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In China, bamboo is a symbol of longevity and vitality, able to survive the hardest natural conditions and remain green all year round. In a storm, bamboo stems bend but do not break, representing the qualities of durability, strength, flexibility and resilience1. Bamboo is a traditional construction material in Asia. Its strength and flexibility arise from its hollow stems (‘culms’) made from distinct material components. The solid outer shell of the culm is made primarily from longitudinal fibres. A higher density at the outer wall makes it stronger than the inner regions, and results in remarkable stiffness and flexural strength. Running through the centre of bamboo stem are parenchyma cells that store and channel the plant’s nutrients. At the micro-/nano-scale both the fibres and the matrix contain cellulose nano-fibrils of the same type. However, the structural arrangement of the two materials result in contrasting mechanical properties. Individual fibres may reach a strength of 900 MPa, whilst the matrix can only resist about 50 MPa. There is also a considerable difference in their elastic properties, with the fibres being much stiffer than the matrix. Bamboo is often treated with alkaline solutions, to modify these properties. Alkaline treatments can turn this rapidly renewable and low-cost resource into soft textiles, and extract fibres to be used in composite materials or as biomass for fuel. Image: Dr Enrico Salvati on the B16 beamline at Diamond.
Accused of being a demon by those who could not tolerate her independence, Eleanor of Aquitaine made her mark as one of the most dynamic and extraordinary figures of the Middle Ages. Born in 1122, Eleanor refused to be confined by the traditional gender roles of her time. She became well educated, gaining political and governing know-how from her father, William X, duke of Aquitaine, and armed herself with the skills necessary to become an influential queen-first of France, and later, England. With an impact that reached beyond politics, Eleanor shaped the future of the arts and humanities. And in a time when women were viewed as inferior to men, the virtues of chivalry and courtly love were born. Once described by a contemporary as "a woman beyond compare," Eleanor of Aquitaine is a figure who will remain controversial, powerful, and enchanting in the twenty-first century. About the Author Polly Schoyer Brooks lives in New Canaan, Connecticut, where she enjoys her four children, ten grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.
Science Linkages in the Community (SLIC) Science Linkages in the Community (SLIC) is an initiative of the Education Programs at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). The primary goal of SLIC is to enhance the effectiveness of community-based organizations and schools in providing science, mathematics and technology (SMT) activities. Initiated in 1993 by AAAS and initially funded by the DeWitt Wallace-Reader’s Digest Fund, the SLIC Initiative strives to better equip community-based organizations and schools to forge alliances, improve the SMT curriculum, ensure equitable dissemination of resources, and provide for a stable SMT education infrastructure for generations to come. Through customized, fee-based technical assistance, the SLIC Initiative provides trainers, volunteers, teachers, educators, administrators and leaders in community-based organizations and schools with the training, skills, curricula and materials needed to offer hands-on, inquiry-based science, mathematics and technology activities. The SLIC Initiative has provided technical assistance for community-based organizations, libraries, schools, museums, churches, science centers, corporations, foundations, and colleges and universities. Conferences, workshops and seminars have been conducted for the National Urban League, the National Council of La Raza, Girls Inc., the Louisiana Department of Education, the National Organization of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers, National Easter Seal Society, the Society of Mexican American Engineers and Scientists, the Salvation Army, and many other community-based organizations and school systems nationwide. For more information, visit the SLIC Technical Assistance web page. The SLIC Initiative also provides publications and other resources, including our latest publication, TechLinks for CTCs: Science, Math, Health and Literacy Activities for Community Technology Centers. The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), founded in 1848, is the world’s largest federation of scientific and engineering societies. It currently has over 140,000 individual members and nearly 300 affiliated societies and academies of science. AAAS publishes Science, the weekly professional journal, and Science Books and Films (SB&F), a source of critical reviews for schools and libraries. AAAS’s top programmatic priority is to improve science, mathematics, and technology education for youth. Given the growing importance of science and technology in our society, it is crucial that the greater public, including women, minorities, and people with disabilities, see science as a part of their everyday lives. AAAS efforts strengthen all aspects of education, both informal and formal, and broaden the opportunities for all young people to pursue science and engineering careers. For more information concerning AAAS’ work in science education, please go to the web page for the AAAS Education Programs. The AAAS Advantage AAAS has a proven track record of providing affordable professional development for teachers and leaders in community-based organizations. We stay on top of the ever-changing reform movement in science, math and technology education at the state and federal levels. We also work closely with curriculum experts, Title I and other federal education program coordinators, and bilingual, math, science, special education and Head Start supervisors. The SLIC Institute Technical Assistance Training provides the highest quality, in-depth instruction to strengthen instructors’ skills and confidence in teaching science to their students.
Raising Global Awareness with Google Earth What do you do after flying to your home? Technical Lead, Google Earth Layers Mountain View, Calif. What is the first thing most users do in Google Earth? Typically they fly to their homes, navigate around their neighborhoods and perhaps explore potential travel and vacation spots. While this is a wonderful introduction to the power, utility and even pleasure of using Google Earth, increasingly there are much more interesting applications being launched that leverage the power of Google Earth to help the people, animals and plants of our planet. As of this writing, Google Earth includes high-resolution imagery (sub-meter accuracy) for more than 30% of the world's landmass and 50% of the world's population. The 3D terrain model is also steadily increasing in accuracy all over the world. Try flying around Switzerland or Hawaii (10-meter horizontal accuracy) or Mount St. Helens (3-meter accuracy). In Africa, we have blended in extremely high resolution (2.5cm/pixel) aerial photographs taken by National Geographic explorer Michael Fay, allowing users to fly in seconds from outer space to see the eyelashes on a camel. Google continues to publish frequent updates to the imagery, terrain and vector databases, increasing our global high-resolution coverage, spatial accuracy and data freshness. The power and reach of this technology have now been discovered by many non-profit groups, NGO's, governmental agencies, scientists, concerned citizens and indigenous peoples who are engaged in efforts to raise awareness and inspire action on a range of issues: environmental, humanitarian, cultural, educational and disaster relief/response, among others. Many users have found that by publishing their data and telling their stories within the vivid geospatial context of Google Earth, they've been more effective at reaching the broader public and influencing policy at every level of government. Some already have achieved success at tangibly impacting what is happening “on the ground.” At Google, we believe that technology can be a positive catalyst for education and action, and have committed resources to supporting these groups and efforts in a variety of ways. The following are a few examples of public-benefit Google Earth projects launched over the past year. Figure 1 “Crisis in Darfur” by the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum; each flame marks a damaged or destroyed village. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum: Crisis in Darfur On April 10, 2007, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM) joined with Google in unveiling an unprecedented online mapping initiative aimed at furthering awareness and action in the Darfur region of Sudan. The goal was to enable Google Earth users worldwide to visualize and better understand the genocide currently unfolding in Darfur. Museum staff assembled content—photographs, data and eyewitness testimony—from a number of sources that were brought together for the first time in Google Earth. This information was (and still is) published as a Global Awareness layer in Google Earth, and the content is turned on by default—that is, users of Google Earth will see the collection of “Crisis in Darfur” icons simply by opening Google Earth and flying over Africa (see Figure 1). The “Crisis in Darfur” content comes from a range of sources—the U.S. State Department, NGOs, the United Nations, individual photographers, and the museum. Also, Google arranged to publish high-resolution imagery for many affected areas in Sudan and neighboring Chad. The high-resolution imagery in Google Earth enables users to zoom into the region to view more than 1,600 damaged and destroyed villages (see Figure 2), providing visual, compelling evidence of the scope of destruction. The remnants of more than 100,000 homes, schools, mosques and other structures destroyed by the janjaweed militia and Sudanese forces are clearly visible. Humanitarian organizations and others now have a readily accessible tool for better understanding the situation on the ground in Darfur. Figure 2 One of more than 1,600 damaged or destroyed villages in Darfur; more than 100,000 homes have been destroyed. Also worth noting is that this project was started and substantially developed by a group of volunteers who donated their time and KML skills (Keyhole Markup Language, the file format used to display geographic data in Google Earth). The “BrightEarth” project included Michael Graham (of USHMM, who conceived the idea and led the team) and volunteers Lars Bromley, Declan Butler, Stefan Geens, Mikel Maron, Tim Caro-Bruce and Brian Timoney. (Editor's note: See detailed story.) Figure 3 The blue line marks the 73-mile journey of Abdul's family across the sub-Sahara desert, from their destroyed village of Shattay (marked with a flame in the foreground) to the displaced persons camp at Kalma. During their Google Earth presentation to assembled government officials and the media on April 10, the museum told and showed the story of one particular displaced family, from a report by BBC correspondent Hillary Anderson. Abdul and his mother lived in the village of Shattay. One morning before dawn, the attack on Shattay began. The next day Abdul and his family began their arduous three-day walk of 73 miles across the sub-Saharan desert to the displaced persons camp of Kalma (see Figure 3). Due to the extreme difficulties of the journey, one member of the family died along the way. The dangerous conditions of these camps are portrayed in Figure 4. The reaction to this project has been immediate: it has stimulated extensive worldwide media coverage, traffic to the USHMM website has quadrupled, and reporters and human rights organizations have used the information in these layers to ask more pointed questions. As President George Bush noted when he spoke at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum on April 18, 2007, “This museum cannot stop the violence. But through your good work, you're making it impossible for the world to turn a blind eye. Earlier I saw an exhibit that puts faces on the millions of men, women, and children who have been killed or driven into the desert. I also saw an interesting new venture that you've arranged with Google Earth. As a result of this partnership, millions of Internet users around the world will be able to zoom in and see satellite images of the burnt-out villages and mosques and schools. No one who sees these pictures can doubt that genocide is the only word for what is happening in Darfur—and that we have a moral obligation to stop it.” Figure 5 The Aral Sea has dropped to one-quarter of its former size (50 years ago), due to diversion of water for cotton cultivation. These images are included in the UNEP layer on Google Earth. United Nations Environment Programme: Atlas of Our Changing Environment UNEP's “Atlas of Our Changing Environment” was first published in hardback in 2005, featuring high-resolution images of areas around the world that have undergone dramatic change over the past thirty years, from receding Arctic glaciers and the vanishing snows of Mount Kilimanjaro to extensive deforestation in the Amazon. In September 2006, UNEP and Google teamed up to publish this atlas online as a layer in Google Earth. There are now 177 sites around the world portrayed with before-and-after image overlays and explanatory text. The transparency slider feature in Google Earth allows users to morph the imagery back and forth in time, vividly conveying the dramatic changes (see Figure 5). The project has garnered considerable global media attention. For example, on Nov. 7, 2006, French TV Channel 2 allocated several minutes of their prime-time news program to a series of these before-and-after site visualizations and to an interview with project coordinator Ashbindu Singh. The project has also served as an inspiring example and technical demonstration to other non-profit groups interested in showing before-and-after imagery overlays in Google Earth. Jane Goodall Institute: Gombe Chimpanzee Blog Also in September 2006, the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) and Google teamed up to publish the first “geo-blog,” a georeferenced Web log of updates about the lives of the famous chimpanzees living in Gombe National Park in Tanzania. The “Gombe Chimpanzee Blog” is authored by field researcher Emily Wroblewshi, who is studying paternity among the chimpanzees. Her entries allow Google Earth users everywhere to understand current research findings in the program begun by Dr. Jane Goodall in 1960. Emily is trying to determine if paternal relatives treat each other in special ways. JGI also created compelling biographies for the chimpanzees, with photographs and video clips that are included in the JGI layer in Google Earth (see Figure 6). Figure 6 Flirt's biography as part of the Jane Goodall Institute “Gombe Chimpanzee Blog.” Flirt is a daughter of Fifi, who was the last surviving chimpanzee from Jane's early days as a researcher. Fifi had infants from 1971 to 2002. Flirt was her second-youngest. Sadly, Fifi disappeared in 2004. In order to support this project, Google published new 0.61-m satellite imagery provided by DigitalGlobe (Longmont, Colo.). The new high-resolution imagery clearly shows the extent of deforestation in the Gombe region—lush and green inside the park and dry and brown outside (see Figure 7). The deforestation is a serious problem for the Gombe chimps, as their feeding range outside the park has diminished. It has also led to flooding, landslides and loss of life in villages below the deforested slopes, as reported by Lilian Pintea in the Winter 2005-06 issue of Imaging Notes. Figure 7 High-resolution imagery of Gombe National Park and environs; the deforestation outside the park boundary is readily apparent. JGI is using Google Earth in concert with other technologies to portray these issues to the Tanzanian government, as well as to work with local communities to develop land use plans that will establish a network of village-protected forest reserves outside the park. Figure 8 Mud River, West Virginia, before and after mountaintop removal coal mining. Figure 9 Illustration of the mountaintop removal blasting process; dynamite holes visible in the imagery. Mountaintop Removal Coal Mining In March 2007, the environmental advocacy group Appalachian Voices joined with Google in publishing a layer illustrating the effects of mountaintop removal mining in Appalachia. This layer tells the stories of more than 470 mountains that have been dynamited in order to extract coal. Before-and-after image overlays are included (see Figure 8), along with a detailed site tour which annotates the stages of a specific mountaintop removal operation (see Figure 9). In the Google Earth high-resolution imagery, users can see dynamited areas, the giant dragline machine which digs out the blasted material, drinking-water streams blocked by the mining debris, and neighboring communities affected by the mining. Within the first week after the release of this layer, the Appalachian Voices online petition grew from two signatures to more than 12,000, including signatures and commentary by concerned individuals from all over the United States and the world. Neighbors Against Irresponsible Logging: Community Action in the Santa Cruz Mountains In the fall of 2005, a Silicon Valley water company announced plans to log more than 1000 acres of towering redwood trees in the Los Gatos Creek watershed of Northern California—the largest stand of coastal redwoods left in Santa Clara County—in a watershed that supplies drinking water to more than 100,000 people. The logging plan map provided to local residents was a black-and-white, low-resolution sketch that did not convey what was at stake. It was difficult to decipher and the local citizens did not understand it. On behalf of Neighbors Against Irresponsible Logging, I remapped the plan instead in Google Earth, showing in vivid 3D imagery how close the logging trucks and chainsaws and heli-copters would be to schools, daycare centers and public open space (see Figure 10). The annotation also depicted where endangered red-legged frogs had been spotted and specific locations of magnificent old-growth trees that would be cut. When this “virtual flyover” was presented at a community meeting, the local residents gasped with recognition. The issues were much more clear. It galvanized opposition to the plan by the community, local policy makers and even Al Gore. The flyover has been featured on TV and radio news programs. As a result of the “organized and informed community opposition,” the plan was withdrawn. Figure 10 Representation of the Santa Cruz Mountain logging plan that proposes helicopter logging within several hundred yards of schools and a daycare center. Although it has now been revised and resubmitted, a second Google Earth project has now been published, which demonstrates that the revised plan is invalid. For more information, see www.mountainresource.org/nail. Google Earth currently includes additional projects and layers, which can be seen by clicking on “Global Awareness” (see Figure 11): - Amazon Conservation Team and Amazon Indians Protecting their Land - WWF Global Conservation Projects - National Geographic - Elephant Poaching in Africa - New Snow and Ice Information - International Polar Year - Arctic and Antarctic Ice Floes - Wyoming Gas Drilling Google Earth is freely available to everyone around the globe as a canvas on which to portray compelling public-benefit information in a vivid geospatial context. It's not difficult to get started. Just explore KML files created by others. Many groups and individuals have already used Google Earth successfully to raise awareness, inspire action and affect positive change in the world. There are now more than 200 million Google Earth users around the world.
Every year in the beginning of the school year, schools here conduct back-to-school night. It’s an opportunity to get to know the teacher, classroom, curriculum and meet other parents. This year, due to construction activity at the school that makes mass parking unmanageable, the middle school conducted a virtual back-to-school night. Each teacher had a 8-10 minute video prepared with content specific to their subject. While the experience would have been richer with face to face meeting, the videos gave us a good sense for goals, expectation, and even personality of the teachers. Kids use technology quite a bit in middle school. In 7th and 8th grade, the school provides ipads that they can take to their home. In 6th grade, the use of ipad, google applications and classrooms are fairly prevalent. Each teacher has his or her own website and homework is disseminated through the website. While I am not a trained teacher, I see the use of alternative methods of learning including technology, yielding benefits when I teach in sunday school. Last week, I taught my kids in culture class dashavatar through bharatanatyam mudras, the kids loved it and memorized the sequence in sanskrit within minutes. Then, they were asked to create their own avatar using a certain website, which they so loved! Yet, I wonder – how much of this is learning and how much of this is just playing. As in playing for time pass, not playing with the intention to learn. What is retained and what is not. Will technology deepen curiosity or heighten distraction? Time will tell!
Monday, March 14, 2005 Joe Sacco - Palestine Sacco’s 285-page visual account of life in the occupied territories is told in the first person, meaning that Joe, a 30 or 40-something cartoonist from Portland, Oregon is included in the story. Palestine is sometimes funny, most of the time devastating, always real. "In a world where Photoshop has outed the photograph to be a liar, one can now allow artists to return to their original function – as reporters," said Pulitzer Prize- winning cartoonist Art Spiegelman. In fact, Sacco’s work has been compared to that of Art Spiegelman’s Pulitzer Prize-winning comic, Maus. Published throughout the 1980s, the ongoing comic book Maus told the story of the Holocaust using characters that are that of their stereotypical animal equivalent: the Nazis were represented by cats, the Jews by mice, and the Poles by pigs. Sacco, however, does just the opposite. His work abolishes stereotypes and hinders simplification. His characters are real, rendered in all their humanity and disgrace. He captures their joy and humility. But ultimately, what makes Palestine so remarkable are the stories and scenarios that Sacco transcribed visually onto paper. Most people have a really unclear picture of what it is like to be in the occupied territories and have a skewed idea of who is the aggressor and who is the victim.
