’t some MLM company where you HAVE TO buy a certain amount every month of products you can’t afford. This isn’t some program promising you that you’ll get rich. This is an honest company where you can earn money simply by sharing their company name with your friends.
Sound fair?
I’d like to introduce you a company called Grove Collaborative (formerly ePantry).
Now, I have to tell you, that
when I first came across their company, I was pretty skeptical. I mean, I am skeptical about EVERYTHING. I’m that practical girl who’s always looking out of the corner of her eye, thinking, “Yah, right!”
After researching this company thoroughly, I believe I found a diamond in the rough, and
I’m SO excited to share it with you.
I cannot even begin to express to you how cool this is.
Basically you become a customer of theirs.
Now, here’s the fun part…
They will PAY YOU a $10 credit on your first order. If you act before May 3 at 6pm PDT, you get free shipping and a free Mrs. Meyer’s hand soap to boot! Talk about cool!
Okay, so you get a $10 credit and a product to join, right … but that’s not even the best part!!!
For EVERY SINGLE PERSON you refer to join with them, YOU EARN $10 credit!! So, let’s say, 5 people every month join from your link, you get $50 worth of their products ABSOLUTELY FREE.
And there’s NO limit!!!! You can earn as much as you want.
There are a few companies that I go through that have this kind of system set up and I’m telling you, the money is FANtastic!
Imagine if you had a blog. You put up a link and BAM, you can get hundreds of people to join. Imagine if you told just a few friends about this and BAM, you get your monthly household products for FREE! I like free stuff, don’t you?
It’s really not that difficult. When you refer a friend, tell your friend they earn $10 for joining. You earn $10 in credit, they earn $10 in credit. Seriously, this is the coolest program ever! Are you seeing the possibilities?!?! The sky is literally the limit.
I’m pretty sure you already know 5 people who would want to get a free $10 credit and join. Your mom, your aunt, your cousin, your neighbor, your friends at church, the parents at school.
Chances are you already know hundred’s of people who would want to capitalize on this really cool offer. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO…is ask!
What do you think? Do you want to start
getting your household products for free? You really couldn’t ask for a better program. How ePantry works Step 1: This special offer of getting a free Mrs. Meyers hand soap is only available now through this Sunday May 3rd and it’s only available right now to my readers, so be sure to join with this link in order to get it. Step 2: Just answer a few very quick questions about your home, cleaning schedule, and favorite products (this takes a couple minutes at the most!) Step 3: Next is the fun step: customizing your basket! You can add or remove as many products as you would like. Step 4: Once you have your basket set, click Finish & Pay. You’ll need to be at a final amount of $20 or more (that’s only for your first order).
Instead of going to the store or worrying about remembering to pick up this or that when you’re there, you just have the products shipped to your door.
Just like Amazon’s Subscribe and Save, you’ll get the products shipped out to you
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warc | 201704 | Minimum entropy production principle
Christian Maes and Karel Netocny (2013), Scholarpedia, 8(7):9664. doi:10.4249/scholarpedia.9664 revision #134780 [link to/cite this article]
The
MINimum Entropy Production principle (MINEP) is an approximate variational characterization of steady states for thermodynamically open systems maintained out of equilibrium. Originally formulated within the framework of linear irreversible thermodynamics (Prigogine 1947), it was extended to stochastic kinetics, e.g., for close-to-equilibrium systems described by a Master equation (Klein and Meijer 1954). The MINEP is consistent yet different from other nonequilibrium variational principles like the MAXimum entropy production principle (Paltridge 1979) or the Least dissipation principle (Onsager and Machlup 1953). Recent dynamical fluctuation theories provide a framework for their precise formulation, unification and systematic improvement.
Contents Entropy production in irreversible thermodynamics
Irreversible thermodynamics considers systems consisting of several subsystems, each of them being at thermal equilibrium but where
global thermodynamic equilibrium is broken. Within that framework the total entropy is defined as the sum of equilibrium entropies over all subsystems, including the environment (usually represented in terms of boundary conditions) in case the system is still not isolated. There can even be a continuum of subsystems in which case we speak about local equilibrium, local temperature, pressure or chemical potential, and we introduce the entropy density.
Due to gradients of thermodynamic parameters (like temperature or chemical potential) called
thermodynamic forces $F_\alpha$ there exist flows between the subsystems (like those of energy or mass) called thermodynamic fluxes $J_\alpha$. Forces and fluxes are naturally paired with each other so that the entropy production measuring the increase rate of total entropy has the form\[ \sigma = \sum_\alpha J_\alpha F_\alpha\,.\]The second law of thermodynamics requires $\sigma \geq 0$. Linear irreversible thermodynamics assumes\[ J_\alpha = \sum_\gamma L_{\alpha\gamma} F_\gamma\]with linear response coefficients $L_{\alpha\gamma}$ satisfying the Onsager-Casimir reciprocity relations $L_{\alpha\gamma} = L^*_{\gamma\alpha}$. The star indicates time-reversal of the microscopic dynamics, e.g., it inverts the sign of velocities and magnetic fields. In "even" systems $L_{\alpha\gamma} = L^*_{\alpha\gamma}$ and then the matrix $[L_{\alpha\gamma}]$ is symmetric and positive-definite. Minimum entropy production
MINEP states that whenever an
even system $(L_{\alpha\gamma} = L_{\gamma\alpha}$) is driven out of equilibrium by applying time-independent constraints on the thermodynamic forces, then it approaches the steady state characterized by the minimum of the entropy production functional $\sigma = \sum_{\alpha\gamma} L_{\alpha\gamma} F_\alpha F_\gamma$.
In particular, if some but not all of the thermodynamic forces $F_1,\ldots,F_m$ are
externally constrained then the steady values of the remaining forces $F_{m+1},\ldots,F_n$ are such that the corresponding currents vanish,\[ J_\alpha = 0\,,\qquad \alpha = m+1,\ldots,n\,.\]
A dynamical form of the MINEP states that if the steady state is initially perturbed then the system returns to stationarity along a trajectory on which the entropy production is
decreasing, i.e., that $\sigma(t)$ is a Lyapunov function. Example A: Heat conduction
For pure heat conduction,\[ \sigma = \int_\Omega J_Q \cdot \nabla \bigl( \frac{1}{T} \bigr)\,d V\,,\qquad J_Q = \kappa\, \nabla \bigl( \frac{1}{T} \bigr)\]with $\nabla (1/T)$ the thermodynamic force and $J_Q$ the heat flux. They are related by the Fourier law where we assume that the thermal conductivity $\kappa > 0$ is
temperature-independent. Fixing the temperature profile on the boundary $\partial\Omega$, the entropy production is minimal for the bulk temperature profile satisfying the boundary condition and the stationary heat equation $\nabla \cdot J_Q = 0$.
The
time-dependent heat equation $C(\partial T / \partial t) + \nabla \cdot J_Q = 0$ (with $C > 0$ the heat capacity) describes relaxation to the steady state. Along its solutions, $d\sigma / d t < 0$, i.e., the entropy production is monotone decreasing in time. Example B: Electrical networks
In a linear electrical network made only of resistors and batteries the entropy production is proportional to the Joule heat dissipated altogether in all resistors. The voltages over resistors are constrained by the second Kirchhoff law: their sum balances the sum of all electromotive forces along any closed loop. Under these constraints, the MINEP is equivalent to the first Kirchhoff law: the sum of incoming currents to every node is zero.
For example, two resistors with resistances $R_1$, $R_2$ in series with electromotive force $E$ yield the entropy production \[ \sigma = \frac{1}{T} \Bigl( \frac{U_1^2}{R_1} + \frac{U_2^2}{R_2} \Bigr) \] where the voltages are constrained by $U_1 + U_2 = E$. Thus, $\sigma$ takes its minimum for $U_1 / R_1 = U_2 / R_2$.
The network above obtains a smooth dynamics by adding capacitors parallel to the resistors. Then the steady state remains unchanged and the entropy production is monotone in time as it approaches that steady regime.
Breaking of MINEP
The MINEP is generally
not valid for systems which are either non-linear or non-even. The steady voltages in Example B are temperature-independentand generally corresponding to the minimum of the total Joule heat. Hence, the MINEP manifestly breaks down whenever the resistors dissipate at differenttemperatures. The temperature gradient provides another thermodynamic force which here does notcouple with the electrical current; however it enters the linear response coefficients $L_i = 1 / (R_i T_i)$, yielding non-lineareffects beyond the scope of the linear theory (Jaynes 1980). a similar situation occurs in Example A in the case where the thermal conductivity $\kappa(T)$ is temperature-dependent. The principle can break down even at homogeneoustemperature, e.g., for a resistance $R$ in series with conductance $L$ and driven by electromotive force $E$: the steady current is $I = E / R$ and hence it obviously does notminimize the entropy production $\sigma = R I^2 / T$ as a function of the current (Landauer 1975). The point is that the current $I$ playing here the role of thermodynamic force is oddunder time-reversal, violating the conditions. Entropy production in stochastic kinetics
Stochastic kinetics describes
fluctuating and thermodynamically open systems which interact with an environment consisting of one or several equilibrium reservoirs. Physical states and dynamics of the system are described by probability distributions on configurations, respectively their time sequences (trajectories). Steady states generally have non-Boltzmann distributions and non-zero currents, unless the attached reservoirs are all at mutual equilibrium. Local detailed balance
The hypothesis of
local detailed balance identifies the inherent asymmetry of Markov transition rates with entropy changes. It is a stochastic counterpart of the time-reversal invariance property of microscopic Hamiltonian systems. Local detailed balance states that for every single transition $x \rightarrow y$ between two configurations of the system, the antisymmetric component of the logarithm of the transition rate $k(x,y)$ corresponds to the increase of entropy in the environment,\[ k_B \log\frac{k(x,y)}{k(y,x)} = \Delta S_\text{env}(x \rightarrow y)\,.\]The environment may consist of several reservoirs not at mutual equilibrium; only one of them may assist at each transition.
The entropy change in the reservoir is determined from the heat and the particle flow. E.g., for a
heat reservoir at temperature $T$ involved in the transition $x\rightarrow y$, $\Delta S_\text{env}(x \rightarrow y) = \Delta Q(x \rightarrow y) / T$ with $\Delta Q$ the heat leaving the system, equal to the change of energy in the reservoir. If the system is coupled to a singleheat reservoir and driven by conservativeforces with potential $E(x)$ then $\Delta S_\text{env}(x \rightarrow y) = [E(x) - E(y)] / T$, yielding the usual (global) detailed balancecondition of equilibriumdynamics,
\[ e^{-\beta E(x)} k(x,y) = e^{-\beta E(y)} k(y,x)\,,\qquad \beta = \frac{1}{k_B T}\,. \]
The general globaldetailed balance condition requires that $\sum_{i=0}^n \Delta S_\text{env}(x_i \rightarrow x_{i+1}) = 0$ for any closedsequence of configurations $x_0 \rightarrow \ldots \rightarrow x_n \rightarrow x_{n+1} = x_0$. Equivalently, $\Delta S_\text{env}(x \rightarrow y) = \psi(y) - \psi(x)$ for some function $\psi$ on configurations. Globaldetailed balance gets violatedunder non-equilibriumconditions, e.g., (i) if the system is driven by non-conservativeforces, or (ii) when different transitions are assisted by different reservoirs which are notmutually at equilibrium. Entropy production
The time-evolving state of a Markov system is described by a
probability distribution $\rho$ on configurations (= occupation statistics within the ensemble interpretation) and its entropy is identified with the Gibbs-Shannon entropy\[ S = -k_B \sum_x \rho(x) \log \rho(x)\,.\]The rate of entropy increase in the environment (or, from the point of view of the open system, the outgoing entropy flux) derives from the totality of local fluxes $j(x,y) = \rho(x) k(x,y) - \rho(y) k(y,x)$ along all transitions, \[ J_S = \frac{1}{2} \sum_{x,y} j(x,y)\, \Delta S_\text{env}(x \rightarrow y)\,,\]and the local fluxes close the Master equation\[ \frac{d\rho(x)}{d t} + \sum_y j(x,y) = 0\,.\]
The
entropy production is the source term in the system's entropy balance equation\[ \frac{d S}{d t} + J_S = \sigma\,.\]That is now a functional on the space of probability distributions,\[ \sigma(\rho) = \sum_{x,y} \rho(x) k(x,y) \log \frac{\rho(x) k(x,y)}{\rho(y) k(y,x)}\,,\]and it retains the bilinear structure in fluxes and forces, with thermodynamic forces of the form $F(x,y) = \log \frac{\rho(x) k(x,y)}{\rho(y) k(y,x)}$along each transition channel. The functional $\sigma(\rho)$ is non-negative, convex, and its extension to the domain of all (unnormalized) distributions is homogeneous, $\sigma(\lambda \rho) = \lambda\,\sigma(\rho)$. If a Markov system with finitely many configurations is irreducible(i.e., if any two configurations can be connected via a sequence of allowed transitions) then $\sigma(\rho)$ is strictly convex, with uniqueminimum at some $\rho_P > 0$ (called Prigogine distributionin the sequel). The stationary distribution $\bar\rho$ is the (normalized) solution to the steady-state Master equation $\sum_y \bar j(x,y) = 0$ with $\bar j(x,y) = \bar\rho(x) k(x,y) - \bar\rho(y) k(y,x)$ the stationary currents. In finite irreduciblesystems the stationary distribution existsand it is unique. Moreover, if the condition of globaldetailed balance is satisfied then (i) $\bar\rho = \rho_P$, (ii) $\bar j(x,y) = 0$ and $\bar F(x,y) = 0$ for all transitions, and (iii) $\sigma(\bar\rho) = 0$. In this case the system is at thermodynamic equilibrium. Stochastic MINEP
The Markov stochastic model fits the general framework of irreversible thermodynamics with $F(x,y)$ and $j(x,y)$ the conjugated forces and fluxes, both dependent on the probability distribution $\rho$. The
linear relations between the forces and fluxes are (approximately) verified whenever the global detailed balance condition is only slightly violated. In this linear regime the MINEP holds true and the Prigogine distribution $\rho_P$ well approximates the stationary distribution $\bar\rho$ (Klein and Meijer 1954; Jiu-li et al 1984).
Alternatively, in Schnakenberg's graph-theoretic representation the conjugated thermodynamic forces and fluxes are associated with independent cycles in the graph of allowed transitions (Schnakenberg 1976). Those forces, defined by summing $F(x,y)$ over all transitions $x \rightarrow y$ along each cycle, are $\rho-$independent and hence provide an explicit realization of
external constraints for the stochastic MINEP.
For an analytic formulation let the transition rates $k^\lambda(x,y)$ be
smoothly dependent on $\lambda$ around $\lambda = 0$ with $k^0(x,y)$ corresponding to an irreducible system satisfying the global detailed balance condition. Then, $\bar\rho^\lambda - \rho_P^\lambda = O(\lambda^2)$, i.e., the stationary distribution and the Prigogine distribution coincide up to linear order in $\lambda$. Derivation from dynamical fluctuations
The
empirical occupation measure $p_\tau^\omega$ is the probability-measure-valued functional on the system's trajectories $(\omega_t)_{t=0}^\infty$ such that $p_\tau^\omega(x)$ equals the fraction of time in the interval $[0,\tau]$ that the trajectory $\omega$ visits the configuration $x$. Finite irreducible Markov systems are ergodic which means that $p_\tau^\omega \to \bar\rho$ in the limit $\tau \to \infty$, for almost every trajectory $\omega$.
According to the
large-deviation principle for such Markov dynamics, the fluctuations of the empirical occupation measure have the exponential large-time asymptotics (Donsker and Varadhan 1975)\[ \text{Prob}(p_\tau^\omega = \rho) \asymp e^{-\tau\, \Phi(\rho)}\,,\qquad \tau \to \infty\,.\] The rate function$\Phi(\rho) \geq 0$ is strictly convexand $\Phi(\rho) = 0$ if and only if $\rho = \bar\rho$, the stationarydistribution.
The minimization of $\Phi(\rho)$ is an
exact stationary variational principle which for systems only slightly violating the global detailed balance condition boils down to minimizing the entropy production (Maes and Netočný 2007). It is an instance of general statistical relations between time-symmetric quantities (like the empirical occupation measure) and time-antisymmetric ones (like currents or entropy changes) which follows from the time-reversal symmetry of the underlying equilibrium dynamics.
Analytically, if the transition rates $k^\lambda(x,y)$ are a smooth deformation of a
finite irreducible system with $k^0(x,y)$ satisfying the global detailed balance condition, then \[ \Phi^\lambda(\rho) = \frac{\sigma^\lambda(\rho) - \sigma^\lambda(\bar\rho^\lambda)}{4} + O(\lambda^2 d[\rho,\bar\rho^\lambda], d[\rho,\bar\rho^\lambda]^3)\]where the superscript $\lambda$ indicates correspondence to the transition rates $k^\lambda(x,y)$, and $d[\rho,\bar\rho^\lambda]$ is the distance between $\rho$ and stationary distribution $\bar\rho^\lambda$. Whenever the higher-order corrections are negligible then the stationary distribution $\bar\rho^\lambda$ (i.e., the minimizer of $\Phi^\lambda$) coincides with the Prigogine distribution $\rho_P^\lambda$ (i.e., the minimizer of $\sigma^\lambda$). Entropy production in diffusive systems
The dynamics of a Brownian particle driven by force $f$ and moving in a medium characterized by temperature $T$ and
positive-definite diffusion and mobility matrices $D$ and $\chi$, is in the high-friction limit given by the Smoluchowski equation\[ \frac{\partial\rho}{\partial t} + \nabla \cdot J = 0\,,\qquad J = \chi f \rho - D\nabla\rho\]with $\rho$ the probability density and $J$ the current density. Their stationary values $\bar\rho$ and $\bar J$ solve the steady-state equation $\nabla \cdot \bar J = 0$. Localdetailed balance corresponds to the Einstein relation$D = \chi k_B T$ between the diffusion and mobility matrices. (Let it be always assumed in the sequel.) Globaldetailed balance is satisfied if (i) the Einstein relation is valid and (ii) the force $f$ is conservative, i.e., $f = -\nabla U$ for some ( globallydefined) potential$U$. Provided $Z = \int_\Omega e^{-\beta U}\,dV < \infty$, the steady state with $\bar\rho = e^{-\beta U}/Z$ and $\bar J = 0$ corresponds to thermodynamic equilibrium ($1/\beta = k_B T$). Violationof the globaldetailed balance, e.g., for the particle driven by a constant force along a circle, manifests the presence of non-equilibriumconstraints which do not allow the particle to reach thermodynamic equilibrium.
The heat flux balances the power of driving force, yielding the entropy flux (i.e., the rate of entropy increase in the medium) $J_S = \beta \int_\Omega f \cdot J\,dV$. The
entropy production term in the balance equation for the Gibbs-Shannon entropy $S = -\int \rho \log \rho\,dV$ is\[ \sigma = \int_\Omega J \cdot (\rho D)^{-1} J\,dV\,.\] MINEP for diffusion
The MINEP can be applied whenever the
non-conservative component $\varepsilon \tilde f$ of the force $f^\varepsilon = -\nabla U + \varepsilon \tilde f$ is small.
More precisely: As a functional on densities, $\sigma^\varepsilon(\rho)$ attains its minimum at $\rho_P^\varepsilon = \bar\rho^\varepsilon + O(\varepsilon^2)$, where $\bar\rho^\varepsilon$ is the
stationary density for the particle driven by force $f^\varepsilon$. The statement can be either (i) checked by a direct calculation, or (ii) verified by casting the model into the framework of irreversible thermodynamics with $X = \beta f - \nabla\log\rho$ the thermodynamic force conjugated to $J$, or (iii) proven to emerge from the general structure of dynamical fluctuations (Maes et al 2008). The assumption of high-friction limit leading to the Smoluchowski equation is crucial here: the MINEP is generally notvalid for the diffusion in phase spacemodeled by the Kramers equation since that is a non-evensystem (the momentum is oddunder time-reversal).
There is also a
modified MINEP for diffusions which remains exact at arbitrary distance from global detailed balance: With the driving force of the form $f = -\nabla U + \tilde f$ and taking the entropy production $\sigma(U)$ as a functional on the space of potentials $U$ (keeping $\rho$, $\tilde f$, $T$, and $D$ fixed), the $\sigma(U)$ attains its minimum at $U = U^*$ for which $\rho$ is stationary, i.e.,\[ \nabla \cdot J^* = 0\,,\qquad J^* = \beta D (f - U^*)\rho - D\nabla\rho\,.\]This is a variational principle for the ( inverse) stationary problem with variable $U^*$ instead of $\rho$. That follows from the convexityof $\sigma(U)$ and from the functional relation $\frac{\delta\sigma(U)}{\delta U} = 2\beta\,\nabla \cdot J$.
The formalism and the statements above have extensions to other diffusive systems, e.g., to diffusive fields in fluctuating hydrodynamics where $\rho$ becomes a density profile, the diffusion matrix $D(\rho)$ is $\rho-$dependent, and for various types of boundary conditions.
References
Donsker, M. D. and Varadhan, S. R. S. 1975. Asymptotic evaluation of certain Markov process expectations for large time, I. Commun. Pure Appl. Math.28: 1-47.
de Groot, S. R. and Mazur, P. 1962. Non-Equilibrium Thermodynamics. Amsterdam, NorthHolland.
Eyink, G., Lebowitz, J. L. and Spohn, H. 1990. Macroscopic origin of hydrodynamic behavior: Entropy production and the steady state. In Campbell, D. (ed.) Chaos, Soviet-American Perspectives in Nonlinear Science, American Institute of Physics, New York, pp. 367–391.
Jaynes, E. T. 1980. The minimum entropy production principle. Ann. Rev. Phys. Chem.31: 579--601.
Jiu-li, L., Van den Broeck, C. and Nicolis, Z. 1984. Stability Criteria and Fluctuations around Nonequilibrium States. Z. Phys. B Condensed Matter56: 165-170.
Klein, M. J. and Meijer, P. H. E. 1954. Principle of minimum entropy production. Phys. Rev.96: 250-255.
Landauer, R. 1975. Inadequacy of entropy and entropy derivatives in characterizing the steady state. Phys. Rev. A12: 636-638.
Maes, C. and Netočný, K. 2007. Minimum entropy production principle from a dynamical fluctuation law. J. Math. Phys.48: 053306.
Maes, C., Netočný, K. and Wynants B. 2008. Steady state statistics of driven diffusions. Physica A387: 2675–2689.
Onsager, L. and Machlup S. 1953. Fluctuations and Irreversible Processes. Phys. Rev.91: 1505-1512.
Paltridge, G. W. 1979. Climate and thermodynamic systems of maximum dissipation. Nature279: 630-631.
Prigogine, I. 1947. Etude Thermodynamique des phénoménes irréversibles. Desoer, Liége.
Schnakenberg, J. 1976. Network theory of behavior of Master equation systems. Rev. Mod. Phys.48: 571-585.
Internal references Tomasz Downarowicz (2007) Entropy. Scholarpedia, 2(11):3901. Andre Longtin (2010) Stochastic dynamical systems. Scholarpedia, 5(4):1619. James Meiss (2007) Hamiltonian systems. Scholarpedia, 2(8):1943. | 20,903 | 8,009 | 0.000128 |
warc | 201704 | This paper has been added to your cart ($35.00)
In plants, phenyalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) has been related to defense mechanisms against insect feeding and wounding, and its role was investigated in poplar (Populus simonii × P. nigra) regarding induction by third-instar Lymantria dispar larvae feeding and punching mechanical wounding. The activity and mRNA expression level of PAL was evaluated during time courses in relation to L. dispar feeding and mechanical wounding. The constitutive levels of PAL activity in healthy poplar showed no significant differences during 72 h. L. dispar feeding and mechanical wounding caused different responses of protein and transcript levels of PAL. PAL was obviously induced by L. dispar feeding during a 24-72 h period. For mechanical wounding, activity and mRNA expression level of PAL were not significant induced but were mostly inhibited. The results suggested PAL gene may be significantly related to poplar defense against L. dispar attack. | 998 | 498 | 0.002024 |
warc | 201704 | A RECORD number of people in the UK are living with HIV – nearly 100,000, new figures show.
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) said there were about 96,000 people who have the virus.
But health officials warned that a quarter of people who have the human immuno- deficiency virus are not aware they have been infected.
There were 6,280 people diagnosed with HIV in 2011, the HPA said.
Nearly half of all diagnoses in 2011 were acquired heterosexually. Of these, more than half were probably acquired in the UK, compared with only 27 per cent in 2002, according to the HPA report.
New diagnoses among gay men reached an all-time high in 2011, with 3,010 men discovering they were infected.
The HPA said that one in 20 men who have sex with men in the UK now has HIV, and the figure soars to nearly one in 12 in London.
Black African people are also at a higher risk, the HPA said, with 37 per 1,000 living with the infection. Overall HIV prevalence in the UK was 1.5 per 1,000 people. | 997 | 559 | 0.001814 |
warc | 201704 | UK death rates from cardiovascular disease have dropped by more than 40 per cent over a decade, according to a new report.
Cardiovascular disease, which includes heart attack and stroke, remains Europe’s biggest killer and accounts for almost 45 per cent of all deaths (more than four million a year).
Heart disease kills 20 per cent of women in Europe each yearDr Nick Townsend
But the new study shows there has been a 44.4 per cent drop in death rates among men in the UK and a 43.6 per cent drop among women from the disease in the ten years to 2011.
Experts stressed there was still more work to do and pointed to large inequalities across Europe, with higher death rates seen in Eastern Europe.
Simon Gillespie, chief executive of the British Heart Foundation, which funded the research, said: “This analysis is a powerful reminder that cardiovascular disease remains Europe’s biggest killer, despite the advances we’ve made in preventing and treating heart conditions through medical research.
“We can’t be fooled into thinking the battle against heart disease is won.
“For women the figures are particularly worrying – almost half of the women in Europe die from heart attacks or strokes.
“This shows the urgent need to fund more research towards faster, more accurate diagnosis and more effective treatments, alongside work to help prevent people developing heart and circulatory diseases in the first place.”
The analysis showed that eight European countries have cardiovascular disease death rates of less than 250 per 100,000 women. These are France, Israel, Spain, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland and the UK.
Meanwhile, six countries have death rates of more than 1,000 per 100,000 women. These are the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Ukraine, Republic of Moldova, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.
Similar results were found for men.
The study, led by Dr Nick Townsend, from the British Heart Foundation centre on population approaches for non-communicable disease prevention at the University of Oxford, showed that cardiovascular disease is mainly a disease of old age.
But researchers said it still causes more than 1.4 million deaths in those aged under 75 and nearly 700,000 deaths in those aged under 65.
Dr Townsend said: “Cardiovascular disease results in 49 per cent of deaths among women and 41 per cent among men.
“To put this in context with deaths from other causes, coronary heart disease kills 20 per cent of women in Europe each year, while 2 per cent die from breast cancer.”
He added: “Although deaths from cardiovascular disease are decreasing overall in Europe, the increases we are seeing in obesity and diabetes will either counter that decrease, leading to a reversal of the favourable trend, or place an extra burden on health services in treating those at high risk of cardiovascular disease in order to prevent them from developing chronic cardiovascular conditions and to keep them alive into older age.”
Meanwhile, quitting smoking after a heart attack boosts mental as well as physical health, according to new research.
And many of the benefits, which include less chest pain and better quality of daily life and improved mental health, can begin within a month and become more pronounced after a year.
Professor Sharon Cresci, of the University of Washington, said: “Even in people who smoked and had a heart attack, we see fairly rapid improvements in important measures of health and quality of life when they quit smoking after their heart attacks, compared with people who continue smoking.” | 3,673 | 1,687 | 0.00061 |
warc | 201704 | Bone, Joint and Muscle Conditions
Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip Symptoms and Diagnosis
Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia
You usually see no symptoms of developmental dysplasia of the hips in your baby. But some that can show up include:
Legs held in positions that don't match Uneven folds of fat on the thighs Less movement on the side affected by DDH After about 3 months of age, one leg shorter than the other Hip Dysplasia Diagnosis
When your baby is born, the doctor will examine both hips to make sure they are stable. The doctor will gently move your baby's legs to look for signs that the bones can come out of the sockets.
Babies change as they grow, so doctors will examine your child several times as they get older, often at regular well-baby exams.
If your child's doctor thinks your baby might be inclined to have DDH and your baby is younger than 4 months, we may ask for an ultrasound image to be taken of the hips. If your child is older than 4 months, we may take X-rays. | 995 | 536 | 0.001883 |
warc | 201704 | Palestinians losing link to U.S. care / Sanctions against Hamas threaten to harm program for kids, entire medical system Published 4:00 am, Sunday, May 7, 2006 2006-05-07 04:00:00 PDT Jerusalem -- Four-year-old Sundras Badran sat still while Dr. Mahmoud Nashashibi, a Palestinian pediatric cardiologist, checked her heart on an echocardiogram at the El-Mokassed Hospital in East Jerusalem.
Sundras, a Palestinian girl from the West Bank village of Anata, was attending a clinic funded by the Palestine Children's Relief Fund, an Ohio-based charity that treats about 2,000 critically ill children in the Palestinian territories each year.
But even if Sundras needs cardiac surgery, the future of the children's charity program has been thrown into doubt by U.S. sanctions against the Hamas-led Palestinian Authority banning all contact with Palestinian hospitals and Ministry of Health employees.
Under new guidelines issued April 12 by the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Asset Control, U.S. citizens and organizations must cease all transactions with the Palestinian government, its ministries and institutions operating under their control.
The Treasury directive noted that Hamas is classified as a terrorist entity, and it ordered U.S. citizens to conclude all contacts with the Palestinian Authority by Friday, unless specifically permitted to continue.
"U.S. persons are prohibited from engaging in transactions with the Palestinian Authority unless authorized, and may not transfer, pay, withdraw, export or otherwise deal in any assets in which the Palestinian Authority has an interest unless authorized," the document said.
Steve Sosebee, founder and director of the children's charity, said the U.S. sanctions are so stringent that he is being forced to cancel life-saving missions by U.S. doctors.
"We bring volunteer surgeons from the U.S. to provide services in Palestinian public hospitals, including highly sophisticated operations like cardiac, plastic and reconstructive surgery not available locally due to the lack of specialists," said Sosebee, an Ohio native who first visited the West Bank as a student on a trip organized by the Arab American Anti-Discrimination League. Although he has no Palestinian background, he decided to form the charity to help people in the region.
The charity (www.pcrf.net) has an active Bay Area chapter, whose members help care for children brought here for treatment, finding doctors, helping with translations and raising money. Sosebee hopes to bring a young girl from Gaza to be treated by Raymond Rendon, a San Jose specialist in eye prosthetics, later this month. She lost an eye during an Israeli missile strike, when the car in which she was riding happened to be alongside one carrying Islamic Jihad militants.
Usually the charity sends doctors to Gaza and the West Bank, rather than flying patients elsewhere for treatment. Last month, for example, it brought Dr. Ziad Saba, a pediatric cardiologist from Oakland, to Beirut for a week to treat children living in Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon.
Saba said he had already been to Jerusalem and Ramallah six times, but this was his first visit to Lebanon.
"I've gotten donations of equipment and gone to Jerusalem to do cases there for Palestinians who would not have access to that kind of care," he said. "We also train the local physicians there to do it by themselves. In the Palestinian territories, those patients are languishing. The majority would not have care. It's not an exaggeration to say that Steve and his organization are single-handedly providing cardiac care for most Palestinian children.
"It's great for me because they are really good people. I come from a Palestinian background, and I've always wanted to do something to help that's really black and white, with no politics involved," Saba said.
Sosebee said of the fund's approach, "It's better for the children not to leave their families, and taking family members along makes it very expensive. We get more bang for the buck bringing the doctors here, and we get the added benefit of local physicians working alongside them and learning from them."
The $500,000 or so that the charity raises annually pays for plane flights, accommodations and hospital services. Doctors donate their services, and some pay their own travel expenses. Some, including Saba, bring donated equipment with them. As a result, Sosebee said, the relief fund is able to provide medical services for far less than the $40 million to $50 million doctors and hospitals would normally charge for such services.
But for Sosebee's charity and patients like 4-year-old Sundras, the sanctions could be a deathblow.
Nashashibi, an East Jerusalem physician whose clinic helps identify candidates for treatment by visiting surgeons, said not just his own patients would be affected by the U.S.-led sanctions.
"If this goes on more than a couple of weeks, the health care system will collapse in Palestine," he said. "The health care issue should be viewed differently from the political question of Hamas."
At the government hospital in Ramallah, the work of the children's charity is well-known and deeply appreciated.
"For the last five years, Steve has sent two or three teams every year to carry out pediatric surgery," said Dr. Husni Atari, the hospital director. "They come and deal with 25 to 30 cases in a week. We only have one cardiac surgeon here, so we do not have enough time to perform pediatric surgery."
"Steve should be exempt from these sanctions," he said. "The American government should not stop doctors coming from the U.S. to perform surgery on critically ill patients. This has nothing to do with terrorism."
Atari said the sanctions not only would end the Palestine Children's Relief Fund program here, but also threaten to shut down the entire Palestinian health system.
He said Ramallah Hospital -- the main referral hospital for all of the West Bank -- is running out of medicines, sterile dressings and other disposable items. Western donors had helped pay for salaries, medicine and equipment, but now those funds have stopped. None of the 346 doctors, nurses and ancillary staff has received salaries since February.
They are not alone. The Palestinian Authority government is bankrupt and has been unable to pay March or April salaries to its 167,000 civil servants, affecting about one-quarter of the 4 million population.
Palestinian Finance Minister Omar Abdel Razek told parliament last month that the new government was saddled with debts of $1.3 billion from the previous Fatah administration, had no cash reserves and was rapidly running out of credit with the banks. He said the financial crisis has been caused by massive overspending by the previous government and the decision of Israel, the European Union and other donor states to cut off tax transfers and financial support as long as Hamas is in control.