Alternate names: Švėkšna [Lith], Shvekshna [Yid, Rus], Szweksznie [Pol], Švekšnos, Russian: Швекшна. שוועקשנע-Yiddish. 55°31' N, 21°37' E, in W Lithuania, 24 miles SE of Klaipėda (Memel), 32 miles NW of Tauragė (Tavrig), in Taurage district of western Lithuania near the German border. 1900 Jewish population: 974. See article. One Jew lived on the estate in 1644. A synagogue was built about 1800. The Jews paid taxes to the government. The neighboring village of Kaukiskiai, about 3 km from Sveksna was an estate owned by a Jewish family named Sibutz. [March 2009] KehilaLink [May 2012] CEMETERY: The cemetery is located in front of the count's palace. In December 1936, sixty-five tombstones in the Jewish graveyard were desecrated by Lithuanians. MASS GRAVES: Sveksna Jewish cemetery. Ravines of Siaudvyciai, about 3 km E of Z. Naumiestis; 162-163; pic. # 273. Near the village of lnkakliai, Sveksna county; 163; pic. # 274-275; source: US Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad. June 22, 1941, Soviet army officers had moved into the Platter estate, but at 4 AM, a German artillery attack on the estate frightened the Jews, who fled to surrounding villages. The farmers where they hid threw them out. When they returned, the Lithuanians had stolen cows, horses, wagons, and belongings from inside their homes. Germans marched in the town while local sadistic Lithuanians commandos wearing white armbands (Nazi collaborators) tortured and killed Jews and communists almost immediately. On Saturday, June 28, they murdered three Jewish girls in the public park and sent some of the Jewish men to the work camp near Heidekrug. Old people cleaned the streets. Women scrubbed the floors in German and Lithuanian institutions and public out-houses. On Friday, June 27, SS and SD arrived to select Jews for slave labor in Germany and those to murder. Every Jewish male, about 200, above the age of ten with a package of clothing with them and, a tin spoon and dish was taken to the synagogue yard where they were hit with ropes as the devils decided who was fit for work and took their money, watches, wedding rings, and other valuables. They were all registered amid beating with sticks and ropes. Lithuanian Doctor Bilunas from Sveksna understood that the ones he did not declare fit for work would die so he declared them all healthy and fit. Torahs and holy books were taken to the cemetery and burned. Two transports each with thirty men (total 120 men) went to the work camp Varsmininkin near the town of Heidekrug. The remaining men were taken to others. Jews from Maclitinian and Luicova were brought . On Friday, Shvekshna Jewish women and children were locked in their homes and guarded. Four women and one man were murdered for trying to escape, brought to the cemetery, and buried in a common grave. Some were sent to the concentration camps. Very few survived. Monuments were erected in the two murder sites, the mass graves. One mass grave is near the village of Saudvicai, near Niishtut-Tarvig. The other is near the villages of Inkakliai and Raudishkiai, about six kilometer from Sveksna on the left side of the road. See "Svenksna: Our Town" for a full description of the cruelty and sadism. \|Last Updated on Monday, 07 May 2012 00:50\|
2) Negative Repercussions 3) Rationale and Policy Recommendations Terms used in white paper Animal as just machines paradigm Herbicide resistant crops Recombinant bovine growth hormone What is GMO? GMO stands for genetic modification of organisms. A gene is an instruction in our cells and each of our cells contains tens of thousands of these instructions. Genetic modification involves the exchanging of genes between unrelated species that cannot naturally exchange genes with each other. Sometimes the result of exchanging these genes are unpredictable, for example a farmer might have saved a seed from a favorite plant, hoping to get another plant that looks exactly the same rather this farmer might get a plant that does not look similar in any way with what he had in mind. The result of this exchanging of genes might be that this farmer might get a plant that looks different in terms of color, smell, height or shape. The impacts of genetically modified organisms (GMO) on the human race are issues that need to be addressed, particularly when one takes into consideration that GMO deals with one of our basic inheritances, which is the environment. The environment provides one of our indispensable needs, which is food, without food human beings would die from starvation. The genes within nature have already been defined by nature but with the coming of technology, man has been manipulating these genes in order to get products, which they feel are beneficial to them (for example putting more vitamin A in rice) or that are more aesthetically pleasing (for example green ketchup). The ability to do this comes with several risks. Nathan Battalion, the assistant professor at Hartwick College, introduces these risks when he explains “that we are confronted with what is undoubtedly the single most potent technology the world has ever know- more powerful even than atomic energy. Yet it is being released throughout our environment and deployed with superficial or no risk assessments- as if no needs to worry about its unparalleled powers to harm life as we know it- and for all future generation”(Rifkin 2001). Battalion argues that society has not evaluated the impacts of the introduction of GMO on the environment, people, and the ecosystem. It is imperative that environmental organization be involved in any decision-making policies on how or if GMO should be introduced into society. The questions that environmental organizations ask are what would be the effect of GMO on the environment and the ecosystem? The ecosystem as we know, is the relationship between humans, animals, birds and the physical environment. It is important to understand that changing one part of the ecosystem would ultimately have an effect on other parts of the ecosystem. The goal of any environmental organization is to ensure that the environment is preserved for future generations. This is an issue that is very important, when one considers how many creatures are now extinct as a result of human intervention (e.g. Poachers) or environmental intervention (e.g. change of weather on dinosaurs). It becomes scary when one considers that the introduction of GMO might have the unpleasant effect of depleting the environment of its remaining wildlife. This issue will be discussed further in this paper. The first issue that will be discussed is the effect of GMO on the ecological environment; again, this ecological environment includes humans. The topics to be addressed when looking at the ecological effect of GMO are those issues of herbicide resistant crops, biodiversity, and super weeds. The main question that should be asked when one looks at the ecological risk of implementing GMO is what would be the result of tampering with nature by mixing genes among species? Jeremy Rifkin, an environmental scientist, addresses this question by saying in his interview on genetically modified foods that “when you introduce a genetically modified organism into the environment, it is not like introducing a chemical product, or even a nuclear product. Remember, genetically modified products are alive. So, at the get- go, they’re inherently more unpredictable in terms of what they’ll do once they’re out in the environment. Secondly, GMO’s reproduce. Chemical products don’t do that. Third, they can mature. Fourth, they can migrate and proliferate over wide regions. And fifth, you cannot easily recall them to the laboratory or clean them up”. (Rifkin 2001) What does this unpredictability mean to us? Since species sometimes exchange DNA, the altered gene could link with another species and mutate, resulting in a new disease which humanity is not prepared to defend itself against. You must be logged in to add tags. This user has not written anything in his panorama profile yet. You must be a TakingITGlobal member to post a comment. Sign up for free or login
How would you rate your propensity toward critical thinking? These days, the ability to grasp the logical connection between ideas is a necessary skill. Unless you’re a hermit living in a cave, there is so much information coming at all of us at any given moment. Being able to discern which information is of worth – and which is not based in reality – requires critical thinking. So What Exactly Is Critical Thinking? Critical thinking is often synonymous with reflective and independent thinking. It means knowing how to take in the data and then come to a reasonable conclusion. Those who engage in critical thinking are constantly questioning ideas and assumptions rather than just accepting what’s being peddled to the masses. Critical thinkers want to know that the incoming information is representative of the bigger picture. If they determine that it’s not, they’ll take the necessary measures to get that additional information. Critical Thinking Versus Being Critical Critical thinking is not the same thing as being argumentative or critical/judgmental of other people. Sure, critical thinking can expose errors or poor reasoning. But it’s also crucial for cooperative reasoning and then moving toward constructive tasks. Because acquiring more knowledge improves and strengthens one’s theories and arguments. And this subsequently leads to enhanced work processes. How Art Improves Critical Thinking Because critical thinking tends to incorporate logical and rational thinking and veers from instinct, many people see it as a hinderance to creativity. After all, creativity requires breaking the rules, right? (Well, yes and no.) Still, critical thinking truly requires out-of-the-box thinking. Rather than just taking popular approaches and swallowing them whole, critical thinkers challenge the consensus. This means they often have to pursue less popular thoughts or approaches. So if you think about, critical thinking is an absolutely necessary component of creativity. Without it, how can the creative person continue to evaluate and improve upon his or her ideas? Art education, in particular, encourages students to observe the world from many different angles. Most art is very complex and consists of layers of meanings. It takes time to find, examine, and consider these many layers. It’s this very process of observation and study that teaches students of the arts to more intensely observe and analyze the world. And it gives them the skills that build the foundation of critical thinking. But Why Does It Matter? You might think that if your path leads you to work in research, law, education, management, finance or medicine, then you’ll absolutely need this skill. And you’re right. But no matter what you choose to do with your life, the ability to think clearly and rationally is important. Knowing how to receive information, clearly consider it and then use it to systematically solve problems is an asset for any career. Especially in light of this new knowledge economy. To be successful in such an economy requires one to able to handle changes quickly and effectively. There is an increased demand for workers to be able to analyze a lot of information from diverse sources, then integrate it in order to find solutions. Critical thinking promotes these skills. It also enhances language and presentation skills. The simple act of learning to think in a more systematic and logical fashion can also improve the way one expresses ideas. Furthermore, in having to analyze the structure of different information sources, critical thinking also improves one’s ability to comprehend. And as we mentioned above, critical thinking actually promotes creativity. Coming up with creative solutions is more than just having new ideas. There has to be an understanding that the new ideas are useful and relevant to the required task. Critical thinking plays an important role in this. Then there’s self-reflection. That’s right. Critical thinking is even important for this. It’s nearly impossible to structure a meaningful life without the ability to justify and reflect on our own values and decisions. And critical thinking provides the tools for this process. So yeah, it’s safe to say that critical thinking definitely matters. Learning Critical Thinking with an Arts Integration Education Arts integration education merges the important skill of critical thinking achieved through art education and blends it in with academics. There’s no disputing the importance of STEM. The above mentioned knowledge economy requires students to understand facets of science, technology, engineering and math. With arts integration though, there’s the added importance of art – hence the term STEAM. Arts integration isn’t looking to bypass STEM. It strives instead to create an integrated program that includes all of those, while teaching the application of skills learned through the arts – such as critical thinking. Arts integration helps students see the world from multiple angles, and to take a design-thinking approach in finding solutions. Teaching young people to be careful and deliberate observers can go miles toward expanding their worldview. And this, in turn, can create a stronger democracy. Do You Want to Explore An Arts Integration Education? Have you been told you’re a visual learner? Do you tend to see the world through multiple lenses? Are you all about questioning assumptions rather than just blindly accepting them? Then an arts integration education might be exactly what you need. Then get ready to put those critical thinking skills toward a higher purpose.
Updated: Jun 4, 2022 Some years Keeping Children Safe in Education brings big changes. This is not one of those years. Nevertheless the document is considerably longer than last year and there are a number of significant tweaks and adaptions which it is important that schools embed into practice and policy. The Annexe on online safety has been removed and online safety is now fully embedded within safeguarding. This is good news as children do not make a clear distinction between their on and offline lives. However, it is vital that we don’t lose sight of this issue in our training. Specific changes include: Paragraph 139 reminds us about the importance of home school communication during remote learning including clarity about who will be contacting a child and what sites they will be asked to access. Paragraph 140-141 includes a reminder to schools to regularly review their filtering systems for effectiveness. Many of these were established some time ago. Both the concerning issues children may searching for and the language they use in these searches are constantly changing. We need to ensure that our filters keep pace with this and are reviewed regularly. There is a new link to the SWGfL toolkit to support this. Online abuse and the role of technology in abuse is highlighted in Annexe A - the shortened version of Part 1 for staff without direct contact with children. Child on child abuse, including Part 5 on Child on Child Sexual violence and assessment There is an important language change moving from ‘peer on peer’ to ‘child on child’ abuse. This provides a reminder that when one child abuses another they are not peers and equals, there is an imbalance of power which is used to harm. It also reminds us that abuse can happen between children of any age and that the perpetrator(s) and victim(s) may not be the same age. This change needs to be reflected in all school policies, not just the safeguarding policy. The information on child on child abuse has been moved to earlier in Part 1 which feels like a change in emphasis. The Sexual Violence and Harassment between Children document which has existed since 2017 is being discontinued. The content has been absorbed into Part 5 of KCSIE. This makes excellent sense as having two documents with largely the same content contributed to confusion. However, this has added significant material, including the useful case studies, to KCSIE. Much of this material is not new but may feel new to those not completely familiar with the SVSH document. Other changes include: In the introduction on page 4, there is a useful reminder about the use of the words victim and perpetrators and the need for schools to think carefully about how they use this language. There is new and extended information about considering confidentiality, consent and anonymity (paragraphs 470-478) We are reminded risk assessments should include when and where incidents took place and the actions taken in response. We need to emphasise the role of law to support children, not to criminalise them (paragraph 468). An important addition is a reminder to consider intra-familial harm and support for siblings after incidents of sexual violence and harassment (paragraph 482). Paragraph 492 emphasises schools’ role as relevant agencies and that they should be involved in inter-agency discussion and the setting of local thresholds. The safeguarding of vulnerable children, including in the RSE curriculum There is a consistent theme about ensuring children with SEND access the RSE curriculum and are provided with support. This is included in a paragraph on the role of preventative education (paragraph 130) ‘to prepares pupils and students for life in modern Britain and creates a culture of zero tolerance for sexism, misogyny/misandry, homophobia, biphobic and sexual violence/harassment.’ This education needs to be inclusive and appropriate for children’s age and stage of development. The paragraph goes onto list what should be taught. In the section on the additional vulnerabilities of children with SEND (paragraph 198), a fifth bullet point is added which highlights the issue of ‘cognitive understanding – being unable to understand the difference between fact and fiction in online content and then repeating the content/behaviours in schools or colleges or the consequences of doing so.’ Further schools should consider the need for extra pastoral support and support for communication for these children (paragraph 200). This work should be supported by close liaison between the DSL and SENCo (paragraph 199). Resources from Mencap and Council for disabled children are identified as sources of information and support (paragraph 201). In Part 5, we are reminded of the greater risk (3 times more likely) of sexual violence and harassment being faced by children with SEND (paragraph 448). Further in in Annexe C, it is highlighted that DSLs need to be alert to the specific needs of children with SEND and recognise the additional risks they face online, for example from bullying, grooming and radicalisation, and are confident they have the capability to support them to stay safe online (p.165). This is quite a tall order given the range of SEND in most schools which is why work with the SENCo will be essential. In paragraph 202, a new section highlights the additional safeguarding risks for children who identify as or are perceived by other children to be lesbian, gay, bi, or trans. It is interesting that the list does not include queer or intersex or any other sexualities or gender identities. The issue of a lack of a trusted adult or safe space are noted. This feels like lip service rather than a change, but it is a step in the right direction. More useful information can be found in Independent Inquiry CSA report on Engagement with LGBTQI+ survivors . Paragraph 19 repeats that children may not be ready or able to speak about abuse. It recognises that this may relate to vulnerability, disability and/or sexual orientation or language barriers. The importance of professional curiosity, supportive relationships and speaking to the DSL are emphasised. There is information about Domestic Abuse threaded through the document. In part 1 paragraph 26 re-asserts the impact of witnessing abuse of others as a key indicator of abuse and explicitly links this with domestic abuse. The status of children as victims of domestic abuse and its impact is then highlighted in paragraph 43. Radicalisation and PREVENT Throughout the document radicalisation is slipped in as an example on the end of a list of examples to give this issue additional emphasis. The importance of preventative education is discussed in paragraph 130. There is an explicit addition of the link to information on the EducateAgainstHate website about behaviour traits that could indicate exposure to radicalisation. Low Level concerns Having been introduced last year, it feels as though low level concerns have now been embedded throughout the document this year. The list of statutory documents on page 7 includes that the staff code of conduct must include low level concerns, allegations against staff and whistleblowing Low level concerns are now included in Part 1 where staff are reminded about ‘processes and procedures in place to manage any safeguarding allegation, or concern (no matter how small), about staff members (including supply staff, volunteers, and contractors)’. They are reminded that there is more information in Part 4 (Paragraphs 71 &73). This will still need emphasising in training as staff may not pick up the significance of this, particularly as it is near the end of their statutory reading. It included in Part 2 where the governors’ responsibilities are made clear (paragraph 151) Part 4 is clear that any concerns about supply staff or contractors should be referred to their employers so that any potential patterns of inappropriate behaviour can be identified. Also if in doubt about a concern meeting the harms threshold, the school should consult the LADO. There remains some confusion about who low level concerns should be reported to. We are told ‘Whether all low-level concerns are shared initially with the DSL (or a nominated person (such as a values guardian/safeguarding champion), or with the headteacher/principal is a matter for the school or college to decide. If the former, then the DSL should inform the headteacher/principal of all the low-level concerns and in a timely fashion according to the nature of each particular low-level concern. The headteacher/principal should be the ultimate decision maker in respect of all low-level concerns, although it is recognised that depending on the nature of some low-level concerns and/or the role of the DSL in some schools/colleges, the headteacher/principal may wish to consult with the DSL and take a more collaborative decision making approach' (paragraph 432). To be honest, if all issues should go eventually to the headteacher, it would surely be easier and more confidential for them all to be reported directly to the headteacher and remove the need for staff to try identify if a concern meets or does not meet the harms threshold and who to report it to. There are significant changes for Governors, particularly in relation to training. ‘All governors and trustees must receive appropriate safeguarding and children protection (including online) training at induction so that can provide strategic challenge to test assure themselves that the safeguarding policies and procedures in place are effective and support the delivery of a robust whole school approach to safeguarding.’ Their training should also be regularly updated (para 81) Governing bodies and proprietors should be aware of their obligations under the Human Rights Act 1998, the Equality Act 2010, (including the Public Sector Equality Duty), and their local multi-agency safeguarding arrangements (para 82-93). This is going to be a significant training issue of its own. Role of DSL and understanding of the role of the appropriate adult The inquiry into the strip searching of Child Q raised the issue that the school did not challenge the police’s decision to carry out the search without an ‘appropriate adult’ being present. In response a requirement to understand this role has been added to KCSIE 22 with a link to PACE Code C 2019 for more details (p.162). The role of the appropriate adult is to safeguard the rights, entitlements and welfare of juveniles and vulnerable persons ensuring the police are acting properly and fairly and helping the detained person understand their rights. They are not just an observer and if they are not happy, they are expected to take action and speak to a senior officer of the “rank of inspector or above”. Their role includes ensuring the detained person has access to food and drink and that they understand both the process and any questions that they are being asked. Again their will be particular issues when working with children with SEND. This is a new area for the majority of DSLs and will require training and reading. In paragraph 59, there is a suggestion of a change in thresholds. We are told in the section on Statutory children’s social care assessments and services that ‘Where a child is suffering, or is likely to suffer from harm, it is important that a referral to local authority children’s social care (and if appropriate the police) is made immediately.’ The language in previous years has been about raising concerns. This is not included here which suggests only section 47 reports should be made to social care. But may be a wording issue rather than a change in policy as a concern below section 47 is not a statutory referral. We need to watch what happens with this in the future. Promoting educational outcomes- the role of the virtual head Paragraphs 194-195 (not 154-155 as it suggests in Annexe F) outlines the role of the virtual head to provide strategic oversight for educational attendance, attainment and progress of children with a social worker. This was included in non-statutory guidance in June 2021 but is only now included in KCSIE. It talks about engagement with a range of key stakeholders but it is still not clear how this will work. There is a reminder (paragraph 214) that schools can only accept CVs alongside an application form. A CV as on its own it does not provide adequate information. I am not sure why this is included as no school role should be applied for by CV alone. More usefully, we are told (paragraph 220) that as part of the shortlisting process schools should consider carrying out an online search as part of their due diligence on the shortlisted candidates. Some schools are already doing this. However there are some concerns about the impact, as without training, staff may not be sure what they are looking for or where to look. Further, there is a risk of subjective judgements being made that may not be in accordance with employment law or equality legislation. It is emphasised that low level concerns and concerns or allegations which have been found to be false, unfounded, unsubstantiated or malicious should not be included in any reference (paragraph 223). Finally we are reminded that schools should check the ID and DBS status for visitors to the school in a professional capacity but they do not need to ask to see their DBS certificate (paragraph 301). Part 4 Safeguarding concerns and allegations made about staff, including supply teachers, volunteers and contractors This is rebranded as safeguarding concerns about staff, not just teachers. The section on serious violence in Annexe B extends the information offered to highlight risk factors and the work of Violence Reduction Units (p.150-151). This is supported by the linkage of CCE and CSE in the same annexe. There is inclusion of the risks in the hours immediately before and after school and travelling to and from school. A paragraph on mental health has been added to Annexe B Possible Actions for schools Ensure all relevant policies, including the safeguarding and behaviour policies, refer to child on child abuse, rather than peer on peer abuse. All senior leaders in school, including DSLs and governors, should review the updated and extended Part 5 on Child on Child Sexual violence and harassment. There is significant new material in here (from the SVSH document) which they may have forgotten or not be familiar with. To consider including the explanation of terms ‘victim’, ‘perpetrator’ and ‘alleged perpetrator’ and their use in their policy. This might need to be a point in training. Ensure the staff code of conduct includes low-level concerns, allegations against staff and whistleblowing and that this has been included in training. This should include clarifying the procedures for raising low level concerns, so staff are fully aware and understand them, particularly if these are to be reported to someone other than the headteacher. Consider additional domestic abuse training for staff so that they fully understand how children can be victims of domestic abuse and are impacted by it. Ensure governor safeguarding, including online safety, training at induction and a regular programme to update this. Ensure governors understand their duties under The Human Rights Act, Equality Act and PSED. This maybe a training need. Ensure there is clear home-school communication during remote education about who will be contacting children and what websites they will be expected to access. Consider the arrangements for effective and regular reviews of online filtering arrangements. Consider how to engage with virtual head to support educational outcomes of children with a social worker. Review working relationship and communication of SENCo and DSL and ensure all staff are supported to understand the additional vulnerabilities of SEND children, including issues of cognitive understanding. Check staff are aware of and understand the additional vulnerabilities of children identifying or being identified as LGBTQI+. Consider how to use social media and online checks as part of the recruitment process. Check the DSLs understanding of the role of the appropriate adult and when they should be involved. This may require training and possibly for the school to establish a protocol for police involvement with pupils on school premises. Unfortunately, there are a number of presentational issues with the document in its current form. Hopefully, there will be a re-release which will iron these issues out. But at the moment Annexe F showing substantive changes is not useable. Many of the paragraph numbers are out, often by one paragraph. Also there many substantive changes not included. In this blog I have recorded the paragraph numbers from the main text. The issues in Annexe B are now listed alphabetically which makes them easier to find, but this separates key issues e.g. CCE and modern day slavery, which impacts the narrative and makes it harder for staff to see the links between these issues. So the links needs to be emphasised in training. If you want more information, please join me for my Webinar on KCSIE 2022: Changes and possible actions for school on June 23rd at 4.00pm. Tickets through Eventbrite.
• What are some causes, types and impacts of • Define Environmental Racism. • Define Environemental Justice. • How do I extract demographic and environmental information from charts, graphs and tables? And, how do I draw conclusions from this information? • How do I navigate the web and gather pertinent • Do you think there is a case of Environmental Racism when looking at the Detroit and Ann Arbor communities? Environment, Racism, Justice Project (5 days): Click on Project to see Outline and Paper Rubric
Our Chief Economist, Mark Henstridge, outlines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on low- and middle-income countries. Summary & key messages: - There is a global pandemic. The data tracking infection and death are unreliable. But even allowing for that, in contrast to the impact of the coronavirus ‘covid-19’ in Europe, a number of countries in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa have so far recorded remarkably few cases or deaths. - Yet there has been an extraordinarily uniform policy response: a ‘lockdown’ – despite the pandemic being different in different countries. Lockdowns limit infection by limiting social interactions, and they stop economic activity. - In many countries the direct impact of covid-19 is much smaller than the impact of the lockdowns – this is an economic and social crisis, not just a health crisis. - The impact of both virus and lockdown are on people in their households, and on their lives as part of the economy. That framing also allows us to set out some dimensions of the challenges to public policy and public finances. In the short-term, revenue is down because the economy has been hit, mainly by lockdown; at the same time the pressures to spend to strengthen health and social protection systems has sharply increased to ameliorate the impact of the pandemic and the lockdown. - In the short-term: the big question for public policy is to navigate the trade-off between the risks of an infectious and potentially lethal virus, and the widely borne economic and social costs of lockdown. - In the medium-term: the big questions will be on an emerging agenda for reform. The need to restart economies will be accompanied by the need to resuscitate domestic revenue mobilisation and secure the financial system. This may come with shifts in the political economy of taxation that could offer space for reform for a more efficient and fairer tax system. - This could then be part of a new social contract for which the other part would be strengthened systems for the delivery of public services: social protection and also health and education systems. - It will not be possible to go back to business as usual. At the same time there is a potential opportunity for reforms that are not only necessitated by the crisis but enabled by it as well.
Westover was built circa 1730 by William Byrd II, the founder of Richmond. It is noteworthy for its secret passages, magnificent gardens, and architectural details. The grounds and garden are open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, but the house is not open to the public. Westover was named for Henry West, fourth Lord Delaware and son of Thomas West, Governor of Virginia. The shady tulip poplars framing the building are more than 150 years old. "Ancient" is the best word to describe the boxwood hedges which enclose the lawn. The house is considered one of the most outstanding example of Georgian architecture in America. Of special notice is the unusually steepness of the roof, the tall chimneys in pairs at both ends. Another special touch is the elaborate doorway, which continues to be recognized as "the Westover doorway" despite its adaptation to many other buildings. The special charm of the house lies in its elegant yet extremely simple form and proportions, combined with its perfect setting in the landscape, the essence of the artistic ideals of its period adapted to the style of living in Colonial Virginia. The two wings were originally identical and not connected to the three-story central structure. The east wing, which once contained the famous Byrd library of more than 4,000 volumes, burned during the War Between the States. The present east wing was built about 1900, and both wings were connected to the main home at that time. Just east of the house is the ice-house and a small structure containing a dry well with passageways which led under the house and to the river, as an escape from the Indians. Each building has a light switch just inside the door. Across the driveway from the ice-house is the Necessary House. Turning from the river to the north side of the house, the visitor will find the famous Westover gates, with William Evelyn Byrd's initials incorporated in the delicate ironwork. The lead eagles on the gateposts are a play on the name "Byrd." The wrought-iron fence has supporting columns topped by unusual stone finials cut to resemble an acorn for perseverance (from little acorns great oaks grow); a pineapple for hospitality, a Greek Key to the World for knowledge; a cornucopia, or horn of plenty: a beehive for industry; and an urn of flowers for beauty. Continuing to circle the house, the visitor will come to the formal gardens, which were re-established about 1900. At the center, where the paths cross, is the handsome tomb with its interesting epitaph honoring the colorful William Byrd I, "Black Swan of Westover," who was buried there in 1744. His daughter, the beautiful and tragic Evelyn Byrd, is buried near the original site of Westover Church, up the river a quarter-mile west of the house. There also are buried Theodorick Bland, from whom William Byrd I bought the Westover property in 1688; William Byrd I and his wife, the former Mary Horsemanden; and other distinguished early Virginians. Here also, according to some historians, is the third oldest known tombstone in America--that of Captain William Perry, who died August 6, 1637. The arms and epitaph engraved on this stone have been effaced by the elements in recent years. Located in Charles City County off Route 5 between Richmond and Williamsburg. Top Of Page \| Home Copyright © 1996 Xperts Inc.
On a titanium white canvas is a black, slightly tattered square, almost frozen in the middle of the pure-white background. The Black Square is probably one of the most well-known works of Kazimir Malevich. Its simplicity often strikes critics as lacking creative quality and thought. However, many do not realise that Malevich’s work has greatly influenced abstract art in the 20th century and even to this day. His overly-minimalistic perspective and dedication to his own style produced a new art concept: Suprematism, which focused on strict lines and simpler shapes. While surely controversial, abstract work undoubtedly possesses a deeper meaning behind it and is more than just a set of plain shapes. However, without Malevich’s influence on art, it is uncertain whether such art would even be acceptable in the modern age. Kazimir Malevich was a Russian avant-garde artist and art theorist, Born in 1879, to a Polish family, Malevich spent a lot of his early childhood moving in the villages of Ukraine. It was not until the age of twelve that he uncovered the world of professional arts, taking pleasure in embroidery and painting. Several years later, he moved to Moscow, where he studied art at the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture. This would be something that would greatly affect his later career. During his stay there, Malevich took part in many exhibitions — allowing his work to be noticed and at the same time taking inspiration from other Russian painters. At the time, he was greatly influenced by Russian avant-garde painters, who were particularly interested in Russian folk art. Their art depicts daily life, at times straying away from a realistic portrayal. Something that greatly influenced Malevich was his 1912 trip to Paris. This was his first encounter with Cubism, an art movement in which painters like Pablo Picasso reimagine reality in a more unrealistic and abstract form. Malevich applied these principles in his own artwork, setting off his success as a Cubo-Futurist painter. His stage-set in the opera Victory Over the Sun became a great success and Malevich’s name was becoming more recognised in the European art-scene as well. However, his success did not end just there, as two years later, he set out to lay down the first foundations of Suprematism, a new creative concept. It focused on an even less realistic portrayal of life, applying simple shapes and bold colours to create an art piece. Publishing its principles in the manifesto, From Cubism to Suprematism, he inspired a new generation of Russian avant-garde artists. Some of the most well-known are Ivan Klyun and Ksenia Bouglavskaya: in their work, they focused on simple, geometric forms and mostly bright, primary colours. Malevich’s interest in aerial photography led him to work on pieces inspired by photos of landscapes taken from an aeroplane. Some of the most famous examples of his Suprematist works are Black Square and White On White; though well-known for their radical, abstract style, these pieces remain heavily controversial to this day. Many critics say they lack meaning or any creative value. An example of Malevich’s work being pushed against was when Joseph Stalin prohibited the exhibition and creation of similar works. Some of Malevich’s pieces were confiscated. At the time, his work was considered too primitive and such that does not allow the viewer to interpret its meaning easily. In other words, Joseph Stalin was scared of Malevich and other abstract artists hiding secret political messages in his radical art. Little did the Soviet government know that their efforts have all been in vain. In just a matter of two decades, Malevich’s Suprematism has set the cornerstone for contemporary abstract artists. There is no doubt that traces of Suprematism can be noticed in modern works. Malevich’s heritage lives on in the brushstrokes of 20th and 21st-century abstract painters. Some artists which employ some principles of Suprematism in their work are Davide Balliano, Robert Holyhead and Sarah Morris. His determination to change they way painters portray reality brought him immense fame and praise, perhaps not during his life, but after his death. Not only have his ideas spread to the West, mesmerising painters with their originality and collectors —with his work. In 2008, his Suprematist Composition has been sold for over US$80 million, surpassing his previous record of just US$17 million. Abstract art is often heavily criticised for its lack of meaning behind the layers of paint on the canvas. However, others believe that this is exactly what makes abstract art special: its variety of interpretations allows the viewer to create the meaning themselves. This makes abstract art something that anyone can relate to. With its wide appeal, it does not require realistic depiction of the subject to convey a certain meaning. Moreover, geometric abstract art, heavily influenced by Malevich’s Suprematism, not only inserts the reality into a set of several simple shapes but also creates a visually-pleasing image due to the clean lines and bold colours. This is what makes abstract art so deep: not necessarily the painter’s skill at realistically recreating the scene, but his skills at using lines, shapes and textures to convey a much more subtle meaning. It is hard to say what exactly captures the viewer’s attention when looking at Malevich’s art. Whether it is the simple composition, the use of bold primary colours or perhaps the lack of connection to reality whatsoever. His work has turned the tables for modern art, allowing a new wave of artists to enter the scene and take over. For Malevich, art was more than just delivering aesthetic pleasure to the viewer – with the concept of Suprematism, he expected to express the full spectrum of emotion that a human may feel. While there is still controversy surrounding the value of his art, there should be none surrounding the artistic influence he had on the art of the 20th century. Photo via Artsy
The Hadith is the record of the Prophet Muhammad's precepts, actions, and life, which constitute his Sunna, or example. It is accepted as a chief source of Islamic belief and practice and is second in authority only to the Qur'an (Koran). The six canonical Sunnite collections of Hadith, which date from the 9th century, and the corresponding Shiite collections of the 10th and 11th centuries delineate the various relationships among individuals and between the individual and God. They include provisions of law, discussions of theological matters, such as methods of fasting and prayer, and codes of personal, social, and commercial conduct. \|BELIEVE Religious Information Source - By Alphabet Our List of 2,300 Religious Subjects\| The six correct or authentic collections of Traditions that are accepted by Sunni Muslims, are the compilations by: (again, Muhammad died in 632 AD) One more name is often added to this list, that of Ahmed ibn Hanbal (early 800s AD), whose Musnad contains around 29,000 Traditions. One of the important aspects of any such Tradition that was collected around 200 years after the death of Muhammad was the isnads associated with each Tradition. An isnad is a list of the transmitters of that information, essentially the equivalent of a modern paper trail, to show the actual validity by tracking the individuals from Muhammad to the end recipient of the Tradition. When a Tradition had an uncertain isnad, it was apparently removed from consideration as being part of the Hadith collection. An extremely thorough researcher, Ignaz Goldziher, studied the Traditions from around 1870 to 1920, and those studies are still considered among the best research ever done. Goldziher, with absolutely impeccable research, including extremely solid documentation, showed that a vast number of hadith contained in the six collections were outright forgeries, which meant that the meticulous isnads supporting them were also forgeries and fictitious. Since Goldziher's documentation is so compelling, Islamic historians began claiming that legal traditions and historical traditions were entirely distinct, in order to maintain their absolute trust in the validity of all hadith. Goldziher's results seem to imply that the majority of hadith are NOT valid, and so only a minor fraction of hadiths are. It is rather well established that, during the reigh of the Umayyads (beginning in 661 AD), a group of men recognized that the Caliphs were not particularly interested in doctrine, which was allowing the people to drift away from proper beliefs. As a result, they felt it necessary to fabricate many Traditions "for the good of the community" and they claimed isnads that seemed to show that the Prophet Muhammad had initiated them. Since these people were in effect operating as opponents to the ruling Umayyads, the rulers soon started "finding" hadiths to support whatever purpose they had. As a result, two different groups of people were manufacturing fake Traditions during that time. Some of those Traditions later found their way into one or more of the authentic collections of Traditions. Later, during the Abbasid Caliphs, this process multiplied. The Abbasids and the Alids created extremely large numbers of Traditions to try to get legitimacy for their own cause and to remove legitimacy from the other. This situation kept growing, until good storytellers came to be able to make a good living in creating entertaining Traditions, which the people immediately accepted as being true of the Prophet Muhammad. Goldziher shows that storytellers eventually expressed the desire to be paid in cash for hadiths rendered. The very best storytellers became rather prosperous, in making up Traditions that seemed believable! This situation had gotten so bad that individuals like al-Bukhari began insisting on isnads for each hadith, with the intention of confirming the validity. The storytellers often became very good at presenting believable isnads along with their entertaining false stories. After these six collections were accepted as authentic, their texts did not remain static. At one point, there were more than a dozen variations of the Bukhari text, and deliberate attempts to alter them also occurred, to benefit the credibility of the forces then in power. An interesting observation of Goldziher and Schacht and other Islamicist scholars is that, commonly, isnads that were more elaborate and seemingly technically correct tended to be associated with spurious hadiths! One of the brilliant ways that the scholars have shown that specific hadiths did not exist at specific times is that they were not used to support legal doctrines, where their presence would most certainly have been used as central evidence. More recent massive scholarly research, particularly by John Wansbrough, concludes that virtually none of the hadiths are actually directly associated with the Prophet Muhammad. Those researchers have various opinions of the consequences of that. Unfortunately, we are not aware of any scholarly texts on this subject which have yet been translated into English. We know that a number of Arabic scholars have written wonderful texts in Arabic, and look for the day when we will be able to add higher quality texts to this presentation. Some Books of these Hadiths collected by al-Bukhari are presented in their entirety, translated into English, in the following links. This page - - - - is at This subject presentation was last updated on - - Send an e-mail question or comment to us: E-mail The main BELIEVE web-page (and the index to subjects) is at: BELIEVE Religious Information Source - By Alphabet ../indexaz.html
THE EFFECTIVENESS AND DIFFERENCES OF LEARNING THEORIES Learning theory is an attempt to describe how people and animals learn, thereby helping us understand the inherently complex process of learning. These theories are useful because they open our eyes to other possibilities and ways of seeing the problem. The theories which are behaviorism, cognitivism and humanism, are the most important approaches because they provide different kinds of strategies and methods which can be used in teaching effectively although they have some differences. One of the most important theories is behaviorism which provides many beneficial tools to teachers in effective teaching in class and also different in some ways from the other approaches. The behavioral theory has its roots in studies of classical conditioning which is a famous experiment of Ivan Pavlov. Because classical conditioning interpret some behaviors of human, it has got important implications for effective learning in schools. For example, test anxiety can be understood through classical conditioning. It can also help us explain positive feelings toward school. Apart from classical conditioning, operant conditioning sometimes can help teachers. Operant conditioning is a process makes individuals try to control the results of their behaviors. For instance, attending all the classes to get a good grade is a goal-directed action. Moreover, to strengthen behaviors, positive and negative reinforcement can be used and in order to decrease the undesired behaviors punishment can be used. Another principle, social cognitive theory, which is pioneered by Albert Bandura suggest the idea that people learn from observing others and gradually acquire control over their own behavior. Behavioral approach, like the other approaches, can be used in some conditions for effective teaching. However, unlike the other approaches this approach focuses on a different term: teacher. Because of the teacher-centered principle, learning packet is a closed system. In other words, student may still be restricted to the teacher’s world. In addition, the behavioral approach gives importance to behavior which can be observed and measured. To sum up, due to its principles and suggestions on how to arouse positive or undesired behaviors, the behaviorism should be considered very essential to teachers in order to shape student behaviors. Although behavioral approach provides many tools in effective teaching, it ignores non-observable behaviors, such as thought process. At this point, cognitive approach which gives emphasis to active process, suggests many beneficial devices to teachers in teaching and also puts emphasis in different place than other approaches. There are various tools that can be used. For example, teachers by using analogies and mnemonic devices can create efficient elaboration. Due to analogies, students can see similarities between two ideas and mnemonic tools make it easier to recall new information. Moreover, cognitivism can help to understand while construct methods to contribute learning process. Some of the methods are problem solving, discovery learning and reception learning. Cognitivists such as Mayer and Wittrock claim that problem solving strategy can help learners think systematically while dealing with a problem. Another method discovery learning, which was modeled by Jerome Bruners, suggest that when the learner know the structure of a subject, his/her learning can be useful, meaningful and easily recalled. Other model which is based on cognitivism is the reception learning model of David Ausebel. Due to this model, teacher should arrange student thinking about the main idea before showing the complete framework so that student can relate the incoming information. Although cognitive approach admit knowledge as given absolute, it gives emphasis to learner-centered learning rather than teacher-centered due to the fact that this approach assumes learnerВ plays an active role in learning than just being passive like in behaviorism. In short, cognitive approach provides various methods to teachers, and when these methods are used, they can promote effective learning in classes. Apart from behaviorism andВ cognitivism, there is another theory of learning, humanism which gets less attention among theories. However, it isВ very significant due to it’s principles which can be create effective learning in classes and this theory may be differ in some points. Various ideas are proposed in humanism to make more efficient learning. For instance, for humanists, teacher as a facilitator, can create effective learning when they create a caring relationship with students. Because students emotional conditions effect their learning, teachers should think student’s needs and establish good communication with them. Another principle is that the decision-making which makes students more stimulated toward their own learning. Moreover, humanistic view provides some suggestions for classroom management and communication with students. In addition, for humanism teachers must avoid critics to personality and just tell the behavior which is undesired for better learning environment. There are some humanists such as Carl Rogers, Thomas Gordon and William Purkey who promoted humanistic method in teaching. For instance, Carl Roger’s idea of learner-centered education make students more capable of educating themselves without teachers. And Thomas Gordon suggests teacher effectiveness training that focus on favorable teacher-student relationship. Another humanist William Purkey proposed invitational learning and due to this principle teachers should encourage students that they are valuable, able and responsible. Besides it’s principles, also the emphasis is put in different place in humanism than in behaviorism and cognitivism. Humanism focuses on emotions and feelings in learning which are ignored in behaviorism and cognitivism. In addition, this theory, like cognitivism, is student centered. To conclude, humanism provides different and significant principles which can be used for more efficient learning in classes. In conclusion, when we evaluate behaviorism, cognitivism and humanism, clearly we can see that although they have different tools for better learning and different focus areas, there are applicability in these learning theories. Efficient learning model should involves behavioral, cognitive and humanistic dimensions in appropriate for more effective learning in class. - www. learning-theories. com - www. usask.ca/education/coursework
The office of the Clerk of Parliament originated from medieval English parliaments when most Members could not read or write and the Clerk's main function was to read out the items of business and other announcements before Parliament. The Clerk of Parliament is the most senior official in the Secretariat and he is supported by his Deputy Clerk, Principal Assistant Clerks and Assistant Clerks. The Clerks provide advice to the Speaker, chairpersons of select committees and MPs on parliamentary law and procedures. Seated at the table directly below the Speaker's Chair, the Clerks act as advisors to the Speaker and MPs during a sitting. In addition to this advisory role, the Clerks also maintain records of all proceedings of the House and its Select Committees and examine Bills, questions for oral/written answer, motions, petitions and other papers for presentation to ensure conformity with the House's rules prescribed in the Standing Orders. Other duties performed by the Clerks include undertaking inter-parliamentary liaison functions and acting as secretaries to parliamentary delegations attending conferences abroad.