Israel suspended about $950 million in payments of customs and taxes, which it is supposed to transfer each year to the Palestinian Authority for goods and services conducted through Israel. The EU suspended about $600 million in annual direct budgetary assistance.
For hospital director Husni Atari, that means disaster is just around the corner: "So far, the sanctions have had no effect. The doctors and other staff are still coming to work, even though they have not been paid. Soon they will have no money to get to the hospital. When I look at my storage cupboards, I see things are in danger of collapse. If this goes on, we will have to close."
Atari said he has worked at the hospital since 1974. His salary at that time was paid by the Israeli occupation forces. In 1994, the hospital was transferred to Palestinian control, and he was paid by the Palestinian Authority. Now, Hamas is in charge. He said it makes no difference.
"I worked under the Israeli occupation, under Fatah and now under Hamas," Atari said. "I am a physician. I don't care who is the government paying my salary or the running costs of the hospital. We don't discriminate between patients. We treat anyone, regardless of their religion or nationality. I don't feel it is right that our patients are being discriminated against because of the political view of the government. We have become the victims of politics."
At the Palestinian Ministry of Health, the outlook is bleak. Dr. Anan Masri, a pediatric cardiologist who has been deputy minister of health for the past 18 months under both Fatah and Hamas governments, said supplies were running so low, he had immediate fears for the lives of 800 dialysis patients.
"We are in a life-threatening situation. We are trying to make those patients survive," said Masri. "Dialysis requires special solutions to clean the blood, and we need 3,000 units per month. We are almost at zero point. If a patient misses two sessions, they will die. Unless we get new supplies within one week, we are definitely going to start losing patients."
He said the Ministry of Health was allocated 7 percent of the budget by the last government, and needed $4.5 million every month just to cover operating costs, plus salaries for 12,500 civil servants, including the medical staff. He said new appointments had been frozen and retirees were not being replaced.
"The Americans say they are not cutting humanitarian aid, but the Ministry of Health provides health care for more than 80 percent of the population," Masri said. "I am sure the American people are not well aware about the Palestinian situation. We have an emergency here. It is like a war -- but even worse, because the people do not understand why the situation is so bad when it seems to them like an ordinary day." | 9,784 | 4,353 | 0.000231 |
warc | 201704 | There is one, ultimate temptation in life: the smell of Cinnabon in an airport terminal. It wafts down the concourse, ever-so-stealthily, whispering violently persuasive lies --
C'mon one roll won't kill you ... You're traveling! You don't have to be healthy! ... Maybe just one minibon just this one time?
Know who never falls prey to such fodder?
Jessica Gomes.
No sir (or ma'am), she doesn't. She's got a fool-proof system that gets her from one city to another, health intact.
So you know ... we had to get it. Had to. Lucky for us (and you!), Jess was happy to share:
Okay everyone, I'm letting my secrets OUT! So listen up! What's really worked for me is eating foods that are full of water and hydrating. It took me a while to figure this out, but now I always pack cucumbers, blueberries and protein bars (when possible, get organic bars--there's no bad pesticides or hormones!) for traveling. I also do a green juice whenever I can. My philosophy when I'm traveling is to eat foods that are like medicine, so I don't get sick. I know it's hard when traveling...it's when we tend to reach for the bad things for comfort. But packing whole cucumbers has really helped me--they're good to chew on, they're tasty, fresh, and hydrating for your colon. And blueberries work because they have tons of antioxidants but also satisfy my sweets craving. Another thing I love packing is raw almonds with some organic, dried mango (the sort with no added sugar!). I love that combo--crunchy and chewy! Before traveling, I always do a quick stop-off at Whole Foods to grab all these snacks and a few bottles of water--I'll do anything to not eat on the plane! Another thing I focus on is drinking Green Tea or Ginger Tea -- it keeps me going and feeling fresh. I just carry some tea bags in my purse. The most important thing is really listening to your body, not your mind. It's hard when you're constantly heading off to all these different locations. On my way to China last year I packed three big cucumbers and I felt SO great when I got there! Darcie (Swim Editor) had these amazing almond bars that were really natural and satisfying and helped me steer clear of the oil and MSG in Chinese food.
Given how those photo from China turned out...it's safe to say Jess's system not only works, but works very well! So go on, then, adopt it! | 2,346 | 1,282 | 0.000783 |
warc | 201704 | The Female Eunuch—first published in Britain in the 1970s, in the United States the following year, and quickly in more than a dozen languages around the globe—was an international sensation, and it's not hard to see why. It's erudite, funny, outrageous, contradictory, bold, and superconfident, and its author, Germaine Greer, was a major diva—tall, beautiful, young, photogenic, witty, commanding, outspoken, and Australian, which read as exotic, except in Australia, of course. More important, it combined the idea of women's liberation with that of sexual liberation—heterosexual sexual liberation, that is. This was a terrifying thought for many people of both sexes (most famously Norman Mailer, who championed old-fashioned, man-on-top sexism as the only alternative to a forest of wilted erections against Greer and other feminists in an uproarious "debate" at Town Hall in New York City), but it also offered visions of exciting new possibilities not just for women but for men as well. (This was in the days when mass culture had not yet decided whether feminists were lesbians or sluts.) It's not for nothing that Life magazine called Greer the "saucy feminist that even men like." Greer was hardly the first or only woman to connect the two revolutions—sexual freedom has always been a major theme in feminism, although you wouldn't always know it today—but she put them together in a particularly stirring way. Even 30 years later, The Female Eunuch sparkles with irrepressible, champagne-bubble optimism: All we need to do is clear away the old rubbishy assumptions about romance and marriage and family and sex, and all kinds of wonderful possibilities lie before us that we can't even imagine yet. Greer quotes Blake a lot, and you can see why: For her, as for him, Nobodaddy is the enemy, and energy is eternal delight.
Or perhaps, in the case of Greer, Nobomommy would be more accurate. The historian Christine Stansell usefully distinguishes between two kinds of feminist: There are the ones like Mary Wollstonecraft and Simone de Beauvoir, who focus on the way society has deformed women so that they really match the sexist stereotype of women as vain, immoral, weak, and foolish and must reform themselves as the first step to liberation; and then there are the ones like Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan Faludi, who see women as already fine and upstanding and strong and even heroic, only needing society to stop squelching them and let them rip. As even the title of her book suggests, Greer is of the former type. With very rare exceptions, women for her are female eunuchs—castrated at puberty if not before, not just sexually but intellectually, politically, emotionally, and morally—dutiful but uninspired students, unambitious workers who accept demeaning, boring, underpaid handmaid-type jobs, passive and masochistic lovers, little-brown-hen "supermenials" to their husbands, and emotional tyrants to their children under the cover of noble self-sacrifice. "The characteristics that are praised and rewarded are those of the castrate—timidity, plumpness"—those were the days! —"languor, delicacy and preciosity" (Page 17). Greer stresses women's responsibility for this deplorable state of affairs: Of l960s Britain, she writes, "the cage door had been opened but the canary had refused to fly out" (Page 14). "In admitting women to male-dominated areas of life, men have already shown a willingness to share responsibility, even if the invitation has not been taken up." Yeah, right. You would never know that at the time Greer is writing about, there were quotas on women in British and many American universities, in professional and graduate schools; that women were barred from many fields of employment; that abortion and in many places (Connecticut for example) contraception were illegal; that a whole legal, educational, economic, political, medical, and social system existed that was, to say the least, discouraging to women attempting to step out of the handmaid role—and yet some did! You do not get the feeling that Greer likes or admires women much—this is where she connects with "anti-feminist feminists" like Camille Paglia—and this somewhat free-floating hostility extends particularly to other feminists. One of Greer's less attractive features was the extent to which she failed to acknowledge her debt to the women's movement, then went out of her way to attack it on small and sometimes ridiculous points. For example, she opposed the end of sex-segregated want ads, an early win for the National Organization for Women, on the grounds that this was a wimpy reform that would only encourage women to waste time applying for jobs they could never get. That bubbly optimism can turn sour in an instant when the need to be the most contrarian person in the room takes over. You can catch glimpses in these pages of the Germaine Greer who would go on to praise Third World sexual and gender arrangements, advise women to give up sex at menopause, and portray female genital mutilation as no big deal.
Thirty years is a long time, and many of the social arrangements Greer described have changed considerably—even in Britain, which was always more sexist than the United States—whether you look at sex or women at work or divorce rates. Last night, for example, my daughter, who is in the ninth grade, said half the kids at her school were bisexual. (Gay liberation is one of the big stories Greer missed—the numerous references to "faggots" have not aged well.) True or not, that's not a sentence a 14-year-old girl was likely to utter in the supposedly swinging '60s, even in Sodom on the Hudson. And yet a sexually active girl who doesn't abide by the conventions of romantic love is a "ho" while her boy equivalent is a "player."
So, Judith and Chris, do you think
The Female Eunuch has important things to say to women and men in 2002? Do you see yourselves and your lives in its pages at all?
Curiously,
Katha | 6,080 | 3,068 | 0.000332 |
warc | 201704 | Greening the Curriculum. Dr. Rhonda Richards Senior VP for Academic Affairs West Virginia University at Parkersburg. College students are flocking to sustainability degrees, careers. By Jillian Berman, USA TODAY
Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author.While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server.
Greening the Curriculum
Dr. Rhonda Richards
Senior VP for Academic Affairs
West Virginia University at Parkersburg
By Jillian Berman, USA TODAY
Students interested in pursuing a job in sustainability now can choose from a variety of "green" degree programs.
With an increased interest in the environment and growth in the "green collar" job sector, colleges and universities are beginning to incorporate sustainability into their programs.
From MBAs in sustainable-business practices to programs that give students the technical training necessary to operate wind turbines, students have an increasing array of options to choose from.
Workshops for faculty to update curriculum by retrofitting existing courses to include greening and sustainability concepts through artistic, cultural, historical, mathematical, philosophical, and scientific lenses to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the subject which is how the University of Maryland Chesapeake Project implements sustainability.
Develop projects and themes and offer activities around the themes, such as University of New Hampshire’s four specific initiatives which are designed around four foundational systems of sustainability— biodiversity, climate, food, and culture—that are pervasive across the curriculum and throughout the college community.
Offer a specific course on sustainability such as
Auburn University’s “Introduction to Sustainability”
that includes topics on:
Offer a specific cluster of courses across several disciplines that result in a certificate or concentration. For example, at Stockton College in New Jersey the new curriculum in Sustainability and Environmental Policy is a collaborative initiative of the political science and environmental science programs and is open to students in either of the two majors. The curriculum offers focused coursework for students planning careers in environmental policy, management, law, advocacy and education.
Here of examples where faculty have “greened” the
curriculum across academic disciplines at college and
universities in the forefront of campus and civic
sustainability matters.
When Should Greening the Curriculum Begin?
Here's a "green curriculum map" to illustrate what GreenHeart'sGreen Curriculum Model looks like. It shows the environmental / sustainability focus for each age/grade level, as well as the following essential integrating themes:
These general themes, when underlying the more specific age/grade learnings that build on each other, together contribute to an integrated and holistic education today that ensures a healthy future for our students and the world they will live in.
Grades 11-12
Grades 7-10
Grades 5-6
Preschool-Grade 3
$220,000
Division of Energy
$160,000
$250,000
$150,000
Greening the Curriculum could serve as a catalyst for other infusion efforts. | 3,463 | 1,654 | 0.000619 |
warc | 201704 | How to Choose Your Microwave
Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author.While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server.
Choosing the right microwave can often be difficult, especially when you consider the various options available. And to give you a helping hand, we've outlined three main considerations for choosing a microwave.
Model:
There are three main types of microwaves:
Solo (Basic):
Solo microwaves are not only the most common form of microwave, but they are also the most basic due to only using microwave energy to heat and cook food.
A solo microwave is ideal for those who are happy to use their conventional oven / grill for most of the family cooking, but occasionally are looking for a speedier option. That said, it's worth noting due to only using microwave energy, solo microwaves aren't able to "brown" food, whereas other models, such as grill microwaves can.
Grill:
A grill microwave performs all the duties you'd expect from a microwave and comes with an added benefit of incorporating a grill function which enables you to brown and crisp food.
The grill element enables users to combine microwave energy and heat from the grill for a more complete cooking experience.
Combination:
Combination microwaves are continuing to grow in popularity, due to coming with everything you'd expect from a microwave along with added functions such as pre-set programmes which automatically cook certain dishes for the right amount of time and on the right temperature without you having to set it.
Power:
The power of your microwave will be measured in watts, and will fall somewhere between 600w and 1100w, and the higher the wattage of a microwave, the quicker your food will be cooked.
It's worth noting that the average wattage for a solo microwave is 800w, whilst on a grill and combination microwave, the power levels will be different for the grill and oven components.
Capacity:
The capacity of microwaves ranges from 14 litres through to 40 litres, with most solo models having a capacity somewhere in the middle, around 20 litres. Whilst the larger capacity may sound the best model to go for, it is worth remembering many modern microwaves are now using space saving techniques.
Taking these three factors into consideration when it comes to purchasing a new microwave for your kitchen, will help to ensure you've got an appliance which meets your needs and requirements, fits into your kitchen and will improve your cooking - whenever it is called into action.
Volsen website:
http://volsen.com | 2,797 | 1,333 | 0.000757 |
warc | 201704 | Slideshare uses cookies to improve functionality and performance, and to provide you with relevant advertising. If you continue browsing the site, you agree to the use of cookies on this website. See our User Agreement and Privacy Policy.
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2.what is the impact of microfinance,and what does this imply formicrofinance policy and for futureimpact studies? James Copestake and Richard Williams1 June 2011 1 J ames Copestake is Professor of International Development at the University of Bath. Richard Williams holds a joint Research Officer position at the University of Bath and Oxford Policy Management Ltd. The views expressed in this paper are those of the authors alone, and do not represent official views of University of Bath or Oxford Policy Management. We are grateful for comments on earlier drafts from Maren Duvendack and Robert Stone. 1
4.introduction Popular expectations of microfinance (MF) are falling. Having been lauded as a way of lifting a generation out of poverty, as illustrated by numerous inspiring stories, it is facing increasing pressure to prove its worth. This report contributes to this debate by analysing published evidence of MF impact, and suggesting how it can best be augmented. It has been commissioned by MicroNed – a network of Dutch development finance organisations – for a conference in Utrecht in June, entitled “Taking stock of the evidence on impact, the way forward.” Its intended audience is donors and social investors engaged in supporting MF with socially responsible investments. Increased pressure for MF to demonstrate its worth is a result of a number of factors, some specific to the MF sector and others reflecting wider currents in development thinking. First, the global expansion of a more commercially oriented MF (exemplified by the lucrative flotations of Compartamos in Mexico and SKS in India) has reinvigorated a longstanding debate over dynamic trade-offs between current impact, financial self-sustainability, long-term growth and hence future impact potential (Copestake, 2007). Second, growth bubbles and crashes, such as that centred on Andhra Pradesh, have illustrated the potential of MF to cause serious harm to those who become over-indebted. Third, a new wave of research based on randomised controlled trials (RCT) promises to offer more rigorous but less positive evidence of impact than earlier studies based on quasi-experimental methods. Broader influences in development thinking include renewed clamours for evidence- based policy, with more reliable evaluation methodologies and systematic literature reviews. For example, in 2006, the Centre for Global Development issued the rallying call to “close the evaluation gap” through more rigorous impact assessments (Ramalingam 2011). These calls have been accentuated by the strain on budgets arising from the 2008-2009 financial crisis and subsequent global recession. The rest of this paper comprises four sections. Section 1 reviews the nature and quality of impact studies and defines the scope of this report. Section 2 provides a summary of twelve selected studies. Section 3 augments these findings by summarising the conclusions of three recent reviews of impact evidence. Section 4 then offers a general assessment of the state of knowledge on MF impact, identifies knowledge gaps and considers options for further investment in the evidence base. 3
6.section 1nature and scope of MF impactstudies 1.1 Types of evidence of impact When we talk about impact, we are concerned not only with what changes have occurred in selected indicators of welfare, but also with establishing to what extent such changes can be attributed to specific MF services or interventions. First, and most important, is evidence of positive and negative effects on typical clients, their immediate family and employees. These include impact on the following: income and asset holdings; economic resilience, including capacity to protect income and smooth consumption; learning, attitude change and empowerment; livelihood/ employment creation and protection. Second, it is useful to understand the extent of variation in impact according to the nature of MF services provided, who uses them and in what context. Third, and given the possibilities that any one MF service may substitute or complement others, impact assessments ultimately need to be viewed in the context of local and national changes in all financial services and indeed the wider welfare systems of which they are a part (Copestake, 2010). Fourth, evidence is also needed on what forms of secondary support – technical as well as financial – most effectively promote more effective MF services and systems. This paper is primarily focused on direct positive and negative effects of MF, particularly microcredit. This reflects the focus of current public interest and concern. More evidence is also available about the impact of microcredit than other MF services. However, we fully accept that this restricted focus is far from satisfactory from a policy perspective – as discussed in Section 4.2. 1.2 What constitutes ‘rigorous’ evidence? The question what constitutes ‘rigorous’ evidence of impact is much debated. Scientific method aspires to a standard of rigour that is universal in the sense that it is reasonable for any sufficiently qualified reader of a study to accept the claims it makes to contribute to truth. This formally entails the reader being able to check that conclusions are logically derived from the data presented plus clearly stated assumptions. More realistically it entails the reader being satisfied that the data and logic underlying claimed evidence of impact is sufficiently open to scrutiny or peer review. 5
7.This definition rules out a great deal of evidence that people with direct personalexperience of MF may nevertheless judge to be sufficiently reliable to be useful,on the basis of its congruence with other evidence available to them personally.For example, much data collected and used by organisations for internal socialperformance management falls into this category. In isolation its reliability is suspect,but cross-checked critically against other evidence (including direct observationand daily conversations with clients and operational staff) it may neverthelesscontribute usefully to the reader’s overall understanding of what does and doesnot work and why. While we have excluded such evidence from the scope of thisreport, we nevertheless recognise that such data may ultimately be more reliable,cost-effective and timely for those closer to the ground than impact assessmentdata that is more scientifically rigorous and intended primarily for readers lackingdirect experience against which it can be evaluated. Box 1 below highlights thedifferent types of approaches available to measuring MF impact.Box 1: Approaches to measuring MF impact1. Independently conducted quantitative and qualitative impact assessments studies, usually commissioned by external agencies to inform public policy and strengthen accountability to providers of investors in microfinance institutions (MFIs) (see Sections 2 and 3).2. Focus groups, in-depth studies and satisfaction surveys, cross-checked for consistency with other evidence available, that report on respondents own attribution of impact; generally a component of social performance assessment, management and social auditing, and mostly intended to generate data for MFIs themselves (e.g. Copestake et al., 2005a).3. Broader social science research into MF as one element of wider financial and welfare systems, at household, neighbourhood/village and financial sector level (e.g. Collins et al., 2009; Fernando, 2006; Johnson, 2004a; 2004b).6
8.We also recognise that evidence of impact based on scrupulous interpretation ofdiverse and highly contextual qualitative data (e.g. by trained anthropologists) canbe at least as scientifically rigorous as findings based on statistical analysis ofquantitative data (e.g. by trained economists). However, systematic reviews of thequalitative data are as yet not available and hence by default this review focusesmostly on quantitative studies.1.3 Quantitative impact assessmentThere are numerous issues and challenges in measuring the direct impact of MFwhich can significantly influence the size and direction of results. First, there isthe nature of the underlying interview or encounter between client and researcherthrough which data is collected and codified, with possibilities of bias according tothe incentives both face (since double blind trials are not possible), as well as dueto problems of recall and recording accuracy. These can be controlled only tosome extent; for example, there are good reasons to believe that such errors maysystematically differ for interviews with a group of people taking loans whencompared with an otherwise identical group of people who are not receiving loans.Second, there is the nature of the statistical sample, including its size, andvariation in the characteristics of those who are offered and choose whether ornot to take up MF services. More reliable studies not only include a comparisongroup, but ensure differences from those receiving MF services or ‘treatments’are either minimised or can be quantified. This is essential to establishing a‘counterfactual’ view of what would have happened to borrowers if they had nothad access to a loan. When observable characteristics (e.g. age, education,social status) or unobservable characteristics (e.g. entrepreneurial spirit, informalbusiness connections) of borrowers differ from non borrowers, selection biasesarise that will lead to false attribution of impact unless somehow corrected.Other potential biases include placement bias arising from the decision of MFIsto operate in relatively rich (or poor) locations, and attrition bias arising fromexcluding those who drop-out or refuse to be interviewed.The third issue affecting rigour is the extent to which data analysis includesmethods that correct for such differences, or at least make the extent of such 7
9.possible biases transparent. Tedeschi (2008) is an example of a study that hasattempted to demonstrate that failure of even relatively high quality studies tocontrol fully for selection bias can lead to direct impact being seriouslyoverestimated.8
10.section 2evidence from selected impactstudies Researchers distinguish between three approaches to MF impact assessment: experimental methods (including RCTs); quasi-experimental, and qualitative. Here we present twelve studies: three RCTs, seven quasi-experimental and two qualitative. These illustrate the differing methodological challenges and types of impact reported; but the twelve studies are neither representative of all studies, nor the product of a systematic selection process. The evidence they provide is supplemented in Section 3 by a summary of conclusions from three more comprehensive reviews. 2.1 RCT studies Already established in fields such as health and agronomy, RCTs have gradually become more influential in other policy areas also.2 Armendáriz and Morduch (2010:305) claim this approach has “been embraced as the gold standard for evaluations.” However, this viewpoint has been strongly contested, for reasons outlined in Section 4.3.3 RCTs work by randomly grouping households into treatment and control groups in advance of MF services being offered. The treatment group with access to MF is then compared with the control group, which does not have access. Proper randomisation ensures those individuals in treatment and control groups are equivalent in terms of observable and unobservable characteristics with the exception of the treatment status, assuming that no contamination effects exist (Blundell and Costa Dias, 2000, 2002 and 2008). Three RCTs that are cited widely are summarised below. 2 T wo books have recently been released by prominent ‘randomistas’: Banerjee and Duflo (2011), and Karlan and Appel (2011). 3 S ee for example: Heckman and Smith, 1995; Imbens, 2009; Pritchett, 2009; Deaton, 2010; Cartwright, 2011. For a non-technical discussion of both views in relation to MF see Karlan et al. 2009. 9
11.RCT of microcredit in Hyderabad (Banerjee et al., 2009)Summary out of 104 neighborhoods in the city of Hyderabad were randomly 52 selected for the opening of a branch of the MFI Spandana, with data collected 15-18 months afterwards. The study found increased borrowing, with 27% of households in Spandana-served areas taking microcredit compared to 19% in control areas. The authors evaluated the effect of this modest increase in borrowing on a range of measures, including consumption, business income, education, health and empowerment.Findings The study found that business profits, inputs and revenue increased, although the results were not found to be statistically significant. Expenditure only gradually increased, but this was again statistically insignificant. However, there was a decrease in expenditure on temptation goods. Odell (2010) highlights the inter-temporal importance of these findings with a short-term increase in investment and expansion of business not leading to immediate wellbeing effects. A planned return to Hyderabad by the researchers should shed further light on the longer-term effects. RCT of relaxing lending criteria in the Philippines (Karlan and Zinmen 2010)Summary RCT based on individual loans given by the First Macro Bank in An the Philippines. The researchers focused on marginally creditworthy applicants who had not been chosen for a loan, then randomly selected a sub-sample of them to receive credit. Duvendack et al. (2011) criticised this methodology, highlighting the incentives for loan officers to select the relatively better-off rejected clients and to pay closer attention to them, thus reducing the validity of the findings.Findings The study a statistically significant increase in business profits resulting from increased credit for male but not female borrowers. Profits were higher for households with higher income. Male borrowers were less likely to be employed outside of their own business, and employed fewer people. But their children were more likely to be sent to school. There was little effect on business investment, and no significant effects on poverty, income, food quality, visiting a doctor and subjective10
12.measures of wellbeing, which may have actually declined (due to increased stress, for example). Odell (2010) states that these conclusions are confusing, with effects on male borrowers stronger yet little change on poverty and income. But lower income may in part be attributed to more children going to school. RCT of relaxing savings constraints in Kenya (Dupas and Robinson 2009)Summary The authors examined the effects of better access to micro-savings opportunities on business investment. A randomly selected sample of respondents were offered interest-free savings accounts in a village bank in Kenya. They were then asked to fill in daily log books to record their financial activity as were those randomly selected into the control group. One complication that arises in interpreting the findings is that access to a savings account may have impacted on respondents indirectly by influencing their response to the advice and support provided in filling out the log books.Findings The study found that the usage of the accounts was highest amongst women and that business investment of women with savings accounts increased significantly by a minimum of 40%, with significant increases also in their personal expenditure, including on food. They further found that these savings accounts did not appear to crowd out use of other accounts.2.2 Quasi-experimental studiesThese studies attempt to control for observable and unobservable variablesthat differ between treatment and comparison groups using statistical techniques.Unlike RCTs, membership of these groups is not randomly assigned. Pipelinestudies draw control groups from those that have self-selected and have beenselected by peers or loan officers, but have yet to receive any MF services. Withand without studies involve the comparison of treated groups with comparableuntreated groups with potential bias mitigated by using a range of econometrictechniques, for example propensity score matching that aims to strip out 11
13.observable differences between the two samples. Difference-in-differencemethods do the same for changes in selected variables between two time periods.A third approach removes selection bias by identifying one or more instrumentalvariables that influence loan take up but not impact. All these approaches canbe criticised for failing to fully mitigate bias (Duvendack et al., 2011) and eventhe most complicated econometrics fail to make up for poor data quality and/orpoor research design (Duvendack, 2010a).4 Examples of each type of quasi-experimental approach are presented below. The most famous and controversialexample of this approach is Pitt and Khandker’s study of group lending inBangladesh. This provides a good example of the difficulties in measuring MFimpact and is reviewed separately in Box 2. Pipeline study of microcredit in Northeast Thailand (Coleman, 1999; 2002)Summary Pipeline studies are most associated with Brett Coleman, who developed this process in his early studies on Thailand. As Goldberg (2005) explains, Coleman established a control group by asking those interested but not yet receiving microcredit to sign up a year in advance; that way he could compare borrowers to people likely to have similar unobservable characteristics, including the same entrepreneurial spirit.Findings Coleman reports positive MF impact based on ‘naïve’ estimates that did not control for selection bias, including a tendency for village bank members to be wealthier in the first place. The ‘correct’ estimates found no impact for the average recipient on asset accumulation, savings on school expenditures, and school expenditure. Overall, positive impact was identified only in the wealthier recipients in the form of increases in savings and boys’ schooling. But he also concluded the Thailand results could be atypical, because loans were small relative to borrowers’ wealth and their availability of credit from other sources (Goldberg, 2005; Odell, 2010).4 See Leamer (1983) for a more critical take on econometrics more generally.12
14.Pipeline study of microcredit in the Philippines (Kondo 2008)Summary Kondo used a similar method to Coleman. Households had been organised in the expectation of an expansion of credit, but had not yet received it. The study then compared participating households and qualified households (i.e. eligible for credit but not yet receiving it).Findings Poverty outreach of the programme was much lower than expected. But statistically significant increases were found on total income, total expenditure, food expenditure and savings. The study found no effect on wider wellbeing or education and health indicators. However, as Odell (2010:26) highlights in the review of the study, these results need a “major qualification” in when accounting for differential income according to borrowers’ income they become regressive. This is in line with Coleman’s finding that impact is most apparent among the better off.Box 2: ith and without studies of group-based microcredit W in Bangladesh – three decades of debate5The benefits of microfinance. A highly influential study by Pitt and Khandker in1998, was entitled “The impact of group-based credit programs on poor householdsin Bangladesh: does the gender of participants matter?” Using complex econometricanalysis they seemed to confirm MF enthusiasts’ claims that microcredit inBangladesh was poverty reducing and particularly beneficial for women. The studywas based on a World Bank survey conducted in 1991-1992 using a datasetincluding both MFI members and non-member comparison households. The studyfound an 18% return on microcredit for women compared to 11% for men, as wellas increases in girls’ school enrolment. Khandker (2005), using an updated data5 S ee Roodman’s blog at: http://blogs.cgdev.org/open_book/2011/03/response-to- pitts-response-to-roodman-and-morduchs-replication-of-etc.php 13
15.set, reexamined the study and found even more impressive results. Poverty, heclaimed, declined in all villages with access to MF and expenditure increased, withextreme poverty declining more than moderate poverty, and MF accounting for 40%of the entire reduction of moderate poverty in rural Bangladesh (Goldberg 2005).First doubts. Morduch refuted the claimed benefits of MF made in Pitt andKhandker’s original study in his article “Does microfinance really help the poor?New evidence from flagship programs in Bangladesh”. Criticisms included weakenforcement of the eligibility criteria within the MFIs ‘treatment group’ in contrastto more rigid application in the comparison group. Using the same data Morduchfound no impact on household consumption although he did find evidence that MFled to consumption smoothing.6 A number of other studies have since attemptedto replicate the original Pitt and Khandker analysis and apply alternative statisticalmethods (Chemin, 2008; Roodman and Morduch, 2009; Duvendack, 2010a;Duvendack and Palmer Jones 2011).7 These studies have shed further doubt on thebeneficial claims made in the original findings with all studies concluding, to differingdegrees, that the impact of microcredit was overstated due to methodologicalproblems in the original study (Duvendack et al., 2011). Pitt (2011a and 2011b)has responded by highlighting methodological problems with the Roodman andMorduch replication, particularly a missing variable. However, it seems the debatewill continue, with Roodman provisionally sticking to his and Morduch’s conclusionsthat, even if some correlations are found to be positive the direction of causationremains unproven.86 P itt responded to Morduch’s paper a year later, but neither paper was published in a peer- reviewed journal.7 ee Duvendack et al., 2011:73-67 for a summary of various methods used and their S limitations8 R oodman, at http://blogs.cgdev.org/open_book/2011/03/response-to-pitts-response-to- roodman-and-morduchs-replication-of-etc.php14
16.Lessons? This ongoing debate appears to undermine an important piece ofempirical evidence that had a major influence on the expansion of microcredit.It also illustrates the methodological difficulties inherent in quasi-experimentalapproaches to measuring impact. It also highlights the importance of researchtransparency that permits replication of studies (Armendáriz and Morduch 2010).Given the cost and controversy arising from econometrics-intensive approachesit also highlights the need to explore alternative approaches. Quasi-experimental study with propensity score matching in Ethiopia (Berhane 2009)Summary This is a study of the Dedebit Credit and Savings Institution, which had 1.4 million borrowers in 2000. Analysis is based on a random sample of 211 borrower and 140 non-borrower households in 1997, all of whom were interviewed in 2000, 2003 and 2006. Only 40 didn’t borrow at all, and only 79 borrowed in every period. The panel data allows for estimated impact of loans over time correcting for selection bias arising from both fixed and linear changes in unobservable characteristics of respondents. In a second piece of analysis propensity score matching with dynamic counterfactuals is used to investigate how impact depends upon the timing of becoming a borrower, controlling for differences in initial characteristics as well as attrition from the borrowing sample.Findings Per capita consumption was found to rise as a result of taking even one loan, whereas improvements in housing arose only after multiple borrowing. Positive effects remained even for households that stopped borrowing. This study illustrates the importance of observing impact over time, with lags varying for different indicators and in some cases dependent upon sustained borrowing. The second analysis shows that early participants generally did better than late joiners, and their income also proved more resilient to a weather related shock in 2003. While selection bias cannot be fully removed, the study broke new 15
17.ground in reducing it by using more sophisticated econometric analysis made possible by the use of panel data. Difference-in-difference studies in India, Zimbabwe and Peru (AIMS, 2002)Summary the 1990s USAID sponsored major studies of microcredit in Peru, In India and Zimbabwe as part of the AIMS programme (Assessing the Impact of Microenterprise Services). All three studies were based on a repeat survey of clients of a selected MFI, comparing them over a two year period with a sample of non-clients in the same vicinity who were pre-screened for eligibility (Goldberg 2005; Odell 2010). This does not in itself fully remove selection bias, because the issue remains why some clients in an area borrow first (Karlan, 2001). Attrition bias caused by difficulties in re-interviewing clients who exit was also a problem.Findings The India study, of the Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), found borrower incomes to be 25% higher than savers, with saving only households income still 24% greater than that of non-participants and Goldberg (2005:7) concludes from this that MF can be “quite effective.” However, a reinvestigation of the study by Duvendack (2010a and 2010b) found that these findings only hold if differences in unobservable characteristics are absent and, reflect weaknesses in the methodology for constructing comparison groups. The Zimbabwe study found that while MFI clients’ initial incomes were higher, after two years the difference was no longer statistically significant. Stewart et al. (2010) highlight that in a context of wider economic deterioration more continuing clients than non-clients fell into poverty. Regression analysis of the Peru study, controlling for observables, suggested a $372 increase in net annual enterprise revenue, and a $377 rise in household income, per year of credit receipt. Tedeschi (2008) re- examined the data and concluded that these findings did not control for selection bias to the extent that the panel data permitted. Doing so suggested lower but still positive impact on microenterprise profits (Tedeschi 2008:515).16
18.2.3 Qualitative studiesFor the reasons highlighted in Section 1.2 this paper largely takes stock of therigorous quantitative studies available. However, as we will argue later, qualitativestudies can also make an important contribution to the evidence base, beingparticularly useful for understanding causal pathways, and variation (heterogeneity)in impact on different kinds of client. Studies of this nature may therefore be moreuseful to policy practitioners in designing MF programmes or products, despite thesuspicions of those who hold to a narrower and more positivist methodologicalposition. The most influential of those studies in “Portfolios of the Poor” (Collinset al., 2009) is presented below along with a study in Mozambique that madesystematic use of clients’ self-attribution of impact. Financial diary based studies in South Africa, India and Bangladesh (Collins et al., 2009)Summary shed light on how poor families used financial services, skilled To interviewers met up with 250 individuals in India, Bangladesh and South Africa on a two week cycle over a whole year, to help them keep a diary of their detailed financial transactions. The data was used to create household balance sheets and cash flow statements.Findings The major finding was that the diaries documented the diverse and flexible way respondents handled their money, as highlighted by previous work of Rutherford (2001) in particular. This provided the evidence base for a call to reappraise at least four aspects of MF. First, they revealed the importance to poor people of savings as well as borrowing mechanisms. Second, they highlighted the importance of MF not solely as a function of demand for financing microenterprises, but also for smoothing consumption, coping with emergencies, acquiring asset and paying for ‘big-ticket’ expenditure items. Third, the data revealed the importance of access to a portfolio of regulated and unregulated financial services. Fourth, the diaries reinforced the point that poverty persists not just because of lack of income but because of risk and variability of income. This is summed up by the simple but important statement that “one of the least remarked on problems of living on two dollars a day is that you don’t literally get that amount a 17
19.day” (Collins et al 2009:2). A limitation of the study is that it is unclear how representative the sample is, and of what, particularly given its own emphasis on the heterogeneity of poor people’s lives and livelihoods (Micro Save 2010). Self-reported impact assessment in Mozambique (Athmer et al., 2006)Summary This study was commissioned by the Netherlands Platform for Microfinance and linked poverty outreach and impact assessment of three MFIs in Maputo (NovoBanco, SOCREMO and Tchuma). The research used a mix of research methodologies, including a sample survey to assess poverty outreach (relative to a national household survey) and to measure changes in poverty indicators over two year period. Impact assessment was based on in-depth interviews with 90 clients and relied upon self-reported attribution, following the QUIP methodology described in Copestake et al., 2005b. The survey from which these clients were drawn randomly covered 1,287 clients still borrowing after two years and 78 ex-clients who had left in the previous two years.Findings Results from the sample survey revealed significant growth in loan sizes for those that remained in the programme but also high drop- out rates. There were increases in business sales, particularly for women clients. Despite this there was little evidence of MF leading to job creation, with loans being used for working capital and house improvements more than capital investment. Of the clients interviewed in depth 77 out of 90 self-reported positive impact of credit on household welfare over the two year period. However, the study acknowledges an upward bias in these results arising from low coverage of clients who dropped out within the two year reference period.18
20.section 3summary of conclusions fromsecondary reviews of microfinance This section summarises findings from three recent reviews of microfinance impact (Odell, 2010; Stewart et al. 2010; Duvendack et al., 2011).9 These mostly cover quantitative studies on the impact of group lending programmes, although some studies of savings promotion are also included. Studies of other MF services are fewer but growing: see for example Dercon and Kirchberger (2008) on micro- insurance, and Leatherman et al. (2011)for a review of evidence on linking MF and health programmes. • Odell’s (2010) review is a non-systematic update of Goldberg’s (2005) review, incorporating more recent studies: six RCTs, nine quasi-experimental and two qualitative. • Stewart et al.’s (2010) review was commissioned by DFID. It covers fifteen studies: eleven deemed to be of medium quality and four of high quality. Eleven of these were of micro-credit, two combined credit and savings and two were of savings schemes alone. • Duvendack et al. (2011) is also a systematic review commissioned by DFID. After an exhaustive literature search it used a systematic screening and selection process to select 58 papers for in-depth review. This included two RCTs, nine pipeline studies and 47 difference-in-difference or with-and-without studies. No fewer than 31 of these studies were of MF in Bangladesh, with 21 papers based on the Pitt and Khandker (1998) data set. The conclusions from these reviews are addressed separately below, as they each provide a slightly different view on overlapping but different sets of literature. Appendix 2 also provides a tabular summary of the three studies. 3.1 Measuring the impact of microfinance: taking “ another look” (Odell, 2010) The review stresses the difficultly of making any generalised conclusions given the heterogeneity of MF interventions, contexts and impact assessment approaches. Despite this caveat, Odell concludes that overall the studies show positive impacts on micro-businesses for both savings and credit MF clients, with the impact on income, poverty, education, health and empowerment being “less clear”. 9 A nother by 3IE (International Initiative for Impact Evaluation) is due out this year. 19
21.3.2 What is the impact of microfinance on poor “ people: a systematic review of evidence from sub-Saharan Africa” (Stewart et al., 2010)This review finds little positive impact of MF on income, with microcredit in somecases having a negative impact. In contrast, it suggests that both microcredit andmicrosaving services have a positive impact on savings rates, accumulation ofassets, expenditure, health and food security. They report no evidence of increasedjob creation. Evidence of impact on nutrition, empowerment and education wasmore mixed, but they highlight negative impact on education arising from parentsnot being able to afford school fees. Their overall conclusion is that as microcredithas the potential for harm, promoting microsaving is a less risky strategy forreaching the poorest.3.3 What is the evidence of the impact of “ microfinance on the well-being of poor people: a DFID systematic review” (Duvendack et al., 2011)This review takes a tougher line on methodology, casting doubt on the reliabilityof nearly all impact assessments completed to date. It finds no rigorous evidencefor MF impact on increased incomes or empowerment. Where there is impact, bothpositive and negative, these occur earlier in the causal nexus (see Appendix 1):i.e. affecting micro-business activities more than indicators of wellbeing. Given thefocus of most studies on group lending, and given the methodological problemsidentified, the review avoids making a general conclusion about the impact of theMF sector as a whole. In contrast to Odell (2010), the authors are not willing to giveMF the benefit of the doubt, concluding in an unequivocal fashion that “not onlydoes the evidence presented by the various MF [impact evaluations] not providerobust support for the idea that MF is highly beneficial to the poor, rather thanperhaps benefitting a slightly better off group, or being no better than alternative,less hyped, sources of credit, they leave open the question of whether MF is ofany real benefit al all” (Duvendack et al., 2010:95).20
22.section 4what can we conclude and howbest to find out more? 4.1 A summary of available evidence Generalising about the impact of MF is fraught with danger given large variation in types of service, socio-economic characteristics of users, impact indicators, context and the level of methodological rigor demanded by different audiences. We concur with other reviewers in concluding (from theory as well as evidence) that the impact of even the same service will vary widely in different contexts. It should be no surprise, for example, that restoring access to credit for experienced entrepreneurs early in the recovery phase of countries that have experienced severe financial repression and economic stagnation can have dramatic positive effects on their business activity and income. Likewise it should come as no surprise to anyone that microcredit can result in severe over-indebtedness, especially if fuelled by speculative bubbles about the extent of unmet demand, as recently experienced in both the US sub-prime crisis and the crisis of non-banking financial institutions in Southern India. Hence we concur with Odell (2010:12) that “each impact study must be interpreted as a small piece of a growing body of knowledge about how MF works, in all its forms and functions in the world.” Despite this caveat, we accept that generalisation is unavoidable, if only as a point of departure for more focused investigation, and to this end suggest the following four broad propositions. 1. Microcredit on its own cannot be relied upon to deliver sustained income growth and falling poverty rates. This position is supported by the evidence that methodologically the most rigorous studies have not yielded clear evidence of positive average impact, while studies that have done so are mostly open to criticism on methodological grounds. There also appears to be limited rigorous evidence of positive impact on direct wellbeing measures such as health expenditure and nutrition. 2. Evidence of impact on intermediate indicators including business activity, business profitability and asset ownership is generally more positive. However this in turn has not been shown to increase income or reduce poverty, at least in the short term (with studies over the longer term not yet available). 3. Microcredit can be harmful to a significant minority of recipients. Incentive structures for MF agencies have often encouraged debt capacity (including entrepreneurial flair) of poor people to be systematically over-estimated. Poor people are no different from other people in having very unequally distributed 21
23.entrepreneurial flair. Some will prosper but many will have neither the ability nor the inclination to generate sufficient surpluses to pay back commercial loans. Like many richer people, poor people cannot be relied upon to avoid taking on more debt than they can manage, especially those with limited prior experience of financial services.4. There is a scattering of evidence that positive impact on a range of other indicators may be important. This includes consumption stability over time, intra-household relations, aspirations, and financial capability. Rosenberg (2010a:2) emphasises this by asking “are we looking for impact in the right place?” He goes on to suggest that the most important role of microfinance may ultimately be to enable many poor households to smooth rather than augment consumption, as highlighted particularly by Rutherford (2001) and Collins et al. (2009).104.2 mplications for policy and the case for more I impact assessment.In the absence of stronger and more consistent evidence on the impact of MF,donors and social investors can adopt one or a combination of three strategies.The first and most radical would be to cut support until such evidence is available,redirecting it towards activities that can demonstrate greater impact effectiveness.Duvendack et al. (2011) come close to taking this position by observing that MFhas already had nearly two decades to demonstrate benefits convincingly touninterested parties, but largely failed to do so. A second option, given continueddoubts about the timeliness, reliability and generalisability of so-called rigorousimpact assessment, is to give more credence to evidence that people with directpersonal experience of MF judge to be sufficiently reliable, on the basis of itscongruence with other evidence available to them (as mentioned in section 1.2).On that basis, they could continue with promoting carefully selected and designed10 A n important supplementary point here is that alternative mechanisms for consumption smoothing such as informal borrowing, forced migration and distress sales of assets can be very expensive. Hence cost-effective consumption smoothing over time should also raise net incomes.22
24.MF programmes where there are good theoretical grounds for believing that pastsuccess can be replicated.11A third option, not incompatible with the second, is to diversify investment intoa wider range of MF and related services in a way that generates additional andmore reliable evidence from which to proceed. Diversification is already beentaking place on a large scale. It includes funding of savings-led and user-controlledfinancial services, micro-insurance and new mechanisms for facilitating cashpayments. In reaction to the backlash against MF the CGAP CEO, Tilman Erhbeck,has reiterated the argument that “donor money remains important in marketdevelopment, to go into promising yet unknown territory where private money willnot yet go. Donor money is able to capitalise the innovations and research anddevelopment that microfinance needs.”12That said, it is clearer now than ever before that developing new financialproducts and services to unmet demands, and with potential to ‘go to scale’commercially is more complex, costly and risky than many MF enthusiasts havesuggested. For every success there have been numerous failures, and continueto be. Greater realism reinforces the importance of more systematic learning,partly through improved evaluation and impact assessment. This is particularlyimportant in current growth areas such as micro-savings and financial literacy inrelation to claims that they can reduce vulnerability and counter over-indebtedness.However, as Box 3 highlights, there are powerful incentives why past investment inimpact assessment has been inadequate in both quality and quantity. Investmentin impact assessment needs to grow with the scale, diversity and importance ofthe sector.11 C artwright (2011) observes that this is most scientific endeavour: theory is “vouched for” by the accumulation of evidence rather than “clinched” by one or two landmark studies. A key concept issue here is what she calls the “capacity” of causal claims to apply in multiple contexts, hence to sustain the conclusion that “it will work for us” rather than just that “it works somewhere”.12 h ttp://www.microfinancegateway.org/p/site/m/template.rc/1.26.15517/ 23
25.Box 3: hy investment in impact assessment has been W inadequate1. Incentives for those operating at different levels in the sector have been misaligned towards growth in access to services rather than quality or impact of services.2. Too many people believed in “the market test” - that use of services itself was sufficient evidence of positive impact – a myth that the 2008-9 financial crisis has done more to explode than any number of studies could have done.3. Impact assessment is a public good, and investment in MF is increasingly coming from the private and for-profit sector who have less interest in sharing what they learn.4. There has been a tendency to underestimate the complexity and diversity of MF impact pathways in different contexts and to different people, and hence to over- generalise about expected impacts from standard products (see Appendix 1). The result has been excessive optimism about likely impact and an emphasis on overly standard and simplistic models that are easily scaled up through replication.5. Divergent incentives and mental models of MF practitioners and specialist researchers have limited the scale and quality of collaboration, when inputs from both are needed.4.3 What sort of impact assessment to invest in?This raises a key set of questions about both what form future impact assessmentshould take, and who should be responsible for it. One strong and influentialposition here is that only RCT based studies can be trusted. Roodman (2011:42),for example, states that “unless or until randomized microfinance trials showstrong average benefits, the most convincing case that can be made for charitablysupporting microfinance must rest on grounds less compelling than hard evidenceof impact—but also more honest.” However, debate over this is far from settled,24
26.with suggestions that investment in RCT research itself may already have becomea somewhat unhealthy speculative bubble.13While RCTs offer a simple way around the selection bias problem that has provedproblematic for many quasi-experimental studies they fail to resolve otherchallenges and also throw up new problems. These have now been quite widelyreviewed and debated (e.g. Deaton, 2010; Pritchett, 2009; Imbens, 2009; Heckmanand Smith, 1995; Karlan et al., 2009; Armendáriz and Morduch, 2010; Copestake,2011; Duvendack et al., 2011:63-66). Like all survey-based statistical approachesthey generate estimates of average impact across a population and are a bluntinstrument for revealing heterogeneous impact. As Armendáriz and Morduch(2010:293) put it “zero may be a clean estimate of the average impact….but ithides the action.” There is also a limited amount of time during which to measureimpact before treatment and control groups get contaminated or weakened bysample attrition. Furthermore, unless ‘blinded’ the response of treatment andcontrol respondents differs systematically because of their contrasting status asobjects of research. Such differences also raise ethical questions about arbitrarilytreating people in different ways, while restricting RCTs only to contexts wheresuch concerns can be addressed causes placement bias. As with other approachesfindings are specific to precise treatments and contexts, whose wider relevance isalways a matter of judgement. As Cartwright (2011:1400) states, they are ideal forsupporting “it works somewhere” claims, but of limited use in supporting “it willwork for us” claims.Ultimately, RCTs offer just one approach to building up a stronger body ofempirically informed theory about the relative importance of the diverse causalpathways that link financial services to well-being outcomes in different contextsand for different sorts of people; indeed, even the most ardent advocates of RCTsdo not deny the case for other approaches also. This in turn suggests a strong casefor more qualitative work also. However, standards for conducting such research inways that are subject to rigorous review, and can support systematic theorizationare even less advanced than is the case for quantitative impact assessments.13 O dell (2010) reports that RCTs are underway in Mexico, Mongolia, Bosnia, Mali and Philippines. 25
27.Box 4 sets out a few criteria of what a more systematic approach to qualitativeresearch entails.Box 4: Characteristics of high quality qualitative research.14• Systematic and transparent sample or case-study selection – even more important for ‘small-n’ than ‘large-n’ studies.• Using qualitative methods to complement systematic monitoring of client welfare indicators, so that findings can be related to wider trends.• Proper and fully documented pre-testing of research instruments and stronger standards for training of interviewers.• Systematic and documented cognitive debriefing of interviewers.• Systematic qualitative data cleaning and analysis, including use of qualitative data analysis software such as NVivo.• Exposing such work to external validation, audit and review.Smaller and more flexible studies based on careful interpretation of systematicallycollected self-attributed impact data can provide faster and more context-specificfeedback, and hence do more to strengthen learning, experimentation and improvedpractice in complex and fast changing environments than a smaller number oflarger and lengthier studies.15 Such an approach can be incorporated into routine14 D rawn from discussion of the “qualitative in-depth interview protocol” (QUIP) in Copestake et al. 2005a and 2005b.15 H erein lies the danger of irrational exuberance over the potential of RCTs: huge resources invested in demonstrating causal links of limited general validity. An interesting case in point is the recent study reported by Desai and Tarrozi (2011). How, we may wonder could funds used to survey 6,400 respondents twice have been used to facilitate more flexible institutional learning from clients?26
28.social performance management of MFIs along with activities designed to ensurecompliance with monitoring of client characteristics, customer protection, humanresource management, product transparency and so on. But there is also a casefor more investment in independent qualitative studies, building on the kind ofinsights generated by the “Portfolios of the Poor” study. In addition there is a casefor more investment in monitoring not only of financial inclusion using nationalhousehold surveys, but also using them to test hypotheses about causal impactchains, building on some of the ideas set out in Appendix 1.ConclusionThis paper has outlined the major issues arising from impact assessment of MFat the same time as taking stock of the available evidence. It has largely focusedon quantitative assessments and the impact of microcredit, given that this is thefocus of most of the available stock of published studies. We have highlighted themain challenges regarding such evidence, which together with the heterogeneityof MF makes evidence-based policy making difficult. We tentatively concluded thatmicrocredit cannot, on its own, be relied upon to deliver sustained income growthand falling poverty rates, and that it can indeed be harmful to a significant minorityof recipients. Evidence of impact on intermediate indicators including businessactivity, business profitability and asset ownership is generally more positive, butthis in turn has not been shown to increase income or reduce poverty, not leastbecause of the opportunity cost of time taken up with such activities. However,there is a scattering of evidence of positive impact on a range of other broaderindicators of wellbeing, including reduced vulnerability though ability to smoothconsumption over time. This suggests a need to broaden the criteria on the basisof which the impact of MF is assessed.Accepting that the evidence is limited - in scope, quality and generalisability – wehave also argued for further investment in impact assessment. More specificallywe argued for use of a range of methods, warned against over concentration ofresearch using RCTs in favour of more and better qualitative studies to help fillgaps in our understanding of different causal pathways from MF to wellbeing indiverse contexts. 27
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32.Copestake,J., P Dawson, J.-P Fanning, A. McKay and K. Wright-Revolledo . . (2005b) Monitoring the Diversity of the Poverty Outreach and Impact of Microfinance: A Comparison of Methods Using Data from Peru. Development Policy Review, 2005, 23 (6): 703-723de Mel, S., McKenzie, D. Woodruff, C. (2008) Returns to Capital in Microenterprises: Evidence from a Field Experiment. Quarterly Journal of Economics, 123 (4), p.1329-1372.Deaton, A. (2010). Instruments, Randonmization, and Learning about Development. Journal of Economic Literature 48, pp.424-456.Dercon, S. and M. Kirchberger (2008) Literature review on microinsurance. In collaboration with Jan Willem Gunning and Jean-Philippe Platteau. ILO Microinsurance Facility, Nº1.Desai A and Tarozzi J (2011) Microcredit, family planning programmes, and contraceptive behaviour: evidence from a field experiment in Ethiopia. Demography, 20 April.Diagne, A. Zeller, M. (2001) Access to Credit and Its Impact on Welfare in Malawi. Research Report 116. Washington, D.C., International Food Policy Research Institute.Dunford C (2010) What We Don’t Know That We Ought To. Microfinance Impact and Innovation Conference, New York City, October 22 2010Dupas, P and J Robinson, (2009) Savings Constraints and Microenterprise Development: Evidence from a Field Experiment in Kenya. NBER WorkingPapers 14693, National Bureau of Economic ResearchDuvendack M, Palmer-Jones R, Copestake J, Hooper L, Loke Y and Rao N (2011) What is the Evidence of the Impact of Microfinance on the Well-being of Poor People? DFID Systematic Review. University of East Anglia.Duvendack, M. Palmer-Jones, R. (2011) High Noon for Microfinance Impact Evaluations: Re-investigating the Evidence from Bangladesh. Working Paper 27, DEV Working Paper Series, The School of International Development, University of East Anglia.Duvendack, M. (2010a) Smoke and Mirrors: Evidence from Microfinance Impact Evaluations in India and Bangladesh. Unpublished PhD Thesis. School of International Development. Norwich: University of East Anglia. 31
33.Duvendack, M. (2010b). Smoke and Mirrors: Evidence of Microfinance Impact from an Evaluation of SEWA Bank in India. Working Paper 24, DEV Working Paper Series, The School of International Development, University of East Anglia.Elizabeth Dunn and J. Gordon Arbucke Jr, (2001) The Impacts of Microcredit: A Case Study from Peru. Report submitted to USAID AIMS ProjectFernando, J. L. ed. (2006) Microfinance: Perils and Prospects. London: Routledge.Foose, L (2010) Introduction to Social Performance. Microfinance Impact and Innovation Conference, New York City, October 22 2010Gertler, P Levine, D. I. Moretti, E. (2009) Do Microfinance Programs Help Families ., Insure Consumption Against Illness? Health Economics, 18(3):257-273.Goetz, A. M. R Sen Gupta, (1996) Who Takes the Credit? Gender, Power, and Control Over Loan Use in Rural Credit Programs in Bangladesh. World Development, 24 (1), p.45-63.Goldberg, N (2005) Measuring the Impact of Microfinance: Taking Stock of What We Know. Grameen Foundation USA Publication SeriesHeckman, J. J. Smith, J. A. (1995) Assessing the Case for Social Experiments. The Journal of Economic Perspectives, 9, 85-110.Holvoet, N. (2005) The Impact of Microfinance on Decision-Making Agency: Evidence from South India. Development and Change. 36(1), 75-102.Honohan, P (2004). Financial Development, Growth and Poverty: How Close are . Links in Financial Development and Economic Growth: Explaining the the Link. Edited by Charles Goodhart. London: Palgrave.Imbens, G. (2009) Better Late Than Nothing: Some Comments on Deaton (2009) and Heckman and Urzua (2009). NBER Working Paper No. 14896Johnson, S (2004a) The impact of microfinance institutions in local financial markets: a case study from Kenya. Journal of International Development, Volume 16, Issue 3, April .Johnson, S (2004b) “Milking the Elephant”: financial markets as real markets in Kenya. Development and Change, Vol 35 (2) April.Johnson, S. (2005) Gender Relations, Empowerment and Microcredit: Moving Forward from a Lost Decade. European Journal of Development Research. 17(2).32
34.Kabeer, N. (2005) Direct Social Impacts for the Millennium Development Goals. Chapter 5 in Copestake, J., Greeley. M., Johnson, S., Kabeer, N., Simanowitz, A. Money with a mission. Microfinance and poverty reduction. London: Intermediate Technology Publications.Kabeer, N. (2001) Conflicts over Credit: RE-evaluating the Empowerment Potential of Loans of Women in Rural Bangladesh, World Development, 29(1):63-84.Karlan D and Appel J (2011) More Than Good Intentions: How a New Economics is Helping to Solve Global Poverty. Dutton AdultKarlan, D. Zinman, J. (2010). Expanding Credit Access: Using Randomized Supply Decisions to Estimate the Impacts. Review of Financial Studies, 23 (1), p.433-464.Karlan, D, Goldberg N and J Copestake (2009) Crossfire: are randomized control trials are the best way to measure impact of microfinance programmes and improve microfinance product designs? Enterprise Development and Microfinance 20(3).Karlan, D. S. (2001) Microfinance Impact Assessments: The Perils of Using New Members as a Control Group. Journal of Microfinance, 3 (2), p.75-85.Khandker, S. R., (2005) Microfinance and Poverty: Evidence Using Panel Data from Bangladesh. The World Bank Economic Review, 19 (2), p.263-286.Kondo, T., Orbeta, A., Dingcong, C. Infantado, C., (2008) Impact of Microfinance Rural Households in the Philippines. Ids Bulletin-Institute of on Development Studies, 39 (1), p.51.Leamer, E. E., (1983) Let’s Take the Con Out of Econometrics. The American Economic Review, 73 (1), p.31-43.Leatherman, S, Metcalfe M, Geissler K and Dunford C, (2011) Integrating microfinance and health strategies: examining the evidence to inform policy and practice, Health Policy and Planning 2011;1-17Mayoux, L. (2001) Tackling the Downside: Social Capital, Women’s Empowerment and Micro-finance in Cameroon’. Development and Change. 32, 421-450.Micro Save (2010) Research Methodologies: A Closer Look at the Research behind Portfolios of the Poor: How the World’s Poor Live on $2 a Day. PoP Briefing Note # 4, May 2010 – Micro SaveMorduch, J., (1998) Does Microfinance Really Help the Poor? New Evidence from Flagship programs in Bangladesh. Unpublished mimeo.Morduch, J. (1995) Income Smoothing and Consumption Smoothing. Journal of Economic Perspectives. 9(3), p.103-14. 33
35.Nino-Zarazua, M. Copestake, J. (2009). Financial Inclusion, Vulnerability and Mental Models: From Physical Access to Effective Use of Financial Services in a Low-income Area of Mexico City. Savings and Development. 32(4), 353-80.Odell, K (2010) Measuring the impact of microfinance: Taking another look, Grameen Foundation Publication Series.Pitt, M. M. (2011a) Overidentification Tests and Causality: A Second Response Roodman and Morduch”. http://www.pstc.brown.edu/~mp/papers/ to Overidentification.pdfPitt, M. M. (2011b) Response to Roodman and Morduch’s “The Impact of Microcredit on the Poor in Bangladesh: Revisiting the Evidence”. Available at: http://www.pstc.brown.edu/~mp/papers/Pitt_response_to_RM.pdf.Pitt, M. M. and S. R. Khandker, (1998) The Impact of Group-Based Credit Programs on Poor Households in Bangladesh: Does the Gender of Participants Matter? Journal of Political Economy, 106 (5), p.958-996.Pitt, M. (1999) Reply to Jonathan Morduch’s ‚Does Microfinance Really Help the Poor? New Evidence from Flagship Programs in Bangladesh`. Unpublished mimeoPritchett, L. (2009) The Policy Irrelevance of the Economics of Education: Is “Normative as Positive” Just Useless, or Worse? IN Cohen, J. Easterly, W. (Eds.) What Works in Development? Thinking Big and Thinking Small. Washington D.C., Brookings Institution Press.Ramalingam, B (2011) Learning how to learn: eight lessons for impact evaluations that make a difference, ODI Background Note, April 2011Roodman, D. Morduch, J., (2009) The Impact of Microcredit on the Poor in Bangladesh: Revisiting the Evidence. Center for Global Development, Working Paper No. 174, June.Roodman, D (2011) David Roodman’s Microfinance Open Book Blog, at, http://blogs.cgdev.org/open_book/Rosenberg, R., (2010a) Does Microcredit Really Help Poor People? CGAP Focus Note, No. 59.Rosenberg R (2010b) Thoughts on over-indebtedness research. Microfinance Impact and Innovation Conference, New York City, October 22 2010Rutherford, S., (2001) The Poor and Their Money. New Delhi: Oxford University Press.34
36.Scheffer, M., (2009) Critical Transitions in Nature and Society. Princeton: Princton University Press.Sebstad, J., Neill, C., Barnes, C. Chen, G. (1995) Assessing the Impact of Microenterprise Interventions: A Framework for Analysis. Washington, DC, USAID.Sen, A. K. (1999) Development as Freedom. Oxford: Oxford University Press.Stewart, R, Van Rooyen C, Dickson K, Majoro M and De Wet T (2010) What is the Impact of Microfinance on Poor People? A Systematic Review of Evidence from Sub Saharan Africa, Technical Report, London, EPPI-Centre, Social Science Research Unit, University of London.Subramanian, S. Sadoulet, E. (1990) The Transmission of Production Fluctuations and Technical Change in a Village Economy: A Social Accounting Matrix Approach. Economic Development and Cultural Change. 39(1), p.131-73.Tedeschi, G. A., (2008) Overcoming Selection Bias in Microcredit Impact Assessments: A Case Study in Peru. Journal of Development Studies, 44 (4), p.504-518. 35
37.Appendix 1: Causal Pathways andWellbeing IndicatorsThere are many pathways through which effects of MF can impact positivelyand negatively on indicators of well-being. The diagram below follows a simpleexplanation of credit (or accumulation of savings) easing capital constraints for asole borrower allowing productive investment to generate income, profits or outputs.Indeed most research into the impact of credit on income and poverty is framed inthis way, with relatively simplistic models that link credit to an exogenous ’treatment’that lead to outcomes through effects on livelihoods and inter personal relations.Figure 1 follows Duvendack et al. (2011) in separating MF inputs (blue) which leadeffects (orange) which in turn will lead to positive/negative wellbeing outcomes (red).The simplest theories of microcredit impact assume the borrower is the soleoperator of a single income generating activity, the output of which is constrainedeither by lack of capital or by the high marginal cost of credit relative to its marginalreturns. Easing the capital constraint permits the operator to increase output, netincome and hence their welfare (de Mel et al., 2008). Their ability to borrow, or debtcapacity, depends on the capacity of actual or potential income from the businessto meet borrowing costs.36
38.Figure 1: Causal PathwaysSource: Duvendack et al. 2011A more comprehensive causal framework takes into account that debt capacity isalso bound up with business vulnerability, risk and uncertainty. In the absence ofinsurance services credit not only eases the capital constraints but can serve as amechanism for spreading risks. For example, access to credit (even if not actuallytaken up) can raise income by reducing the management of risk through livelihooddiversification (Diagne, 2001). Borrowers’ imperfect knowledge and limitedcomputational capacity means that new forms of credit may have an importantimpact on the mental models that guide their business decisions (Nino-Zarazuaand Copestake, 2008). More generally, research into the psychology of borrowing 37
39.among poor people is fundamentally challenging the cosy neo-liberal assumptionthat credit is unlikely to do harm on borrowers because if it did then they wouldn’thave borrowed in the first place or come back for more loans (Rosenberg, 2010b).A further complication arises because poor people’s management of livelihoodrelated resource allocation, risk and uncertainty cannot be separated fromdecisions about household reproduction (e.g. Gertler et al., 2009). As a factorin the management of diversified and seasonally volatile “household economicportfolios” (Sebstad et al., 1995) the impact of credit on the cost of consumptionsmoothing may be as important as its impact on enterprise promotion (Morduch,1995; Rutherford, 2001; Collins et al., 2009). Because portfolios are co-producedby household members both credit transactions costs and the potential benefitsof credit can also profoundly affect intra-household relationships, including thegender division of labour, income and power. Induced changes in social relationsinside and beyond the household are also associated with important changes inindividuals’ aspirations and understanding (e.g. Mayoux, 2001; Johnson, 2005;Hoelvet, 2005).Since changes in credit relations have direct effects on all aspects of poorpeople’s households (and indeed wider kinship and neighbourhood networks)theoretical pathways can readily be traced, at least in theory, from credit to almostany indicator of individual socio-economic status or human well-being (e.g. Kabeer,2005). For example, improved access to credit for cash crop production controlledby men may result in reallocation of resources away from food crop productioncontrolled by women with adverse effects on their children’s nutrition. Likewise,improved access to credit for women’s trading activities raise the opportunity costof their time with possible adverse impact on child care. Empirical testing of multiplepathways (e.g. using structural equation modelling) is relatively rare, perhapsbecause the lines of causation are so complex, with many relevant variableshaving both intrinsic and instrumental value (Sen, 1999). It cannot be assumed,for example, that credit impact is only mediated via its effect on business income:direct relational, attitudinal and cognitive effects on individuals can be equallyprofound (Chen and Mahmud, 1995). One potential response to this suggested byScheffer (2009) is to regard the household economy as a complex dynamic systemand credit as a variable capable of triggering critical system transitions.38
40.Despite these complications, most research into the impact of credit on povertycontinues to be framed by relatively simplistic causal models that link credit asan exogenous ‘treatment’ on individual borrowers to one or more indicators ofwell-being mediated via induced effects on household livelihoods and inter-personal relations. An alternative approach (not covered by this paper) is toexplore the effect of aggregate changes in financial systems on higher units ofsocial organisation, from villages to national states. For example, credit supplymay be treated as a resource constraint on a multi-sector input-output model, withdistributional effects on poor people identified through use of a social accountingmatrix (e.g. Subramanian and Sadoulet, 1990). Alternatively, simulation models orcross-country multiple regression analysis can be used to explore the link betweencredit and indicators of national performance such as GDP which in turn have ,testable relationships with poverty (e.g. Honohan, 2004). An important example ofthis approach established positive links between rural credit expansion in India,district level growth performance and associated changes in poverty incidence(Binswanger and Khandker, 1995; Burgess and Pande, 2005).In summary, the theoretical case for microcredit rests on the potential for jointliability and other innovations by MFIs including individual liability with jointmonitoring, to resolve issues such as adverse selection and moral hazard andreduce MFI transaction costs. Mitigating financial intermediation constraints couldleads to expansion of economic activities, higher net returns to household assets,and higher income Furthermore, subsequent theory expanded on positive andnegative potential relational, cognitive and attitudinal impact of access to credit.Higher net returns to household assets may, of course, be goods in themselves,and may also lead to human developments which are income elastic. In so farthat credit is successfully targeted on women, it may benefit them specifically,and by enhancing their status and empowering them, and may beneficially affectthe pattern of household resource allocation, particularly benefitting children,especially females, at least in some patriarchal societies (Hashemi et al, 1996).These assumptions can be contested on the grounds that improved returns toassets, especially labour power and entrepreneurship, are neither necessary norsufficient grounds for improvements in health and education developments, maynot exist, or may anyway be captured by males (Goetz and Sen Gupta, 1996;Kabeer, 2001, 2005b). 39
41.40 Appendix 2: Summaries of Summaries Review No. of Studies General conclusion on wellbeing Future Agenda reviewed Effects Outcomes Odell 17 (+) microbusiness • No clear impact More understanding needed of; (2010) • business ownership • Causal pathways Microcredit • investment • inks between better business investments and L and savings • profits outcomes. • On impact on microsavings • Macroeconomic effects of MF Stewart 15 Mixed impact on • ( - ) Microcredit on incomes • More caution needed given potential to do harm. (2010) business wealth. • (+) Microcredit on incomes • hetoric around MF is problematic (too much R Microcredit ( • +) Household accumulation of assets optimism and a lack of engagement with the and savings and expenditure. evidence). • (+) Vulnerability • ngagement with the causal pathways needed E • (+) Health expenditure for better designs of interventions. • (+) Food security • eflecting microcredit potential harmful outcomes R • Mixed impact on education more focus should be given to microsavings and • Mixed impact on empowerment less to trying to reach the poorest groups. • No evidence of increased job creation. Duvendack 58 Most tests gave some positive • o clear impact on income, poverty or N • references conclusions that there is very little P et al., effects e.g. some evidence on empowerment evidence for impact. (2011) Microcredit (and increased business activities • uggests that it may be time to seek alternatives S microcredit + and ++) (RCT, Pipeline studies) to microcredit. | 73,388 | 28,378 | 0.000036 |
warc | 201704 | An adventure holiday gave Sydneysider Ashley Newland all the impetus he needed to invent a way to revolutionise the camping industry.