How can “Design Thinking” help teachers and students in middle and high schools achieve more integrated learning? In Switzerland, Lehrplan 21 has had a tough start as overloaded teachers are challenged to incorporate the new curriculum demands into their lesson planning. In America adapting the new Common Core standards is taking time with high stress on students and teachers alike. But in both countries education experts and managers are working hard to respond to the rapidly changing context of; ICT integration in education, career path prep.-advising in a very dynamic marketplace and human needs and best practices for learning and achieving competence. It’s a challenging time for everyone. Using Design Thinking process and skill development tasks which apply math, science or writing skills to achieve a project realization goal greatly improves student engagement and learning. They see why and where the subject they learn can be applied and an eventual career competence. IDEO a leader in all facets of design and the creator of Design thinking and Human Centered Design approach has put together a platform to help teachers bring the best from their situation. http://www.designthinkingforeducators.com “Design Thinking” is a set of methods for guiding learning and development through a structured approach for working on complex issues through goal driven integrating project based learning. It is based on design development methods which have been evolved since around 1950 and involves a iterative approach where cycles of research, creativity problem solving and prototyping – output develop solutions which fit the client or to learn networked knowledge and while achieving learning goals. Especially, for high school students, this means creating together simple projects which are curriculum and age relevant, a project week or workshop series using Design thinking tools toward the praxis of product development can help integrate theory and practice in the creation of a product, promotion or service. School projects show the relevance to knowledge/research professions, applications and service professions as well as business and public policy. In short design applications in high school help student and teachers create and motivate students to work at learning because they begin to see how they fit into the ever faster future. So who is our typical high school student, what do they want and what can they do? _ Teens over the whole globe are challenged to grow their character and presentation skills faster because of social media, as well as, deal with local, family, educator, activity roles. For some, this pressure to perform in multiple roles produces a longer shyness or inactivity period. Switching between roles smoothly is an adult skill set. _Teens have always been more open to stories and media from outside their location than their parents. But in the last 10 years this generation has erased all geo/political borders as they surf for what is “now”. Many perform on multiple channels growing their character and lifestyle and even business persona on the web. Presentation is the new hyper relevant competence. As many have observed, the current generation are “digital natives” that is, they live a good part of their daily lives in various virtual spaces as; watchers, creators, contributors and critics. _The context, media content, environments which are evolving for teen market groups are regenerated by the minute from millions of suppliers, users and communities. There is huge potential for learning from their choices, engaging them in development and they are willing customers. Marketing departments and DARPA have know this for decades. To this point, what is relevant to them, what they think is relevant to their career path and what is relevant in their educators are three separate things. AND all three environments are evolving at different rates. When teachers create projects and reference topics which build off of these natives abilities the knowledge transfer happens faster, lasts longer and builds a strong learning network for further engaged learning. In short a small investment using an engaging design thinking project can set the stage for whole classes to catch active learning as individual and group affirmation. In the current system the exceptional smart students may get rescued by a mentoring teacher. With poor teacher or challenging intercultural situations where the classroom experience is under productive, many get bored, preoccupied by what they can do online and loose interest in academic training as simply drudge work. Students who are less academically proficient are over challenged and loose motivation to build their conceptual understand and work through the practice assignments and therefore fail to stay applied using well ordered learning methods. Intensive project weeks which show students how to work effectively can help rewrite this negative scripting. Students and teachers need; integrating content, adapted to the school curriculum and teaching methods as well as tools and media to help them bring relevance to this situation. Some of this is being provided by the Pädegogische Hochschule teaching materials and the slow to react publishers who deliver content for schools. But students and teachers can generate their own resources by designing and making together fresh projects that fit not just learning goals but develop analytic, production and presentation skills so that knowledge transfer becomes productive learning. Several model programs in the USA have taken on these challenges using Human Centered Design strategies. Apple and IDEO education programs work to bring design into schools have made some small impact. see more at: ACOT Principles and We are really fortunate in Switzerland to have such a high standard of education, with great training for teachers, passionate teachers, Administration and school infrastructures that support a good learning culture and the individual within that context. With so much good work happening, making the steps- building the structures to take lots of students into dynamic self motivated learning is not only possible it is a necessity to bring the next generation the tools it needs to master our ever growing challenges.
Let's face it, we are a nation of tired people. We Americans seem obsessed with gaining more energy, with coffee being the beverage of choice to rev up our engines. In 1997 the "energy" drink Red Bull was introduced to the weary and from that sprang an entire industry with consumption (mainly among younger adults and now, in a more worrying manner, teen-agers) on the rise. In one survey of college students these were alarmingly seen as preferred over regular soft drinks, such as colas and other sugary beverages. Whatever the preferred method is of gaining liquid energy, the bottom line is the reason for all of this is that people just don't get enough sleep. This is an easy fit -- just get more sleep, right? But insomnia is also a major problem for many. Lack of sleep creates a chronic level of fatigue that even caffeine cannot stave off forever. When people are fatigued, the thought of exercising seems overwhelming, so people don't. A major reason for not exercising that is mentioned is, "I'm just too tired." The sad thing is that by not exercising because you feel tired, you are perpetuating a vicious circle in which you will continue to feel more and more fatigued. There are many proven reasons why exercising not only gives you more energy, but also helps you sleep better. This in turn gives you even more energy to exercise, thus creating a positive cycle. One of the reasons why exercise gives you more energy is because it stimulates the nervous system to produce "endocannabinoids," which play a role in relieving anxiety and inducing a relaxation response as well as elevating mood. All of these elements can, of course, only have a positive effect on sleep, helping us to relax and then rest better. As we well know, enough hours as well as the quality of sleep are essential to regulate our body's metabolism, as well as to repair and strengthen tissues, especially in retaining muscle and bone mass. Muscle is what moves our bodies, and exercise helps maintain and even builds our muscle mass. When we use our muscles in a manner that progressively increases their capacity for endurance (usually cardiovascular activities, such as walking, running, cycling, etc.), or strength (resistance training with weights, body-weight exercises such as push-ups, etc.), the number of "powerhouse cells" or mitochondria in muscle tissue increases in number, and the capillaries that provide blood flow to muscles also increase in number. All of which increases our capacity for activity so what was difficult at first (i.e., the first time you ride a stationary bike) becomes easier the next time. Not to mention how the most important muscle in our body, our heart, is affected it becomes more efficient at pumping blood throughout our body, thus bringing energizing nutrients to our cells. Add to this the cognitive effects of exercise: improved self-esteem, Increased feelings of accomplishment and self-efficacy, all of which lead to greater mental energy thus physical energy, and you then have a bundle of energy-boosting elements that unlike energy drinks and caffeine, do not make you crash and feel irritable. If you still feel like you are too tired to exercise, try this four-point plan to get started. Chances are you will be excited to find, as so many others do when they give activity a chance, the rewards in energy will carry on into all aspects of your life, enabling you to get things done like you never dreamed of: - Make time in your schedule to get enough sleep and to exercise Many make the mistake of thinking they have to choose between one or the other, which results in added fatigue in the long run. Remember that at first even the most minimal amount of time spent exercising can reap benefits. Start with 10 minutes, add another 10 and another until you achieve 30 minutes of total time spent exercising most days of the week. Once you start feeling better, you will be motivated to add more and will seek ways to fit it in. In addition, cut out time spent watching TV or do whatever you have to do to get to bed earlier to make sure you get at least 7-8 hours of sleep. - Find the best time for YOU to exercise There is no right or wrong time to exercise. The important thing is that you find a time that feels good to you. Some people are "morning" people and may feel energized at that time of day, while others can barely slog through a workout in the wee hours. We each have our own "circadian rhythm" that regulates when we feel more or less sleepy during the day, so try to pick a time that's in tune with your more "awake" hours because fighting against that is tough. Sometimes you have to experiment with it, but if you stick to it long enough, you will get there. - Choose the right intensity and duration of exercise Starting out with too much high-intensity exercise or exercising for too long can have negative effects. If you are a beginner, do start out with smaller doses and build up until you can tolerate more. Seasoned enthusiasts should also be aware that balancing high-intensity workouts with lower intensity and less duration can help them avoid burnout and overtraining syndrome. The rule of thumb is that you should feel good after working out, not like you cannot function - Find activity you enjoy Nothing is more de-motivating and thus fatiguing than trying to make yourself do something that you just don't want to. If you dread the thought of getting on that stationary cycle yet again, then consider mixing it up. Try activities that are new or cycle your activities so that you're not doing the same thing always. You can find hundreds of ideas on how to do this on websites like fitsugar.com or acefitness.com where you can get a myriad of ideas, or ask a fitness professional for advice. There is no reason to be stuck in a rut! In conclusion, lack of sleep is a huge problem in society today. In turn, this negatively affects people's desire and ability to exercise, which creates even more fatigue and sleep problems. By starting out with small doses of moderate exercise, one can build more energy and improve quality and quantity of sleep, thus creating a cycle of energy that can improve lives and enhance productivity. Now, you can't find that in a can, but it is sugar free and you can feel good about it!
GANESHA, GOD OF WISDOM He who performs the maximum work with minimum labour. It is said in Hindu tradition that Parvati, wife of Shiva and mother of Ganesha, saw the syllable AUM. Her powerful glance transformed the Sacred Word into coupling elephants which gave birth to Ganesha and then resumed the form of the AUM. Thus Ganesha, with elephant head and human body, possessed the AUM as his syllable, and at the dictate of the sage Vyasa, he set down the Word in symbolic and categorical form in the richly allegorical epic called the Mahabharata. In the process of performing this holy task, Ganesha became Ekadantin, the Single-Tusked One. When he entered into the alliance, it was stipulated that the sage would pour forth the stupendous epic into a lakh of stanzas, and that he must go on recording them at the same speed. The terms they entered into were equally marvellous. If the sage staggered in his inspired dictation, the writing faculty in the scribe would become permanently defunct. If the scribe were to halt or delay his composition, the articulate sage would become dumb. Both scribe and sage were fulfilling awesome tasks as if by divine dispensation. As customary in ancient India, Ganesha was writing on palm leaves with an iron stylus. Just when three-fourths of the work was over, the stylus snapped. Ganesha then and there broke his right tusk and used it as his pen without a moment's break in his work. The immortal undertaking was accomplished with solemn success and stands as an archetypal example of the teaching that no sacrifice is too great for a noble cause and that the resourceful know no impediments. Ganesha is thus the Remover of Obstacles. Even devotees of Buddhism and Jainism propitiate him first, seeking his sanction in their invocation of their chosen deities. He is that aspect of Cosmic Intelligence which aids the awakening and growth of those who are divinely disposed. He apparently helps the wicked also, but ultimately arrests their untoward undertakings. In this sense Ganesha is called Vigneswara, the Lord of Obstructions. He is capable of creating hindrances as well as clearing off hindrances. Through either mode he brings good to all concerned. Sometimes what is sought after by the devotee is not sanctioned. The disappointment brought about thereby is no doubt poignant. But in due time it is realized that the seeming obstruction is a blessing in disguise. Vigneswara wields the affairs of the world in such a way that the greater evils of life are warded off through the intervention of lesser evils. The ceremonial sanction and support of Vigneswara is sought after in all new undertakings. Whatever is undertaken ignoring the Lord of Wisdom is bound to meet with impediments, and therefore devotees circumambulate his image or perform such actions as knocking thrice on the head, holding the left ear with the right hand, right ear with the left hand, and sitting or standing as a mark of submission and obedience. In a child, such sanctification arouses the imagination and creates a living contact between the visible human and the invisible superhuman. It induces devotion in little children. It gives a practical shape to the urge in every child for a healthy and loving relationship with its comrades. Such acts as the giving of edibles dedicated to the deity and the sharing of their distribution amongst themselves become the means for the removal of obstruction through inherent selfishness. The Enlightened Man invokes Ganesha through intense mental invocation. His inward prayer consists of the intention to act with the fervent wish that his undertaking be in tune with cosmic harmony and the Divine Will, and that if it should be counter to it, it might as well meet with the fate it deserves. Such a true devotee is deeply aware of the potent force that streams through Ganesha and recognizes that through success and failure alike he can learn progressively how to set his feet more firmly and squarely on the Path. He is also keenly appreciative of the symbolic attributes of the elephant-headed god. He realizes that the trunk of Ganesha is curved around his single tusk in the form of the Sacred Word as though to protect the essential potency of the remaining tusk. The power within the trunk is the sense of smell which in the elephant is the channel of experience par excellence. The symbolic significance of this is suggested in the yoga system wherein Muladhara, the root-centre of the mortal body, is related to the elephant, or Ganesha, as well as to the bottom of the spine and the elimination centre. The root-centre represents the earth and the sense of smell as well as cohesion, obstruction and bone. Thus Ganesha stands at the beginning of the pilgrimage through the chakra centres, and it is he who must be propitiated to remove all obstacles. In The Secret Doctrine the earth is spoken of in relation to the rudimentary sense of smell. The other senses are related to water, fire, air and ether and are said to be fused in the sense of smell, the last of the series to evolve. Related to this powerful sense is that form of memory associated with the psychic realm and also pertaining significantly to the libido. Ganesha, being a symbol for all such characteristics, embodies the powers of the Akashic and lower astral realm brought down to earth whereupon he stands at the entrance to the Path. He represents Divine Wisdom as well as worldly wisdom, the crucial link - or antaskarana - between them, and the timely manifestation of Brahma Vach in daily life. [See also the HERMES Symbol article at https://theosophytrust.org/643-ganesha]
Holocaust Denial on Trial, Trial Judgment: Electronic Edition, by Charles GrayTable of Contents \|<< The case for the Defendan...\|\|< The issue between the par...\| 6.8 As I have already indicated, Irving conceded, inevitably, that in the early years Hitler was a profound anti-semite, although he claimed that Goebbels's hatred for the Jews was more intense than that of Hitler. He also accepted that anti-semitism was from the outset one of the major planks of Nazi policy. However, he suggested that Hitler's anti-semitism was cynical in the sense that he adopted it as a means of getting power. Once he came to power, Hitler's anti-semitism receded. Irving pointed to occasions when Hitler had interceded on behalf of individual Jews. He even had a Jew on his staff. He retained General Milsch, a half-Jew. 6.9 In relation to the public statements on which the Defendants rely as evidence of Hitler's continuing anti-semitism after the establishment of the Third Reich, Irving stance can be summarised as follows: he accepts that on occasion Hitler used harsh language in relation to the Jews. But Hitler's concern and objective in relation to the Jewish problem was that it should be solved by their deportation and resettlement outside the Reich. I have set out in some detail at section V(viii) and elsewhere the reasons advanced by Irving for saying that the Defendants have misinterpreted the public statements made by Hitler in relation to the Jewish question. Irving argued that his description of Hitler as "the best friend" the Jews had in the Third Reich was justified.