His bright idea, the Scrubba washbag, is described as the “world's smallest washing machine”. Since launching, the lightweight wash bag has been sold to tens of thousands of travellers worldwide.
Devised over Friday night after-work drinks with a travelling mate, Newland hatched the idea as an ultra-light luggage solution for an upcoming trip to Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
“I really was only going to be able to take two or three changes of casual clothes, which meant doing washing every day or every couple of days and that led to the next problem of what I would do if there were no facilities, no sink,” Newland said.
“I thought I could get around the sink problem by taking a giant ziplock bag.
“A couple of days later I had the revelation that washboards have been around for centuries and they work, but they're not a practical item to take backpacking around the world.
“So I had the idea if we could make a flexible washboard in a sealable waterproof bag then we could actually change the way people travel.”
The idea took hold and Newland found himself trawling Adelaide's $2 stores to assemble a prototype. Using a flexible dishdrainer and a generous amount of glue, the early model Scrubba was born. Newland road-tested it in Africa and then later, Europe and South America.
“The first time we used it was in a small town called Moshi near the base of Mount Kilimanjaro,” he said.
“So we put our clothes in, some water, a bit of body wash and rubbed the clothes and were quite amazed when we tipped out the water and it was quite murky.
“That was the moment we realised we might actually be on to something here.”
Newland quit his job as a patent attorney in Adelaide and came home to Melbourne to work on Scrubba full time.
If we could make a flexible washboard in a sealable waterproof bag then we could actually change the way people travel.
Friends thought he was crazy to exit a career in law for an unpredictable future as an inventor, but Newland was convinced there was an exciting future ahead.
However when his approaches to two major camping companies failed to produce a licensing agreement, Newland's outlook changed.
“At that point I realised we needed to prove this in the marketplace,” he says.
“We needed to manufacture, market, start distributing and then at that point we'd be able to go back to those companies and say, 'Hey this is working. Do you want to licence it now?'.”
To prove the product could hold its own, Newland launched a three-month crowdfunding campaign hoping to raise $2500. The result was a whooping $25,000, which allowed Newland to produce the first batch of Scrubba wash bags and invest in branding and public relations.
Newland also used his expertise in patent law to secure patents in Australia and New Zealand, and patents pending in another 52 countries.
Scrubba ticks all the boxes for uniqueness, solid branding and attractive packaging, according to INNOVIC's director of commercialisation Richard Milne.
INNOVIC is a non-profit organisation helping more than 1800 innovators each year turn their inventions and ideas into business realities. Yet despite the wealth of ideas from Australia's entrepreneurs, the road to success is found by only a few inventors.
“Less than 10 per cent of all inventions reach the final stages of commercialisation - it's difficult and risky,” Milne says.
“Innovators have to test their viability and validity of their concept, and work out whether it's new or someone else has already done it.”
Yet Newland remains confident camping retailers will see the value in his product and says Scrubba, which sells for $64.95, is on the verge of being picked up by big US camping retailers.
Brad Slater, general manager of Dometic, an international supplier of goods to the recreational vehicle and marine industries, says new innovations such as the Scrubba have dramatically changed the camping industry and will continue to do so.
“Portable showers, washing machines and refrigerators have all been game-changers,” he says.
“Once upon a time people might not have showered for days when camping but now they want to be comfortable, which has seen the rise in demand for portable showers and washing machines.”
Any new invention for campers, no matter how high-tech, has to be lightweight, Slater says.
“Compact design is key because you are taking it all with you. You cannot take a 75-kilo washing machine, so camping drives the need for compact, innovative products.” | 4,763 | 2,275 | 0.000455 |
warc | 201704 | 4 October 2016 BusinessGreen, a leading source of news for sustainability executives, visits Smurfit Kappa Roermond Mill, where it has closed the resource loop and created additional income streams
The article below was published by Business Green on 29 Sept 2016
There aren't many global businesses which can justifiably claim their operations produce no waste whatsoever - i.e. that all unwanted resources are reused, recycled or used to produce energy, if not avoided altogether in the first place.
Earlier this year, confectionary company Mars claimed to have achieved the feat at all its global factories, while consumer goods giant Unilever has also recently announced 600 of its sites worldwide had stopped sending any waste to landfill, covering all of its operations in Europe. On top of the obvious environmental and reputational benefits, Unilever said cutting down on waste has helped contribute to cost savings of around €200m.
But although its lack of consumer brands make it far from a household name, another global, multi-billion dollar manufacturing behemoth is also setting impressive standards further up the supply chain in the race to drive down waste.
Based in Dublin but with operations spanning most of Europe and beyond, packaging giant Smurfit Kappa - which boasts major names such as P&G and Nestle as customers - is renowned within business and supply chain circles for its work on sustainability and closed loop systems.
The firm has been reporting to the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) for a decade and is also a member of both the UN Global Compact initiative and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). | 1,673 | 937 | 0.001076 |
warc | 201704 | Question
Campbell Soup Co. (CPB) paid a $0.632 dividend per share in 2003, which grew to $0.76 in 2006. This growth is expected to continue. What is the value of this stock at the beginning of 2007 when the required return is 8.7 percent?
Answer to relevant QuestionsConsider a firm that had been priced using a 10 percent growth rate and a 12 percent required return. The firm recently paid a $1.20 dividend. The firm has just announced that because of a new joint venture, it will likely ...Suppose that a firm’s recent earnings per share and dividend per share are $2.75 and $1.60, respectively. Both are expected to grow at 9 percent. However, the firm’s current P/E ratio of 23 seems high for this growth ...Carnival Corp. provides cruises to major vacation destinations. Carnival operates 100 cruise ships with a total capacity of 180,746 passengers in North America, Europe, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, and New ...Can a company change its total risk level over time? How? Say you own 200 shares of Mattel and 100 shares of RadioShack. Would your portfolio return be different if you instead owned 100 shares of Mattel and 200 shares of RadioShack? Why?
Post your question | 1,205 | 697 | 0.001453 |
warc | 201704 | Question
The enzymes required to carry out transcription and translation are themselves produced through these same processes. Speculate which may have come first in evolution—proteins or nucleic acids—and explain your choice.
Answer to relevant QuestionsWhy can one not reliably predict the sequence of nucleotides on mRNA or DNA by observing the amino acid sequence of proteins? a. Give an example of a benefit of genetic engineering to society and a possible adverse outcome. Discuss. b. Give an example of an ecological benefit and a possible adverse side effect. Discuss. The way that PCR amplifies DNA is similar to the doubling in a population of growing bacteria; a single DNA strand is used to synthesize 2 DNA strands, which become 4, then 8, then 16, etc. If a complete cycle takes 3 ...From chapter 2, figure 2.20. Study this illustration of a cell membrane. In what ways could alcohol damage this membrane? How would that harm the cell? Figure 2.20 For the following figures 1–5, research the chapter to find an appropriate drug to treat an infection with the microbe shown, and explain what its effects will be.
Post your question | 1,164 | 665 | 0.00153 |
warc | 201704 | When it comes to hull design, a smooth-riding boat is not only more comfortable but is also safer
Seldom can the heart and mind be more at odds than when falling hard for a boat and then inspecting it closely with a practiced eye. Although I can’t help with the palpitations, I can point you in the right direction when you evaluate whether her function lives up to her form.The first opportunity you get to see how she’ll run through the waves is when you’re walking down the dock to have a closer look. You can tell a lot about how a boat will run by its hull shape above the waterline. Looking at it from ahead, if it has a broad entry you can rest assured this is not a boat to take offshore. A full, bluff entry will ride hard in a head sea and will tend to be wet with the seas forward of the beam.
Walk a little farther aft. If the chines run down below the waterline at station 4 or 5 (the hull is divided into 10 stations, station 1 at the bow at the waterline and station 10 at the transom), this is a hint that the hull has plenty of deadrise below in the forward half of the hull, where most wave impact takes place in a 25- to 35-knot planing boat.
If the chines are under water as far forward as station 2 or 3, you can expect a harder ride because this indicates less deadrise below. More deadrise produces a softer ride because the kinetic energy of the boat falling onto a wave is dissipated more gradually, which you feel as a smoother ride. The last thing you want to look at when it comes to judging a boat’s ride is its transom deadrise. Unfortunately, that is the one figure many salespeople know and quote when asked about the hull design. Unless you’re Reggie Fountain going 90 knots, it’s the forward half of the hull that matters when it comes to ride. A 30-knot boat with 24 degrees of deadrise will consume more fuel, be tender at rest, and will need a higher speed to get on plane. However, it’s the only way to go if you’re regularly running at 40-plus knots in rough seas, landing on the aft 30 percent of the hull every few waves. If you typically slow to 25 to 35 knots when the going gets rough and want to be able to run comfortably at semiplaning speeds of 15 knots or less in very rough water, a hull with 20 degrees of transom deadrise is more appropriate, given its superior efficiency and stability. The bottom line when it comes to hull design is that a smooth-riding boat is not only more comfortable but is also safer and lets you get on the water on more days each season, adding to the boat’s value and utility.
Seaworthiness
While you’re on the dock, note the boat’s freeboard. If you’re looking at one of those droop-nose bowriders, imagine how easily the bow will scoop up a wave or wake. Picture loading up the bow seating with passengers and slowing the boat quickly, such as when you’re coming up on a 3-foot wake. You’d better hope all the water that leaves the bay and enters the boat drains directly and rapidly overboard though a self-bailing cockpit’s oversize scuppers. The hull is there to keep the ocean out of the boat, so the more freeboard, the more seaworthy it is, all else being equal. A typical low-freeboard bowrider or ski/wakeboard boat is well-suited to a small lake and designed for calm water. The freeboard is low and deck water drains to the bilge since the deck is at or below the waterline. If you’re looking at a boat up to 35 or 40 feet, I would carefully consider whether it is unsinkable — whether it has enough foam injected into the hull to keep it from sinking if it is holed or a through-hull fitting fails. If the builder put in the extra work to make the boat meet level flotation standards, it has enough foam by volume, distributed high enough in the hull, to keep it afloat and upright in a swimming pool. However, do not expect even a foam-filled hull built to level flotation standards to stay upright in rough seas. No swamped boat will be able to avoid capsize because of the overwhelming upsetting moment created by the sloshing bilge water’s free surface effect. The advantage of a foam-filled hull is that someone will be able to come out and tow you back to port because some portion of it will remain above the surface for you to hang on to. The handles on the bottom of lifeboats are there for a reason — to give you something to hold on to while awaiting rescue. The other great thing about foam injected in the bilge is that it acts as a membrane to slow or even prevent water from filling the hull through a breach caused by, for example, hitting a rock. Water coming in through a crack in a non-foam-filled boat would soon overwhelm those puny bilge pumps, while foam might well slow it to a rate the pumps can keep up with.
Access
Note how easy it is to board the boat. You should be able to step aboard from a floating dock without any gymnastics. Either a side door or a swim platform with side-to access and a transom door is great, especially for older or less athletic boaters. If you were to fall overboard, could you get back into the boat by yourself? Look for a boarding ladder that you can extend into the water from the boat or from the drink. It should extend three or four full steps below the surface for easier climbing. Make sure shore hookups are conveniently located. For instance, if it’s an outboard, make sure the shore power, phone line and freshwater hookups are on the same side of the boat as the transom door so you don’t have to crawl across the motor well. Be sure you can reach the stern cleats without leaving the cockpit. A number of outboard boats have the stern cleats on the aft end of the hull, outboard of the motor well, which means the line handler will be tempted — and maybe asked by the operator — to go back by the spinning props to tie up the boat, which isn’t safe. Also, make sure the cleats are big enough. A good guideline is 8-inch cleats for up to a 30-footer, 10-inch from 35 to 40 feet and 12-inch to 60 feet. Look for a cockpit coaming height of 28 to 30 inches on a larger boat, more than 28 feet, and toe kicks around the perimeter to help you keep your balance when leaning against the coaming — or washboards if you spend time on lobster boats. Scuppers should be large, at least 1.25 inches in diameter if they drain through a hose. Hatch gutter drains should also be that large so they don’t clog with debris or fish scales. Imagine the deck with a foot of water in it and how long it would take to drain and how easily the drainage system might clog. If there’s a transom door, I like the outboard-swinging variety because you can more easily get it open to help drain a deck full of water. Also, measure the height of the deck to the waterline. If you’re on a 30-footer or bigger with a deck that’s just 2 or 3 inches above sea level, you’ll have precious little reserve buoyancy when you need it. Keep in mind that scuppers can drain water out of the bay and into the boat if the deck is submerged below the waterline — for example, when the deck is low to start with and you end up with too many fish and people aft. The higher the deck, the more reserve buoyancy, and the faster the water will drain under extreme conditions. My guideline is a minimum of 8 inches of cockpit deck height aft on a boat 30 feet and up, and a foot is better, since deck height plays a big role in how fast — and if — your deck will shed water.
Engine room
Both the bilge aft on an outboard and the lazarette and engine room on an inboard should offer comfortable access to the mechanical components. You should be able to get to both sides of both engines and the generator and, at the very least, be able to comfortably reach the oil dipstick, fuel filter/separators, raw-water strainers, seacocks, freshwater expansion tank fill and all other routine maintenance points. The fuel tank and engines should be removable without using a saw, with hatches provided for change-out when needed. If you have to cut the cockpit up to get to the fuel tank, figure on paying three times as much to replace the fuel tank and losing use of the boat for a much longer period.
Construction
You’ll see a lot of no-wood, no-rot advertising at boat shows, but I’ve seen all-composite, wood-free boats suffer catastrophic failures, such as decks coming loose from stringers and hull skins peeling off the bottom. I’ve also seen pressure-treated plywood (the green kind that you can bury in dirt without ill effect) reinforced hulls go for 20 years without trouble. The lesson is that there are many good ways to build a boat and just as many ways that produce unsatisfactory results. There is a wide range of acceptable boatbuilding methods and materials, and there are costs and advantages associated with each. The foam traps moisture against the tank, which can cause corrosion. My advice is to avoid boats with foamed-in fuel tanks, whether aluminum or another material. Rather, look for aluminum tanks that are installed with room for air to circulate all around the outside, so any water that gets on the tank will drain away.
Helm
There is no area of a powerboat that is more important yet more neglected by many builders than the helm station. Fashion usually drives the design bus, with the result a confusing mess of gauges, switches and electronics. For example, the port engine temperature gauge is two or three feet away from the starboard engine’s gauge, when ideally they would be arranged vertically in a pair so you can see early on when one engine starts having trouble. For an idea of what the ideal helm station should look like, your car will be instructive as far as reach and sightlines go. Even better, take a close look at the driver’s position next time you ride a bus. Controls should be comfortable to reach and use, electronics at arm’s length, gauges in clear sight. Sitting at the wheel, you should be able to see over the bow without interfering decks or electronics consoles. Window mullions should be a maximum width of 2 to 3 inches, since the goal is to be able to see the horizon unobstructed without moving your head. If the boat has a 20-inch-wide radar arch or one of those horizontal, sweeping Euro-style fiberglass panels between upper and lower side windows, then walk away before you get hooked on the ostrich skin settees and burl elm woodwork. Or if there are curtains back aft with more canvas than plastic windows, keep in mind that your situational awareness will be diminished. The less you can see around you, the less safe you and your family will be out on the water. When I get involved with a pilothouse design, my philosophy is to start with an unobstructed horizon, as if sitting on an open flybridge, and then require that the only impediments to visibility are structural elements, such as windshield and side window framing, which by the way never have to be more than 3 inches wide if your builders know what they’re doing.
Down in the cabin
Although the marketing materials might claim the boat sleeps six, it might only be true if everyone in the family is younger than 12 years old. Be sure to bring a tape measure to find out how long the berths are; 80 inches is ideal, and less than 76 is too short. Measure the headroom. This depends on boat size, but 80 inches is great, and less than 72 inches is pretty much unusable — and watch for low headroom at the companionway. While you’re measuring, the companionway should be a minimum of 20 inches wide; 24 inches is terrific. Be sure you can comfortably walk down the stairs to the cabin while facing forward. Many stairs are too steep, small and slippery to do so safely. The hatch overhead is there to let in air and sunlight — and, more important, to let you out in an emergency. Look for a hatch that’s a good 19 inches across inside — bigger is better — and be sure your largest family member will be able to escape through it. Also, there must be a way to get up and out the hatch, either by stepping on a berth or table, or with a fold-down ladder provided by the builder. If the boat has a midcabin, make sure you can get in and out of the berth without strain and that you don’t feel claustrophobic inside. If the boat has those cute bowl-shaped sinks, expect them to spill their contents when you hit your first sea heading offshore. Vertical-walled sinks are more spill-resistant and, therefore, more practical. Being able to see the horizon when standing at the stove makes things much more pleasant than a windowless cabin. Step inside the head and make sure you can sit and stand with plenty of elbow room. Check whether all surfaces are fiberglass for easy cleanup and to prevent mildew and rot. The drain should be on the downhill side of the deck; it sometimes is not.
Foredeck
Make sure the side decks are wide enough to safely walk forward to the anchor. Look for bow rails that are at least 28 to 30 inches tall and are strong and stiff enough to lean on. They should be directly above the outboard edge of the walkway to the bow, not project outboard of the gunwale, or forward of the stem or pulpit. In other words, you should be able to lean your thigh against the bow rail anywhere without being off-balance. The foredeck walkway forward should be reasonably level; the worst combination safety-wise is the express cruiser with a sloping ski-jump foredeck and a 20-inch bow rail, which is just high enough to catch and break your leg when on the way overboard. Go through the motions of tying up the bow line and dropping the anchor to see whether it can be done safely. Remember, the worst place to fall overboard when moving ahead is the bow, but few boats are designed to keep you safe up here. There’s much more to consider when buying a boat, but this is a good start. And above all, be critical.
If you own a pod-powered boat — Zeus, ZF or Volvo Penta IPS — I’d like to hear from you. Send a note to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and let me know about your experiences, good or otherwise, including reliability, cost, availability and quality of service, repair issues, and whether you’ve run aground or damaged the pods and what the outcome was.
Eric Sorensen is a consultant to boat- and shipbuilders, boat owners, and to the government. He was founding director of the J.D. Power and Associates marine practice and is the author of “Sorensen’s Guide to Powerboats: How to Evaluate Design, Construction and Performance.” Eric can be contacted through his website, www.ericllc.com.
This article originally appeared in the March 2012 issue. | 14,875 | 6,602 | 0.000155 |
warc | 201704 | CANOEISTS and kayakers will be in the spotlight during a state-wide safety, education and compliance campaign by Roads and Maritime Services officers.
RMS acting director maritime Michael Wright said the full complement of Roads and Maritime boating safety officers would be out on the water randomly stopping people in paddle craft to check compliance with safety equipment, especially lifejackets.
“They will be helped by the new team of boating education officers who will be engaging with paddlers onshore at launching sites and special aquatic events around NSW,” Mr Wright said.
“The opportunity to reach out to paddlers in an operation like this is crucial to ensure they are operating safely. Owners of paddle craft are not required to register their vessel which means the channels of communication are limited and paddlers need to educate themselves about safety requirements.
“Paddle NSW estimates there are 70,000 canoeists and kayakers in NSW and that number is increasing each year.
“During the campaign, paddlers will be educated about the requirement to display lights at night, to keep clear of larger vessels and pass behind them, and to be mindful of vessel wash which could lead to capsize.
“They will also be reminded to keep right in a channel when navigating on the water and to always maintain a proper lookout.
“It is particularly important when paddling solo to wear a life jacket, advise someone of where they are going and when they are due back,” Mr Wright said. | 1,540 | 781 | 0.001322 |
warc | 201704 | We will talk about what’s inside, how it will improve your energy, stamina and libido. Then I will explain each of the 100% natural ingredients and make sure that you are fully educated and understand exactly what the product can do for you.
At that point, you should be prepared to make an educated decision, and not one based upon marketing hype. I imagine that since you are reading this page, you have heard about Spartagen XT and are at least curious about it’s effectiveness. Heck you’ve maybe even watched a video about it. Most of the videos I’ve watched aren’t even from people who have used Spartagen XT themselves.
But I’m also pretty sure that you are still be on the fence if this is a good product for you. With all of the information out there trying to mislead you, it is hard to know who to believe. I’ve been there, and I understand your skepticism, but for now let’s jump into my story and let me share what I think of Spartagen XT and what I have learned after taking it for a couple of months.
So here we go… it all started a few years ago when I was in my early 40s. I started to feel like I was not as energetic as I had been, even in my mid 30s. I mean, I can recall being 34 years old and actually feeling like I was in the prime of my life, which looking back I probably was.
I had a great job, I worked out a lot and I felt and looked great. While everything wasn’t perfect it was a really nice time in my life. I knew I could do anything, and was still playing lot’s of sports against guys in their 20s and I was doing great.
I never felt like they were quicker, or more in shape or more athletic. Heck with my experience, and my still decently in shape body, I was actually beating them to the basket and scoring with ease. It was great. And that is what I wanted to get back.
Then, one day I looked in the mirror and noticed I just wasn’t the same guy anymore. I had stopped playing sports, I wasn’t feeling great all the time, and my energy, focus and stamina were down at levels I had never experienced before.
I couldn’t help but wonder what was happening. I mean, I am realistic and know I am not going to be young forever, but the downhill decline was much steeper than I was ready for. I knew I had to do something, so I started reading about what happens when men age.
I had heard about women getting menopause, but I had no idea that men had the same response, but in this case it’s a decline in testosterone, commonly known as andropause. And after looking around at most men my age, and even talking to a few long time friends, it seemed that most people just decided that this was normal and they were just going to accept it and move on.
Not me. I wasn’t ready to just move on the corresponding lack of energy, stamina and even libido. I wanted to feel young again. Obviously, I would never feel like I did in my 20s and 30s, but I wasn’t ready to feel like an old man either. I mean, being over 40 didn’t mean I had to let myself feel old or stop doing things that I enjoyed doing.
It turns out, the low energy, lack of libido, lack of stamina and even a decrease in lean muscle mass could all be explained by having low testosterone. So it wasn’t necessarily that I was older, it was my body was slowing down it’s natural production of free testosterone. The more I found out about low testosterone, and some of the actual dangers it can cause, I knew I needed to take action.
So at this point, I started researching natural supplements. I saw all sorts of crazy ads, read all sorts of outrageous claims and felt overwhelmed by all the options and information. I am sure you know what I am talking about, and feel the same frustration that I felt.
I actually tried a couple of products (not to be named here), but frankly they basically didn’t work and one of them made me feel even worse. I literally feel lousy after taking the recommended dosage. No thanks.
Obviously, I was getting discouraged and while disappointed in the results, I started feeling like even I was ready to be like most guys my age and just give up. I considered talking to my doctor about hormone replacement therapy or even getting testosterone via steroids, but I never felt like that was something I wanted to do to my body.
You hear about so many horror stories of people permanently damaging their bodies, and I wanted to find a natural and most importantly safe solution to my problem.
I was about to give up and just settle with having to feel this way, when a close friend I trusted contacted me and told me he had been using this new testosterone boosting supplement called Spartagen XT. He had been taking it for 3 few months and was pleasantly surprised with his results. With us being basically the same age, and knowing I was experiencing the same lack of energy, I decided I would give it try, but as usual I wanted to do more research.
After reading a few testimonials, and watching a few videos I learned that the product is safe and made from natural ingredients that have been quite popular throughout history.
Basically the the manufacturer claims that taking it daily will help return our testosterone levels to normal levels. This alone will help restore what makes a guy, feel like a guy. Plus it is made in the USA, in an FDA regulated facility which ensures the quality of the manufacturing process.
At first, I was a bit concerned at first that maybe it was just some scam, I decided to give it a chance once I saw all of the customer reviews, testimonials and the individual results from satisfied customers. Plus with the 100% satisfaction guarantee, I knew that I had nothing to lose. So I took a chance, and ordered my own three month supply to give it an honest and fair try.
I’ve been using it for a eight weeks now and I have to say I am very happy with the results. Of course, * the results described are not typical and will vary based on a variety of factors, but I still felt it was important to tell you my story so you can benefit from my knowledge. Again, the most important thing is that you decide for yourself if this is something that you think you will find beneficial. I know I did, but everyone is different.
OK whew, if you’ve read this far let’s continue with some of the normal basics, like what the product is and what are the ingredients. If you are like I was, you also want to know if it does really work, so we will discuss the results I experienced. I then will share with you how I felt after taking it for a few months, and ultimately how this can help you make an informed decision. Fair enough?
What Is Spartagen XT?
Spartagen XT is an all-natural, organic, dietary supplement that is manufactured in the USA by EdgeBioactives. Spartagen XT contains a proprietary mix of purifying, 100% natural ingredients that enrich your body and help you become happier and healthier.
What Ingredients Are In Spartagen XT?
OK, now for the scientific jargon…
Tongkat Ali 100:1
* This ingredient is claimed to bind itself to the normal sex hormone binding globulin so that globulin can’t attached to the free testosterone molecules, allowing your body to use them naturally.
Korean Red Ginseng Extract:
* This is supposed to signal the active release of the luteinizing hormone, which in turns signals the release of natural testosterone.
Butea Superba Extract:
* This is considered an aphrodisiac in many cultures and many claim that it increase androgenic activation.
Zinc 30mg:
* This does many things, and one of the benefits indicate that it can aid in helping to stimulate testosterone production in your body.
Chrysin:
* Is reported to help to inhibit the conversion of testosterone to estrogen and in many cases will increase your muscle growth, especially when combined with healthy eating and exercise.
Maca:
* An ancient a Peruvian aphrodisiac which some believe will prevent testosterone from converting to estrogen.
PLUS: Vitamin D 4,000IU, Vitamin E 80IU, Vitamin B6 12mg and Magnesium 50mg Does Spartagen XT Work, Plus Some Tips For You
While it’s recommended to take 2 capsules a day, I find that taking 1 with each meal (so 3 meals a day) has given me the best results as it makes digestion of the pills easier and more efficient for my body. Note: some people claim that 4 a day works, bu I am happy with my dosage 3 per day.
If you are able to, restart (or continue) your workout routine. You will be surprised at how great you feel and how quickly you will regain your lean muscle mass.
Make sure you take it for at least 2-3 months. You won’t start noticing the effects for a few weeks, so if you give up after just a month, you may miss out on actually achieving your results of feeling more energetic and alive.
If you do miss a meal or a dosage, it’s OK to take 2 with the next meal. Again the ingredients are not harmful and made from all natural vitamins, minerals and plant extracts, so taking a double dose is not going to cause any problems.
If taken by themselves the proprietary mix of ingredients all represent things that should * benefit me as a guy and are from 100% natural sources, which makes me feel great about my choice to include this in my normal routine.
Accept the fact that your sex drive is going to increase, heck you may even want to warn your partner that you are probably going to be feeling much more frisky so she is prepared for the new you.
* For me, I really did feel a pretty significant difference in my energy level and stamina. I am not sure how to test my various hormone levels, but like I said it sure felt like things were running better inside my body, so I guess that is what really matters anyways. I took this so that I would have more energy, feel younger and be more focused and for me, it did just that. Results will very, but that is why I like the refund policy. There is a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Simply put, if it doesn’t work for you, just ask for and receive a refund.
What I Like About Spartagen XT The active ingredients are safe, 100% natural and have been used by humans throughout history. EdgeBioatives has a proven track record and takes care of their customers. There is a rock solid 90 day risk free 100% satisfaction, money back guarantee. So if it doesn’t work for you, you have not risked anything. It can be bought for sale online and when purchasing more than one bottle there are savings up to 51%. It comes in discreet packaging, so you don’t need to worry about other people knowing you are taking this, it will be your own secret. Unlike dangerous steroids, there is no need to stop taking it after a few months. You can continue to take it as long as you continue to see and enjoy the benefits. The only side effects I noticed, were increased energy and stamina and an improved mood. What I Don’t Like About Spartagen XT As claimed, it does takes a couple of weeks to feel the results, no surprise just looking back I wish it had worked instantly. The *Price can be a bit expensive at $69 per bottle, but like most things in life, you get what you pay for. I wish I had started taking this sooner, luckily it arrives very quickly. Unfortunately it can not be bought in stores, but it is available in most countries, including the UK. Purchase Today & Get These 5 Free Bonuses Karma Sutra: The Lost Chapter The Spartan 300 Top Secret Workout Healthy, Happy and Hung Superstar Stamina Secrets 33 Innocent Words To Turn Her On I personally felt that the spartan bonuses titled: Spartan 300 Top Secret Workouts and The 33 Innocent Words To Turn Her On are the best part of the bonus package. Let me know which ones you find the most valuable.
Watch this video for more information:
The results seen in the video above are not typical and will vary based upon a number of factors. My Final Thoughts And Recommendation
I am very satisfied with this product and the results I achieved. I feel young, energetic and more alive, which is what I was looking for when I started this little adventure. While I almost gave up, I am glad that I took a shot and was able to find the results I was looking for. I am thankful that I am at least close to how I felt in my early 30s. I feel like I have a new lease on life and can positively say that I haven’t felt this great in years.
As a bonus, I haven’t had any negative, or nasty side effects or found anything harmful in the natural ingredients or recommended dosages and plan on continuing my usage as directed. * Many of the ingredients have been used throughout human history making this unique combination of natural ingredients something really special and worth trying for yourself. I give it my highest recommendation.
Reviewed by Dan Madden
Rating: 9.7
The Federal Trade Commission requires that I disclose any relationship I have between a product manufacturer or service provider when I write about a product or service. Here are the guidelines I operate under here Spartagen-XT.com: I am never paid to give my opinion. However, if you purchase a product through a link on this blog, you should assume I may get paid a commission. Also, keep in mind, Spartagen XT is not intended to treat, diagnose, prevent or cure any disease. | 13,367 | 5,895 | 0.000173 |
warc | 201704 | What is intelligence?
The knowledge that
I exist is consciousness. This knowledge used in relation to others is intelligence. We use the word intelligence to mean mental ability. Intelligence is a “potential”. For example we can test the eyesight of two people but if the person with superior eyesight is looking in the wrong direction his superior eyesight is of no value.
Our mind is continuously bombarded by thoughts. All thoughts are colored by the colour of our ego. Our thinking process is therefore “
I centric”. When the mind becomes purer thoughts are less “ I centric”. The traditional thinking process is that perception depends on purity of mind. However two individuals could hold different views based on their different experiences, different information, different values or different perception. Correct perception is ultimately the key. Data and information is available to a lot of people, it’s what inference you derive from the data that is important.
David Parkins at Harvard has shown that 90% of errors in thinking are errors of perception and not of logic at all. | 1,131 | 595 | 0.001745 |
warc | 201704 | I appreciate how important broadband is to residents and businesses in Wycombe. Fast, reliable broadband is now seen as the norm in an advanced economy, not a luxury. It underpins economic growth and allows us to function in a digital age.
Over 90 per cent of UK premises are now able to connect to superfast broadband, and we are on track to reach 95 per cent by the end of next year. This means that the UK has the highest superfast broadband coverage amongst the top five European economies. But I recognise that more needs to be done to ensure that all parts of the country have the access to the broadband they require.
I welcome Ofcom’s determination in tackling issues that may prevent this from happening. Ministers have noted its view that the current relationship between BT and Openreach will not deliver the country’s needs for more competition, better innovation and better service and they strongly support Ofcom in taking whatever action is needed to correct any competition problems.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport are clear that a more independent Openreach is needed to benefit consumers and the UK’s digital infrastructure. I share Ministers’ concerns that BT’s proposals do not go far enough and I think it is right that full structural separation remains an option.
We all know just how frustrating it is to have a bad broadband connection. Broadband is a modern necessity, and the Government is working hard to ensure that the whole of Britain has the broadband that it needs.
The House is currently debating the Digital Economy Bill, which among other things, aims to deliver better connectivity by providing every household. I will follow the development of this Bill in an effort to take our digital economy one step further. | 1,795 | 946 | 0.001076 |
warc | 201704 | Germany just as its Latin roots in the word Germanus which means ‘genuine’ truly proves its mettle in all the sectors especially education. Being the largest country in Central Europe and one of the influential economies of the world, Germany is trusted for its state of the art technology and higher studies.
But don’t let the Nazi era veil its grand historical regions and the unique cultural diversity.
Having higher studies in mind with immense passion for cars and technology,
studying in Germany is what you need to have as your next best shot! Not only does it have to offer you around 17,500 degree programmes as your higher study options but it also fascinates us with its nearly 400 higher studies institutions, about 120 equivalent universities, 50 art colleges and around 190 universities on administration and sciences, clearly shouting out a call to consider your study options in Germany.
Study levels varying from bachelors to masters to doctoral, Germany has got immense opportunities from disciplines of science, engineering, arts, music, theatre and many more.
There are about 16 Federal states in Germany that gets to decide over the country’s higher education laws and observe strict competency throughout making your
higher studies in Germany as not only cut throat but quintessentially to the best!
There is no denying the fact that if you wish to study in Germany then you are going to experience an education system which believes in unifying the learning with research. After all that’s what studies are! You study thoroughly and your learning out of it is what your research actually is!
Not only you are going to study your discipline but the rich culture and the society you are going to delve in will prove your stay in Germany truly worthwhile.
True that Germans love their language but never do the
universities in Germany compromise this language barrier at the cost of their global prestige on higher studies for students round the globe. There are over 350 universities that provide courses to be taught in English with due international credentials to your degree.
Majority of the higher education institutions being state financed with many of the German states ending the tuition fees in all public universities makes studying in Germany free for international under Graduate students. Though there are certain administration and per semester charges but these low costs certainly attract many international students to come study in Germany. The average cost of studying in Germany amounts to just US$10,520 per year, which is US$540 for school fees and US$9,980 for yearly cost of living.
There are almost 32% of the students from Asia opting to study in Germany.
Your studies in Germany will not only stand you apart to consider you by your future employers but will also prove to be an excellent opportunity to see through the grand metropolises, nature, beaches and not to forget the easy access to other neighboring cities of Paris and Rome.
So why wait and wonder? Contact ASAP our lovely consultants in Hyderabad to take you through Germany and help you see only the merits in deciding to choose to study in Germany. Why only merits?
Walk-in and check with our consultants and there are no de-merits in that?
Auther Bio
Sweta, a professional writer based in India, is presently working with one of India’s largest overseas education consultants focusing on
Studying in Germany. Related Posts : For more enquiries about admissions into universities abroad, send an email to Jonah@studyabroad365.com or call +2347037293057 | 3,616 | 1,741 | 0.000582 |
warc | 201704 | Tracey Um, 29, is a practitioner working on the NSPCC’s Letting The Future In project. She lives in east London with her husband Nick, who works in PR.
I often wake up before my alarm goes off at 7.30am to the sound of my neighbour repeatedly pressing snooze on their alarm – it’s so loud I can hear it through the walls! I check the news while making a berry, banana and nut smoothie as I like to eat healthily. I’m a sucker for shopping online at Asos, where I buy jeans, tops and flats that I don’t mind getting messy when doing art with the children I work with. I leave home at 8.45am for my short commute to work.
When I get to my office, I make a cup of black tea and wash some fruit to snack on. My role is to provide therapy for sexually abused children and young people aged four to 17 who may have also been subjected to physical abuse or neglect. They’re usually referred to us by their school or social worker but occasionally the family will approach us direct. For our initial meeting, we visit them at home with a parent or foster parent present, so it feels less threatening. It’s there we get an idea of what the family are like – the child is only with us for 50 minutes each week, so it’s important they’re supported at home.
After the initial meeting, we invite the child to look around our offices so that they feel prepared for the therapy sessions. When a child is sexually abused, issues can manifest in different ways; some children become anxious and depressed, others are aggressive, while some have trouble expressing their emotions and simply disconnect. There’s no real correlation between the extent of abuse and the way that the child feels, it’s more about the way the adult’s power was used against them. The children have usually gone through the court system, so we ask them if they want us to watch their videotaped evidence, so they don’t have to go through the upset of repeating it. If they’re awaiting trial, we don’t discuss it, so it doesn’t tamper with their evidence.
I didn’t realise how much energy some children use to keep this part of their life secret
I bring my lunch into work to eat between 12.30pm and 2.30pm, depending on appointments. Children can have up to 30 weekly sessions each as part of their intervention – we fill a jar with marbles and take one out each week so they know how many are left. Until I started working in this field, I didn’t realise how much energy some children use to keep this part of their life secret – they can start sessions being quite boisterous, so we encourage them to let off steam by throwing a ball around before we begin to work on the abuse. With younger children, we use role play or toys to help them convey what happened and their feelings. Many of the older children just want to talk. If we become aware of additional abuse during the sessions or feel the child is unsafe, we tell social services.
I’ve seen first-hand how much having a social worker can help – my mum went to Australia as a refugee from East Timor and had a great one who helped her to settle in. They remained in touch and I saw what a difference she made to my family so I decided to do a degree in social work. The upsetting things I hear can stay with me, but I’m lucky to have an experienced team that I can talk to so I don’t feel alone. I also make sure I don’t take work home by doing a yoga, dance or fitness class when I finish at 5pm.
Nick usually cooks – he’s gluten intolerant and I’m vegetarian so we have soup, salad or a stir-fry. I catch up with friends at the weekend, as I like to stick to my routine during the week. I relax by watching shows such as the US version of So You Think You Can Dance – nothing too heavy. We’re both Australian, so we take advantage of the UK’s proximity to the rest of Europe by going away once a month – I like having something to look forward to. I don’t ever have trouble falling asleep when my head hits the pillow at 10.30pm.
The NSPCC’s Pop Art Ball supports the vital services delivered by people like Tracey. Donate at nspcc.org.uk/popart | 4,251 | 2,088 | 0.000501 |
warc | 201704 | Thermocool Solutions Ltd - Bingley
We are an Air conditioning and refrigeration company based in Bingley Bradford providing services in Leeds, Bradford and surrounding areas.We supply our services to all businesses large and small including restaurants, shops, offices, nightclubs and more along with services for domestic customers.
Business Operation Hours
Monday
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM to
5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed
Service Type : Yes, this business serves customers at their Location
Emergency Services:Services are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week
Air conditioning in the workplace, restaurants, shops etc means employees and customers can feel the benefits of maintaining a comfortable environment. In addition to heating and cooling systems we will also provide heat recovery ventilation systems where appropriate. Research shows that working in an environment that is too hot make your performance and well being drop, and the heat recovery systems help to re- oxygenate the space that we work in.
With flexible temperature control and improved ventilation, air conditioning brings comfort and convenience to all types of premises. Please Contact Us for more information.ThermoCool Solutions Ltd was primarily set up to specialize in bringing energy efficient air conditioning solutions to retail premises.
This has now been expanded into the commercial/office field and all of the units installed come with an energy rated either A or B, so these system qualify for the government’s Capital Allowances Scheme where the total cost of the air conditioning and ventilation instillation can be off set against the end users taxable profits within the year of instillation.
Additional Information
ThermoCool Solutions Ltd provide a range of maintenance service packages. All Refrigeration & Air conditioning units need annual cleaning and maintenance to keep them running at maximum efficiency.
We offer on going maintenance service packages tailored to all the systems we install. We also provide maintenance packages to existing refrigeration & air conditioning systems. Our fully qualified engineers will undertake all required and preventative maintenance to give you trouble free use of your units.
Regular maintenance means maximum efficiency….Our systems offer fully guaranteed warranties as standard on parts for up to three years, dependent on manufacturers’ terms.
Talk to us today about your requirements and we can give you an idea of the level of maintenance required. We offer 3 main types of cover which each have different benefits and each package can be tailored to suit your individual needs.
Traditionally air conditioning has been considered both too expensive and too bulky for use in homes. The latest systems have been made much smaller and more attractive so they fit in perfectly with your home. The costs involved have also significantly decreased and we offer A Rated Energy Systems which have a reduced running cost that will save you money long term.
Air conditioning has taken on a higher profile within the public awareness, due to the introduction of units available at DIY warehouses, the public’s view of these products have been supported by improved comfort levels within offices, in the car and at public venues, these DIY warehouses offer inexpensive solutions but they can create an enormous amount of problems for the user, these systems are often pre charged with high pressure refrigerant which require an approved certified installer to carry out work, or at the very least the commissioning of this system that has been installed, unfortunately the industry is still unregulated despite the efforts from government bodies and the EU.
Many of these DIY systems use older technology and are less energy efficient, these systems are also less aesthetically pleasing and have a limited amount of styles available for the indoor units, also the pre-charged line installation requires a lot of flexible pipework to be coiled up at the rear of the outdoor units which spoils the final appearance of the installation.
Therefore a professionally installed system should be the preferred root for a discerning home user, it may appear that these costs of instillation are higher, but we do offer greater variety of indoor units manufactured by some of the world’s leading and most recognizable electronic companies.
There are of course many styles of units available from the plain white fronted unit to units which accept art work on their front panel and plasma style units, units can also be installed as a floor standing unit below windows in conservatories and cassettes can be sank into lofts of ceilings, which only require 300mm of void space.
All of the air conditioning systems that we install not only offer cooling function but also have a heating facility and because of the advanced inverter technology these systems are typically 5 times more effective than a standard central heating radiator.
Product and Services
English
Languages Spoken
Visa,Master Card,Cash,Check
Payment Options
2005
Year Established | 5,239 | 2,392 | 0.000423 |
warc | 201704 | Decisions: thrill seeking and other plans
Avoiding near-certain disaster is usually a better investment plan than recklessly jumping into situations.
06:33 14 July 2013
There are times when we might look over decisions of our past with regret, or wish we had a second chance to do things right. Lately people are still jumping off a bridge in Cumbria where someone previously died in a similar stunt.
We might wonder about the decision. In money terms, that could be the equivalent of taking hard-earned money and investing it in a company that has announced it is going bankrupt for example. Pay attention to some of these factors to try and avoid potential investment disasters:
Hold onto your money—that is counter-intuitive when it comes to investing since the whole idea is to spend money so that you can achieve a return on your
investment. Make sure you don’t invest when you’re feeling desperate, and if you can’t afford to lose the money completely, don’t invest it. Good investments take time to grow, and fast turnaround is never a guarantee because the higher rate of return is for higher-risk investments.
Keep an eye on the market—if you are investing in stocks keep an eye on the market. You might not have to spend a ton, but you also don’t want to waste your money by putting it in some obscure stock. The only way you’ll make a lot off that type of
investment is if it’s a new company with a good marketing team and a viable product. Do your homework before committing to such an investment, and as always consult a financial advisor.
Do not panic—it’s inevitable that you will lose some money if you are dealing with any kind of aggressive investment plan. This is when knowledge of the industry you invested in, as well as the company’s prior record should be considered. | 1,862 | 975 | 0.001066 |
warc | 201704 | Recent articles January 17 Governing Board to Meet in Tampa January 09 District Welcomes New Government Affairs Program Manager
August 14, 2007
The Southwest Florida Water Management District has declared a water shortage emergency for the Peace River/Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority’s reservoir and two Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) wellfields to help protect the drinking water supply for over 250,000 residents.
Executive order SWF 07-045 signed Monday by Richard Owen, deputy executive director of the District’s Division of Resource Regulation, will allow the authority to temporarily increase withdrawals from the Peace River to store in the reservoir and ASR wellfields.
The authority’s service area includes North Port as well as Charlotte, DeSoto, Sarasota and Manatee counties (Manatee County currently does not receive water from the authority.) The Peace River is the authority’s primary source to meet the drinking water needs of its customers and there are no other readily available alternative sources of water to meet demands. During periods of high river flows, the authority typically stores untreated water in its reservoir and stores treated water in its two ASR wellfields for later use during the dry season or whenever river withdrawals are not sufficient to meet drinking water demands.
When full, the authority’s reservoir stores approximately 625 million gallons of water. However, as of August 5, the reservoir only had 304 million gallons of water in storage. Meanwhile, the authority’s two ASR wellfields, which together store approximately 7.3 billion gallons, have essentially no water in storage.
The authority has estimated that, even if the Peace River’s flow were to return to normal for the remainder of the rainy season, the authority’s normal withdrawal schedule would result in it having only 1.2 billion gallons of water in storage by the end of the rainy season. Compared to a total storage capacity of more than 7.9 billion gallons, this is an extremely low water supply to begin the dry season.
Earlier this year, the authority’s board of directors passed a resolution declaring a temporary water supply emergency due to drought conditions. This resolution called for its member governments to enhance local water conservation education efforts, maintain and enforce local water restrictions, and promote rebates and other local water conservation projects.
The authority has now requested the District take emergency water shortage action, which will temporarily modify its existing water use permit. The modification will increase the maximum amount of water withdrawn from the Peace River from 10 percent of the average daily flow, as read at the Arcadia Station for the previous day, to 12 percent of the combined average daily flow as measured at the Arcadia Station, Horse Creek gauge and Joshua Creek gauge. However, the existing permit condition that forbids withdrawals when the average daily flow at Arcadia is less than 130 cubic feet per second remains in place.
Another condition of the emergency order requires the authority’s member governments to aggressively enforce the District’s one-day-a-week watering restrictions as well as any stricter local provisions.
The order is scheduled to expire on Aug. 29, 2007 unless it is rescinded or extended by District’s Governing Board or executive director. | 3,445 | 1,551 | 0.000659 |
warc | 201704 | Students can get stuck learning English when they find themselves studying very hard but not improving their fluency. This happens if there is too much emphasis on grammar, reading and vocabulary, and not enough on speaking practice.
Many adults who approach me online, have spent years studying English but are very hesitant to speak and feel very nervous about communicating. Conversation is a very popular option for many students who don’t need to pass exams, but who need English to get on in the world on a daily basis.
I prepare speaking courses that activate passive knowledge, build confidence, and enable smooth communication skills and fluency to develop. This involves building up vocabulary and enhancing the other skills of reading ,listening, writing and grammar.
As well as emphasising speaking via multi-media and brain-friendly materials, I encourage deep, autonomous learning by appealing to higher level thinking skills. I also provide asynchronous support by teaching students how to use internet resources and recording tools.
Last but not least, I incorporate a special social media course (English Out There) into each speaking programme so that students get practice speaking to online language partners.
You are no longer dependent on the presence of native speakers in your local area for fluency development. With your computer, skype, headphones and camera, you can have fun speaking English from your own home. | 1,452 | 787 | 0.001281 |
warc | 201704 | Is “philosemitism”—love of Jews—the opposite of “anti-Semitism” or is it a similarly charged apprehension of difference, expressed in a less toxic form? Two new publications—a fresh biography of George Eliot by Nancy Henry, and the paperback release of Gertrude Himmelfarb’s
The People of the Book—give new life to the debate over the world’s love-hate relationship with the Jewish people.
“Philosemitism” is a word that does not appear in Nancy Henry’s new, full-dress biography,
The Life of George Eliot. It would be hard to claim that its omission constitutes a shortcoming, however. Previous lives of Eliot—most notably Gordon Haight’s heretofore-definitive volume, first published in 1968—have for the most part maintained a formal stricture, promoted by the New Critics of the mid-20th century, that the literary critic must observe the supposedly clear boundary between the art and the life of the biographical subject.
This is more than made up for by
The People of the Book: Philosemitism in England From Cromwell to Churchill, in which historian Gertrude Himmelfarb shows how the seemingly innocuous notion of “philosemitism”—a positive feeling toward Judaism and Jews—originated in Germany as, in fact, a derogatory term in the mouths of anti-Semites (think “Jew-lover”). Himmelfarb’s thesis is that the glaring omission of “philosemitism” from contemporary discourse lends a kind of unjustifiable lexical monopoly to anti-Semitism and thereby “reduces Judaism to the eternal recurrence of persecution and the struggle for survival. It also has the effect of debasing Jews, ‘objectifying’ them, making them not subjects in their own right but the objects, if not of hatred and contempt, then of pity and pathos.” She even goes so far as to attribute a kind of curative or restorative power to the word “philosemitism” itself, which “may help counteract this ‘lachrymose’ view of Jewish history” and “put in perspective the recent resurgence of anti-Semitism throughout the world.”
This claim for the power (however virtual) of the word “philosemitism” is precisely where a larger problem emerges in Himmelfarb’s writing. Does she truly hope that a single resuscitated word can intervene constructively today in political discourse? Is her hope actual, substantial, or simply naïve? As if in search of more explanatory depth, Himmelfarb turns to literature as a source of examples and contending views. First she discusses works by Shakespeare, Dickens, Walter Scott, and Benjamin Disraeli, in which Jews appear as characters, to greater or lesser approval. Finally, she turns to George Eliot’s
Daniel Deronda as a defense and illustration of “philosemitism”—though it is exceedingly unlikely that George Eliot ever used or heard the term.
***
In
Daniel Deronda (1876), her last and most ambitious novel, Eliot tells two parallel stories: For roughly the first half of a 900-page text, strong-willed Gwendolyn Harweth struggles against the traps in which Victorian respectability stultified women; in the second half, a Jewish family, the Cohens, similarly ensnared in a British tradition of anti-Jewish prejudice and repression, attempts to live and fulfill the highest ideals of Judaism. Daniel Deronda links the two stories together. We learn that he has been raised as a ward of Sir Hugo Mallinger, who groomed him to become a Victorian gentleman despite the uncertainty of his bloodlines.
Tellingly, when Daniel Deronda at long last locates the Cohen family and meets the son Mordecai, the significance of the moment hinges on the chance discovery, in the shop where Mordecai works, of an old book that Daniel had been seeking for some time: Salomon Maimon’s
Autobiography. This “wonderful bit of autobiography, the life of the Polish Jew Salomon Maimon,” as George Eliot’s narrator states it, leads directly to Daniel’s first encounter with Mordecai, “a figure that was somewhat startling in its unusualness.” When Mordecai looked up from behind the counter to meet Daniel’s eyes, “the thought glanced through Deronda that precisely such a physiognomy as that might possibly have been seen in a prophet of the Exile, or in some New Hebrew poet of the medieval time.”
Mordecai, too, “recognizes” Deronda, saying: “You are a man of learning—you are interested in Jewish history?” Daniel allows that yes, he is “certainly interested in Jewish history,” and the “strange Jew” then asks him: “Are you of our race?”
Daniel, blushing, can only stammer, “No.”
Himmelfarb shows that the term “race,” as used in this context, is historically over-determined: a sign of multiple notions and origins, not reducible to “blood.” So, does George Eliot’s “love for Jews” and Judaism, as revealed in the 900-odd pages of
Daniel Deronda, reflect a progressive idea in the history of the diaspora? Or is her portrayal of Daniel, Mordecai, Mirah, and the Cohen family simply a nostalgic projection upon the thoroughly “Orientalized” faces of the contemporary English Jews around her?
Himmelfarb deftly answers this question in the negative by citing Hegel: Daniel Deronda (the supposed goy, a “perfect British gentleman” and social master) recognizes the dialectical, yet ample mastery that shines within Mordecai’s physiognomy. It’s not the troubling notion of “race” that drives the episode, she says, so much as it is a dialectical, spiritual-historical force whose emergence Eliot was among the earliest of moderns to perceive. By the end of the novel, Daniel Deronda’s “conversion” to—or recognition of—his own birthright culminates in a vision of a homeland for Jews in the Middle East, 20 years before the publication of Theodor Herzl’s Zionist manifesto,
Der Judenstaat.
Yet I would propose that the genius of
Daniel Deronda rests in its simultaneous evocation and suspension of one-dimensional views on politics, nationhood, and Jewish identity. In her insistence on writing the difficult, existential particularity of the Jewish faith, Eliot represents a kind of “Inconvenient Ruth”: a successor to the biblical proselyte. In the Book of Ruth, we learn that the Moabitess Ruth, having become the childless widow of Mahlon, chooses to accompany her mother-in-law Naomi on her return to Judah from Moab and to remain with her. When Naomi exhorts her to go home, she refuses, stating simply: “Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.” Paradoxically, the inconvenience of Ruth’s conversion derives not from a word, but from the living substance of hope and the ethical practice of Jewish faith. Ruth’s ingenuity and uprightness in the rest of her story—her marriage to Boaz and the reconciliation of the inheritance of Naomi’s deceased husband Elimilech—both prefigure the astonishing denouement of Daniel Deronda: a return to a metaphysical place where one has physically never been.
The tradition of “the exclusion of biography from literary criticism,” deftly invoked by Henry, prompts her to open this new volume with an informative overview of the methodological issues the biographer faces today.
She writes: “While the ‘death of the author’ hypothesis has been counter-productive to thinking about the importance of the author’s life to his or her writing, the concept of the ‘intertext’ is useful in ‘deconstructing’ the boundaries between the literary artifacts canonized as art and other forms of writing.” She then proposes a kind of “constructivist” approach (my term, not hers) as a method of offering “a new way to think about … the narrative of Eliot’s life.”
George Eliot herself, Henry shows, “was particularly mindful of the moral judgments on personal actions that might cloud the appreciation of the literary texts” and therefore protested vehemently against the Victorian tendency to blame an author for her or his moral flaws.
Himmelfarb, for her part, presents a wealth of historical context and detail, yet she prefers to avoid or gloss over the kinds of spiritual difficulty confronted directly and even embraced by Deronda, Mordecai, and by George Eliot herself. Instead, she holds out a version of Judaism subsumed in what remains, for her, a nostalgic notion—British philosemitism as some kind of verbal antidote to Jew-hating, then and now. Would that the real-world problems of anti-Semitism and Jewish identity might be solved so easily, by invoking one magic word.
***
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warc | 201704 | IT’S TIME we say it for what it is: in the 66th year of the Republic, in the week celebrating Republic Day, we the people of India solemnly give up our right to free speech and expression.
It cannot get starker than this. Non-bailable warrants are issued against eminent sociologist Ashis Nandy and, by vicarious extension, JLF producer Sanjoy Roy for a badly worded phrase; Kamal Haasan’s film is turned into a football; and Salman Rushdie is prevented from going to West Bengal. Behind them marches a long list of the bruised, the silenced and the banned: Deepa Mehta, Taslima Nasreen, Rohinton Mistry, James Laine, MF Husain, Aamir Khan, Habib Tanveer, DN Jha, bewildered professors, cartoonists, young girls, and hosts of others.
The growing assault on free speech cannot be overstated. For every high-profile case discussed, there’s a massive penumbral impact going unnoticed: people are cautioning themselves to become more careful of what they say or think: an immeasurable degree of self-censorship is kicking in. Here’s just one telling detail: festival producers are increasingly being forced by the police to sign documents undertaking no speaker will say anything to hurt anyone’s sentiments. The country’s art galleries are voluntarily following suit. Politicians, of course, are always eager to embrace this lazy and elastic position: I staunchly believe in the freedom of speech as long as no one hurts anyone else’s sentiments.
The tyranny of ‚Äúhurt sentiments‚ÄĚ has always dogged our society. But the speed and ubiquitousness of the media has magnified this in disturbing ways. Forget the possibility of genuinely disruptive art. There is almost no space (or forgiveness) now for even an imprecise line or half-baked thought. Nothing captures this bathos better than the Nandy incident. In the course of a larger argument, an academic with 30 years of scholarship on the underclasses, formulates a clumsy line at a literature fest. It‚Äôs instantly plucked out of context and misreported in the media. No one stops to ask why he‚Äôd make a remark so out of character, or what the context was. The informal ease of the
adda morphs dizzyingly into the glare of the public square. In minutes, his history is shorn from him. He becomes a casteist taunter. No one knows the real story, but everyone asks for arrests.
But the media ‚ÄĒ and the tornados it‚Äôs capable of ‚ÄĒ is merely a symptom. The real assaults on free speech lie elsewhere. Ironically, the keenest danger lies in our Constitution itself.
The Ashis Nandy Session at JLF ARTICLE 19 (A) of the Constitution enshrines our right to free speech. But Article 19.2 restricts it on the grounds of public order, morality and decency, security of the State, sedition, friendly relations with foreign countries, defamation, contempt of court and incitement to an offence. Unfortunately, these clauses are very loosely worded and have become a baggy hideout for weak governments. If we are to preserve our precious right to freedom of speech, then, we must debate 19.2 and narrow its meaning more precisely. Or insist governments emerge from its shadows.
Every assault on free speech today comes in depressing and predictable combinations. Some slice of a community somewhere claims a ‚Äúhurt sentiment‚ÄĚ. With an eye on electoral gain, governments across the political spectrum immediately invoke a ‚Äúpotential law and order situation‚ÄĚ and capitulate. Ordinarily, the rules of this should be self-evident. In a country of a billion plus, one citizen‚Äôs freedom is bound to be another‚Äôs hurt. But in a democracy, both hurt and protest ought to be expressed peacefully; intellectual disagreements ought to be fought intellectually; and peaceful offenders isolated through force of public opinion. Most crucially, governments ought to be able to
maintain law and order rather than constantly fear its imminent breakdown. But none of this is in evidence. Not one political party or government ever shows greater allegiance to Article 19 (a) than 19.2.
If we don‚Äôt want our society to be reduced to robotic dumbness, it‚Äôs imperative we shift the rules of the game now and drive some stakes in against humbug and bigotry. First, we must reclaim our right to offend. What can freedom of speech possibly mean without an attendant freedom to create discomfort? Free speech should be restricted only if it incites violence, urges discrimination, or is demonstrably defamatory. Clearly, speech can also be restricted if it urges a violation of other fundamental rights ‚ÄĒ for instance, the equal right of all Indian citizens to have access to justice, opportunity to work, travel within the country, worship peacefully, etc.
Other than that, it’s time we swallowed some confidence pills and sharpened our wits rather than wallowed in petulance. And leave our various gods to defend themselves. | 5,253 | 2,534 | 0.000425 |
warc | 201704 | New SAP Hybris Service Engagement Center Solution Incorporates Classic and Community-Based Engagement, Enabling Organizations to Embrace the Future of Customer Service MUNICH, Germany — June 28, 2016 — SAP SE (NYSE: SAP) today announced SAP® Hybris® Service Engagement Center, a new omnichannel cloud customer engagement solution that allows organizations to deliver convenient, contextual and relevant service experiences regardless of channel or device throughout the customer journey. This solution is now available in the United States.
Focusing on the needs of digitally connected and mobile customers, this latest addition to the service solutions in the SAP Hybris portfolio helps organizations engage with customers when it matters, seamlessly blending unassisted and assisted service with digital commerce — before, during and after the buying process. This announcement was made at the 17th annual Call Center Week Conference + Expo, taking place in Las Vegas on June 27–July 1, 2016.
“Customer service has obviously come a long way,” said Brian Walker, chief strategy officer, SAP Hybris.* “Once considered simply a cost of doing business, it has become integral to how companies engage their customers. This will become even more evident as companies evolve from selling just a product to also selling experiences that combine connected products and services, which begins to fundamentally transform their business models. And when that is combined with customers’ desire to find answers and support quickly — in most cases, via digital channels — it requires a new type of service solution. With SAP Hybris Service Engagement Center, we are addressing this market shift with a software-as-a-service solution that simplifies how the businesses and organizations we serve can support the changing needs of customers.”
A January 2016 Forrester report titled “Trends 2016: The Future of Customer Service” found that more than half of U.S. adults who shop online abandon their online purchases if they can't find quick answers to their questions — which SAP believes is clear evidence that customer service must evolve beyond traditional postsale customer support. Today’s digitally savvy customers who buy online and prefer convenient self-service expect immediate responses at any stage of their buying journey. To meet the expectations of these customers, businesses must be able to support them with relevant recommendations, reviews, peer-to-peer advice or technical guidance, and assist with any question they may have — all before they hit the “buy” button.
A New Era for the Call Center The software-as-a-service (SaaS)-based SAP Hybris Service Engagement Center heralds a new era in the evolution of call centers by addressing the challenges that result from the ongoing proliferation of interaction channels and customer touch points. By expanding the capabilities of market-leading SAP solutions for customer engagement and commerce, businesses are now able to offer low-touch “click-to-resolve” customer support, blending unassisted and assisted service in real time, while retaining an “in-context” online or mobile customer experience. The overall customer experience — from online search to catalog browsing, from reading reviews to asking questions, from finding community answers to requesting chat support — is frictionless.
On the agent side, the solution provides intelligent routing across all supported channels, with a unified, modern desktop that allows agents to respond to customer requests while retaining the customer context of the inquiry. Service agents can respond to community posts, assist with online purchase decisions, provide updates on previously placed orders, create sales orders for new purchases, perform troubleshooting or create service tickets. And with the existing service and ticket management, knowledge management and field service capabilities of SAP Hybris Service, businesses can now take advantage of a complete end-to-end service solution.
Additionally, through an integration with the SAP Hybris Commerce solution, service agents can support the buying process and answer customer inquiries at the point of purchase. With embedded sales order creation capabilities, every service agent can become a sales representative, satisfying the needs of returning customers and new customers alike. The solution also incorporates prebuilt integration with SAP Jam™ Communities, which provides community-driven customer service, Q&A forums and community-powered commerce. Customer service agents are able to directly respond to posts and access crowd-sourced content from the communities so customers can get the answers they need quickly, accelerating buying decisions and problem resolution.
SAP Hybris Service Engagement Center provides numerous benefits to organizations and customers, including: increased agent productivity and responsiveness; improved and accelerated online buying decisions resulting in increased commerce revenue and lower return rates; and reduction of overall customer service and support costs. | 5,222 | 2,292 | 0.000449 |
warc | 201704 | PARIS, France — Last May, French couple Céline and Julien brought their five-month-old son Joachim to the doctor after noticing he’d lost weight. Suspicious that the baby was a victim of abuse, the doctor reported the couple to the authorities. Soon, Joachim was taken from his parents’ custody.
This sounds like admirable vigilance on the doctor’s part, until you go deeper. According to reliable sources, there was no evidence of abuse or neglect (as cited here). The reason why Joachim was taken from his parents is that his mother (who wasn’t breastfeeding or having Joachim follow her diet) is a vegan.
This is, fortunately, an extreme reaction. But as someone whose eating habits are affected by Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), as well as certain moral choices, I can say from experience that in France, any diet that veers from the French norm is usually viewed with miscomprehension, mistrust, and even anger.
When it comes to food, France is rife with paradoxes. The most well-known is probably the seeming mystery of how the French can eat rich food, but have such a low obesity rate. A more insidious contrast is the fact that in one of the most medically advanced countries in the world, many food allergies, intolerances, and dietary regimens are barely recognized by doctors, and are generally met with a lack of understanding and acceptance by the average citizen. Whether you’re lactose intolerant, eating an ethically motivated diet, or suffering from relatively newly discovered conditions like IBS or celiac disease, you’ll likely have a hard time explaining to people why you can’t eat everything they do.
While allowances are usually made for religious practices, even relatively well-known dietary choices like vegetarianism are viewed with confusion and a lack of comprehension by French society in general. An estimated 5% of Americans are vegetarians. France isn’t far behind, with 2-3%. But whereas in most American restaurants you’ll find some kind of meat-free option, in a traditional restaurant in France, you’re extremely unlikely to find a vegetarian-friendly main course or even a side dish.
French culture doesn’t just celebrate food, it celebrates the idea of a meal. With the exception of an after-school indulgence for children, snacking is considered unhealthy. Three meals a day is the rule, and lunch and dinner ideally feature something from each food group. This is how it’s been in France for generations. Recently, when I made dinner for my French husband and visiting brother-in-law, the latter looked up from his plate of cavatelli pasta and broccoli and asked, “There’s no meat?” — a question echoed by my mother-in-law, when she called to say hello just after the meal.
It’s hard to be a vegetarian in France. But going vegan can get you into trouble with the law. The press and general population tend to view vegans as people who’ve made an inexplicable and unhealthy lifestyle choice. It’s often regarded the same way joining a cult would be.
In 2011, Sergine and Joel Le Moaligou were found guilty of the death of their infant daughter. As staunch vegans, they’d decided to have their daughter follow the same diet as they followed. At 11 months of age, she was fed only breast milk, was nearly five pounds underweight, and had severe vitamin A and B12 deficiencies. Obviously, this was an exceptional case; as can be seen both in France and in other countries with vegan communities, most vegans know how to feed their children responsibly. But in a country where this dietary choice is already looked upon unfavorably, the scandal created even more prejudice towards vegans, especially those with families.
Joachim’s parents are fighting back, and, somewhat surprisingly, it seems like many French people agree that taking their son from them was an extreme and unnecessary measure. This gives me hope for the little boy and his devastated parents. The family has set up a Facebook page and website (you can read the English version here) where they’re sharing their story and asking people to sign a petition in their support.
My own experiences make me think that French society isn’t likely to change its overall views about diet anytime soon. Vegan mother and blogger Miss Brocoli recently wrote, “Some think that telling their doctor they’re vegan is a militant act; for our part, we’ve chosen to abstain. Our son doesn’t currently have a pediatrician, because I got fed up with listening to recommendations for diversifying his diet, and having to lie.”
While my situation is very different from Miss Brocoli and those in her community, I completely relate; going to a doctor with a problem related to my IBS usually ends up the same way — not with a dialogue, but with a diatribe or a deaf ear.
This is the first of a series of articles that will explore the challenges of eating differently in the culinary wonderland of France. Alysa Salzberg is a writer and travel planner. She lives in Paris with a historical reenactor Frenchman and a cat who is, like herself, friendly but somewhat neurotic. | 5,226 | 2,567 | 0.000402 |
warc | 201704 | 1 of 3 Photos | View More Photos
MILLERSBURG -- When it got its start in 1941, Holmes Cheese was churning out 200-400 pounds per day. Today, the family business continues to make the same Swiss cheese, but at a rate of 70,000 pounds per day.
The business was started by Swiss immigrant Robert Ramseyer, who learned the cheese-making trade in the Old Country. He and his wife, Della, started their operation in Holmesville, where it remained until 1974, according to their son, Bob, who serves as chief executive officer for the business, now located just west of Millersburg.
"I was born into the business," said Ramseyer. "I've been active in the business since I was 15." After graduating from Ohio State University in 1960, he returned to Holmes County, where he took a full-time position with the business, in which he eventually became a partner.
He said his title now is more honorary, and he's turned over operations to his own son, Brian, who is president of the company.
Over the years, Ramseyer said he's seen huge changes in the industry and, consequently, how Holmes Cheese does business. He's seen the process go from cooper kettles producing wheels to stainless steel vats, each of which is capable of producing 1,200 pounds of Swiss cheese.
"I've seen a transformation in technology that's come in three-four different stages," said Ramseyer, noting Holmes Cheese remains focused on manufacturing, outsourcing its packaging and marketing to a Hiram company that has moved Holmes Cheese products into grocery and specialty stores all over the United States.
"We've always needed to advance in technology to stay economically competitive," he said. "Because of the economy of scale and efficiency of new technology, we're constantly advancing."
In 1982, the company added whey processing equipment to its operation. The whey goes through an evaporation and drying process that allows it to be converted into a powder form, which is used as a protein supplement that is sold and used in baking products, ice cream, candy bars, cereal and many other foods marketed for human consumption.
Several years ago, while the national economy was in a slump, the company was making major investments in its system, installing a bio-reactor wastewater treatment system.
"We want to be good neighbors. We want to be good stewards of the soil and water," Ramseyer said.
It's just another way the process has naturally evolved, he said. "I'm a firm believer that if you don't grow, you're going backward. You have to constantly invest in your business.
"We've always appreciated doing business in Holmes County," Ramseyer said of the family's continued support of the schools, educational opportunities, hospital and other fundraisers. "Holmes County is important to us as an employer and family."
And, the company's contribution to the county is well-appreciated.
"Bob Ramseyer epitomizes what is so special about the entrepreneurs in Holmes County as he took the reins of a family business and grew it to extraordinary levels," said Tom Wilke, executive director of the Holmes County Economic Development Council.