The Human Brain is considered by many people to be a sophisticated “machine”. Amazed by its wide range of capabilities, we do not yet know its limits. Studies on the mechanisms of the brain so far have been fruitful, yet we still need to put in a lot more effort in order to assemble them all together into a complete picture. Even though the exact workings of the brain still remain a mystery, it has already inspired designs, applications, and algorithms in the field of machine learning and artificial intelligence. In this paper, the authors adopted an interesting viewpoint — instead of investigating what steps the brain takes to process information, they chose to link brain activity directly to the learning process. The authors’ strategy was straightforward: if we are unable to reveal the stories inside brain for now, let’s forget about them. Instead, we could simply bias the solution of a machine learning algorithm, so that it more closely matches the internal representations found in the visual cortex. It seems like an effortless idea, although no one has ever tried it for a long time. This concept is not created out of thin air, either, for previous studies have constrained learned models through human behavior, and a method to link images to corresponding brain activities in EEG recordings has been demonstrated. Instead of EEG recordings, the authors chose fMRI recordings of the visual cortex, possibly because fMRI recordings have higher spatial accuracy, since fMRI recordings are better at showing the details of activities inside different brain areas by measuring the blood flow inside the brain. Through training supervised classification models in visual object categorization, and weighting individual training images by values derived from fMRI recordings, when the subject is viewing the same image, the authors are able to obtain baseline models, since these models classify images without the benefit of fMRI data. fMRI was used to record BOLD voxel responses (which is basically Deoxyhemoglobin/Oxyhemoglobin ratio, since brain activity consumes oxygen) of one subject viewing 1, 386 color images of natural scenes. After the fMRI data is processed, response amplitude values for 67,600 voxels were available for each image. From this set of voxels, 3,569 were labeled as concerning one of thirteen visual regions of interest (ROIs) from areas in charge of sketchy to higher-level visual processing. In this experiment, the authors focused on seven such regions associated with higher-level visual processing, for use in object classification tasks probing the semantic understanding of visual information: extrastriate body area (EBA), fusiform face area (FFA), lateral occipital cortex (LO), occiptal face area (OFA), parahippocampal place area (PPA), retrosplenial cortex (RSC), transverse occipital sulcus (TOS). 1, 427 out of 3,569 voxels belong to these regions. The entire experiment is divided into two phases: 1. Subtract per-stimulus “activity weights” from the fMRI data. 2. Train image classifiers. In the first phase, activity vectors of ROIs for each stimulus were collected through fMRI recordings. These activity vectors and the activities were then split into training and test sets. A support vector machine (SVM) classifier was trained for a given binary classification task category. The last step was to transform the classification scores into a probability value via a logistic function, so that activity weights could be generated. Based on the generated activity weights, two classification models on image features of the visual stimuli were trained in Phase II. The information provided in the training sessions was the activity weights. In testing, the two trained models would make predictions solely based on image features. The difference between two SVM classifiers was that one classifier used a loss function (e.g., hinge loss) that equally weights the misclassification of all samples as a function of distance from the SVM’s own decision boundary, while the other classifier used a modified loss function (e.g., activity weighted loss) that penalizes the misclassification of samples with large activity weights more aggressively. In machine learning, hinge loss function is used to penalize misclassified data points, and the penalty assigned is proportional to how erroneous the prediction is. However, neural activities in the brain are never a single “prediction”. A specific stimulus usually corresponds to a pattern of activation in a region, and it is not hard to understand that, with a strong response, it is easier to recognize such a stimulus has been given. On the other hand, if the activation in a certain region is weak, the stimulus is more difficult to recognize. Considering this characteristic, activity weight loss (AWL) function was modified based on the hinge loss function, and proportionally penalize misclassified training samples based on the inconsistency with the evidence of human decision making found in the fMRI measurements. A large activity weight means there is strong neural response to the visual stimuli; thus AWL would give higher penalty if the human subjects misclassify. The hypothesis of bridging neural data to machine learning process for benefit is very interesting. Will the performance improve after the “help” of activity data from the brain, even if it is “coded”? The authors evaluated the two models from two aspects: improvement in baseline performance, and different degrees of improvement in regions of interest (ROIs) in the brain. Improvements in Model Performance The authors considered two image features in the performance evaluation: Histogram of Gradients (HOG) and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). HOG corresponds to V-1 like features, or the “primitive” features, since V-1 is the area in charge of first and the most rough processing of visual information. CNN corresponds to more sophisticated processing, or the learned features representations in the visual ventral stream. Neuroscientists have proposed two streams in the visual processing in the human brain: The ventral stream (“what” pathway), involving a series of areas leading to object recognition. The dorsal stream (“where” pathway), involving more about spatial understanding and motion detection. Comparisons between the two models show promising results. In graph (A) and (B) below, significant improvements can be seen in all of the four object categories (p < 0.01 via paired, one-tailed t-testing) when AWL was adopted. The accuracy of classification underwent much greater improvements under AWL in HOG features compared to CNN features. This suggests that using brain activity data might benefit the learning of more “primitive” features, compared to higher-level, more sophisticated visual information. Limiting experiments to specific ROIs gives even more interesting results. Extrastriate body area (EBA), fusiform face area (FFA) and parahippocampal place area (PPA) are areas thought to respond to different visual cues of object recognition. EBA will light up when objects contain body parts are recognized. FFA is considered to be involved in face recognition experiments, especially human faces. PPA has been demonstrated to respond more strongly in fMRI to scenes depicting places than to other kinds of scenes. According to results shown in (C), the two categories that contain body parts – people and animal – received the most impressive reduction in error rate. For buildings, there is also a small reduction in error rate, but not that significant. Results in (D) and (E) also display statistically significant improvements in categories corresponding to the specific ROIs in the brain, suggesting that the brain activities do not benefit machine learning in a random way. The activity patterns of brain found in neuroscience (e.g. FFA light up when subjects see human faces) improve the performance of machine learning in a regulated way. Analysis of ROIs To further test the significance of individual ROIs in generating salient activity weights that improve classification accuracy rates, the authors generated 1,000,000 samples with a null distribution for each object category and set of image features. Each sample reflects how often a random set of 64 ROI combinations would have an above-average classification accuracy. If a ROI did not contribute to the improvements of accuracy rates observed, above-average accuracy rates of combinations that contain this ROI would fall near the mean of the null distribution. As shown in the figure below, EBA plays a very important role in the above-average accuracy rates in both the category of people and animals. In fact, the EBA region dramatically exceeds the significance thresholds (95% confidence interval), which is a rigorous confirmation of its significance. Interestingly, FFA does not go over the significant threshold, although it is usually thought to be tightly connected to human faces. The results of buildings and foods are harder to interpret. PPA does not only improve he accuracy of the classification of buildings, but also the result of food. Other areas such as EBA, OFA and FFA are also shown to contribute to the improvements, although not that significant. The reasons behind this observation might be complicated. First, activations of brain areas are never refined. Most of the time, scientists are just looking at “the most activated area” instead of taking all the areas that “simply activated”. It might also be because buildings and food are objects subject to large changes: in HOG, only unsophisticated features are focused. To simplify, HOG might be better at recognizing objects that do not change much in appearance. Visual analysis of categorizing same object with distinct appearance is the function of upper-level layers, thus might be reflected better in CNN. While this article focused on visual object recognition and fMRI data, the framework can indeed be extended to other modalities such as auditory and somatosensory, other neuroimaging techniques, and different machine learning algorithms. The significance of this approach is that it reveals many opportunities for closer interaction between machine learning and neuroscience. Other than the implications mentioned in the paper, brain-computer interface applications might also obtain some inspirations. There are already several studies investigating how to incorporate brain activity data into machine learning process to optimize interactions with users. For example, conjecture of using neural data to realize translation of text from brain waves has been supported by some primary experiments. With the support of this study, researchers could be more confident in the contributions of neural data to the training process, even though the exact connections between thinking a specific word and the generated brain waved cannot be explained. In other applications, real-time monitoring of brain activities could be used as a method to adjust the process of machine learning, so that a more flexible, more humanized algorithm could be realized. For example, virtual reality (VR) technique has been applied in the treatment of autism, and has proven to be effective by literature. As learning is a comparative difficult process for most autistic children, and these children usually lose what they learned without appropriate consolidation in time. Thus, real time connection of brain data and machine learning might be beneficial both in time and effort. - The Parahippocampal Place Area (http://www.cell.com/neuron/fulltext/S0896-6273(00)80758-8?_returnURL=http%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0896627300807588%3Fshowall%3Dtrue&cc=y) - Using Human Brain Activity to Guide Machine Learning (https://arxiv.org/abs/1703.05463) - Two-streams hypothesis (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Two-streams_hypothesis) Author: Yujia Liu \| Editor: Joni Zhong
Last Modified: Wednesday, February 20, 2013 11:48 AM Which meaning of “sequestration” is being used when referenced in congressional matters? “Sequestration” refers to “a process of automatic, largely across-the-board spending reductions under which budgetary resources are permanently canceled to enforce certain budget policy goals,” reads a Congressional Research Service report released at the end of last month. The sequestering is done by the Treasury, which holds on to the money rather than forwarding it to the agencies that received appropriations. The forced cuts will amount to about $85 billion — including, the Congressional Budget Office says, reductions of 8 percent and up to 6 percent in defense and domestic spending over seven months. “The size of those automatic reductions will be determined by the Office of Management and Budget, which has not yet indicated what they will be,” reads a CBO report released earlier this month. “Most large nondefense programs (including, for example, Social Security, Medicaid, unemployment compensation, and veterans’ benefits) are exempted from those cuts, and the reduction in Medicare is limited to 2 percent.” A brief history of sequestration, from the Congressional Research Service report, titled “Budget ‘Sequestration’ and Selected Program Exemptions and Special Rules”: It was first established by the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 ... to enforce deficit targets. In the 1990s, sequestration was used to enforce statutory limits on discretionary spending and a pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) requirement on direct spending and revenue legislation. After effectively expiring in 2002, sequestration was reestablished by the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 ... to enforce a modified PAYGO requirement on direct spending and revenue legislation. Most recently, under the Budget Control Act of 2011 ..., sequestration was tied to enforcement of new statutory limits on discretionary spending and achievement of the budget goal established for the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction. A sequestration was triggered by the Joint Committee’s failure to achieve its goal and was originally scheduled to occur on January 2, 2013, to affect spending for FY2013. However, legislation was enacted on January 2 that delayed this sequester until March 1, 2013. The White House, in a Feb. 8 news release, listed several consequences of sequestration. Officials would be forced to eliminate Head Start and Early Head Start services for about 70,000 children. The Small Business Administration would cut loan guarantees by as much as $902 million. The Food and Drug Administration would perform 2,100 fewer inspections at foreign and domestic plants. The Food Safety and Inspection Service, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, might have to furlough its entire workforce for two weeks. Indian tribes would lose nearly $130 million in Interior Department funding. Rental assistance to 125,00 families would cease. The Justice Department would prosecute 1,000 or so fewer criminal cases nationwide. The Informer answers questions from readers each Sunday, Monday and Wednesday. It is researched and written by Andrew Perzo, an American Press staff writer. To ask a question, call 494-4098, press 5 and leave voice mail, or email firstname.lastname@example.org
Anxiety and Depression: When you can’t “Get over it” “Suck it up”, or “Let it go”. How many times have you told someone who was feeling down “Just don’t think about it.” How many times has someone told you, “It will be ok.” This is common advice that we offer one another. I know I hear people tell others things like this all the time. I have said it a time or two before as well, but if you suffer from clinical depression or anxiety you can’t “just let it go” or “get over it.” It’s not that simple. Why Do I Struggle With This? A majority of people have felt depressed or anxious at some point in their life. Things like the loss of a love one, a divorce, moving or break-up can lead individuals to feel down, blue, sad, scared or nervous. These feelings are normal to life’s everyday circumstances. When feelings of depression or anxiety occur more frequently, or the symptoms last longer, or seem to occur without any reason, we become concerned that the person may be suffering from a diagnosable condition. We also are concerned when depression or anxiety began to cause difficulty with normal routine functioning. These individuals could be dealing with depression or an anxiety disorder. Is it Depression or Anxiety? Depression: A condition that has lasted more than two weeks with feelings of sadness, hopelessness, disinterest in activities or life in general. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), other symptoms may include: • A depressed mood during most of the day, particularly in the morning • Fatigue or loss of energy almost every day • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt almost every day • Impaired concentration, indecisiveness • Insomnia (an inability to sleep) or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping) almost every day • Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in almost all activities nearly every day • Recurring thoughts of death or suicide (not just fearing death) • A sense of restlessness or being slowed down • Significant weight loss or weight gain Anxiety: An emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts and physical changes like increased blood pressure. Anxiety can be a feeling, and/or a physical experience that includes rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, sweating, and other symptoms of fear. Individuals can experience depression and anxiety at the same time or separately. If you are anxious or depressed, tell someone. Many talk with family, friends or clergy. If your depression or anxiety has moved beyond the everyday sort described above, get professional help today. Talk with a counselor or your doctor. There are many effective treatments available, which could include medication and psychotherapy. In addition to the specific treatment plan designed with your physician or therapist, many find the following helpful in managing or reducing their symptoms: 1. Foster supportive relationships: Family, friends, get involved in social activities, join a support group… 2. Get moving: Exercise, dance, walk… 3. Challenge negative thinking: Think positive! 4. Do things you historically have enjoyed and that have made you feel good: This list can be unlimited! 5. Eat healthy: You are what you eat! Alvin Mott has a long time interest in depression and anxiety. He is a good friend of CCD Counseling.
By Bhavya Nain The art of cross examination may be a complex art, but we can always perceive, understand, use, discuss and share some of its basic tenets. In the last two articles in this series, available here and here, the author has tried to debunk some myths about cross examination and has also tried to analyse cross examination from different angles. In the present article, the author has tried to discuss some basic tenets of the art of cross examination by way of a so-called famous biblical story of an interesting cross-examination. The Story of Sussana and the Elders This story, and the cross examination related thereto, dates back around 100 BCE. This story finds mention in the 13th Chapter of the Book of the Daniel, the Old Testament. The story is: that a beautiful young Hebrew wife named Sussana married to Joachim, a wealthy man. One day when Sussana was bathing alone in a garden, two neighbouring elders who had an eye for her, secretly observed her bathing. When she was thereafter returning to her home, the two elders accosted her and urged her to have sex with them and also threatened her by saying that if she does not agree to have sex with them, they will falsely accuse her of adultery with a young man in the said garden. Sussana, nevertheless, declined the elders. Thereafter, she was put to trial under the false charge of adultery on the complaint by the said two elders. The Famous Trial In the trial, the elders under oath testified the fact that Sussana had committed adultery with a young man. They also testified the fact that the elders had seen Sussana and the young man in a compromising position in the garden and when the young man saw them, he ran away by overpowering the elders. The testimony of the two elders seemed real, at that time, and the chances of conviction of Sussana were quite high. The consequential death sentence for Sussana seemed inevitable. But, a lawyer named Daniel came forward to defend Sussana. The Famous Cross Examination Daniel, the lawyer of Sussana did a very short cross examination of the two elders. He asked the first elder only one question. The question was under what tree did the elder saw the Sussana and the young man together in the garden? The answer came: a mastic tree. Daniel separately asked the same single question to the other elder also. Now, the answer was: an evergreen oak tree. With this pithy cross examination, Daniel got an acquittal for Sussana and the elders were instead executed for false accusation/ testimony. This was because the oak and a mastic tree are very different in shape and size and appearance. Lessons to be learnt from the said Cross Examination The lessons are: Firstly, one must be brief in his cross examination. The reason for this is that if the lawyer conducting the cross examination asks too many a question, the more are the chances that the lawyer will get some kind of unfavourable or damaging answer from the witness under cross examination. Experienced cross examiners target only limited sections/ areas of the witness’s testimony which is unfavourable to them. Asking more questions than necessary only works to the negative. Even, the lawyer of Sussana did a single point and pithy cross examination of the witnesses. Secondly, one must know when to stop the cross examination. The lawyer of Sussana stopped the cross examination of the second elder once he got a favourable contradictory answer. He did not cross examine the second elder on any other issue or fact. Experienced lawyers also behave in the same manner. The issue of when to stop is almost as important as from where to start the cross examination. Thirdly, one must save the ultimate conclusion for oral arguments. The lawyer of Sussana did not give the second elder an opportunity to explain the contradiction as to the tree under which the accused and the young man lay. The lawyer of Sussana did not put any question to the second elder as to why there is contradiction to the statement regarding the tree. The lawyer of Sussana saved this issue of contradiction for oral arguments. The reason for this was that if this issue of contradiction had been expressly pointed out to the second elder he may have retracted his earlier answer or may have explained away his previous answer. This scenario was avoided by the pithy cross examination by Daniel. Fourthly, one must be able to create noticeable contradictions in the testimony of the witness. The aim of all cross examination is to create such contradictions. Melt down of the witness in the witness stand seldom happens. The task of a cross examiner is to create discrepancies, and contradictions in the evidence of the witness. We can always understand some basic points about cross examination through the famous and celebrated examples of cross examination. The story of Sussana and the Elders does indeed help us in this regard. The art of cross examination requires the cross examiner to be brief; and he avoids to ask too many questions; and he listens to the answers; and also saves the ultimate point for oral summation. This lesson can be learnt from the short route of analysing the said story or the long route of hit and trial in the real Court. The author in the forthcoming articles will be dealing with certain more celebrated cases of cross examination and also will be dealing with certain more commandments of cross examination. Advocate, Supreme Court; and Former Law Clerk-cum-Research Assistant, Supreme Court.
Archives and Special Collections P.O. Box 1773 Carlisle, PA 17013 Samuel Joseph May was born on September 12, 1797 in Boston, Massachusetts. May graduated from Harvard Divinity School in 1820, and became the only Unitarian minister in Brooklyn, Connecticut. He became very active in the reform movements of the day. After becoming acquainted in 1830, May and William Lloyd Garrison worked for the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society. May also helped to found the New England Anti-Slavery Society, the American Anti-Slavery Society, and the New England Non-Resistance Society. In the 1850s, May worked against the Fugitive Slave Law, which made him a target for slavery advocates. Samuel Joseph May died on July 1, 1871.
On Wednesday November 14, 2012, I attended a presentation on energy sponsored by the Yale Club of New Haven entitled, “Physics, petroleum and pricing: The Science underlying our current and future energy crises,” presented by Martin Cobern, ’74 PhD. His talk was particularly timely given record breaking prices for gas and heating oil. Mr. Cobern began his discussion by explaining the difference between oil reserves (stocks) and production (flows), something that is often not fully appreciated by the general public. He noted that reserves are useless until they’ve been extracted from their resting place. And extracting these fuels is largely contingent on one parameter: “Pressure is paramount,” he explained, because the four stages of extraction from primary (i.e. gushers) to quaternary (i.e. fracking) are pressure-dependent. With an inverse relationship, each of these phases are investment-dependent. As production moves through the four stages, pressure of reserves decreases and cost of extraction increases. In other words, primary extraction is possible due to high pressure and allows for small investments for relatively high value. As extraction stages progress through secondary, tertiary and quaternary stages, pressure is less and investments increase for relatively less value. Based on historical data, there is a serious concern beyond this inverse relationship. Not only do costs increase, but extraction rates decline. In other words, for any particular site – as we move through the four stages – we get less and less fuel over time, even with improved technology. This led to a critical point in the presentation. What is peak oil? Oftentimes, peak oil is thought to be a measurement of our reserves (stocks). But that’s not the definition of peak oil. Peak oil is not related to the total reserves of Earth’s fossil fuels. Rather, peak oil is related to the rate of extraction of Earth’s fossil fuels. This means that despite conventional wisdom peak oil is not a measurement of stock. It’s actually a measurement of flow and we are not in danger of running out of fossil fuels in the near future. They will continue to be available, but will probably cost more to extract and therefore, more expensive for the consumer. Mr. Cobern continued by offering his views on the policy, politics and economics of energy production. He concluded by saying there are no “magic bullets” to address our energy issues, but there are solutions. Through energy efficiency improvements and conservation, as well as diversification of our energy portfolio, America and the world will be able to fulfill our energy needs. Martin Cobern, Ph.D. ’74, is an Associate Fellow at Trumbull College and a Former Governor of the Association of Yale Alumni.