Ramseyer was able to do so by focusing on the quality of his products and embracing new technology, said Wilke. "Today, the Holmes Cheese plant is a model in efficiency and production while minimizing waste and pollution."
He further commends Ramseyer and Holmes Cheese for contributing to the economic welfare of others in the county.
"Bob has always sourced as much of his milk as possible from the local dairy farmers, thereby supporting the community and ensuring the success of other entrepreneurs," he said.
Further, the Ramseyer family has supported a variety of efforts, including those involving academics, athletics, kids and farming, said Wilke. "Holmes County is very fortunate to have Bob be a part of its business and local community."
Reporter Christine L. Pratt can be reached at 330-674-5676 or cpratt@the-daily-record.com. | 4,000 | 1,950 | 0.000519 |
warc | 201704 | A new study reveals how the amygdala is involved in controlling predatory behavior in mice.
January 4, 2012|
A roundup of recent discoveries in behavior research
Covering the life sciences inside and out
December 21, 2011|
The Scientist recounts the year’s top science prize winners and top-notch scientists that passed away.
December 16, 2011|
Find the perfect present for the devoted life scientist in your life.
December 7, 2011|
Prognostic signatures have become popular tools in cancer research, but it turns out signatures made of random genes are prognostic as well.
December 6, 2011|
A snapshot of the most highly ranked articles in ecology, from Faculty of 1000
November 29, 2011|
How next-generation sequencing technologies will drive a new era of research on non-model organisms.
November 29, 2011|
Let us know what you like about
The Scientist, and how we can improve our coverage of the life sciences.
November 8, 2011|
A new study shows that over the past century, the age at which scientists produce their most valuable work is increasing.
November 2, 2011|
A legal remedy is needed to curb unethical “guest authorship” in medical journals.
October 25, 2011|
The Scientist's 2012 Best Places to Work surveys have closed. | 1,274 | 688 | 0.001499 |
warc | 201704 | The first four of 12 satellites in a new constellation to provide affordable, high-speed internet to people in nearly 180 "under-connected" countries, were shot into space on Tuesday, the project's developers said.
The orbiters, part of a project dubbed O3b for the "other 3 billion" people with restricted internet access, were scheduled to be lifted by a Russian Soyuz rocket from Kourou in French Guiana at 1854 GMT.
"We are very close to launching a network that has the potential to change lives in very tangible ways and that is a tremendous feeling," O3b Networks chief technical officer Brian Holz said in a statement before the launch.
The project was born from the frustrations of internet pioneer Greg Wyler with the inadequacy of Rwanda's telecommunications network, while travelling there in 2007.
"Access to the internet backbone is still severely limited in emerging markets," Wyler said in unveiling the O3b venture in 2008 - promising multi-gigabit internet speeds to countries "whether landlocked in Africa or isolated by water in the Pacific Islands".
"Only when emerging markets achieve affordable and ubiquitous access to the rest of the world will we observe locally generated content, widespread e-learning, telemedicine and many more enablers to social and economic growth, which reflect the true value of the internet," he said.
Wyler's plan was to bypass costly ground-based infrastructure like fibre-optics or cables by deploying a constellation of small satellites around the equator to serve as a spatial relay between users and the world wide web using only satellite dishes.
Such a system would cover a region between the latitudes of 45 degrees North and 45 degrees South - the entire African continent, most of Latin America, the Middle East, southeast Asia, Australia and the Pacific Islands.
There are already geostationary satellites providing this type of services, but at a prohibitive cost for many end-users.
Existing satellites generally obit at an altitude of some 36,000 kilometres above Earth, weigh in at a hefty four to six tonnes each, and take much longer to bounce a signal back to Earth - about 500 milliseconds to be exact, according to an O3b document.
"It is such a long delay that people speaking over a satellite link will shorten conversations, interactive web has an extremely poor experience and many web-based software programmes just won't function," it said.
The O3b satellites, built by the Franco-Italian company Thales Alenia Space, will orbit at 8062 km and will weigh only 650 kilograms each.
Crucially, they will communicate with Earth four times faster, said the company, and six would be enough to assure permanent coverage.
"O3b's prices will be 30 - 50 per cent less than traditional satellite services," said the document.
And it added that a country like the Democratic Republic of Congo could move from being one of the most poorly-connected on Earth to one of the best.
Launch company Arianespace, which will put the satellites in orbit, said the O3b constellation will combine "the global reach of satellite coverage with the speed of a fiber-optic network".
Project investors include internet giant Google, cable company Liberty Global, satellite operator SES, HSBC bank and the Development Bank of Southern Africa.
The first four satellites were due to be boosted into space on Monday but the launch was postponed by a day due to unfavourable weather conditions. They were successfully launched one day later.
The next four satellites will be launched within weeks, according to Arianespace, and a final four "backup" orbiters early next year.
To refine its coverage, the constellation could in the end have as many as 16 supplementary satellites in addition to the 12 main ones, said O3b networks.
AFP | 3,822 | 1,928 | 0.000524 |
warc | 201704 | Brains in those addicted to cocaine age roughly twice as fast as normal brains.
As if we needed any more evidence that cocaine is bad for you, new research shows that people who are dependent on the drug have brains that age almost twice as fast as those who aren't similarly addicted.
The study, which appeared this week in
Molecular Psychiatry, builds on what we already know about growing old: that as we age, our brains gradually lose their volume. Researchers ran brain scans of 120 middle-aged people, 60 of whom had cocaine dependencies. Controlling for age, gender, and verbal IQ, they discovered that those without a history of drug abuse lost 1.69 milliliters of brain volume each year, compared to 3.08 milliliters among people who were cocaine-dependent.
In other words, cocaine may literally be rotting your brain. Karen Ersche, a neuroscientist at the University of Cambridge who helped run the study, says the accelerated aging may be caused by oxidative stress, a problem that in the past has been linked to degenerative diseases like Parkinson's as well as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
An earlier report by Ersche this year that compared drug-addicted test subjects to their non-addicted siblings and to other, healthy volunteers found that addiction-related parts of the brain were much larger in the sibling pairs than in the healthy volunteers. That's a sign that drug addiction may be familial, and it reinforces previous research suggesting that drug abuse can be passed down from generation to generation. | 1,542 | 828 | 0.001213 |
warc | 201704 | When California’s elected officials come back from their month-long recess they face a mountain of proposed legislation (almost 900 bills are lined up and waiting), including a new law (SB432) that would require hotels to eliminate flat sheets. Not having fitted sheets on hotel beds would now be a
crime in California. This is not a joke. . .
California, the state trying to deal with a massive $26 BILLION dollar debt, is considering a law that some hospitality industry experts claim would add an estimated $15 to $30 million dollars in costs to an already hurting hotel industry. The low-end estimate of fifteen million is the projected cost to purchase new fitted sheets for the 550,000 hotel beds in the state. Of course the hospitality industry is claiming that these added costs will hurt their business and put jobs at risk.
The fitted-sheet bill is the brainchild of State Senator Kevin De Leon (a Democrat from Los Angeles), whose mother suffered back pains while working as a hotel maid. Kevin has been quoted as saying this was “an issue close to my heart.” It is also a bill that has the support of Big Labor. Sen. De Leon’s bill passed through the State Senate in June, but not before some spirited debate, including a statement from one of the two dissenters, State Senator Sam Blakeslee;
“We are now going to make it a crime in California not to use a fitted sheet? Really?”
If the law passes, who will be assigned to enforce it? Will California be the first state in the union to have “Mattress Police” checking for fitted sheets? Is this really a good use of law enforcement manpower?
There does seem to be a problem as a significant number of workplace injury claims have been filed by housekeeping employees, the LA Times reports:
More than 7,400 housekeepers working in California hotels have filed workers’ compensation claims for injuries they say they suffered last year, including 883 who said they hurt their backs, according to the state Industrial Relations Department.
Just over 10% of the claims filed are related to back injuries, however the reports do not specifically state if the injuries were mattress related or suffered in some other situation.
Media outlets all across the country have picked up this story. Indianapolis’ Fox 59 reports that hotel workers have a higher injury rate
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show that hotel workers have markedly higher injury rates than other service industry workers on average: 5 injuries per 100 workers, while the average for all service industries is about 3.4 injuries per 100 workers. A 2009 report in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine found that housekeepers have higher (7.87 per 100) injury rates than other hotel workers, including banquet servers (2.82 per 100), dishwashers (5.97 per 100) and cooks (5.99 per 100).
The second part of the bill has a new requirement that actually appears to make sense:
(2) The use of long-handled tools such as mops or similar devices in order to eliminate the practice by housekeepers of working in a stooped, kneeling, or squatting position in order to clean bathroom floors, walls, tubs, toilets, and other bathroom surfaces.
The statistical breakdown on hotel worker injuries did not differentiate between housekeeper injuries suffered while changing sheets or scrubbing bathrooms, so it is difficult to ascertain which of the problems posted in SB 432 would be most effectively addressed by passing the new law.
The question still remains – Are fitted sheets really the most important issue facing California? If the answer to that question is yes, I offer a compromise solution – something called “The Sheet Keeper.”
H/T – The Los Angeles Times – | 3,799 | 1,872 | 0.000548 |
warc | 201704 | Related Articles What looting has to do with trashing the planet
Harriet Williams
15th August, 2011
Recent riots and looting across the streets of England is a mini-tragedy of the commons, says Harriet Williams. If only some of the evironmental damage we cause everyday was as immediately visible and socially unacceptable
The only thing spreading faster than the riots last week was opinion on what dark forces are to blame. Who are these people? Why is this happening down my street?
True, the local conflagration here in east Bristol – a burnt-out moped in the Lidl car park – wasn’t exactly London burning. But the riots came close enough to Any Home, Any Town, that citizen-pundits everywhere were stirred to man their Twitter feeds deep into the febrile night. Thugs, apologists, scum, thundered those of a right-ward disposition, making for great headlines. Those sitting to the left sought consolation in the grey shades of socioeconomic context. Making for better sense but not such great headlines. True, true, hmmm, right enough, I murmured to my latte-sipping companion as we flicked through our preferred media provider (its not the Mail). Compelling stuff on theories of youth alienation, for sure, but what’s in it for an environmentalist like me? I just know an aggressive form of neo-liberalist capitalism predicated on voracious resource consumption is at the beating heart of this. But what’s my angle? Hang on a minute. Individuals trashing Debenhams, bearing off with armfuls of bounty and reducing the availability of said bounty to visitors from the future. Individuals, torching cars and generally messing up the streetscape that benign but undervalued forces have provided for our shared enjoyment. Individuals, depleting the asset base through not bearing the full costs of their chosen electronic knick-knacks. Damn me, if it doesn’t all begin to look a bit like a mini-tragedy of the commons. This theory, posited by Garrett Hardin in 1968 and a bedrock of environmental policy ever since, has it that: ‘ …individuals acting with self-interest will ultimately deplete a shared resource, when it is clear that it is not in anyone’s long-term interest for this to happen…’ (paraphrased from Wikipedia) Nature’s great commons – the oceans, forests, atmosphere and minerals – are usually cheap or free at the point of use and available to everyone. Consumer goods – trainers, plasma screens, general bling – are usually kept under lock and key, accessible only to commoners paying cash or credit. For a night or three last week, the price barrier broke down and private property temporarily joined the ranks of there-for-the-taking commons. The situation was quickly bought under control, with the perpetrators processed through the courts as holidaying politicians returned en masse, promising to make life ‘hell’ for gang members. Environmentalists and anyone else with a laborious cause to tout could only watch and wonder. Yes, the riots were a tragic event. But oh, for a bit of the same blitz spirit when it comes to tackling pollution, species extinction or other planetary ills of our own making. What does a crime crisis have that climate change doesn’t? First up, a them and us dynamic is at work. Few people choose to riot or steal. Those that do so offend everyone else’s deep-held values. We are all of us polluters, with limited choices about controlling that pollution even if we wished to. I feel a bit guilty when I get on a plane. But is anyone going to confront me about my carbon footprint in the duty-free? Please, bring it on. Closely allied are the visibility and immediacy of consequences. If a rioter drops a petrol rag through a letterbox the shop catches fire. When a polluter fires up their SUV in the morning they’re worrying about where to park the goddamn thing in town, not the effects on the Arctic ice cap. All this relates to moral certitude. Rioting is felt to be wrong, in the way that polluting is just a bit sad. Certitude is a mandate for action via enabling laws and institutions, like the criminal justice system. Doubt lends itself to mess and obfuscation, like the state of international climate policy. This isn’t to say that environmental issues can’t be associated with a clear sense of right and wrong, rather than some sloppy guilt-slash-indifference middle ground. Tools like sustainability rankings supposedly empower individuals to ‘do the right thing’. But they tend to preach to the converted, and are ultimately unsatisfying since they take the edge off individual guilt rather than putting the system to rights. Who cares if I can offset my air-freighted flower bouquet? I shouldn’t be able to buy air-freighted flowers at all. Most people need more than a dry re-telling of the facts to feel and care about environmental damage in the visceral way they respond to clear and present danger on the streets. The best campaigning groups tell a compelling story, complete with victim, a boo-hiss baddie and an element of shared outrage. Think Greenpeace ‘s macabre KitKat spoof, or the furious backlash against government proposals to sell-off Britain’s woods earlier this year. Defending the global commons requires more interpretations like these, which rework events happening to other people, in other places into something relevant right now, over here. This is one tragedy of the commons in need of a bit more drama. Harriet Williams works as an advisor at the JMG Foundation, part of the Environmental Funders Network
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warc | 201704 | It has been a great honor for me to work with law enforcement officials throughout the United States on leadership, violence prevention, and crisis planning initiatives for the past 20 years.
These initiatives have included presentations and published works that stress collaboration between law enforcement, educators, community leaders, students, and parents.
Yet, my efforts for law enforcement have been much more than an honor, as they have provided experiences of profound inspiration.
The continual expression of patriotism exemplified by law enforcement officials reflected by the singing of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the saying of the Pledge of Allegiance, reverent pausing to remember fallen officers, and prayers for military sacrifices at events as well as their countless charitable programs touches the heart of all who appreciate America. These expressions of patriotism and charity also keep the dignity of America pulsating in the hearts of communities across the nation.
Terrorism Dangers Demand Heightened Vigilance
The attempted assassination of Philadelphia Police Officer Jessie Hartnett on Jan. 7 reminds the nation of the mortal dangers our ethical sentinels encounter simply by wearing a police uniform.
This reprehensible ambush also brought to mind the senseless killings of NYPD Officers Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu. These officers were assassinated on Dec. 20, 2014, while sitting in their patrol car in Brooklyn.
Officer Hartnett survived, although being unexpectedly hit in the left arm three times at point blank range while sitting in his patrol car.
Despite his injuries, he courageously pursued the subject with his gun drawn in his right hand and fired, hitting the fleeing assailant, which allowed responding officers to make the apprehension.
This attempted murder of a police officer by a militant extremist is unfortunately not an anomaly.
On Oct. 23, 2014, a hatchet-swinging militant extremist hit a rookie NYPD cop in the back of the head, and wounded another cop in the arm, before the assailant was shot dead by two other officers.
NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton unequivocally stated, “This was a terrorist attack.”
Bratton also emphasized that this was a “new emerging threat” to law enforcement and provides a “contemporary view of what it is we are going to face in the weeks and months ahead.”
Just this week, the NYPD and FBI issued alerts based on increasing concerns of a resurfaced ISIS video advocating attacks that include targeting law enforcement.
These previous acts of terrorism against police officers, with contemptuous propaganda calling for additional acts, demands unwavering police–citizen collaboration.
Additional Dangers of Protecting and Serving
Yet, the emerging threats of terrorist attacks against our police officers are only one source of danger.
Aside from terrorist attacks, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), there were 124 law enforcement officers who died protecting America’s communities in 2015, up from 119 the previous year.
Forty-two officers were shot to death, and fifty-two deaths were traffic related. Thirty others died of other causes, mostly heart attacks.
Emerging Trends Demand Unity of Effort
As memorialized in my article titled “Policing Dangers Demand Community Collaboration” for the Sept. 4, 2015, edition of the Epoch Times, I emphasized that, “The ongoing senseless killings of America’s ethical sentinels must engage our ethical compass and inspire unity among us to stop the madness.”
Each and every police officer killed in the line of duty wounds the heart of America, as they are the heartbeat of security and safety for communities across the nation.
Read More
Vigilance must be the order throughout each day, not only for our police but also for every community member privileged to call America their home.
We must honor the noble law enforcement profession, for without it, we would quickly decay into anarchy, chaos, and moral degradation.
Final Reflections
In another article titled “Principles of American Policing,” authored previously for the Epoch Times, I argued that police–community unity is indispensable to American society.
The principles in this article are timeless, pivotal, and critical to reawakening the nation. The first principle stresses that “being pro-police and pro-community are inseparable, indefatigable, and pre-eminent.”
These are challenging times testing the moral fiber of America, and we must rise to the occasion with leadership, vigilance, and collaboration.
When each of us here have our heartbeats driven by an ethical compass focused on decency, patriotism, and respect, America will have the collaborative vigilance required to safeguard our homeland.
Vincent J. Bove, CPP, is a national speaker and author on issues critical to America. Bove is a recipient of the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award for combating crime and violence and is a former confidant of the New York Yankees. His newest book is “Listen To Their Cries.” For more information, see www.vincentbove.com Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Epoch Times. | 5,342 | 2,514 | 0.000409 |
warc | 201704 | Taxes may be taking the lion’s share of the spotlight right now in the fervor to negotiate a fiscal cliff deal, but Medicare looks more and more like the major obstacle to putting the federal budget on a stable course.
As part of the talks to avoid the year-end cliff, President Obama and House Speaker John Boehner – challenging a core Republican belief – have agreed to some form of a tax rate hike on wealthy Americans. Obama prefers higher rates on incomes above $400,000 as part of a grand bargain, while Boehner, in both his counter offer and the alternative Plan B, wants a starting point of $1 million.
Structural changes to Medicare – the spending bomb set to detonate as the grand bargain's 10-year window closes – have mostly been offstage in this D.C. drama. Boehner has proposed gradually raising the Medicare eligibility age from 65 to 67, a change Obama has resisted while calling for savings on prescription drugs. Any agreement will also suspend or permanently repeal what’s known as the “doc fix,” the automatic payment cuts to Medicare physicians that Congress perpetually puts off.
“It’s the grand bargain version of kicking the can down the road,” Joseph Antos, a scholar at the conservative American Enterprise Institute, told The Fiscal Times on Wednesday. “That would be enough for January, but we’re making a mistake not to take this pressure and turn it into an excuse for policymakers to make some moves on Medicare.”
The Congressional Budget Office projected this summer that Medicare will grow from a 3.7 percent share of the entire U.S. economy this year to an unstable 6 percent by 2037, as the national debt approaches 200 percent of our gross domestic product.
Enrollment in the government insurance program will surge 60 percent in the next two decades to roughly 80 million Americans as the baby boomers retire. Health care costs routinely outstrip inflation, with expenses almost double the 2.1 percent rate of inflation so far this year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
IDEOLOGICAL SCHISM The big-impact solution for the problem is at the heart of an ideological schism. Both sides recognize the need to pay for outcomes, rather than individual procedures. But Democrats largely support leveraging the financial heft of the government to control costs, while Republicans mostly prefer empowering the consumer sector.
"From what we see, the government does have that concentrated buying power and it needs to use that in purchasing prescription drugs and durable medical devices," said Joe Baker, president of the independent Medicare Rights Center. "We're spending too much for prescription drugs in Medicare.”
As part of Obama’s grand bargain proposal to trim the deficit by $4 trillion over the next decade, there would be $400 billion in health care savings, almost 36 percent of which would come from using stricter Medicaid standards to buy prescription drugs for low-income Medicare recipients.
It’s possible for the government to wring additional savings, but that requires an unwelcome fight with the pharmaceutical lobby. There’s also the expectation that Obamacare might bend the cost curve once with the start of programs designed to encourage best practices and the establishment in 2014 of government-subsidized health insurance exchanges that offer standardized plans.
“The way the exchanges are set up and subsidies are set up, there is a real pressure to keep costs as low as possible,” said Dr. Bruce Vladeck, a senior adviser to Nexera, Inc., who oversaw Medicare and Medicaid during the Clinton administration. “Every employer is going to have an option to maintain insurance or encourage employees to go the exchange.”
Republicans aren’t holding their breath on Obamacare. They favor transforming Medicare into some kind of subsidy to purchase private health insurance, along the lines of the “premium support” idea contained in the budget plan by Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan, who was also the GOP vice presidential nominee.
The concept of turning Medicare into more of a voucher-style program has been conspicuously absent from Boehner’s public remarks about the fiscal cliff. But the consequences of the status quo with Medicare spending are a major part of his sales pitch, with the speaker holding up a chart during an update on negotiations last week that shows federal expenditures reaching Himalayan heights in the decades to follow.
“Even if the tax issues are resolved, it is not clear whether there is much of an appetite to consider entitlement reform or other strategies key to deficit reduction,” lamented Gail Wilensky, an economist who oversaw Medicare for President George H.W. Bush, in a commentary this week for the Journal of the American Medical Association.
The major Republican proposal thus far on increasing the eligibility age has been criticized as a negative for the economy as a whole. It cuts federal spending by $5.7 billion in 2014, but imposes $11.4 billion in expenses on the private sector, according to an analysis by the Kaiser Family Foundation.
And just as Republicans are suspect of Obamacare, Democratic-affiliated experts doubt that consumers can reshape a market as opaque as health care, where it’s seldom clear exactly what you’re buying and how much it costs. Hence, the conundrum facing lawmakers in a split government.
"That's ridiculous that consumers can make those choices,” Vladeck told
The Fiscal Times. “Consumers don't get to choose the prices of their drugs that their doctors prescribe. We have a great deal of data that says if you increase consumer liability, people of limited incomes make choices that are bad for their health and cost their insurer more money over time. It's a documented stupid position." | 5,925 | 2,864 | 0.00036 |
warc | 201704 | News US - President Obama has created the world’s largest marine protected area in the Pacific Ocean. By proclamation, the President is expanding the current Pacific Remote Islands National Marine Monument by more than six times its original size, from nearly 87,000 square miles to more than 490,000.
The area, which includes three out of the five sites originally under consideration for expansion – Johnston Atoll, Wake Atoll and Jarvis Island, will now be off-limits to activities such as commercial fishing and energy exploration.
Oceana applauds the announcement and released the following statement from its vice president for US oceans, Jacqueline Savitz: “With this announcement, President Obama is turning words into action for ocean conservation, and fulfilling a promise made at the ‘Our Ocean’ conference in June.
"The expansion of this marine monument is a clear signal that the Obama administration sees the necessity in protecting our oceans, which cover the other 70 per cent of our planet.
"This unprecedented protection is an important step to rebuilding fishery abundance in the Pacific Ocean, which will in turn help to feed the world’s growing population.
"We hope the Obama administration will also stay true to its commitment to address seafood fraud and illegal fishing in the months ahead.”
TheFishSite News Desk | 1,384 | 752 | 0.001376 |
warc | 201704 | If you are thinking of a nice thing to have in your yard for relaxing you should think about hammocks. They can be a great addition to your yard and give you a comfortable place to lay down. You can read, take a nap or just enjoy the outside.
When you put one in your yard you are allowing yourself time to relax. You can sit and enjoy everything your yard has to over. Many different people like to use them and can enjoy laying in them on a daily basis.
When it comes to camping hammocks, it is good to know that there are different types. Some stand alone and others need to be tied to a tree. You should only get that kind if you have two trees that would work.
If you don’t, you should go with the stand kind, and then you can put it anywhere that you want. If you know that more than one person will want to be in one at a time, you can get two or three, depending on how many people will use them. Another option would be to a bigger one that people can be in together.
It would be a good idea to do some research on what type of hammock you would like to get. Since there are so many different types, you want to see what is out there before you buy. You should also make sure you follow the directions and weight limits on the one that you buy.
After you get it home, you will need to get it set up. There should be directions included, and you will just need to follow them. Then you should put it together or ask someone to help you with it.
Once you have it up, you can try it out. Make sure you works well and feels okay. It is possible that you set it up wrong, and you would want to make it right as soon as you can. That way you can use it for years to come and enjoy relaxing in it.
You should make sure that your hammock can withstand the weather you have in your area. If not you could put it under a canopy or only have it out when you don’t have bad weather. Think about what will work for you and your yard as well as for the weather you normally have.
After you have used your hammock for a while, you will know how well you are going to enjoy it. Make sure you use it often and take advantage of what it has to offer. It can be the perfect place for you to get your afternoon reading done in. You can also use it for a Sunday afternoon nap.
If you have friends over, you should invite them to try it out. They might want to get one for themselves as well. Just let them know where you got yours. | 2,440 | 1,097 | 0.000919 |
warc | 201704 | What with the surprise emergence of prolonged fasting as a hot new diet trend this year, we shouldn’t really be surprised by any particular way people begin eating nowadays. One need only see a blockbuster cookbook dismissing most solid foods as poison to deduce that the way people eat is getting weirder.
Hence, fruitarianism, a fringe diet that’s been popular with particularly acetic hippies for several decades (and, arguably, has its roots in the early stages of human evolution) but has gained traction recently thanks to a new posterboy:
Michael Arnstein, a 36-year-old gem salesman (of course) regarded as one of the best ultra-marathoners in the world.
Arnstein eats dozens of pieces of seasonal fruit a day, followed with a salad at dinner (dressed with “blended oranges”). Like many proponents of unusual diets, he claims the diet has had a slew of dramatic positive effects on his health, ranging from an absence of any and all body odor, to better vision and mental clarity, to decreased body fat (obviously) and less earwax.
Arnstein’s life has been so changed by the diet that in 2011, he organized a “fruit festival,” which has seen a steady increase in attendance since. This year, apparently something like 600 people showed up… despite the $1,000 entry fee.
And what exactly happens at a fruit festival?
New York Magazine sent one Grub Street reporter to investigate:
The seven-day fruit festival is a serious undertaking: Arnstein’s budget runs upwards of $600,000, including $150,000 for fruits and vegetables. Over the course of the week, the fruitarians in attendance will go through more than 100,000 pounds of produce, including 15,000 pounds of watermelon.
Mornings start with milk from fresh coconuts — “I’ve opened at least 1,000 this week,” says a fit, shirtless dude before returning to the task. Throughout the day, everyone eats fruit constantly. There were oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, watermelon, grapes, apples, litchi, passionfruit, dragonfruit, and lots more. For dinner, head chef Alicia Ojeda — a former Dreamworks Studio executive chef — preps things like a “high-end” salad bar with “honey mustard” dressing consisting of sweet dates blended with mustard seeds that have been soaked overnight to activate enzyme inhibitors.
When people aren’t consuming massive amounts of raw fruit and vegetables, they attend lectures, participate in cooking classes and workout. There are also, predictably, drum circles.
As for the kind of people who’d spend $1000 to eat a bunch of fruit with other fruit eaters, they range from hippies (doye) to fitness freaks eager to uncover the next possible source of superhuman ability.
…Mainly hippies, though.
While the idea of eating nothing but raw fruit and vegetables isn’t terribly compelling to us, neither does it sound as deleterious as many currently-popular fad diets. Still, it never fails to amaze us how rabid people get on the subject of nutrition–not in terms of weightloss, but in terms of the philosophical/political/moral weight people will graft onto the way they eat. No diet is so bizarre it doesn’t have its own fanatics; nor so inoffensive that people won’t be frothing at the mouth about what an aberration it is. How about we all just drink Soylent and get along? | 3,407 | 1,784 | 0.000585 |
warc | 201704 | Split-capital trusts make surprise comeback
SPLIT-CAPITAL investment trusts, among the most criticised savings schemes of recent years, appear to be enjoying something of a comeback,
writes Corey Boles
.
Returns on the trusts outstripped the FTSE All-Share index in 2003, according to Cazenove, a stockbroker. Zero-dividend preference shares, one of the splits’ components, enjoyed an average 37.3% increase, compared with a rise of 21% in the All-Share.
Split-capital investment trusts are divided into three categories of shares — income, capital and zeros. When a split reaches maturity, normally after a fixed term of five years, zero shareholders are the first to be paid.
The trusts hit the headlines in 2001 when investors lost millions of pounds as the value of split-capital trusts plunged and several went bust. Many of those affected were elderly people with no experience of the equity market. They had often invested in zero-dividend preference shares, which were described in advertisements as being “safe | 1,042 | 615 | 0.001663 |
warc | 201704 | Every other year or so, the same site/email/thread/rumor goes around:
“Did you know that your car’s ABS system actually makes driving in snow WORSE?! And the worser part is, you can’t even turn it off! Automakers and the government are the worstest!”
Except that’s not true.
The origins of the rumor are relatively easy to find:
“And in cases of limited traction such as snow, ice, and mud –
ABS is actually detrimental to your safety, as it significantly (and needlessly) increases stopping distance.” (Emphasis theirs.)
“Ive (sic) been driving on ice for over a month and another 2-3 month to go. I just dont (sic) like the jeep deciding how my brake is going to work,” a CarTalk Forum user wrote.
“I have done my homework, and I wish to safely disable ABS on my vehicle. If I could “tune” the ABS to activate farther down the pedal as to only kick in during panic stops, that would probably work as well.”
And so on.
“I would say it’s an extremely bad idea,” said Mike Rizzo, Technical-Fellow for Chassis Controls at General Motors. “If I’m driving and let the front axle lock before the rear axle, I’m going to get into a situation where I have terminal understeer … and the vehicle is not going to want to turn.”
Short answer: Steering > No Steering. Disabling anti-lock brakes also disables traction control, which the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated reduces fatal vehicle crashes by 30 percent in sedans and 63 percent in SUVs.
Rizzo said he frequently hears the questions, and the logic behind disabling ABS isn’t entirely unfounded: Piling snow in front of dead-straight wheels would shorten braking distance. Digging in is better. Threshold braking makes for safer stops.
“In all reality, the computer is better and designed to (pump the brakes) faster than you can,” he said.
Rizzo said he’s often asked why engineers can’t program an ABS controller that could recognize when the wheels are straight and allow drivers to lock up wheels to “wedge” snow in front of the wheels.
“That’s technically correct in a test environment on a highly deformable test surface — meaning you can get a ‘wedge’ in front of a tire — but I would say that’s more applicable to gravel than snow. Snowy surfaces are generally more polished, even with just a little bit of traffic on them,” he said.
Even with studded tires, rotating wheels are directly proportional to steering control. Locking wheels effectively makes the car uncontrollable.
“When you get on very slippery surfaces and lock the wheels, it can take seconds for those wheels to start spinning back up to the velocity of the vehicle. There’s not a lot of road friction to push back on the tire to start spinning them back up,” he added.
Same goes for threshold braking.
“You go back 20 to 30 years and people were taught to ‘pump the brakes’ on snow to lock up and then release the wheel to get it back up to spinning with the rest of the car. That’s what ABS is doing — and it’s much faster,” he said.
For new drivers, or drivers new to snow, Rizzo said it’s best to practice in parking lots to understand how to better control cars in slippery conditions. Slowing down and steering into shoulders is more effective than locking up wheels, he said.
Or, again: Steering > No steering. | 3,526 | 1,727 | 0.000626 |
warc | 201704 | Incredibly, there are still people in the outdoor and shooting sports community who are attempting to remain apolitical. They shy away from definitive terms like liberal or conservative. These folks still believe that, if you just try hard enough, you can win a logical argument with people whose decisions are driven by emotion. I’ve been scolded and advised not to “provoke” the anti-gun crowd, those who wish to disarm lawful American citizens. We need to be
reasonable and willing to compromise I’ve been told . . .
I will admit that I understand the origins of what I call the “reasonableness disease”; it stems from Mirror Thinking. Humans at their base level all believe that everyone else in the world think and behave as they do. If they consider themselves a reasonable, rational person then they expect all other people to act the same. While this type of thinking is childish and naïve, it’s nonetheless very prevalent, particularly among those who would rather not deal with problems head on but sidestep them.
Let me set the record straight, as least as far as I am concerned: if you are a person who is actively lobbying a government agency, be it Local, State, or Federal to restrict the ownership of firearms by lawful citizens of the United States you are endangering myself as an individual, my family, my community, and by extension my country.
In 2013 the tool most readily used to protect the individual from violence, oppression and tyranny is the firearm. Hundreds of years ago governments worldwide outlawed the possession of swords by the peasant to ensure they paid their taxes and obeyed whichever ruler sat in power. The issue is the same; disarm the peasants so they can be ruled.
When you actively seek to disarm me you are deliberately attempting to subjugate me and put my family in mortal jeopardy — that fact makes you my enemy. The Bill of Rights of the Constitution of the United States did not create the rights of man; it simply enumerated and affirmed them. When you seek to nullify or circumvent the Constitution of the United States as well as the Constitutions of each individual State, you are my enemy.
Pretending that your enemy doesn’t exist doesn’t make it so. Ignoring your enemy only gives them the time and opportunity to strengthen their position and deliver their final blow. Attempting to argue logic with a man ruled by emotion is no more productive than attempting to teach Latin to a hog. It wastes your time and annoys the hog.
I’m reminded of on apt analogy of compromise. A burglar breaks into a home and demands that the homeowner give him all of his money. The homeowner stubbornly refuses. The burglar then demands ninety percent of the owner’s money. The homeowner again will not comply. Now the burglar demands half of the owner’s money. Again he refuses to hand over a penny. “You just won’t compromise on anything will you?” the frustrated burglar says accusingly.
How do you bargain with someone who wishes to endanger your family? How do you compromise with a person who seeks to subjugate you and nullify your God-given right to protect your life? In what manner should you negotiate with a group of people who seek to circumvent and make irrelevant the foundational document that has made the United States of America the greatest and most prosperous nation ever to grace this world?
The answer is; you don’t. No bargaining, no negotiation, and no compromise. The enemy is the enemy and the sooner you accept that fact the better equipped you will be to defeat them.
Paul Markel © 2013
About the Author
Paul Markel has been a firearms industry writer for twenty years and is the author of the new book
“Student of the Gun; A beginner once, a student for life.” Paul hosts and produces “Student of the Gun” a show dedicated to education, experience, and enjoyment of firearms. Episodes of SOTG can be viewed by simply going to www.studentofthegun.com and clicking the “play” icon. | 4,090 | 1,983 | 0.000522 |
warc | 201704 | hi there, yep good idea to get the calcium intake aligned with the D3 intake. i don't believe i've heard anything about calcium being too high in ms. shouldn't be hard to find a balanced multi with your daily requirements for calcium (1200mg), magnesium, d3 and zinc all in one pill. you can take additional doses of magnesium and zinc for their own merits away from the d3 component also. i mention zinc because it helps the magnesium stick, and because you mentioned temperature regulation - zinc also aids circulation. "The deficiency of zinc has an effect on circulation; it has been linked to cold hands and feet..." it's commonly down in ms patients. normal range 11.5-18.5. me: 8.6 at last test.
about iron being high, what i understand is that iron tests come back falsely high in inflammatory conditions. mine shows up lately as "high" in my doc's estimation [i.e. 82, lab's normal range 51-140], but the lab printout says that's "probably not iron deficient" - not the most confidence inspiring of assessments. so take it, i say (depending on if it's "high" like mine, or really high, as in up near the top end of the normal range). if you have an amenable GP, i'd go for numbers in as many of the b-vitamins as you can get, d3, iron, calcium, magnesium, and zinc. plus uric acid if you're curious about that angle. they can all come back "inside the normal range" but if it's also in the "ms normal range" then you can decide if you need to rejig any of your current regimen. on my last set of tests i also asked for retinol, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and chloride. unfortunately i don't know enough about these now, to make use of the levels that came back yet. good luck with it WW, oh and if you do start up any minerals again give em a week to settle in. and one other thing, i have to take my zinc 50mg at a time. 100 makes me sick so i am supposed to take one morning one night. except i've run out and been really lazy about getting more. better get on that tomorrow! cheers! JL | 2,016 | 1,081 | 0.000932 |
warc | 201704 | Profound Leadership Thoughts – The meaning of “Meaning” Meaning: Your Responsibility!
During a recent conversation with my colleague, Dean, a conversation had whilst driving through the beautiful Ascot in England, a thought was expressed to which Dean responded, “Keith, you really need to blog that thought”.
This then is the blog that captures that thought.
It is a simple thought but one that I believe is fundamental to finding meaning in life, or at least in our avocation – that which we do. It is something that we all need to engage with, regardless of our role and responsibility in the organisation or business in which we serve.
Dan Pink in his book
Drive, explores the science of human motivation. He makes a compelling case for the need to employ intrinsic motivators for the definitive tasks of the 21 Century rather than the more usual extrinsic motivators, which he describes as ‘carrots and sticks’. Intrinsic motivators he articulates as, autonomy, mastery and purpose.
Pink describes ‘purpose’ as the understanding that we are contributing to something bigger than ourselves; another way of perhaps understanding purpose would be to describe it as ‘meaning’. Viktor Frankl, an Austrian neurologist, psychiatrist and holocaust survivor wrote his classic book,
Man’s Search for Meaningin which he argues the fundamental need is for people to have a sense of meaning in their life. Frankl’s book is a ‘must read’ – at least it is on my list of books that every leader should read.
So then, what was this ‘must blog’ idea on meaning?
. It is that meaning is not to be found in what we do, but is rather, something we bring to that which we do
If meaning is to be found in what we do then for the majority of jobs and occupations would seemingly be ‘without meaning’? For those involved in saving the world, saving the rhino, feeding the orphans or restoring sight, it is not difficult to find meaning in what they do. But what then for those who pack boxes, clean-up, sort, file and do any number of tasks that might seem ‘meaningless’ when viewed in isolation?
Meaning is brought to work not found in work. Meaning is your responsibility. It is something that comes from within. It is a little like happiness in the sense that when we understand this, the agenda changes. Of course meaning can be found in work but then what if we no longer get to continue with that work? No, meaning is our responsibility and understanding it as such changes everything.
Of course this thought implies a journey, an inner journey, one that if you are willing to make, will yield rich dividends. It is a journey that has to be explored personally and although there can and should be help along the way, it is always an intensely personal journey.
So let me not clutter this thought with more words. Meaning is something we bring to that which we do.
That’s the thought. It is a thought that begs a question: So what meaning do you bring to work? Careful how you answer that! | 3,111 | 1,465 | 0.000714 |
warc | 201704 | Delivering Plant Intelligence with Smart Motor Starters
The automated motor starter is quite possibly the most integral single piece of any automated manufacturing set up. Nothing moves without being turned on. This ubiquity makes it an ideal intelligence platform for factory control, performance management, safety, maintenance and all those other systems that promise more uptime, better efficiency and more profitability.
“Everyone in the plant is screaming for more information these days,” says Matthew Thornton, a marketing manager with Siemens Industry Inc. “Almost every machine, every device does something that you want to monitor, measure or control for one reason or another so you really want the ability to pull that data off all the critical devices and using smart motor starters is an excellent way to do that.”
So what makes a motor starter “smart?”
“Smart, at the minimum, starts with some kind of communications capability,” says John Burns who is responsible for product marketing for Siemens’ line of smart motor starters. “What we are doing now not only provides the ability to start and stop the device, but to commission it in the first place and then monitor the key data off that motor as well. In the past all the starters had to be wired up to some kind of PLC or control system and even then all you could do was start and stop the thing, and maybe measure power consumption. But now we are taking the Fieldbus all the way to the actuator itself and it’s much more powerful.”
Siemens devices come equipped with high-speed RS 485 communications and even TCP/IP communications to meet this requirement.
In addition to communications capabilities, Burns identifies three key elements that make a motor starter “smart.”
Parameterization: Does the motor starter have the ability to be parameterized instead of requiring that someone codes the control system for all the functionality. Intelligent starters use software utilities with graphical user interfaces (GUI) that allow simple parameterization of the device.
“This has a number of advantages,” says Burns. “To start with this allows for easy manipulation of the starter’s settings, and how it should react if communications go down.
Diagnostics: “The motor starter should give you more than just the auxiliary contact feed back that the contactor is on or off,” says Burns. “Ideally, you really want extended diagnostics with tripping status information like the number of times the starter tripped, the highest amperage during all of the tripping events, how many hours the motor has run, the asymmetry between the three phases and even the number of hours the starter has run. All of this information gives insight into the mean time before failure (MTBF) for every motor load.”
Having even some of this information on hand dramatically affects the speed with which the maintenance crew can react to a downtime event, or better yet, avoid one by proactively scheduling maintenance at a time when it will have the least disruption to production.
Integration: “I think it’s very important that whatever device you use, whether it’s ours or another vendor’s, it integrates easily and seamlessly into your automation control architecture. Integration is such a big deal in general and you really want things to be as close to plug and play as possible, especially for something like motor starters which are so numerous in the plant.”
In Siemens’ case the parameterization software can be launched from within the automation hardware configuration so once the CPU’s, I/O’s, HMI’s, Drives & Starters are configured, you can then launch and parameterize the starters. This can then be saved to the project file, and then the project can be downloaded to the CPU; which in turn downloads the parameterization to the starters.
“To me it’s a lot like NASCAR” says Burns referring to the auto racing circuit. “Those cars are full of all kinds of sensors and the pit crew remotely monitors many key performance metrics throughout a race. Downtime to a race car is an unplanned pit stop which impacts performance and costs precious seconds or, even worse, a fault that leads to a failure to finish the race. They watch everything that’s happening and use that intelligence to make minor adjustments to tweak performance and do preventative maintenance to head off major problems when the car comes into the pit.
“The factory floor is exactly the same. If you are paying attention to what’s happening you can gain more control and make sure you are getting the best performance possible out of your equipment.”
For more information on control solutions, please click here.
Have an Inquiry for Siemens about this article? Click Here >> | 4,919 | 2,250 | 0.000465 |
warc | 201704 | Why You Should Care About Psychedelic Research Photo: ponyfire Bioneers, the green conference held in San Rafael, California, covers topics that have been marginalized in the past: youth, women, indigenous cultures and even psychedelic drugs. I surprisingly found myself in a session on the current state of psychedelic research. Many other conferences wouldn't touch this topic with a ten foot pole, and normally the word psychedelic conjures up (for me) unpleasant images of Haight Ashbury and tie dye, but neither of these images came up. The talk focused instead on the results of recent studies, some led by Bioneers panelists, which have proven that psychedelics can be used safely, within certain parameters, and can be therapeutic when taken under appropriate circumstances.I'm not sure why I had such a knee-jerk reaction at first. After all, my initial interest in ecology bloomed after reading The Shaman's Apprentice, where Ethnobotanist Plotkin detailed his discoveries of alternative medicines via Amazon rainforest shamans. Perhaps my aversion is because psychedelics, such as LSD, psilocybin, and mescaline are regarded in the U.S. as taboo, and are classified as Schedule 1 , banning them for most purposes. While psychiatric drugs such as anti-depressants are legal with a prescription, and are currently openly discussed, psychedelics are usually discussed by the general public within the realm of addiction and viewed negatively. Although psychedelics have been widely used, their therapeutic applications are not widely known.
The 1960's saw an initial burst of medical studies in the U.S. on psychedelics, but then the next four decades were dominated by concern about psychedelics potential adverse societal effects. Scientists who had devoted their careers to these drugs had to fight professional dismissal and clinical frustration with the hope of one day seeing these compounds in the hands of therapists. These researchers soldiered on with the belief that psychedelic plants and medicines can be used to help humans adapt to difficult situations. Of course, the world was not waiting for certified American researchers to arrive on the scene; psychedelics have been used for thousands of years by native cultures for healing and religious ceremonies.
One of the panelists, Dr. Charles Grob, a psychiatry professor at UCLA, was a principal investigator working in the Brazilian Amazon studying Ayahuasca. Dr. Grob credits in part the ritual context of working with the Amerindians that helped him establish safety parameters and efficacious outcomes. Some people are familiar with the religious context of Ayahuasca. The 2006 Supreme Court ruling allowed the Uniao church the religious freedom to use the plant in ceremonies. But few people are familiar with the medicinal use of Ayahuasca in its original cultural context, as well as its potential in modern medicine.
Dr. Grob wanted to explore Ayahuasca and its potential use as a healing aid for patients with anxiety and advanced stages of cancer. In the clinical study, Grob used psilocybin, the main ingredient in hallucinogenic mushrooms because of its shorter acting experience and its decreased chances of causing paranoia. To receive treatment, patients would go into a room decorated with flowers set up to create a comfortable environment.
The results of the study showed there were no adverse psychological effects from psilocybin (i.e. no one had a bad trip). The study also indicated an improvement of mood in patients. After treatment, patients were able to discuss topics like close relationships with family and friends, and how their disease affected their lives.
In the study many of the patients had never taken psychedelics before and most were not taking it to alleviate pain but to help them approach loved ones and manage feelings of anxiety, PTSD and regret. For some, taking psychedelics was midwifery for the experience of dying.
Dr. Ralph Metzner, a seminal researcher, who worked with Timothy Leary in the 60s, said that as a culture we don't do a good job preparing people for dying, even though it is something that will happen to all of us. The modus operandi is to ignore what we fear, and fear the unknown. Similarly, in the sustainability world it seems we often advise people how to live better (i.e. eat organic, bike to work) but we rarely offer guidance to people on how to die or how to change their lives or prepare mentally and emotionally for when the outlook is bleak. From the results of the Psilocibin study, psychedelics afforded the participants the opportunity to change the way that they were thinking and deal with depressing forecasts. One of the participants had come to the realization through the psilocibin treatment that she had been allowing her fear of the future to destroy her present. Stopping a mind that is in a cyclical downward spiral of depression via psychedelic use is like stopping a record that is stuck on repeat. In short, the drug offered participants a paradigm shift.
Dr. Metzner is also a proponent of Green psychology, which posits a fundamental reorientation of human attitudes toward the earth, and an increased receptivity to indigenous knowledge. As the environmental devastation wrought by the industrial revolution increases, the realization has grown that indigenous cultures have often preserved sustainability habits that we are now trying to re-invent. Seekers have turned to shamanic practices - including the use of psychedelic plants -- to cultivate a more conscious connection with the natural world.
Psychedelic means "mind-manifesting". A psychedelic experience can be the mind being liberated from its ostensibly ordinary way of thinking. In a way every morning when you wake up, your consciousness is expanded. Moving forward I will now think about psychedelics in a new light. I am not planning on trying these drugs and I still dislike tie-dye, yet perhaps one day psychedelics will be prescribed with the same social and professional acceptance as Zoloft. | 6,046 | 2,896 | 0.000346 |
warc | 201704 | They grow under flow Discovery of microvilli formation triggered by fluid shear and understanding its molecular mechanism
Institute of Industrial Science
2016/01/28
University of Tokyo researchers have fabricated a multi-layer microfluidic “organ-on-chip” device that mimics the structure of the human placental barrier that supports blood flow and exchange of material between the mother and fetus. Using this device, the group discovered that shear forces caused by fluid flow in the maternal body induce the formation of microvilli in placental epithelial cells.
The cells that make up our bodies are exposed to a variety of stimuli including fluid flow and extension, compression and twisting forces. It is thought that cells maintain cell and tissue function by adapting to their environment in response to such stimuli. The placental barrier, which transports oxygen and nutrients from the maternal blood to fetal blood, is one example of a tissue that has adapted to multiple stimuli. Placental barrier cells are constantly exposed to shear forces from the flow of maternal blood to the placenta. However, little research had been conducted on the effect of this flow on cell morphology and function.
The research group of Professor S. Takeuchi and (then) Dr. S. Miura at the University of Tokyo’s Institute of Industrial Science observed that application of fluid flow shear force to placental barrier cells results in the formation of characteristic microvilli on placental epithelial cells and additionally discovered that the glucose transport rate of the protein GLUT1 localized to the microvilli also increased. This has demonstrated that compared to conventional static culture methods in which forces such as that produced by fluid flow are not applied, the application of shear force due to fluid flow induces the formation of microvilli and controls cell function. Further, the group discovered that activation of the calcium ion channel TRPV6 by fluid shear force induces microvilli formation.
“The use of microfluidic device technology made possible this discovery that shear force is important for microvilli formation,” says Professor Takeuchi. This discovery of the dynamic response characteristics of epithelial cells will contribute to furthering mechanobiological research.
This research was published in the journal
Nature Communications. This research is a part of the ERATO “Takeuchi Biohybrid Innovation Project” funded by the Japan Science and Technology Agency.
Press release [PDF] (Japanese)
Paper
Fluid shear triggers microvilli formation via mechanosensitive activation of TRPV6",
Nature Communications: 2015/11/13 (Japan time), doi: 10.1038/ncomms9871.
Article link (Publication) | 2,765 | 1,302 | 0.000782 |
warc | 201704 | No-one really ever questions why we have oral sex, because it’s a bit of a no-brainer – it just feels good.
But, apparently, we don’t just do it because it’s awesome and acts as a bit of a warm-up before full-blown sex, there’s actually some proper science behind it too, the
Daily Star reports.
According to a study published in the Journal of Reproductive Immunology, the act of oral sex serves an evolutionary purpose for both men and women.
The reason women perform oral sex on men is because swallowing semen can make your body become more used to someone’s DNA.
This then helps the woman’s immune system during pregnancy, as it won’t view the man’s genes as ‘foreign’ – all thanks to swallowing sperm.
Meanwhile on the male side, apparently we do it because there is some scientific proof that giving oral sex on a regular basis to your partner makes them less likely to cheat.
Researchers at Oakland University spoke to 243 men in heterosexual relationships to see if they performed oral sex to make their partner feel more satisfied in the bedroom or if there were other underlying reasons.
The people behind the study found that men were more likely to go down on their partner if they think they’re attractive (no shit) and were at risk of playing away from home – which is a pretty depressing reason really, when you think about it.
From an evolutionary standpoint, this stops ‘sperm competition’, which is essentially when another man tries to get with your partner.
All that stuff aside though, we ultimately have oral sex because it feels awesome or because we want to make our partner feel good, and surely that’s reason enough?
Comments | 1,750 | 903 | 0.001173 |
warc | 201704 | In the United States, we celebrate Labor Day on the first Monday in September to recognize the economic and social contributions of working men and women. This Labor Day, I’d like to recognize two groups of union members who are volunteering in support of United Way initiatives.
In Pittsburgh, PA, United Way of Allegheny County, the Allegheny County Labor Council and 15 unions are joining forces to hold the Union Youth Career Day on September 5
th at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union No. 5 hall. Older teenagers and young adults will learn about job training and employment opportunities in the area, and tour the new Carpenters Union and IBEW’s training centers. The Career Day is being held in the same week as United Way’s Days of Caring, when more than 40 Pittsburgh-area union members will join corporate employee and other volunteers in refurbishing park trails and other activities to support United Way’s initiatives in education, income and health.
And in St. Paul, MN, more than 40 St. Paul Regional Labor Federation’s Labor Studies and Resource Center union members and retirees recently came to “speed volunteer” during the Greater Twin Cities United Way Action Day. “Speed volunteering” entails rapid assembly of items that improve lives. On Action Day, about 1,000 volunteers joined to:
Keep88 children warm at night by creating blankets. Give4,000 hungry kids a healthy snack pack. Encouragegood dental hygiene by creating 5,200 dental kits for children and adults. Support220 seniors' independence by producing safety kits. Help200 young students with their homework. Makea house a home for 100 families in transition by forming kitchen kits. Create105 bookmarks to make learning fun for kids. Assist20 kids in school with educational flashcard kits. Do14,000 loads of laundry for families who don't have the option by making 7,000 laundry kits. Support10 local nonprofits doing great work in the community with $7,500 in donations.
The East Metro Labor volunteer team won the speed volunteering competition and gave its $700 prize to the West 7
th Community Center in St. Paul and to the YWCA of Minneapolis.
On Labor Day and every day, we salute these and countless other workers who make time to give back to their community through United Way. | 2,352 | 1,210 | 0.000846 |
warc | 201704 | Secretary-General highlights role of industry in achieving a sustainable futureListen /
Although the planet is encountering formidable challenges ranging from inequality to rapid urbanization, this is a pivotal moment in world affairs, according to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
Speaking in Lima, Peru, on Monday, Mr. Ban pointed out that with knowledge and technology continuing to advance, the planet also faces a wealth of opportunities.
The Secretary-General was addressing the General Conference of the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), an agency which promotes poverty reduction, inclusive globalization and environmental sustainability.
He said industry and the private sector in general will play an important part in steering humanity on a safer, more prosperous and sustainable path.
"The world cannot fully achieve our development goals without a close partnership with the industries that promote growth and jobs. We will not eradicate poverty without the industries that promote innovation and technology transfer. Industrial development can also be a powerful enabler, powerful engine, of social development by creating opportunities for women and young people."
High-level delegations from more than 170 countries are attending the conference, which will also highlight the need for new partnerships.
Dianne Penn, United Nations.
Duration: 1’33″ | 1,400 | 766 | 0.001326 |
warc | 201704 | University makes its case before the Supreme Court
WASHINGTON—The University argued in support of its admissions policies April 1 before a packed Supreme Court of the United States. Outside the court, several thousand supporters—many of them students who had traveled by busload from across the country—rallied in favor of affirmative action.
The cases generated a virtually unprecedented amount of media and public interest, according to observers. In response, the court released a complete audiotape immediately following oral arguments, a decision made only once before in its history (
A decision by the court is expected some time in June, close to the end of its term.
Grutter v. Bollinger
Arguing in the Law School case (
"It has certainly been the consistent position of the Department of Education for the past 25 years that (the Supreme Court's 1978 decision in)
Kirk Kolbo, attorney with the Center for Individual Rights, said the plaintiff Barbara Grutter had a right guaranteed by the Constitution that her race would not count against her in admissions decisions. Solicitor General Theodore Olson argued that the Law School's admissions process "fails every test" devised by the court and amounts to a "thinly disguised quota."
Two justices, Antonin Scalia and Anthony Kennedy, questioned the University more closely about whether quotas are used. Mahoney said the word "quota" has a clear legal definition, and the Law School process does not fit that definition because there is no fixed numerical target for the numbers of minority students admitted. Instead, she said, each applicant is considered individually as part of a flexible process.
Flexible goals for minority enrollment "can be related to numbers without being a quota," Mahoney said. She noted that the Department of Education, in 1979 policy guidelines interpreting the
Justice David Souter said five justices agreed in
More than 100 amicus briefs—a record number—were filed with the court in the two cases, most in support of the University. The court seemed especially interested in a brief filed by 29 former high-ranking military leaders. Several justices returned to the issue again and again with Kolbo and Olson, noting that the military academies are dependent upon race-conscious policies to recruit a diverse officers corps. Olson, who was quizzed about the government's own policies, did not answer the question of whether he believes such practices at the military academies are legal.
One of the key issues in the two cases is whether race ever can be taken into account in making admissions decisions. Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, seen by many as a key swing vote on the court, noted that
O'Connor asked the attorneys whether they agreed with Justice Lewis Powell's opinion in
O'Connor also said she was concerned about whether Michigan's use of affirmative action has a fixed time period or is intended to go on indefinitely.
Mahoney said the court should not conclude that such a remedy is "permanent." "There are two things that can happen that will make this come to an end," she said. "The first is that the number of high-achieving minorities will continue to grow, and the Law School will (someday) be able to enroll a sufficient number without having to take race into account." Second, she said, "We could reach a point in our society where the experience of being a minority does not make such a fundamental difference in (people's) lives."
Gratz v. Bollinger
Attorney John Payton, arguing on behalf of the University in the undergraduate case (
Students come to Michigan, he said, from largely segregated backgrounds in which they "have rarely had experiences across racial or ethnic lines."
The diverse environment created at the University allows them to set aside previously held stereotypes through their interactions in small settings such as classrooms, residence halls and coffee houses.
Such learning is only possible, however, if minority students are present in sufficient numbers to create a "critical mass," he explained. "If there are too few African American students, there's a risk that those students will feel that they have to represent their group, their race. It results in these token students not feeling completely comfortable expressing their individuality. On the other hand, if there are meaningful numbers of African American students, this sense of isolation dissipates."
The educational benefits of diversity, Payton said, "do not depend in any way on the assumption that, for example, all African Americans think alike."
Pressed by the justices for what number of minority students constitutes a critical mass, Payton said, "There's a false precision here that everybody wants, which is, 'Tell me exactly what this is.' I don't think it exactly works like that."
Scalia asked both Mahoney and Payton whether the University has gotten itself into this predicament by requiring such high academic standards. "If [having racial diversity] is indeed a significant compelling state interest, why don't you lower your standards?" he inquired of Payton. "You don't have to be the great college you are; you can be a lesser college if that value is important enough to you." And Justice Clarence Thomas—who is known for rarely asking questions of attorneys—raised the same issue toward the end of the arguments, saying, "Now, I know you don't want to make the choice, but will you at least acknowledge that there is a tension [between being an elite school and having a diverse student body]?"
"We have great educational institutions in this country," Payton said. "The University of Michigan is one of them. I think we are the envy of the world." If the decision is between having "a poor education for the essentially white students," he said, "and/or you can say, change what you are as an institution, I think we get to decide what our mission is. I think the Constitution gives us some leeway in deciding what our mission is and how we define ourselves."
Kolbo said the court should not rely on the judgment of educators to define what is fair. "The history of their case and of the University's defense of its discriminatory admissions policies is a powerful argument about the perils of entrusting to the discretionary judgments of educators the protection of the Constitution's guarantee of equality to all individuals."
Added Olson: "The Michigan Law School and the University of Michigan ultimately must make a choice. It may maintain its elitist, as it refers to it, selection process without regard to race, or it may achieve the racial diversity it seeks with race-neutral compromises in its admission standards. But the one thing that it may not do is compromise its admission standards or change its admission requirements for one race and not another. That is forbidden by the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution."
During the arguments, the justices asked Kolbo whether there were any circumstances under which race legitimately could be considered. "I think they would have to be extraordinary and rare, perhaps, rising to the level of life or limb," Kolbo said.
Responded Justice Stephen Breyer: "The other side says we have large racial diversity within the country, the world is even more diverse, and we think from the point of view of business, the armed forces, law, etc., that this is an extraordinary need to have diversity among elites throughout the country. That without it, the country will be much worse off. In fact, the country might not function well at all. All right, now, how can you say that isn't extraordinary? That isn't a matter of life or limb for the country?"
Summarizing his argument, Payton said, "When Justice Powell said in
"This is of enormous importance—not just to the University of Michigan, I'd say to all of higher education and I think to our country as a whole—to be able to do things that bring us together, that bring us understanding, that result in tolerance." These efforts, he said, bring us "closer to the day that we all look forward to when, in fact, we are beyond some of these problems that we've been discussing rather intensely here today."
More stories | 8,292 | 3,776 | 0.000269 |
warc | 201704 | Teaching areas Immunology Pathophysiology Medical Laboratory Science Physiology Research areas molecular medical and veterinary parasitology diagnosis, control and drug resistance in infectious tropical diseases immunology Profile
Dr Kate Mounsey completed her PhD in 2007 at the Menzies School of Health Research in Darwin. Her PhD and early post-doctoral research focused on elucidating the molecular basis of emerging drug resistance in scabies. Moving to the Queensland Institute of Medical Research in 2008, she received an NHMRC Training Fellowship in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research. During this time she was a lead contributor to the establishment of a world-first porcine model of scabies, facilitating the development of new research directions for scabies.
Dr Mounsey commenced at the University of the Sunshine Coast in 2012, and has been awarded a highly competitive ARC DECRA fellowship, with research to focus on immunopathology and host parasite interactions in scabies. Dr Mounsey has a strong commitment to community engagement, research dissemination and translation, particularly in the area of Indigenous Health. She has consolidated her interest in multidiscplinary approaches to research by completing a Masters in Public Health, and is involved in community based research to improve skin health in Indigenous and other disadvantaged populations.
Research grants
Project name Investigators Funding body Year Focus A porcine model to provide new insights on scabies immunopathology. K Mounsey ARC Discovery Early Career Researcher Award 2012–2014 A limitation to scabies research has been the inability to undertake longitudinal infection studies in humans. This project utilises a porcine model to characterise the development of immune responses in scabies. Inside the skin: understanding different host responses in scabies. K Mounsey, J McCarthy, S Walton, D Holt and B Currie NHMRC Project Grant 2012–2014 Crusted scabies is a poorly understood form of scabies compromising the success of community control strategies. This research compares the immune response in the skin of patients with different clinical manifestations of scabies. This will reveal immune defects predisposing to severe disease. Scabies prevalence and management in Sunshine Coast aged-care facilities. K Mounsey, S Walton, F Oprescu and C Pasay USC/Sunshine Coast Council Research Seed Grant 2013 Outbreaks of scabies are common in high-care nursing homes, and pose significant challenges in terms of diagnosis and management. We propose to assess the incidence of scabies in Sunshine Coast aged care facilities, and explore health care worker knowledge and experience. We will use this data to develop accessible control programs that focus on staff education about the transmission, diagnosis and treatment of scabies, which may help prevent future outbreaks. Molecular mechanisms of drug resistance in the ectoparasitic mite Sarcoptes scabiei. K Mounsey NHMRC Training Fellowship for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research 2008–2012 The emergence of ivermectin resistance threatens future control of scabies. This research explores the basis of ivermectin resistance in scabies mites, developing markers to identify the emergence of resistance in the community, leading to improved tools for resistance management and sustainable treatment strategies. Molecular diagnosis of ivermectin resistance mechanisms in scabies mites from northern Australia. K Mounsey Cooperative Research Centre for Aboriginal Health PhD Scholarship 2003–2007 Publications Recent publication highlights include: Prospects for Moxidectin as a New Oral Treatment for Human Scabies. Mounsey KE, Bernigaud C, Chosidow O, McCarthy JS. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2016 Mar 17;10(3):e0004389. doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004389. Prospective study in a porcine model of sarcoptes scabiei indicates the association of Th2 and Th17 pathways with the clinical severity of scabies. Mounsey KE, Murray HC, Bielefeldt-Ohmann H, Pasay C, Holt DC, Currie BJ, Walton SF, McCarthy JS. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2015 Mar 2;9(3):e0003498. doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003498 Treatment and control of scabies. Mounsey KE, McCarthy JS. Curr Opin Infect Dis. 2013 Apr;26(2):133-9. doi: 10.1097/QCO.0b013e32835e1d57 | 4,303 | 1,969 | 0.000511 |
warc | 201704 | All NCLEX Resources Example Questions Example Question #44 : Other Conditions
The nurse is providing a teaching session to a client who has elevated uric acid levels. What type of diet will the nurse be teaching about?
Possible Answers:
High-calorie, high-protein diet
High-potassium diet
Low-purine diet
High-fiber diet
Correct answer:Low-purine diet
Explanation: Elevated uric acid levels is an indicator for a low-purine diet. Other indicators include gout and kidney stones. The patient should restrict the diet to foods that are low in purine.
Example Question #1 : Other Condition Follow Up
A nurse wishes to reduce the symptoms of a client with systemic lupus erythematosus. The nurse should do all of the following except:
Possible Answers:
Instruct the client to use strong soaps to cleanse skin rashes
Administer topical corticosteroids as prescribed
Instruct the client to avoid harsh sunlight and ultraviolet exposure
Administer a high-iron diet and vitamin supplements
Correct answer:Administer a high-iron diet and vitamin supplements
Explanation: Certain diets can exacerbate systemic lupus erythematosus symptoms, including diets high in iron. Diet should not be high in calories, zinc, or fats. Compounds that may provide benefits include vitamin E, vitamin A, fish oils, selenium, and flaxseed. | 1,331 | 658 | 0.001542 |
warc | 201704 | If you are a vegan and find that making this lifestyle choice has changed your life for the better, you would obviously want to share this positive change with others. After all, wanting others to make the same positive changes in their lives as you is natural – then there is the fact that you’re helping make a difference to the animals out there as well. So here’s what you can do to promote veganism.
1. Inform yourself
Know your facts, and be prepared to defend your position. People can be a little aggressive when defending their lifestyle choices – you want to be able to do the same, so arm yourself with facts and figures that are supported by research.
2. Get yourself a blog
Your musings, your experiences and your beliefs – putting these on a blog can be a wonderful creative outlet for you. it may also be the perfect way to disseminate your message of veganism.
3. Organize a vegan group
You can initiate a formal chapter of a vegan organization or you could simply get together with other likeminded people to discuss, share and support. This helps increase awareness in your immediate surroundings.
4. Share
Speak about your experiences with friends and on social networking sites. Share tips, recipes, facts about animal cruelty and health information relating to nutritional choices.
5. Organize events involving well known vegans
An event involving a celebrity vegan helps create sympathetic awareness of the whole vegan cause because of the way that most people are more receptive to what celebrities say.
6. Be patient with the nay-sayers
Understand that if you have certain beliefs, so do others. If you believe your beliefs to be correct, others have that same right. So be patient with those who scorn vegan lifestyles. Try and offer explanations but stop short of futile arguments.
7. Keep in touch with other vegans
It helps if your immediate family is also vegan. If not you may find that it helps to have the support of other vegans – keeping in touch, sharing tips, swapping stores and going out for a vegan meal together can make a lot of sense.
8. Gift vegan
Make a statement, and help the receiver see that vegan products can be just as good as any others!
9. Be a proud vegan
Wear a tee or a hat that proclaims your lifestyle choices; don’t be shy of expressing yourself and your beliefs.
10. Don’t harangue
While may believe passionately in the choice you made, others may not agree; and there is not much point in force-feeding your beliefs to others – best not to put their back up! | 2,586 | 1,270 | 0.000808 |
warc | 201704 | Sometimes you can daydream in class and come up with an exceptionally good idea – like an anti-bullying app that students can use in their schools. But turning a concept into reality takes persistence, hard work and some mentoring when you’re just 16 years old.
Brandon Boynton, a high school student in Madison County and licensed Apple developer, turned his video gaming couch time into entrepreneur time – and now his homework consists of software development, branding and financial and business plans.
Brandon’s app, which took about 250 hours to develop first for iOS then Android, won a local contest through the Madison County Chamber’s Young Entrepreneurs Academy, which just began its competitive student youth program this year. Then The BullyBøx app won a regional contest in Florida. Finally, Brandon landed in the top six for winners of a young entrepreneurs competition at America’s Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C.
For an ongoing mentor in Madison County, he was referred by the academy to the local Flagship Enterprise Center – which is now assisting with financial planning and marketing help that a young startup venture needs to get noticed.
While his app is now in place in just a few Indiana schools at the start of this school year, Brandon, now 17, is working on a multilingual version of the app. To raise additional capital, he’s also running an IndieGoGo campaign hoping to raise $25,000 by September 24.
Personal motivation was also a factor in development of this app. Brandon says he was bullied in 8
th grade. As a result, he felt some of his development time could be better spent on an app with significant social value. More than 3.2 million students fall victim to bullying and don’t know who to tell, according to his app campaign video. And that inability to share can turn tragic.
Cyberbullying is defined as bullying that takes place using electronic technology, which can include cell phones, computers and tablets, as well as communication tools, including social media sites, text messages, chat and websites.
According to federal authorities, almost one-fifth of all students in grades 9-12 have been bullied on school property. Almost 15% of students in the same grades have experienced cyberbullying.
“This is a way for students to send anonymous reports by logging into a school account, directing the report to the right administrator and even sending screenshots from social media – where bullying often happens,” Brandon said.
The app is free to students and schools pay only $1 per student to use the website component and analytics. School officials can also select keywords to trigger an immediate phone call if The BullyBøx servers analyze and determine the report to require immediate attention.
One of the key parts of his app includes data analytics for schools. Administrators can pay immediate attention to a trouble spot if reports are coming from specific locations on school grounds, for example.
Dr. Lynn Staley, superintendent of Liberty Christian School in Anderson, introduced the app to her middle school and high school students at the start of the school year in August.