In the English Studies, the British National Curriculum (adapted) is taught up to Year 6 with the application of the Cambridge Primary Checkpoint examinations in Year 6 and the Cambridge Secondary Checkpoint examinations in Year 9. In Years 10 and 11, students take the IGCSE examinations (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) and in Years 12 and 13 they take the AS Level (Advance Subsidiary Level) and the A Level (Advance Level), respectively. The English Studies Curriculum is conducted in a rich and diverse cultural environment, with an educational programme focused on the development of cognitive and socio-affective skills, in an international and multilingual context which makes it a life-laboratory. Particular attention is placed on the development of first (English) and foreign languages and on mathematical skills. Simultaneously, learning environments are created which lead students to develop and improve interpersonal relationships and their self and peer-assessment ability. These skills are essential to their own critical understanding as well as that of others and could result in better choices. Vilamoura International School promotes an International environment embodied in humanistic values, ??focusing on the following key points: - A link between the Humanities and Sciences; - Understanding the world; valuing its diversity, abundance and complexity without abandoning one’s own views, beliefs and feelings; - The students’ ability to question the world; - Allowing for experiences in different contexts and linguistic environments, while respecting the student’s individuality; - Education as a whole - theoretical and practical training, cognitive and emotional development; - Global awareness involving artistic appreciation (dance, music, art) and understanding the importance of physical education in promoting a healthy body and mind (basketball, golf, athletics, football, yoga, karate and tennis); - Social awareness highlighting the Christmas Fair as the main fund raiser. The SRC are actively involved in developing other initiatives, namely Red Nose Day, the Shoe Box Appeal, Remembrance Day, the Food Bank and various other stalls throughout the year; - Environment awareness with special focus on protecting our natural resources and the Eco-Club highlights the conservation of water;
While plastics have changed the playing field when it comes to machining parts, the environment and stresses your plastic will be subject to must be clearly understood. Due to the hydrocarbon makeup of plastics, some grades can be flammable. If you have concerns about your product going up in smoke, thankfully the trail of fire-resistant plastics has already been blazed. If you’re looking to injection molded thermoplastics with fire-resistant properties in your next project, read on below. The Purpose of Using Fire-Resistant Plastics in Your Part Design It’s important to understand where these plastics will be used, and if any fire-starting conditions are present. Given its prominence across industries, especially in the medical and automotive communities, plastics must remain safe around high temperatures and electronic components. Fire-resistant plastics make parts safer for use in high-temperature applications, as not only do they reduce the risk of fire, but they’re less likely to undergo thermal degradation. Furthermore, the users of these plastic parts are less likely to experience carbon dioxide suffocation or burns from heavy combustion. Determining the Fire-Resistance Level for Your Project While fire resistance is important during the injection molding process, you must select the appropriate grade for your needs during the design phase. Plastic flammability is measured using a standard known as UL94. This determines the tendency of a plastic to ignite or spread flames once ignited. This rating is based on material burn time, horizontal or vertical burn distance, and the time it takes to extinguish. There are six UL94 ratings, ranging from 5VA (indicating a plastic with a relatively fast burn rate) to HB (indicating a plastic with a slow burn time). Sometimes additives are required to meet these ratings. Selecting the Right Fire-Resistant Plastics in Your Part Design Since most plastics are naturally flammable, it’s important to determine the application of your part to see if fire-resistant plastics are required. Some fire-resistant polymers include ABS/PVC blends – which can be UL94 5VA or V-1 rated – and HDPE and LDPE – which are HB rated. Plastic can achieve a lower fire-resistance rating by: - Increasing Ignition Resistance: By essentially reversing the ignition formula of most plastics, resin manufacturers can achieve a low ignition property, which has a self-extinguishing behavior. - Hindering Flame Spread: Flame-retardant compounds in plastics reduce the speed of flame spread. This type of plastic acts as a break and halts flames from reaching other materials. - Reducing Smoke and Fumes: Flame-retardant thermoplastics cut back on the level of plastic materials burned, reducing the amount of generated smoke and fumes. Chemical compound additives can also be added to polymers to maintain the material’s stability under heat stress and prevent combustion. The Drawbacks of Fire-Resistant Plastics While fire resistance is a great benefit, these plastics may not be right for every project. Since fire-resistant plastic contains flame-retardant compounds, some issues can arise. You should consider the following drawbacks that may not be suitable to your part’s needs: - Some flame-retardant compounds can vaporize, seeping into the manufactured product. - Decomposition of toxic contaminants can occur. - Fire-resistant plastics are generally more expensive and can add to the cost of production. These factors should weigh into the decision of whether to use fire-resistant plastics in your next project. Using fire-resistant plastics in your part design allows your parts to be used in applications that require exposure to high temperatures or friction. These plastics are capable of protecting your parts and even saving lives. At Midstate Mold, we can help you choose the right plastic for your parts, assist you with the design phase, and carry your project through production. If you’re looking for your parts to withstand the heat, contact us today.
An Introduction to Calculus By Dan Sloughter, Furman University Chapter 1: Sequences, limits, and difference equations Java applet: Area of a circle Java applet: Tangent line for a parabola Chapter 2: Functions and their properties Java applet: Square wave approximation Java applet: Sound wave approximation Chapter 3: Best affine approximations Java appplet: Affine approximations Java applet: Newton’s method Chapter 4: Integration Java applet: Numerical integration rules Java applet: Cumulative area Java applet: Change of variable Chapter 5: Polynomial approximations and Taylor series Java applet: Taylor polynomials Chapter 6: More transcendental functions Chapter 7: The complex plane Java applet: Projectile motion Chapter 8: Differential equations Java applet: Euler’s method Java applet: Phase plane for a pendulum Answers for selected problems are available here. A concatenated version (single download) is available here. The file is approximately 3.1 MB. Send e-mail to Dan Sloughter to report any errors. Copyright © 1997, 2000 by Dan Sloughter This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Farrowing Fact Sheet The farrowing crate is a small metal cage in which pregnant sows are imprisoned for weeks on end, usually from a week before giving birth until their piglets are weaned three to four weeks later. She will be subjected to this roughly twice a year. The metal frame of the crate is just centimetres bigger than the sow’s body and severely restricts her movements. She is completely unable to turn around, can scarcely take a step forward or backward and frequently rubs against the bars when standing up and lying down. Beside her cage is a “creep” area – usually around 50-100cm x 2m in size – for her piglets. The flooring is hard concrete and some form of heating, either mats or more commonly heatlamps, is used as a substitute for the warmth of their mother’s body. The piglets are free to reach the sow’s teats to suckle but she is prevented from moving close to them and cleaning them by the bars of the cage. The farrowing crate is one of factory farming’s hidden horrors – and one that most British sows are still subjected to twice a year When not in the crate, sows used for breeding are kept separate from those used for meat, most commonly in concrete pens. Sows have a pregnancy lasting around four months and are usually reimpregnated within a week of their piglets being weaned, approximately a month after they were born. This means they are forced into the farrowing crate for 28-35 days every five months until, usually at around five years old (or often earlier), they are no longer commercially productive and are sent for slaughter. The farrowing crate violates at least one of the Five Freedoms (freedom to express normal behaviour). Animal welfare experts also believe it "threatens" two other Freedoms (freedom from discomfort and freedom from fear and distress) (CABI 2010). Sometimes there is confusion between the sow stall (which was banned in Britain in 1999) and the farrowing crate. The only real difference between a sow stall and a farrowing crate is that a sow is kept in the sow stall for longer (throughout her entire pregnancy). Welfare issues are more-or-less identical between stalls and crates, but the crate is still used for most sows in this country: 74 per cent (BPEX 2008) of the 427,000 breeding sows in Britain (BPEX, 2011). A sow’s life will be cut short at a relatively young age, despite a natural lifespan of around 20 years. On average, nearly 50 per cent of sows are replaced each year with many headed to the slaughterhouse for low grade meat products. In 2010, 218,000 sows were slaughtered (BPEX, Pig Yearbook 2011). Sow mortality (unnatural death or slaughter) and replacement rates are marginally lower on outdoor farms (BPEX, 2011). In June 2010 there were 4,460,000 pigs alive in Britain (BPEX, 2011). Around 9.7 million pigs were slaughtered in the UK in 2010; the highest number since 2002 (BPEX, 2011). Pigs killed for meat are slaughtered at around just 6 months old. Whilst there are a growing number of outdoor systems, there simply isn’t the space in the UK for all pig farming to take place outside. Only a quarter of sows give birth outside, but only around 1 per cent of pigs killed for meat spend their whole lives outside as most are moved into indoor units after weaning (Structure of the UK Pig Industry, Assured British Pigs, 2008). The constraint of the farrowing crate prevents the sow from fulfilling any of her natural maternal instincts. Studies of wild or semi-wild pigs show that sows actually become more active before giving birth, often walking many kilometres to find a suitable nest site (Cronin et al, 1995; Biensen et al, 1996). They would naturally seek out a site in a covered area which is isolated from the rest of the herd (Jarvis et al,1997). They then prepare a nest of twigs or leaves before giving birth. The standard practice of confining sows in the farrowing crate a week before they give birth not only restrains them at a time of increased restlessness but also denies them the privacy they desire by forcing them into close proximity with other sows. Building a nest has been described as “the single, strongest instinct for a sow” (Per Jensen, quoted on Bowman website) and research indicates a very strong desire for sows to obtain nesting materials (Arey, 1992). Even when they have nothing but a hard floor, sows still attempt to build a nest, pawing at the floor, nuzzling the bars and attempting to turn around. Although new legislation is supposed to compel farmers to provide some straw for sows in the crate, for a confined sow in a metal cage on hard flooring inside a building, the nesting instinct will still be completely frustrated. Farrowing crates cruelly restrict the interaction sows have with their young. Here a sow tries to reach two dead piglets but is prevented from doing so While confined in the crate, the sow is unable to move toward her piglets when she wants to but is also prevented from moving away from them when she wants to. This can lead to aggression towards piglets, with 1 in 8 piglets fatally mauled by their mothers (New Scientist, 2000) and in some cases mauling will occur in as many as 50 per cent of litters (NADIS, 2008). This is a very rare event in the wild. The stress that the farrowing crate puts on the sow can actually result in protracted farrowing, which can result in increases in piglet death (FAI, 2011). The farrowing crate itself can cause the sow painful sores and also pain and fatigue due to immobility. It can also lead to reduced bone density and muscle weakness through lack of exercise, as well as overgrown hooves and increased risk of lameness (FAI 2011). Studies of hormone levels also indicate raised levels of stress in confined sows (Cronin, 1996; Jarvis et al, 1997; Lawrence et al, 1994; Lynch et al, website). Confined sows are also more aggressive than sows who have not been confined when returned to pens with other pigs (DEFRA, 2002). There has been an increasing move to try and develop indoor systems for farrowing that are not as restrictive for the sows. However, despite many systems being developed no commercially viable/feasible option has been deemed viable for large scale units (UFAW 2011). The reasons for this are obvious: these systems mostly demand more space per sow, more staff and therefore cost money and potentially provide lower returns for farmers. There are also concerns for the safety of staff that come into contact with unrestrained sows whilst trying to access piglets. Alternative farrowing systems - such as Solari, Volkenroder and Werribbee pens - have achieved broadly comparable weaning rates to conventional crates in experimental conditions (ibid; Arnott, 2001; Cronin et al, 1999; Far Eastern Agriculture) while outdoor herds have lower mortality rates than indoor, according to MLC research (Far Eastern Agriculture, 1996). Selection of sows – both by breed and as individuals – for “good” mothering is also effective in reducing piglet mortality from crushing and other causes in organic and conventional farming (Brown, personal communication; DEFRA, 2004b). In 2010, one producer launched a crate called a 360 farrower (Midland Pig Producers). The idea is that sows can fully turn around (albeit after four days of being fully restrained), and paper pads are provided to encourage nesting behaviour (although this will be nothing like the real experience for the sow). Emphasising the welfare problems of the traditional crate, sows in this system eat more and produce more milk; this has a knock on effect of healthier piglets that weigh more. However, it is still a poor imitation of a natural existence. Other systems - such as voluntary crate (where a sow can leave the crate for food and exercise) - has been widely rejected by producers again largely because of the increased costs involved (CABI 2010). Currently, the RSPCA’s Freedom Foods’ scheme allows for sows to be confined to farrowing crates for up to 10 days at a time (up to 5 days before birth and up to 5 days after birth). During this time she will not be able to even turn around. However, the scheme will prohibit farrowing crates from December 31 2013. Despite the British pig industry routinely suggesting that British welfare standards are the best in the world, other comparable countries have already banned or limited the use of farrowing crates including Sweden and Switzerland. The crate is supposedly used to prevent sows from accidentally crushing their piglets. In fact, the danger of crushing is a direct consequence of factory farming techniques. In the wild, nests protect piglets from crushing for piglets if lain on; because piglets may simply fall through or out of nests; and because the sow roots around before lying down giving the piglets warning that she is about to do so. The crate offers none of these forms of protection. Factory farming also depends on minimising staff costs and that means that most births are unsupervised. Brazil had half the pre-weaning mortality of the USA in the early 1990s because of higher staff ratios (Holyoake et al, 1995) and other South American countries have achieved mortality rates as low as 3 per cent (Guise & Mayland, 1998). Despite the argument that farrowing crates prevent the sow from crushing her piglets, overall pre-weaning mortality rates currently range from 16-20 per cent in Britain. Meaning that approximately two million piglets each year in the UK die before leaving their mother (Knowledge Scotland, 2011). Add to this an average post-weaning mortality rate of 5.28 per cent (BPEX, 2011). Although promoted as a way to protect piglets from being inadvertently crushed by their mothers, farrowing crates can in fact exacerbate crushing In fact, It has been suggested that the crate changes the nature of the crushing of piglets; with the inability to turn around leading to sudden lying down, which may increase the risk of crushing under her hindquarters (CABI 2010). Piglet mortality increases with larger litter sizes (Jarvis, 2002) and pigs today have been bred to produce litters of up to fifteen piglets, where naturally around 8 would be normal. The numbers of piglets each sow will have in Britain each year is continuing to increase (the average is 22.25 per annum, but can be over 27) (BPEX, Pig Yearbook 2011). The largest farms tend to have the highest mortality rates amongst those pigs, with 13.82 per cent dying before slaughter (BPEX, 2011). Large litter sizes increase competition and lead to malnourishment for weaker piglets. Weaker piglets are at greater risk of being crushed (Arey et al, 1992). Recent evidence suggests that dietary changes alone may have a significant impact on crushing death rates for piglets (Allison, 2003). Farmers are also likely to blame crushing for deaths which are actually caused by malnourishment (Vallaincourt, quoted in Holyoake et al, 1995). In fact, piglets in farrowing crates appear more likely to die as a result of savaging by the sow, starvation/chilling and splay leg (Cronin et al, 1996). The crate also confines piglets. In the wild, three week-old piglets would usually be found 20-30m from the sow (Pasille & Robert, 1989). In the crate they are also unable to mix with other litters and this makes them more prone to fighting when they are weaned (DEFRA 2002). Piglets reared in open systems demonstrate improved weight-gain after weaning and exhibit fewer skin lesions, another sign of fighting (Malkin et al, website; DEFRA, 2002). Natural weaning age for pigs is between 12 and 15 weeks and the process occurs gradually over the weeks before final weaning. Abrupt weaning, whether at 21 or 28 days, is more than piglets’ immature digestive systems can cope with (Van Heugten, website), often leading to scours - diarrhoea - and failure to thrive. As a result, piglets require medication and, in intensive conditions, end up on a daily regime of drugs. Weaning in this abrupt manner is also, clearly, a psychological trauma to both mother and piglets. Surprisingly, evidence suggests that scours is worse on outdoor units (or, perhaps, more tellingly) units where pigs are weaned outdoors and then moved indoors onto intensive units as usually happens (NADIS 2008). No method of farrowing for pigs raised for food truly mirrors the natural relationship between mother and young. All animals raised for food will suffer The problem the farrowing crate is designed to address - piglet crushing - is a direct result of factory farming techniques. While pigs are reared intensively that problem will persist. The farrowing crate is designed to increase productivity of piglets. It is not used to preserve their welfare but to preserve the meat they will produce. Farmers - and the Government - accept its severe adverse consequences for both sow and piglet welfare because it is, at present, the most cost-effective system overall. From a welfare point of view, it is indefensible. However, outdoor systems have their problems too; with most pigs born outdoors moved indoors after weaning and sows living only a fraction of their natural lives. The bottom line is that even if you can provide pigs with a relatively good life it will never be a long one, as all pigs – whether they are the product of an organic farm or a factory farm – will end up in the same place: subjected to the horrors of the slaughterhouse. The only way to truly end the suffering of animals is to simply not eat them and go veggie. Abbott TA, Hunter EJ, Guise HJ, Penny RHC (1996) Survey of farrowing management of outdoor pig production systems Proceedings of the 14th Congress, Bologna Allison, Richard (2003) Fish oil improves piglets born alive Farmers Weekly 17/1/03 p44 Arey DS (1991) Tail biting in pigs Farm Building Progress 105 20-23 Arey DS (1992) Straw and food as reinforcers in prepartal sows Applied Animal Behaviour Science 33 217-226 Arey DS, Petchey AM, Fowler VR (1992) Farrowing accommodation and piglet mortality Farm Building Progress 107 5-7 Arnott E (2001) The effect of housing on sow and piglet welfare www.library.usyd.edu.au/VEIN/links/Essays Biensen NJ, von Borrell EH, Ford SP (1996) Effects of space allocation and temperature on preparturient maternal behaviours, steroid concentrations and piglet growth rates Journal of Animal Science 74 2641-2648 Blackshaw JK, Blackshaw AW, Thomas FJ Newman FW (1994) Comparison of behaviour patterns of sows and litters in a farrowing crate and a farrowing pen Applied Animal Behaviour Science 39 281-295 Bowman G Fitting the farm to the hog www.awionline.org/farm/bowman Brown, Helen (organic pig farmer), personal communication with Viva! Cole JA, Wiseman J, Varley MA (ed) (1994) Principles of pig science Nottingham University Press, Nottingham Cronin GM & Smith JA (1992) Suckling behaviour of sows in farrowing crates and straw-bedded pens Applied Animal Behaviour Science 33 175-89 Cronin GM, Lefebure B, McClintock S (1999) An on-farm comparison of the Werribee farrowing pen and conventional farrowing crates Manipulating pig production 7 Cronin GM, Simpson GJ, Hemsworth PH (1996) The effects of gestation and farrowing environments on sow and piglet behaviour and piglet survival and growth in early lactation Applied Animal Behaviour Science 46 175-92 Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs [DEFRA] (2002) Final project report: Management of sow and litter in a free farrowing environment, AW0121 Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs [DEFRA] (2004a) Agriculture in the United Kingdom 2004. Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs [DEFRA] (2004b) News release Defra and SEERAD announce £550k collaborative research project with industry on genetics of pre-weaning piglet mortality 190/04 Ewbank R, Kim-Madslien F, Hart CB (1999) Management and Welfare of Farm Animals, 4th Ed Universities Federation for Farm Animals Welfare, Wheathampstead (Uncredited) (1996) The future of the farrowing crate Far Eastern Agriculture Nov/Dec 44-45 Guise J & Mayland A (1998) Freedom in the farrowing house: is there a viable substitute to crates? Pig farming Sep 28-29 Haussman SA, Lay DC, Buchanan HS, Hopper JG (1999) Butorphanol tartrate . . . sow activity, which could lead to reduced piglet crushing Journal of Animal Science 77 (8) 20-? Held S, Mendl M, Laughlin K, Byrne RW (2002) Cognition studies with pigs: Livestock cognition and its implication for production Journal of Animal Science 80 (E Supplement 1) E10-17 Holyoake PK, Dial GD, Trigg T, King VL (1995) Reducing piglet mortality through supervision during the perinatal period Journal of Animal Science 73 3453-51 Jarvis S (2002), quoted in Farmers Weekly 19/4/2 p51 Jarvis S, Lawrence AB, McLean K (1997) The effect of environment on behavioural activity, ACTH, beta-endorphin and cortisol in pre-farrowing gilts Animal Science 65 465-72 Jensen P Natural behaviour and needs of farm animals www.agriculture.de/acms1/conf6/ws5abehav Lawrence AB, Petherick JC, McLean KA, Deans LA, Chirnside J, Vaughn A, Clutton E, Terlouw EMC (1994) The effects of environment on behaviour, plasma cortisol and prolactin in parturient sows Applied Animal Behaviour Science 39 313-30 Lynch PB, Boyle L, Leonard F, Terguy A, Brophy P Studies on housing of pregnant sows in groups and individually www.teagasc.ie/research/report/pigs Malkin S, Marchant JN, Day JEL The effects of offering different degrees of social contact in indoor farrowing systems on the welfare of piglets post-weaning www.bsas.org.uk/meetings Marchant JN & Rudd AR (1993) Differences in heart rate response at feeding between stall-housed and group-housed sows Animal Production 56 p423 (abstract) Marchant JN, Rudd AR, Mendl MT, Broom DM, Meredith MJ, Corning S, Simmins PH (2000) Timing and causes of piglet mortality in alternative and conventional farrowing systems The Veterinary Record 19/8/00 209-14 Masson J (2002) The secret life of the pig: the emotional world of farm animals, Random House Passille AMB & Robert S (1989) Behaviour of lactating sows: influence of stage of lactation and husbandry practices at weaning Applied Animal Behaviour Science 23 325-29 Petersen LJ, Damm B, Gilbert C, Marchant-Forde J The influence of farrowing environment on factors of importance for piglet health and survival www.ag.ansc.purdue.edu/usda Stolba A & Wood-Gush DGM (1989) The behaviour of pigs in a semi-natural environment Animal Production 48 419-425 Van Heughten E Feeding the early weaned pig, N Carolina Healthy Hogs Seminar, www.asci.ncsu NADIS Pig Health Bulletin - Savaging of Piglets, The Pig Site, 2008 Free Farrowing for Indoor Sows, (FAI) Farm Animal Initiative, 2011 Vosough Ahmadi B, Stott AW, Baxter EM, Lawrence AB and Edwards SA, Animal Welfare and economic optimisation of farrowing systems, Land Economy and Environment Research Group, Scottish Agricultural College, UFAW, 2011 Trickett Sarah, Improved farrowing pen offers better sow welfare, Farmers Weekly, 2010 Improving sow and piglet welfare, Knowledge Scotland, 2011 Post Weaning Scours, NADIS (National Animal Disease Information Service), 2008 Mills Daniel (editor), The Encyclopaedia of Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare, 2010, CABI
THE GREAT AWAKENING The Discovery of Printing—John Gutenberg—The Revival of Invention—William Lee and his Stocking Frame—Galileo’s Telescope and Jansen’s Microscope. IF the ancients had understood the art of printing it is more than likely that mankind would never have been forced to pass through that long and dreadful time of war and misery which we call the Middle Ages. The Egyptians and Greeks and Romans Of many books written in those days there were only one or perhaps two copies, and, when the flood of barbarism swept down upon Italy and Gaul from North Europe, the greater number were destroyed and all the knowledge contained in them was lost. The wise men and teachers were either killed or made into slaves; education, which in those days was mostly by word of mouth, ceased, and within a few generations the whole Western world dropped back into barbarism, from which it hardly began to recover until the invention of printing. At school I was taught that printing was invented by Gutenberg at Strasburg about the year 1440, but this statement is open to much doubt. The Dutch claim that Lourens Janszoon, surnamed Coster, who lived at Haarlem, cut letters on the bark of a beech tree, and printed from them, for the amusement of children; that afterward he invented leaden letters and printing ink, and printed on sheets of paper. Then, so it is said, one of his workmen stole some of his types, and ran away to Mainz, where he opened a workshop. The facts seem to be that before Gutenberg’s time some rough attempts had been made at printing, but that Gutenberg and his associates were the first to set up a real printing press and to make books in the modern sense of the word. John Gutenberg was a man of good family, born at Mainz about the year 1400; but having been driven out of his home, he went to live at Strasburg with Anna, his wife. He had been well educated, and took up the trade of lapidary; that is. he cut and polished precious stones. His little shop was the front room of his house, and he made a fair living. One evening, so the story goes, he picked up a playing card and gazed at it. It must be remembered that even in those days the art of engraving was known, and the card had been made from an engraved wooden block. But it was very rough and coarse—needlessly so, it seemed to him. At any rate, he thought that he could improve upon the work, and he made the experiment. A few days later he showed his wife some cards which delighted her, for the lines were much clearer and the colors brighter than in the old ones. His success encouraged him, and he next cut his wife’s name on a block of wood and printed it off on paper. A picture of St. Christopher hung on the wall, and he decided to copy and duplicate this. He had to make his own tools, to find the best wood from which to print, and to devise new printing ink. He did all this and so successfully that his copies of the St. Christopher were better than the original—so much better that he had no difficulty in selling a number of them. He gave one to the Abbot at the Cathedral, who in return gave him a copy of the History of St. John. Then came to Gutenberg the great idea of making blocks of each page and so printing many copies of this book. With the aid of three apprentices he undertook this tremendous task and completed it. He sold a few copies, but not many. In those days not many could read, and there was no great demand for books. He went to his friend the Abbot and told him what he had done, and the Abbot suggested that he should print copies of the Bible. But when Gutenberg examined a copy which the Abbot had given him he found that there were no fewer than seven hundred pages, and that it would take him nearly thirty years to make blocks of them all. At first he was in despair, but, after thinking the matter over, he at last hit upon the idea of cutting out separate letters on small blocks of wood, and in a little time he had a real "fount" of type. It was a wonderful advance; but even now his troubles were not ended, for it was difficult to hold the letters in position in the lines of type. He tried thread, he tried wire, but neither would work. Then at last the idea came to him of a kind of frame made something after the principle of a wine press. And so the type was properly set, and the first printed Bible was issued. But again very few were sold; the apprentices were disappointed, and one broke his oath and told others of the secret process. And so Gutenberg took the bold step of breaking up all his type, for he vowed that he would not be robbed of the fruits of his invention. He and his wife then went back to Mainz, where his brother Friele was still living. The brother, a good fellow, introduced John to a rich goldsmith named Faust, who promised to provide money for a new printing works. Work started again, but now Gutenberg found that the ink softened the wooden letters so that they lost their shape. Again he set his brains to work, and once more perseverance conquered difficulties. He cut type out of metal, and began to print the Bible. But the sales were still small; and Faust, having spent four thousand florins, became impatient and suddenly demanded that John Gutenberg should pay up. Since the poor fellow had not the money, Faust seized the types and presses and turned John out to starve. Friele, however, again came to his brother’s help, and later the Elector Adolphus of Nassau gave John a comfortable home in his old age, so that at any rate he did not die of starvation, as was the fate of so many of the early inventors Faust and a man named Schoeffer continued the printing, and brought out several editions of the Bible. Presses were set up in Hamburg, Cologne, and elsewhere, also in Florence and Venice. In Italy alone nearly thirteen hundred books were printed between 1480 and 1490, and so rapidly did the new invention now spread that by the year 1500 there were more than one hundred and thirty printing presses at work in Europe. The man who brought the art to England was William Caxton. He learned it while traveling in Germany, and when he reached home set up a press at Westminster in the year 1476. Some history books tell you that the press was set up in Westminster Abbey, but this is absurd. The press was in the "precincts" of the Abbey, a very different thing. Presses were soon set up at Oxford, Cambridge, and elsewhere, and printing flourished mightily until the year 1530. Then, when many men had learned to read, the Government suddenly got frightened, and started a censorship for the purpose of deciding what should or should not be printed. Needless to say, very little that was not agreeable to the authorities was allowed to pass into print. Printers who disobeyed the censorship were tortured by the abominable Star Chamber, and this persecution went on in England for more than one hundred and fifty years. It was the last gasp of the black horror of the Middle Ages. In 1694 the censorship was abolished, and soon the English people became the best printers in the world. To-day nearly three quarters of all the newspapers in existence are printed in English. The only plates or dishes were of pewter, and only rich people could afford such. There were no forks or spoons. The smoking joint was passed round on a spit, and each person hacked off what he required with his knife and laid it on a cake of bread in front of him. The diners drank their sour beer out of a horn or pewter cup. The beds were dreadful, being merely sacks stuffed with straw. The richer classes used coarse blankets, but sheets or night garments of any sort were unknown. There were no conveniences for washing. Indeed, few people bothered much about washing, for soap, I need hardly say, was as unknown as tooth powder Old or delicate people suffered severely with cold in winter, for the only fire was in the great hall of the castle; and since the only chimney was a hole in the roof, stinging, choking wood smoke filled the place. Nor were the clothes of those days calculated to keep their wearers warm. Undergarments, even for the few who could afford them, were made of coarse, hard wool, and socks and stockings were still inventions of the far future. Food was scarce and very bad. The bread eaten even by the rich folk was almost black, and there were practically no vegetables. Having very little feed with which to supply beasts under cover during the winter, it was the custom to kill nearly all the sheep and oxen in the autumn and salt their flesh. A diet of salt meat and bread without green stuff produced scurvy, which, since there were no doctors, killed more people during the Middle Ages than even the Black Plague or typhus. Outside the house the state of things was equally hopeless. There were no roads, no carriages. Coaches were sternly forbidden, the idea being that if the nobility gave up riding on horseback they would become indolent and unfit for fighting. In the towns the streets were little better than open sewers. It was not until the year 1417 that any of the streets even in London were paved, while so late as 1605 many streets were still nothing but mire in which the wretched foot passenger might sink to his knees. As wealth increased—above all, as the endless fighting ceased, and people began to have some sense of security— they soon tired of these horrible conditions, and set to mend them by importing from other countries articles of use and luxury. Carpets were brought from the East; glass from Italy and France. In England there were no glass factories until about 1550. Soap, which was well known to the Romans, was reintroduced. About the end of the fifteenth century, forks, which had come into use in Italy, were introduced into England. These, and many other importations, set English brains to work in copying them, and so gradually the standard of living was raised, and there came about a great revival. Even so, such things as were made were almost all made by hand. The only machinery in England before the sixteenth century was driven by water or wind. The Romans established mills for grinding corn in England some eighteen hundred years ago, and a pair of old Roman millstones was found at Adel in Yorkshire. The first windmill of which we have any record was built in Venice in the year 1332 by Bartolomeo Verde. In places where there was no water power, grinding mills were sometimes driven by cattle or by man power. For clothing, silks and velvets were purchased abroad, and such garments as stockings were invented. But even Queen Elizabeth herself, when she first came to the throne, wore stockings made of pieces of silk sewn together, for there were still no such things as woven stockings. I may mention that the "clocks" which still ornament stockings were originally put on for the purpose of hiding the ugly seams up the sides. Speaking of stockings brings us to the story of a very plucky and clever Englishman, the Rev. William Lee, the inventor of the stocking frame. Lee, who lived in the days of Queen Elizabeth, was in love with a girl who, when he went to call upon her, was always busy knitting woolen stockings—so busy that she would not speak to him, and would pay no attention to his pretty speeches. The young curate put up with this treatment for a long time, but at last got disgusted—"fed up", we should call it—and made the odd vow that he would do by machinery what she could do only by hand. Once he started to invent a stocking frame he became so interested that he forgot everything else. He even gave up his living. The girl was now sorry she had treated him so badly, and did her best to persuade him to go back to his church. But he flatly refused, and, working almost day and night for three years, at last perfected the world’s first stocking frame. In high delight he posted off from Nottingham to London to show his wonderful invention to the Queen, and ask for a patent—that is, a monopoly—for his new frame. The Queen shook her head. "Had Mr. Lee made a machine that would have made silk stockings I should have been justified in granting him a patent," she said; "but a monopoly of making woollen stockings for the whole of my subjects would interfere with the means of subsistence of many poor people who knit for a livelihood." Poor Lee was very much dismayed, but he did not give up hope. He found a friend in Lord Hunsdon, who bound his son, who was a knight, as apprentice to Lee. So the first machine stocking-maker’s apprentice was a titled person and even of the blood royal. Lee then set himself to invent a machine to make silk stockings, and in 1595 completed a machine which had twenty needles instead of eight, as in his first frame. Again he went to the Queen, and again he was turned away. Still he kept up his heart. His apprentices thought it so high an honor to work for him that each wore a needle with a silver shaft slung round his neck with a silver chain. Then Lord Hunsdon died and a little later his son also. Lee, almost ruined, went to France, where the king, Henry IV, was interested in his new invention, and helped him to set up a factory. Before it was finished the king was murdered, and the unfortunate Lee gave up hope and died at Rouen in 1610. The way of the inventor has never been easy, but in those earlier days it was desperately difficult. People, even of the upper classes, were so ignorant and so prejudiced that the inventor, far from making a fortune, was usually lucky if he escaped with his life. A notable example is that of Galileo, the inventor of the telescope. Astronomy, or the study of the stars, is a very old science. Aristarchus, the great Greek astronomer, knew that the earth was round and revolved round the sun. This knowledge was so completely forgotten that when Copernicus revived it, seventeen centuries later, he was abused by every one and denounced by Luther as an "arrogant fool." Galileo was born in the Italian city of Pisa in the year 1564, and from the first showed that he was far ahead of his age. It was at that time believed that a body weighing one hundred pounds would fall one hundred times as fast as one weighing only one pound. Galileo declared that this was nonsense, and proved it by dropping a half-pound weight and a hundred-pound cannonball from the top of the famous leaning tower. Both, of course, reached the pavement at the same time. But if you suppose that this brought him fame or popularity you are much mistaken. The people vowed that he was a magician, and even the students hissed him. He shook off the dust of Pisa and went to Padua, where he invented his famous telescope. The first telescope was a rude instrument formed by placing lenses in a leaden tube, but very soon he had a telescope which magnified nearly a thousand times and brought distant objects thirty times nearer. The first things he discovered were the mountains on the moon, and soon afterward he saw the moons of Jupiter. Then he discovered sunspots. Filled with wonder and delight he began to tell the world of these marvels. At once the Inquisition stepped in. The sale of his book was forbidden, and a commission was appointed to bring charges against him. The commission reported that the astronomer had disobeyed the teachings of the Church by maintaining that the earth moves and the sun is stationary; and that he had wrongly declared that the movements of the tides were due to the movement of the earth round the sun. Also, that he had failed to give up these beliefs, although commanded to do so. When he still refused to be silent, Galileo, then nearly seventy years old, was dragged off to Rome and threatened with torture if he did not recant. Can any one blame him that he did so? In himself he knew that the truth could not be stifled, and he was right, for the new knowledge spread all over Europe and did much to disperse the black ignorance and superstitions of the past centuries.1 If the telescope enables us to study infinitely distant objects, the microscope is almost more important in that it permits us to see and study things so tiny that the strongest eye unaided can make nothing of them. Without the microscope, invention must have long ago come to a standstill and medicine would be still in its infancy. Doctors would know nothing of the germs that are now recognized as the causes of infectious diseases; scientists would remain ignorant of ferments such as yeast; metallurgists would have no means of studying the structure of metals, while natural historians would be without the instrument most valuable in their researches. I mention the microscope here because the first was made by a Dutchman named Cornelius Jansen during Galileo’s lifetime, about the year 1590. The first microscope was a poor thing, for it distorted objects placed under it. The world had to wait nearly a hundred and fifty years before the invention of the achromatic lens by Chestermoor Hall saw the beginning of a new era for the uses of the microscope. It was the microscope which enabled Malpighi to discover, in the year 1661, the hairlike veins of the human body known as the capillaries. The great William Harvey had already, in 1628, discovered how the blood circulates through the body. The seventeenth century saw a great revival in invention, and one of the greatest inventors of that period was an Englishman, the Marquis of Worcester, who wrote "The Century of Inventions", and who himself was responsible for over one hundred different inventions, among others a steam apparatus which could raise a column of water to a height of forty feet. The Marquis was indeed the first inventor of the steam engine, although he probably had no idea of the enormous value of his discovery to those who were to come after him. If you will take the trouble to read the famous "Century of Inventions", you will at once be struck with the fact that the Marquis was tremendously ahead of his time. For instance, he speaks of a way "to make a ship not possible to be sunk though shot at a hundred times between wind and water by cannon." The Marquis discovered the principle of watertight compartments, though it was not until two centuries later that his idea was put into practice. To-day not only warships but all large vessels are built with watertight compartments. The same inventor had an idea for driving ships by paddles worked by a windmill on the deck. He invented a portable bridge, a canal lock, a pistol which would discharge a dozen times with one loading, or, in other words, a seventeenth-century revolver. He tried his hand at a flying machine, and even had an idea for a world language, a sort of early Esperanto. 1For other interesting references to Galileo see "The Book of the Heavens", chaps. ii, ix, and x. Return to text.