“To me, this is a no brainer for anyone in education.” Dr. Staley also knows bullying is significantly under reported and the anonymity provided by The BullyBøx makes it a critical tool.
For immediate help if you know someone who is a target of any kind of bullying, please call the LIFELINE at 1-800-273-8255.
Like what you've read? For more stories on how technology enhances our lives, subscribe via email or RSS in the left sidebar. | 3,686 | 1,852 | 0.000555 |
warc | 201704 | This book presents the latest information, concepts and technology for ensuring sustainable agricultural production and environmental management by adopting land drainage measures. It focuses on a subject, central to the sustainability of irrigated agriculture. This book provides an explicit description of the subject for students as well as the practicing engineers in this area. | 384 | 250 | 0.004021 |
warc | 201704 | The Government has issued a Decree on trading in duty-free goods, stipulating eligible persons and conditions for purchase of duty-free goods.
The Government has issued Decree 175/2016/ND-CP (Decree 175) to amend and supplement some articles of Decree 86/2013/ND-CP, dated July 29, 2013 on business in prize-winning electronic games for foreigners.
Natural disasters and environmental pollution can reduce GDP by 0.6 per cent per year from 2016-20, according to the National Centre for Socio-economic Information and Forecast (NCIF) under the Ministry of Planning and Investment.
The State Securities Commission (SSC) issued Circular 180/2015/TT-BTC on unlisted public companies, which took effect on January 1, 2016.
Việt Nam is going through a construction boom, with apartment and office buildings mushrooming, and energy efficiency is imperative, Nguyễn Công Thịnh, head of the Ministry of Construction’s science, technology and environment department, told a seminar in HCM City yesterday.
Applying the Rules of Origin of Goods in Asean Trade In Goods Agreement (ATIGA) will help enterprises enjoy preferential tax rates and manage compliance costs that enterprises must bear under the form of documents and accounting cost.
A company may wish to use some staff of another company, especially when both companies belong to the same group. What are the forms of labour exchanges recognised by Vietnamese law? To answer this question, this practical note provides an overview of the relevant legal provisions.
Under pressure for more stringent control requirements to combat transfer pricing and loss of tax revenue, the Ministry of Finance completed the draft Transfer Pricing Decree and is now in the stage of collecting comments from the public. VIR’s Thanh Xuan talked with Tu Ha, Vietnam director at transfer pricing advisory firm Quantera Global, on significant developments and guidance for business compliance.
Civil Code No 33/2005/QH11 ("2005 Civil Code") will be replaced by Civil Code No 91/2015/QH13 ("2015 Civil Code") January 1, 2017. Essentially, civil laws respect the freedom of contract of the parties, but the parties must comply with general regulations of the law. Accordingly, even if loans are non-regular activities for certain enterprises, they may bring about more legal and commercial risks.
In the distribution relationship, the principal can deliver goods to a number of different agents. Therefore, drafting of the agent agreement, which not only meets the required needs, but also ensures the rights of the parties, should be taken into account. | 2,625 | 1,422 | 0.000716 |
warc | 201704 | Tesla Accepts Bitcoin, Bitcoin Copycats Jousting For Position Bitcoin the godfather of crypto-currencies reached another milestone in early December. Lamborghini Newport Beach announced on its blog that it took payment for a Tesla Model S electric car with Bitcoin.
The company said via its blog that it will continue accepting Bitcoin from future customers and looks forward to the opportunities that will come with it.
Bitcoin, as of December 5, is trading for around $1,000, just two weeks after Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke declared that virtual currencies “may have long-term promise.”
Since Bitcoin is decentralized, it’s difficult to apply the concepts of Moody’s Analytics stress testing to determine its staying power.
But Monica Gagnier, an economics writer for Moody’s, predicts that Bitcoin will likely never be more than an unsustainable “niche hobby” due to the tediousness of transactions and inevitable regulations.
Despite skepticism from industry experts, there are at least 144 other crypto-currencies currently being traded, according to Com-Http, a digital currency tracking website. Here are three (less expensive) options potential investors can look into.
Litecoin
There are two major differences between Litecoin and Bitcoin. The previous can be mined by just about anyone who has a laptop computer and Internet connection.
Photo by btckeychain via Flickr
Litecoin algorithms were originally designed by mathematician Dr. Colin Percival for the cloud-based online backup service Tarsnap. The protocols are simple, unlike Bitcoin’s block chains that require an investment of a few thousand dollars for the necessary mining equipment.
Bitcoin is widely accepted by thousands of merchants all over the world. Litecoin has a long way to go to catch up, but is still the top alternative to Bitcoin. A Litecoin transaction is also much faster to complete than Bitcoin’s 10-plus minute average.
It sells at about $40 per unit as of December 5. It is currently third behind Bitcoin and Ripple for market cap, with a total current value of in-circulation coins of about $900 million.
Namecoin
Bitcoin boasts privacy and anonymity with all transactions. But a well-trained hacker with a lot of time on his hands could very well determine the origin of any Bitcoin transaction.
Namecoin, on the other hand, is 100 percent untraceable. Not only does it use the same peer-to-peer cryptography as Bitcoin and Litecoin, but also operates on a de-facto independent Internet.
Namecoin acts much like a proxy server, translating domain names into a language only a machine can read during transactions. Namecoin thus operates outside of the influence of ICANN, the global overseer of the entire Internet.
Namecoin currently sells at about $8.50, with about $100 million worth currently in circulation. The total number of Namecoins that can ever exist is 21 million, the same limit for Bitcoin.
Primecoin
The biggest difference between Primecoin and Bitcoin (besides the price) is the way they are created.
Like its name suggests, Primecoin is mined by searching out chains of prime numbers. Sunny King, the creator of Primecoin, wanted to develop an alternative to the “hashcash” proof-of-work design used by Bitcoin and most other crypto-currencies.
Instead of a fixed cap for the possible number of Primecoins, King posits that Moore’s law will naturally limit the number of Primecoins in circulation.
Named after Intel co-founder Gordon Moore, the law as applied to Primecoin would limit the total number of prime number chains based on technological advancements in processing speeds and circuitry for computers.
Primecoin currently trades for about $5.
My Opinion
Two days ago I wrote about Bitcoin Mania. The Chinese Bank saying no to Bitcoin and the Bank of America saying yes to Bitcoin.
Now Tesla says yes to Bitcoin. Have I changed my mind about Bitcoin?
Nope I have not. When it comes to Bitcoin, Litecoin or Primecoin my advice is to stay out.
There are plenty of better investments out there. Pick some very smart start-ups via i.e. Kickstarter for example.
What About You? Would you invest your money in Bitcoin, Litecoin or Primecoin? We’d love to hear your why. Follow & Share Want more stories on breaking with the status quo? See our category Trends & Innovations, join us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Pinterest, RSS and get our weekly E-mail Newsletter for updates and free bonus content. About the Author Igor Beuker is a serial entrepreneur, acclaimed trendwatcher & speaker, marketing consultant and advisory board member at several disruptive media, technology and entertainment firms. Book Igor as keynote speaker, follow Igor on Twitter or contact him via LinkedIn. | 4,817 | 2,385 | 0.000429 |
warc | 201704 | Women who consume a small amount of alcohol daily significantly reduce their risk of developing high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease. The finding is part of a study published in this week's issue of
Archives of Internal Medicine.
When it comes to heart disease, a little alcohol is good. But alcohol's benefits to health can quickly evaporate when that small amount increases, according to a new study by Harvard University researchers.
For eight years, study co-author Eric Rimm says investigators followed a group of over 70,000 women enrolled in the large, ongoing Nurses' Health Study. During that time, Professor Rimm says over 4,200 of the women developed high blood pressure.
"Those women that drank about half a drink a day, or three to four drinks per week, had about a 14 percent lower risk of developing high blood pressure," he said. "And even women who drank up to a drink per day had lower risk. It wasn't until you got up to above a drink-and-a-half to about two drinks or more where we really saw a significant risk of developing high blood pressure."
Eric Rimm says women who drank more than two drinks per day increased their risk of hypertension by one third.
How alcohol affects blood pressure is unclear, but one theory suggests that small amounts relax the blood vessels, easing blood flow. In larger amounts, it's thought alcohol constricts blood vessels, leading to high blood pressure.
Professor Rimm adds the latest study suggests it doesn't matter whether the alcohol that's being consumed comes from red or white wine, beer or spirits, just so long as it is in moderate amounts to get health benefits. | 1,664 | 837 | 0.001204 |
warc | 201704 | WASHINGTON — The parliamentary health committee on Tuesday expressed concern at the high cost of blood in the Zimbabwe’s hospitals.
At $200 per unit, parliamentarians said this was far beyond the reach of many people in Zimbabwe. But representatives of the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) told the committee they could not explain the high cost of blood in hospitals saying they charge $135 per unit. The NBTS operates as a non-profit. Officials told the health committee the service works on a cost recovery model, with operational charges covering costs of duplicate tests on HIV, Hepatitis B and C and syphilis. Officials added the cost of blood units paid in hospitals may reflect the institutions’ administrative costs. Last year public and private health institutions owed more than a million dollars to the NBTS, forcing patients to unusually pay directly to the organization when in need. But patients still complain the cost of blood remains too high. Mfundo Ngwenya, spokesman for the NBTS, said the organization is managing to supply blood to members of the public even as financial constraints continue. | 1,143 | 626 | 0.001623 |
warc | 201704 | Thursday, June 25, 2009
CAP-AND-TRADE was supposed to allow Congress to avoid picking winners and losers in the fight against climate change. Advocates claim that approach, which relies on the market to figure out the easiest way to reduce greenhouse emissions, is at the heart of the Waxman-Markey energy bill that the House is preparing to vote on tomorrow. But, among many, many other things, the 1,200-page bill would also devote $60 billion to making sure clean coal isn't a loser.
Given America's huge reliance on coal to produce electricity -- and the breakneck deployment of dirty coal plants in China -- proponents make a strong case that coal deserves special attention. The bill's cap-and-trade system won't produce a carbon price high enough to spur deployment of clean-coal technology for a very long time, they say. If clean-coal technology can be made more cost-effective, meanwhile, the know-how could be exported abroad. And, some admit, coal-state lawmakers wouldn't be comfortable with a cap-and-trade bill that didn't include a lot for coal.
Since cost-effective, large-scale clean-coal technology is still untested, the first thing the bill would do is allow a quasi-public corporation to tax electricity distributors $10 billion over 10 years to fund "demonstration projects." We can see the appeal of supporting basic research on how to make the black stuff greener, especially if it includes research on retrofitting plants.
But then comes the big-ticket stuff. The bill essentially guarantees that carbon capture and sequestration will play a large role in America's energy mix, at first by offering coal plants that capture and sequester most of their emissions 10 years of compensation that is many times the market value of the carbon emissions they avoid -- on top of the savings they would accrue by not polluting under the cap-and-trade regime. After phase one, the Environmental Protection Agency would take more control. At that point, a complicated regulatory framework would aim to reduce the subsidy for new facilities so that it covered only capital and operating costs of carbon capture and storage for 10 years.
Uncertainties abound: What if the costs of clean coal don't come down enough to make it economical relative to other measures? If clean coal turns out to be less than its advocates envision, can Congress ever work up the political will to kill the subsidy program? Subsidies are set to phase out after 10 years of paying for operating costs, but won't powerful coal-state lawmakers fight to keep them going? And even if it does work, won't members of Congress insist that big carbon repositories not be located in their districts?
As with the whole of Waxman-Markey, these coal provisions have real attraction in their billed potential to cut greenhouse emissions. But they also bring with them the huge risk that federal regulation will not achieve the reforms most needed to efficiently fight global warming. | 2,971 | 1,499 | 0.000669 |
warc | 201704 | Michael Koles is a candidate for the Iola-Scandinavia School Board.
He is running for the position being vacated by William Peterson, representing the townships of Scandinavia and Amherst.
“I decided to run for the I-S School Board because I believe that education is our highest leverage strategy to grow our community and country,” Koles said. “My family chose, and many others choose, to live in an area because of the educational system. Increasingly, our younger generations choose to live in a place based on amenities first and a job second. If we want to continue to have and further develop the great community we are blessed with then we need to continuously work on maintaining and improving our already high quality educational system.”
Koles believes he is the best candidate for the school board position.
“I have always had a passion for education and have spent the last 15 years of my career in the University System. This passion has only increased now that my children are in K-12.”
My strong belief in a quality educational system is supported by my understanding of local government in Wisconsin, given both my career and my past elected service,” he added. “Furthermore, I am a collaborator and believe that I can work with my new colleagues on the board to identify solutions amenable to the many and varied interests in the community.”
He believes school funding continues to remain a challenge due to many factors, including shared revenue changes coupled with declining enrollment. He said the board will need to work with faculty, administration and the entire community to continue to find innovative ways to overcome this obstacle.
“Given the new reality throughout the public sector, the school board has the opportunity to develop a quality faculty and staff evaluation system,” Koles said. “Any such system should empower the employees of the district to plan, do, check and adjust (what he refers to PDCA). I am excited to see how a system that encourages goal development, implementation, evaluation and adjustment through a feedback loop process can serve to foster a continued growth process.”
Koles said attraction and retention of high quality teachers will increasingly become an issue given faculty demographics, the rural nature of the district and its ability to provide competitive compensation.
“Teachers are the foundation of the educational system, and I believe we need to be discussing what the whole Iola-Scandinavia community can do to enhance our appreciation,” he said.
“I don’t believe there is a big, single silver bullet that will solve revenue issues; otherwise, we would have probably pressed that easy button long ago,” Koles said. “Instead, my sense is that multiple smaller strategies will be necessary in the short run.
“In the long run, I don’t think we should be asking ourselves ‘which cuts do we make this year?’ We cannot cut our way to a quality educational system.
“Instead, we should be asking about how we increase revenue through innovative strategies that are sensitive to both the taxpayers and low resource families. I believe this includes figuring out how to grow the student population and better leverage the high quality assets already in place in the district.”
Koles does not like the idea of using a referendum to increase revenue for the I-S School District.
“I am philosophically opposed to referenda,” he said. “The founding fathers were clear about the role of elected representatives and their need to make difficult decisions.
“That said, school districts throughout Wisconsin have been placed in a difficult position and are required by law to initiate a referendum to exceed caps. Thus, if caps needed to be exceeded to maintain the quality of education, I would hold my nose and support a referendum.
“Whether or not I would personally vote in favor of caps being exceeded is another matter altogether and would depend upon a number of factors, especially whether or not we are engaging in a discussion about long term efficiencies, revenue generation, and other potential structural changes.”
Koles is employed at the UW-Extension Waupaca County Community Development Educator. He has degrees in Political Science/Environmental Studies from Wartburg College (Waverly, Iowa) and Urban and Regional Planning from UW-Madison.
Koles and his family have lived in the I-S School District for 10 years. He and his wife, Brenda, are both originally from Antigo and most recently lived in North Fond du Lac, where Koles served as a village trustee and plan commission member.
They have two children – Tanner, 9, and Clara, 8. Brenda is a commercial underwriter for Acuity Insurance. | 4,846 | 2,244 | 0.000463 |
warc | 201704 | DHA Reduces Stroke Damage
Byron J. Richards, Board Certified Clinical Nutritionist
DHA is one of the most important basic nutrients for the health of your brain and nervous system. It is required to resolve inflammation in your nerves and is a vital component to the structure of your different types of brain cells. In terms of fat, your brain is made up of what you eat. Having DHA regularly in your diet makes brain cells that are not only likely to function better in terms of cognitive ability, but also more able to withstand stress. A new study in mice shows that mice who had been taking DHA for 3 months had 25% less brain damage following experimentally induced stroke.
“This is the first convincing demonstration of the powerful anti-inflammatory effect of DHA in the brain,” said study author Frédéric Calon. “The consumption of omega-3s creates an anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective environment in the brain that mitigates damage following a stroke,” summarized study author Jasna Kriz. “It prevents an acute inflammatory response that, if not controlled, is harmful to brain tissue.”
DHA is the most lacking fatty acid in the American diet. Everyone should supplement DHA for many reasons, not the least of which is preservation of your brain along with a higher level of cognitive function.
Read More: Cardiovascular Health News
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warc | 201704 | FIVE POINTS, Calif. — Even though California’s fresh produce industries have a good record in voluntary compliance, federal regulations for microbial food-safety are on their way, says a University of California, Davis postharvest specialist.
Speaking to a group of vegetable growers and PCAs here recently, Trevor Suslow said the regulatory climate has been shaped by national consumer concerns after well-publicized outbreaks of Salmonella, E. coli O157:H7, and other microorganisms.
Suslow said he is "trying to build awareness of coming mandatory GAPs," or good agricultural practices, for microbial food-safety in fresh-market fruits and vegetables, just like those now required for chemical or physical safety.
GAPs, he explained, are becoming a common marketing tool expected by food-safety conscious buyers, and "there’s an expectation for record keeping that was not common 10 years ago."
Many growers and shippers of fresh-market fruits and vegetables are already using GAPs as means of promoting label reputations and high standards of quality.
"One of the main reasons for having a program related to GAPs is for your protection, but more importantly they help you pull yourself -- either as an individual, a company, a region, or a commodity -- out of any potential trace-back investigation if a problem should occur."
Noting that contamination of produce is an issue at all points between the field and the consumer, he said that whenever questions surface, the first suspicion, rightly or wrongly, is that the produce became infected on the farm and not in the back room of a grocery store or restaurant.
Only a few documented cases point back to improper practices in the field, but they were enough to stir public reaction.
According to officials of the GAPs Program at Cornell University, one case of E. coli contamination was blamed on improperly handled mesclun lettuce mix that caused illnesses in Illinois and Connecticut. The lettuce was grown near a cattle operation and a free-range chicken farm, a situation in violation of sound practices.
Records vital
Record keeping for various GAPs is vital, Suslow said, since authorities hold the attitude that "if something was not written down, it didn’t happen."
Compliance can be far-reaching and quite expensive, yet Suslow said it could be an evolving process starting with some basic steps to avoid obvious "no-brainer" sources of contamination.
Some examples of things to avoid: manure piles adjacent to vegetable fields, failure to protect packing facilities from rodents, birds and other pests, use of contaminated irrigation water, and improper worker facilities and hygiene.
He said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the agency charged with purity of fresh fruit and vegetables, "is well on its way to requiring commodity-specific GAPs programs, moving beyond general guidelines."
Meanwhile, some California produce growers have become proactive on the subject. One example is the cantaloupe industry, which produces more than a million tons of melons, about 60 percent of the U.S. output, each year. Cantaloupes were associated with Salmonella outbreaks in recent years. Although investigations traced the origin of the infections to locations other than California, the commodity is, nevertheless, at the top of an FDA high-risk list.
The California Cantaloupe Advisory Board, in response to mounting food-safety concerns, published a booklet detailing ways to minimize risk of food borne illness associated with production and handling of cantaloupes.
Booklet as guide
The publication, written by Suslow, describes best management practices, the organisms involved, physiology of the fruit, and the importance of proper temperature and handling.
"The clear message from university research," it reads, "is that once a cantaloupe has been contaminated, removing or killing the pathogen is not an easy task. In order to protect and maintain California’s strong reputation for high-quality melons that are also safe to consume, a comprehensive and standardized food safety program is a necessary goal for the cantaloupe industry to continue to evolve and implement."
Other commodities, including fresh-market tomatoes, lettuce, green onions, and almonds, that have had recurring problems with microbial outbreaks are also under scrutiny by FDA.
Monitoring of tomatoes, Suslow said, was begun after research demonstrated how readily harmful bacteria can invade the fruit.
FDA surveys of produce terminal markets showed that among commodities having spoilage, tomatoes represented a high percentage. And, he said, they found "a disproportionate potential for Salmonella to be associated with tomatoes."
The findings also say that if tomatoes are contaminated with sufficient doses of Salmonella, the infection persists and multiplies as the fruit matures.
After initial exposure of whole fruit to harmful organisms, improper temperatures of tomatoes being sliced or diced for consumption can cause an infection to spread further.
"Even though we consider tomatoes a very acidic fruit, once you cut through the tissue, the pH becomes much more permissive to pathogens," he said.
State low risk
Results from many assays in the laboratory and in the field show that, while the microbial threats exist, California has a relatively low risk of exposure, largely because of its environment of biological buffers and its general growing patterns.
"No matter how many samples you take, you can never guarantee that contamination isn’t out there. But fortunately it is not easy to find here, which is certainly not the case in many other states," Suslow said.
A hypothetical scenario for tomatoes exposed in a series of bad practices, might spell disaster, he said. If a given piece of ground was grazed off in the fall, a fresh-market tomato crop was planted in the spring, the crop was harvested and shipped without a chlorine or ozone wash, and the fruit was then diced for use and not kept at the correct temperature, the risk of contamination would be compounded.
"We have no, or only limited, data on which to base any recommendations for crops, timing, or precise separation between crops and animals, at this time. But we know these pathogens have an extraordinary capacity to survive more than we would have thought before," Suslow said.
Another problem of microbial food-safety is the ability of the pathogens to overcome controls used to combat them. GAP program researchers continue to work on learning how these adaptations occur.
To assist in developing GAP programs in the field and in packinghouses, Suslow and other UC, Davis experts, collaborating with counterparts across the nation, have compiled an array of recommendations, guides and other resources, written and on videos, in English and Spanish versions. They are available through the Web site at http://ucgaps.ucdavis.edu/. | 6,959 | 3,272 | 0.000309 |
warc | 201704 | Ionizing radiation, health effects and protective measures Key facts Ionizing radiation is a type of energy released by atoms in the form of electromagnetic waves or particles. People are exposed to natural sources of ionizing radiation, such as in soil, water, and vegetation, as well as in human-made sources, such as x-rays and medical devices. Ionizing radiation has many beneficial applications, including uses in medicine, industry, agriculture and research. As the use of ionizing radiation increases, so does the potential for health hazards if not properly used or contained. Acute health effects such as skin burns or acute radiation syndrome can occur when doses of radiation exceed certain levels. Low doses of ionizing radiation can increase the risk of longer term effects such as cancer. What is ionizing radiation?
Ionizing radiation is a type of energy released by atoms that travels in the form of electromagnetic waves (gamma or X-rays) or particles (neutrons, beta or alpha). The spontaneous disintegration of atoms is called radioactivity, and the excess energy emitted is a form of ionizing radiation. Unstable elements which disintegrate and emit ionizing radiation are called radionuclides.
All radionuclides are uniquely identified by the type of radiation they emit, the energy of the radiation, and their half-life.
The activity — used as a measure of the amount of a radionuclide present — is expressed in a unit called the becquerel (Bq): one becquerel is one disintegration per second. The half-life is the time required for the activity of a radionuclide to decrease by decay to half of its initial value. The half-life of a radioactive element is the time that it takes for one half of its atoms to disintegrate. This can range from a mere fraction of a second to millions of years (e.g. iodine-131 has a half-life of 8 days while carbon-14 has a half-life of 5730 years).
Radiation sources
People are exposed to natural radiation sources as well as human-made sources on a daily basis. Natural radiation comes from many sources including more than 60 naturally-occurring radioactive materials found in soil, water and air. Radon, a naturally-occurring gas, emanates from rock and soil and is the main source of natural radiation. Every day, people inhale and ingest radionuclides from air, food and water.
People are also exposed to natural radiation from cosmic rays, particularly at high altitude. On average, 80% of the annual dose of background radiation that a person receives is due to naturally occurring terrestrial and cosmic radiation sources. Background radiation levels vary geographically due to geological differences. Exposure in certain areas can be more than 200 times higher than the global average.
Human exposure to radiation also comes from human-made sources ranging from nuclear power generation to medical uses of radiation for diagnosis or treatment. Today, the most common human-made sources of ionizing radiation are medical devices, including X-ray machines.
Exposure to ionizing radiation
Radiation exposure may be internal or external, and can be acquired through various exposure pathways.
Internal exposure to ionizing radiation occurs when a radionuclide is inhaled, ingested or otherwise enters into the bloodstream (for example, by injection or through wounds). Internal exposure stops when the radionuclide is eliminated from the body, either spontaneously (such as through excreta) or as a result of a treatment. External exposure may occur when airborne radioactive material (such as dust, liquid, or aerosols) is deposited on skin or clothes. This type of radioactive material can often be removed from the body by simply washing.
Exposure to ionizing radiation can also result from irradiation from an external source, such as medical radiation exposure from X-rays. External irradiation stops when the radiation source is shielded or when the person moves outside the radiation field.
People can be exposed to ionizing radiation under different circumstances, at home or in public places (public exposures), at their workplaces (occupational exposures), or in a medical setting (as are patients, caregivers, and volunteers).
Exposure to ionizing radiation can be classified into 3 exposure situations. The first, planned exposure situations, result from the deliberate introduction and operation of radiation sources with specific purposes, as is the case with the medical use of radiation for diagnosis or treatment of patients, or the use of radiation in industry or research. The second type of situation, existing exposures, is where exposure to radiation already exists, and a decision on control must be taken – for example, exposure to radon in homes or workplaces or exposure to natural background radiation from the environment. The last type, emergency exposure situations, result from unexpected events requiring prompt response such as nuclear accidents or malicious acts.
Medical use of radiation accounts for 98 % of the population dose contribution from all artificial sources, and represents 20% of the total population exposure. Annually worldwide, more than 3600 million diagnostic radiology examinations are performed, 37 million nuclear medicine procedures are carried out, and 7.5 million radiotherapy treatments are given.
Health effects of ionizing radiation
Radiation damage to tissue and/or organs depends on the dose of radiation received, or the absorbed dose which is expressed in a unit called the gray (Gy). The potential damage from an absorbed dose depends on the type of radiation and the sensitivity of different tissues and organs.
The
effective dose is used to measure ionizing radiation in terms of the potential for causing harm. The sievert (Sv) is the unit of effective dose that takes into account the type of radiation and sensitivity of tissues and organs. It is a way to measure ionizing radiation in terms of the potential for causing harm. The Sv takes into account the type of radiation and sensitivity of tissues and organs.
The Sv is a very large unit so it is more practical to use smaller units such as millisieverts (mSv) or microsieverts (μSv). There are one thousand μSv in one mSv, and one thousand mSv in one Sv. In addition to the amount of radiation (dose), it is often useful to express the rate at which this dose is delivered (dose rate), such as microsieverts per hour (μSv/hour) or millisievert per year (mSv/year).
Beyond certain thresholds, radiation can impair the functioning of tissues and/or organs and can produce acute effects such as skin redness, hair loss, radiation burns, or acute radiation syndrome. These effects are more severe at higher doses and higher dose rates. For instance, the dose threshold for acute radiation syndrome is about 1 Sv (1000 mSv).
If the radiation dose is low and/or it is delivered over a long period of time (low dose rate), the risk is substantially lower because there is a greater likelihood of repairing the damage. There is still a risk of long-term effects such as cancer, however, that may appear years or even decades later. Effects of this type will not always occur, but their likelihood is proportional to the radiation dose. This risk is higher for children and adolescents, as they are significantly more sensitive to radiation exposure than adults.
Epidemiological studies on populations exposed to radiation, such as atomic bomb survivors or radiotherapy patients, showed a significant increase of cancer risk at doses above 100 mSv. More recently, some epidemiological studies in individuals exposed to medical exposures during childhood (paediatric CT) suggested that cancer risk may increase even at lower doses (between 50-100 mSv).
Prenatal exposure to ionizing radiation may induce brain damage in foetuses following an acute dose exceeding 100 mSv between weeks 8-15 of pregnancy and 200 mSv between weeks 16-25 of pregnancy. Before week 8 or after week 25 of pregnancy human studies have not shown radiation risk to fetal brain development. Epidemiological studies indicate that the cancer risk after fetal exposure to radiation is similar to the risk after exposure in early childhood.
WHO response
WHO has established a radiation program to protect patients, workers, and the public against the health risks of radiation exposure under planned, existing and emergency exposure situations. Focusing on public health aspects of radiation protection, this programme covers activities related to radiation risk assessment, management and communication.
In line with its core function on “setting norms and standards and promoting and monitoring their implementation”, WHO has cooperated with 7 other international organizations for the revision and update of the international radiation basic safety standards (BSS). WHO has adopted the new international BSS in 2012, and is currently working to support the implementation of the BSS in its Member States.
For more information contact:
WHO Media centre
Telephone: +41 22 791 2222 E-mail: mediainquiries@who.int | 9,131 | 3,697 | 0.000273 |
warc | 201704 | If you have seen Little Shop of Horrors and other movies that contain carnivorous plants, these amazing little plants may have intrigued you somewhat. If you're keen enough to do some gardening too, you can grow a carnivorous garden featuring flesh-eating plants. They're fun to grow but they do need special tending to keep them healthy.
Steps 1 Buy carnivorous plants.The easiest carnivorous plants to grow are the sundews. Choosing more than one species of carnivorous plant makes the garden look better. 2 Put the carnivorous plants (still in the pots) into a containment area, such as a plastic container.Make sure there are no holes on the bottom of the container. 3 Pour water into the container the pots of plants are sitting in.Pour until the water is two inches (5cm) high. 4 Decorate with mosses, pine cones, and rocks.Make it look nice and boggy. 5 Remember to water the plants and keep them in partial sun.Feed the plants dried flies or freshly killed flies; or, if you want, feed them live ones. Community Q&A Tips Research carnivorous plant care so you know exactly how to care for them. Different plants have different needs. Warnings Do not stick fingers in the mouths of carnivorous plants. Venus fly traps bite and pitcher plants may have digestive acids in their pitchers. Things You'll Need Large container Carnivorous plants Distilled water Mosses, rocks, pine cones | 1,391 | 720 | 0.001392 |
warc | 201704 | Tag: hot drink
Why is that whenever you go to a Chinese restaurant they never serve you ice water in a jug … only warm tea? Hmmm!
What is one of the simplest, yet most profound things you can do to protect yourself from getting sick (colds & flu’s etc), to avoid that ‘heavy/depressed’ winter feeling, improving circulation, minimising arthritic pain and constipation, helping your body do a daily detox, and helping with weight loss – particularly winter weight loss?
Ancient Ayurvedic Medicine Tip: AVOID Cold (particularly ice-cold or chilled) Drinks, and in the Colder Months, Drink Warm or Slightly Hot (Boiled) Water.
Do you know why we get a fever when we’re sick? The increased body temperature helps fight off the nasties. We all know we are more likely to “catch a cold”, when we subject ourselves to the cold. Yes, they are viruses, but it’s the ‘coldness’ that weakens our immune system, making us less able to deal with the invaders. So why make it harder for ourselves by drinking ‘cold’ things…not to mention the disastrous consequences it has for our digestive ‘fire’. Right now, go and get your favourite mug. Boil the kettle and start sipping warm/hot water regularly throughout the day.
Drinking warm/hot fluids (plain water mainly) heats your body, assisting immune function, circulation and your capacity to tolerate the cold. It avoids the multitude of disastrous effects that ‘cold fluids’ have on digestion (which works through the principle of ‘HEAT). It helps soften impurities/toxins in the body – the results of poorly digested food, aids the elimination of these impurities, and assists internal cleansing, weight loss and even things like constipation & arthritis.
* Notice how most people’s arthritis gets worse in winter…when the impurities ‘settle in’ to the joints.
It is certainly an easy, simple & cost-effective way of improving your health.
. Boiling Water & Spices
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Ancient texts talk about the difference in the rate of absorption of regular water vs. boiled water: 1. regular water — takes about 6 hours if every channel is clear
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Tips: :arthritic pain, arthritis, Ayurveda, ayurvedic medicine, boiled water, circulation, colds, colds and flu, constipation, Detox, flu, hot drink, spices, weight loss, winter more... | 2,398 | 1,252 | 0.000848 |
warc | 201704 | Learn something new every day
More Info... by email
An international securities exchange is an online marketplace where investors can trade derivatives based on underlying products from across the world. These exchanges exist in various countries, but the phrase most commonly refers to International Securities Exchange, which is often abbreviated as the ISE. This limited liability company operates an online options trading exchange based in New York City. Along with its parent company, which is owned by German and Swiss organizations, it forms the largest derivatives trading operation in the world.
Exchanges are marketplaces in which investors can trade financial instruments. The responsibility of an exchange is to facilitate trading by matching bidders and sellers who are willing to exchange a product for the same price, and each exchange decides which products its participants may trade. Historically, exchanges were floors where traders wrote down bids in books and matched offers manually. Recently, electronic exchanges have become part of global trading. Investors can submit bids electronically, and trades are matched and executed by a computer.
The International Securities Exchange was the first completely electronic options trading exchange in the United States. Since 2007, it has operated as an independent subsidiary of Eurex. The Deutsche Borse Group and SIX Swiss Exchange AG own Eurex, which is a global exchange that specializes in derivatives.
Executives with experience at E*TRADE and the New York Stock Exchange founded the International Securities Exchange in 2000, but the idea for it arose in 1997. Marty Averbuch and William A. Porter, of E*TRADE, and Gary Katz and David Krell, of the New York Stock Exchange, discussed the possibility of an electronic options exchange and joined together to create Adirondack Trading Partners, a company to raise funds to start the exchange. This was accomplished by 2000, and the exchange began operating out of New York. In 2006, the exchange was restructured as a holdings company with a limited liability company subsidiary. It was acquired by Eurex in 2007, and at that time it changed from a publicly traded to a privately owned company.
The exchange focuses on consolidating options trading in one electronic marketplace, and to further this goal it frequently expands to include new products. It has added to its equity, exchange traded fund and foreign exchange option lines. The exchange introduced index options in 2003, becoming the first electronic marketplace for indexes. Then, it expanded into short-term options with quarterlies in 2006 and weeklies in 2010.
To participate in trades on the International Securities Exchange, an investor must be a member of the exchange. Membership is limited to broker-dealers who are registered in the United States. They must belong to at least one other self-regulatory organization, and they must be cleared by an approved organization. Traders who meet these criteria may submit a membership application.
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! | 3,283 | 1,513 | 0.000663 |
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