In the mid 19th C. a fellow named Rolin White patented a clever idea. Bore all the way through the cylinder of a revolver so that it could be loaded from the rear with a metallic cartridge. He tried to interest Colt in his idea, but they saw little utility in it. The burgeoning firm of S&W, however, thought it was a grand idea and purchased the rights to the patent. From then until 1870 S&W enjoyed a monopoly on practical cartridge revolvers, which they defended enthusiastically and, more important, effectively. In 1868 Colt’s chief competitor, Remington, gritted their teeth and licensed the rights from S&W, for the princely, and then not insignificant, sum of $1 per gun. They introduced factory conversions of their revolvers, at first in rimfire calibers and later in .44 Remington Centerfire. By 1870 Colt was well behind the technology curve and was eager to launch their own cartridge revolver… but they were saddled with parts for thousands of percussion revolvers like the 1860 Army. The solution, devised by an employee, was to turn down the back of the cylinder around the sprocket, then bore it through to accept a cartridge. Add a breech-plate with a loading-gate to take up the material that was removed, include a provision for a firing pin and voila! You have a cartridge revolver. The first thing about the original .44 Colt is that it wasn’t. Forty-four caliber, that is. The bore of an 1860 Army revolver is actually .452, like a modern .45. But the Colt’s cylinder was too small to accept a cartridge with the bullet recessed into it; the case needed to be the same outside diameter as the bullet. Because of this the round uses a heel-base bullet, where the back of the bullet is smaller, approximately .430″, so that the base may be seated inside the case, while the tip is sized to the bore at .452 to .454. On firing the soft lead of the bullet’s base would be deformed and expand to fill the bore and engage the rifling. The round was called .44 Colt because the revolvers it was used in were called .44s (even though they were .45s.) Similarly .44 Remington also used a .452 heel-base bullet, and was of similar length. Some sources say otherwise, but comparing the cartridges side by side I cannot see any reason they would not work interchangeably. .44 Colt was loaded with either a 210 gr. or 225gr. heel-base round-nose lead bullet, over 23-28gr. of powder. This gave muzzle velocities in the neighborhood of 650fps. and muzzle energy of about 206-207 ft.lbs The cartridge worked reasonably well, but it was not without problems.For example the ring of lubricant was located outside the case, where it could, and did, pick up dirt, dust and lint etc. It could also get messy at high summer temperatures. The other issue was less with the cartridge than the guns that fired it. With the lock notches on the outside of the cylinder located directly over the chambers the metal there was paper-thin, and very often blew through in use. This left the cylinder with a hole in the bottom of the notch, which seems rather unsafe in theory. In practice, however, people continued to shoot these revolvers for decades, so apparently these holes didn’t matter. The US Army briefly adopted the .44 Colt, but replaced it only a few short years later when the Colt 1873 Single Action Army was introduced, in the conventional and much more powerful .45 Colt. Even though the Colt Richards and Richards-Mason conversion revolvers were the only guns officially chambered in .44 Colt, the cartridge remained in production until the outset of WW2. Heel-base bullets work well with black powder, but rather less well with smokeless powders. They also only work really well with soft, almost pure lead bullets. As a result attempt’s to modernize the cartridge were less than ideal. As the guns that fired it, already hopelessly obsolete, were retired, demand for the cartridge was almost non-existent… for a time. .44 Colt’s Resurrection Do to the popularity of movies and to an even greater extent television Westerns, the guns of the old west experienced a boom in popularity during the 1950’s and 60’s. The Colt 1873 was in production, but was quite expensive, and a number of Italian firms stepped in to offer lower-cost alternatives, including percussion revolvers and eventually cartridge conversions. For some reason, apparently in the 1970s, they decided, in the interest of historical authenticity, to reintroduce conversion revolvers chambered for the .44 Colt, but without the problematic heel-base bullets. These new guns used conventional bullets of .430″, with bores to match. Ironically original-style .44 Colt rounds cannot be chambered in these guns, so the attempt to recreate history was a bit dubious. These guns, sold by Cimarron and others, remain in use today, and ammunition is made by Black Hills. The original .44 Colt still has it’s adherents, and molds for casting heel-base bullets, reloading dies and the bullets themselves are also available. Reloading .44 Colt Whichever flavor of .44 Colt you are using, reloading is not difficult. Modern .44 Colt is reloaded like any other modern cartridge. If you wish to do the original with heel base bullets it’s really not much harder, basically amounting to an extra step at the end. Heel base bullets are available if you look around a bit, or you can cast your own. I used to swage mine from soft lead ‘cowboy’ bullets, but recently I’ve found a simpler method. Buffalo Bullets offers a 180gr externally dry-lubed bullet specifically for percussion revolvers. These bullets taper towards the base to be loaded into the cylinder, and I’ve found that I can use them quite easily in .44 Colt. Resize, prime, flare the case, stick the bullet in and seat it. works a treat, though the heavy coating of dry-lube makes a bit of a mess. So far just like loading a modern cartridge, but there is one more step- the crimp. The bullet may seem to be in there nice and tight after seating, but trust me- it will ‘walk out’ under repeated recoils and jam things up. Crimping requires a special collet-crimp, and the one sold by Old West Bullet Molds is just the thing. It’s $50, but if you want to load this cartridge it’s a bargain. Simply run the bullet up into the die and it will crimp a ring around the case just below the rim, which will hold the bullet in place perfectly. I loaded these cartridges with the 180gr. Buffalo Bullets RNLs, over a charge of 17.3gr of Hodgden’s Triple-7 FFFg powder, with a Federal #100 primer. Triple-7 is a black powder substitute and, as when loading black powder, you cannot have air space between the bullet and powder. This can result in detonation, which will break your gun or worse. Unlike black powder, however, you want very little compression of the powder. This load, with the bullet seated very deep, allows about 1mm of compression, which experience has shown me is about right. Triple-7 tends to give higher velocities than a comparable charge of black powder, and between that and the light-for-caliber bullet I was curious to see how it would come out. Shooting .44 Colt I set up my target at five yards- a piece of pressure-treated pine 4×4. I put the chronograph at about ten feet from the muzzle and fired a string of three shots. Normally I do strings of five, but with everyone stuck at home I wanted to minimize the chance of annoying the neighbors. So how does this load shoot? Mighty fine if I do say so myself. Recoil was not heavy, and the three bullets completely penetrated a treated pine 4×4. All three bullets were found between the 4×4 and the backing. The gun used in the test is an Armi San Marco 1858 that I converted, and this was the first time I fired it. The gun has a 3-3/4″ barrel. The chronograph showed an average velocity 838fps. for 281ft./lbs of energy, with an extreme spread of only 8 fps. Three is a small sample group, but that’s pretty remarkable consistency. This is significantly more velocity and energy than the original load produced from barrel twice as long as this one. I don’t think I would use this load in an original gun; I’d be more inclined to use FFg black powder in that case; it’s a fair bit less energetic. For this particular gun and my uses, however, I’m very pleased. As mentioned the gun used is a custom Armi San Marco 1858 Remington reproduction. I just completed this gun, and aside from firing primers to function-test it I had never shot it. I’ll show and tell through pictures: So, the load performed well, the gun performed well- going to call this one a Win. I’ll be doing more testing with different bullets and bullet weights, and maybe some actual black powder down the road. Michael Tinker Pearce, 27 April 2020 If you like what you see here, please consider clicking the link above and supporting me on Patreon.
There are days, just like today, when I have this sudden craving for the Big Mac burger from the big yellow M, i.e. McDonald’s. And an ice-tea (or coke), along with fries is a must-to-have as soon as I enter through the glass doors! But has any of us ever wondered, why do we suddenly feel this rush, that compels us to order food in quantities, that we would have never had, had the food been from home? Watch: How McFries are made! Here is a timeline of what happens to our body, as soon as we dig into our favourite Mac. (source: Science Alert) First 10 Minutes Our brain has given us the signal to take the first bite into the juicy meaty buns, with layers of sauces, and fresh veggies. This first bite is the first taste of blood like for a lion. There is no going back, and only 540 calories worth of future ahead! Feel-good chemicals, like the neurotransmitter dopamine, are released into the brain, and you may catch yourself thinking: “This is a tasty burger.” The next 20- 30 Minutes This is the period when we start itching for more. The high levels of fructose corn syrup and sodium inside the bun leave us craving more of the same (and in the long term, this can lead to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease). Then the sodium – some 970 milligrams of it – causes dehydration and starts making the kidneys and heart work faster. Blood pressure rises, and you may well be tempted by a McFlurry or apple pie. The 40 Minute Mark The body is used to the grease already, and starts demanding for similar food, that has high sugar or salt content, like a chocolate. The gastrointestinal tract very quickly absorbs the high volume of fructose corn syrup we mentioned earlier, further adding to your hunger pangs. Digestion during 50-60 minutes Slow digestion starts in earnest. Food typically takes 24-72 hours to digest, but the grease and trans fat inside a Big Mac means the digestion time for the McDonald’s signature burger can easily go beyond three days. Thus, try to keep the Big Mac to an occasional business only. This is precisely what leads to obesity and other health problems. This is not just for Big Mac, but all other food joints, that might give you the cravings to eat bucket load of food!
It is important to understand what is known prior to making a decision because if that is not done you will be making a decision on half the information you should always know all the points of an argument or story before you come to a conclusion because if that's not done your decision will not be accurate and will be. Tobacco smoking is dangerous, and there is much evidence to support this claim each year, tobacco is cited as a contributor to the deaths of close to a half a. My lecture for 7th graders. An inductive argument, on the other hand, is one in which the premises provide a sufficient reason for a reader to believe that a conclusion is likely to be true the difference between the two is the level of certainty that can be ascribed to each one one can be certain that the conclusion of a deductive argument is correct. When assessing the quality of an argument, we ask how well its premises support its conclusion more specifically, we ask whether the argument is either deductively valid or inductively strong a deductive argument is an argument that is intended by the arguer to be deductively valid, that is, to provide a guarantee of the. Expert advice on writing deductive essays choose an interesting topic, understand the purpose of your essay and find arguments with strong evidence. Deductive essay deductive essays are an important factor in evaluating the knowledge level of students in many courses deductive reasoning is based on the concept that given as set of circumstances or clues (premises), one can draw a reasonable assumption as to the state of the situation more simply, a person can. How to right a college essay essay revising software examples of problem statements for research proposal cornell thesis search development by example essay free internship cover letter sample. When you start building an argument, you need to decide whether you're going to use deductive or inductive reasoning to prove your point deductive reasoning deductive reasoning works from the more general to the more specific sometimes this is informally called a top-down approach we might begin with thinking. And a major source of confusion in student essays is often the fact that the writer does not initially define what the argument is claiming such a mistake is often lethal to the rest of the essay (more about that later) the second essential tool is something called deductive reasoning or deduction this is a logical process by. Writing a deductive essay involves utilizing deductive reasoning in order to draw a conclusion and then guide the reader through the process that you used to come to that conclusion therefore, in order to understand how to write a deductive essay, you must first have a solid understanding of the deductive. What is a deductive essay a deductive essay is a form of essay where you deduce some logical reasoning in the form of a deductive argument this type of argument is based on the thought that conditions are given that will direct to a logical conclusion the principle following this type of judgment is that if a person is. Here is where inductive differs from deductive inductive reasoning does not have all of the information necessary to reach a certain conclusion in its premises deductive reasoning is self-contained, and capable of a certain conclusion here is an example from a very good book on logic for beginners: morris engel. Deductive argument essay - professional college essay writing and editing service - we can write you custom writing assignments at the lowest prices the leading college essay writing and editing help - get professional help with original papers with discounts the leading homework writing help - purchase. The importance of deductive reasoning lashawn jones crt/205 november 16 , 2014 julia westlake decisions are made every day regardless if the outcome is big or. Logos or the appeal to reason relies on logic or reason logos often depends on the use of inductive or deductive reasoning inductive reasoning takes a specific representative case or facts and then draws generalizations or conclusions from them inductive reasoning must be based on a sufficient amount. I will begin this essay by outlining the deductive problem of evil according to gale i will then try to refute the deductive argument and prove that the existence of evil is indeed logically compatible with a benevolent and omnipotent being a conc [tags: philosophy essays] :: 3 works cited, 1523 words (44 pages), powerful. However, as a student you will inform and explain, the “deductive essay,” deduction is the method of stating a known information, opinion, or assumption and then reasoning from it to specific clarifications to arrive at a decision deductive essay is challenging and stressful for most students deductive essays are an.
Stephen, Sir James Stephen, Sir James, 1789–1859, British colonial administrator; father of Leslie and James Fitzjames Stephen. He served (1825–35) as permanent counsel to the colonial office and Board of Trade and drafted the bill (1833) for the abolition of the slave trade. As assistant undersecretary (1834–36) and undersecretary (1836–47) for the colonies, he was the effective director of British colonial policy. He promoted the extension of self-government to the colonies and rejected the systematic colonizationschemes of Edward Gibbon Wakefield , fearing oppression of the native populations. See study by Paul Knaplund (1953). The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2012, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved. See more Encyclopedia articles on: British and Irish History: Biographies
The Ganges River Pollution is now at such a high level that the amount of toxins, chemicals and other dangerous bacteria found in the river are now almost 3000 times over the limit suggested by the WHO as 'safe'. The river directly and indirectly affects the largest population of any river in the world with over more than 420 million people who rely on it for food, water, bathing and agriculture. And that is not to mention the tens of Millions of pilgrims who venture to India's most holy of rivers each year to bathe and worship. So with such a massive influence on the local and national population, why is it that the river is so completely and utterly disgusting? Well this is a question that is asked everyday and to help answer it we first need to take a look at a few facts which mean that the environmental issue in India are some of the worst in the world. When you've finished you may want to have a look at air pollution in India This page contains some graphic images Below: Sewage pouring into the Ganges, Varanasi 2009 One of the more alarming issues facing everybody remotely related to the river are the dead bodies of both humans and cattle which serenely float by almost completely unnoticed, or perhaps consciously ignored by busy bathers hoping to purify their souls. The bodies are released into the river with a hope that the soul will be saved and be immediately received by heaven. Right: A body washed up on the banks near Varanasi One of the biggest reasons why the river has quite literally been shat upon in the past 20 years is because good old fashioned human denial and ignorance. The problems have been allowed to escalate to the dangerously high proportions we have today because of that fact that Hindus simply do not want to accept that their 'mother Ganga', nectar of God, bringer of hope and purifier of souls is or can be responsible for bringing them illness and misery. Instead claims of record pollution fall on deaf ears. Follow this link for more information about environmental issues in India. Below: A human body passes while a man washes in the river, Varanasi Some of the main Ganges river pollution contributors are those in industry - specifically in this case those of the leather industry who use vast amounts of chromium and other toxins and chemicals - the majority of which ends up in the slow paced waters of the Ganges during the dry season, peak time for the tanning industry and also when the river is moving at its slowest. Thanks to globalisation, international, national and local government this trend seems unlikely to get better with more and more factories cropping up every week and all running under a distinct lack of regulations. Below: Chromium pollutes the Ganges turning it toxic and poisonous Now these problems are huge on their own but couple with this with fact that India's holiest river, specifically at the banks of the ton of Varanasi, is considered as the pilgrimage site with tens of thousands of pilgrims entering the city every month to bathe, wash, sip and drink the water. The river is now a leading cause of infant and child mortality rates, skin problems and some more, serious disabilities - The Yamuna river, the main contributor to the Ganges has been completely devoid of all water and sea life for the past 15 year! Another of the main issues of the Ganges river pollution is the vast irrigation networks which have cropped up to feed India's ever expanding population - These vast networks of canals and ditches slowly but surely filter off the water from the Ganges and it's subsidiaries causing an alarming drop in the water levels, especially in the dry season. Another sad side story of the destruction of the Ganges is the downfall of the native Ganges river dolphins. Ganges river pollution is getting seriously bad( as you may have now noticed) and something needs to be done now. A solution however, seems far away with gross negligence, ignorance and stupidity pouring from every sect of Indian society from Government, the people and of course big business which still continues to rape India and her people at every level. But, all hope is not lost and there does seem to be some hope on the horizon for the serious case of the Ganges river pollution. The world bank has agreed to loan India al most $1 Billion to clean up the Ganges - Not an insignificant amount by anyone's standards. What is more, some of the claims made by Hindus about the rivers purifying effects do have some basis in science. The river is thought to be especially full of 'bacteriophages'... little things that destroy bacteria specifically those known for causing cholera and dysentery epidemics. The river also has a unique ability to hold and retain oxygen in record amounts. Although nobody knows why, this doe mean that things can still grow. Having said all this though, once you have seen the river running through Varanasi you will no doubt feel as I do about this. The thick black sludge transporting almost everything but water. —Rakesh Jaiswal, Ganges activist since 1993 This video gives some more information about the causes and consequences of extreme pollution in Ganges. Return to the All About India Homepage Return to the Geography of India Go to the India Ganges River main page
Institutional and individual consumers have the power to change industrial farming practices that endanger human health. Routinely feeding antibiotics to livestock that are not sick is undermining the effectiveness of life-saving drugs, which leaves children especially vulnerable. That's why, from inner city Chicago to the suburbs of Denver, schools are buying more food from producers who raise animals without misusing antibiotics. Below are resources and just a few of the examples of schools committed to serving meat and poultry that are raised without overusing antibiotic. Are you a school administrator? School Food FOCUS (Food Options for Children in the United States) Learning Lab and The Pew Charitable Trusts developed purchasing guidelines (PDF) for institutions and a Request for Proposals template that any school district can adapt for its own use. School Food FOCUS is working with school districts across the country to obtain meat and poultry raised without antibiotics. Are you a parent? If you are interested in changing the menu in your local school system, call your principal, your school board representatives, and your school superintendent, and tell them that you want what Chicago's students have: meat and poultry raised without the routine use of antibiotics. The wonderful thing about food is you get three votes a day. Every one of them has the potential to change the world. take away. Michael Pollan, author of The Omnivore’s Dilemma and Cooked - This sample letter (DOC) can be sent to school officials, outlining what steps they can take to protect our children's health. Chicago Public Schools Chicago Public Schools, the third-largest school system in the country, announced in late 2011 that it had begun serving local chicken raised without antibiotics to students in 473 schools. This purchase, made through food service provider Chartwells-Thompson Hospitality, was the first of its kind. No other district in the nation was serving this kind of poultry regularly at such a scale. For the 2013-14 school year, Chicago Public Schools is requiring its food service provider to serve poultry raised without antibiotics at least once a month in its more than 600 elementary and secondary schools. Jefferson County Public Schools On September 18, 2013, Colorado's largest school district, Jefferson County Public Schools, announced that it will be serving local poultry raised on farms where antibiotics are not used. The chicken drumsticks from Boulder Natural Meats will be served about once a month to 35,000 students—some 14,000 pounds of poultry per meal.
৳ 750 ৳ 800 Black Grape (Kalo Angoor) কালো আঙ্গুর গাছ English name: Grape Scientific name: Vitis vinifera Size: 3-4 feet A fruit plant known as Angoor is the grape plant which can be propagated through grafting. This plant's scientific name is Vitis Vinifera, and it is a delicious variety that can be green, purple, or even black in color. Grapes can be consumed as a delicious fruit or used to make jam, jellies, vinegar, and other products. No description added for this product Get E-mail updates about our latest shop and special offers. Made in Bangladesh Grown with love Shipping with Care
Intervention Strategies for Teaching Addition: This is a 36 page packet that includes a teaching guide and comprehensive students materials to address the following issues students have with addition: “My students are still using their fingers to add simple numbers with sums of 10 or less. Some even count from 1 when adding.” “My students use their fingers to add onto multiples of 10. They don’t understand problems like 10 + 5 = 15 or 30 + 8 = 38.” These are activities that can be used one-on-one, with a small group, or with an entire class.
Not sleeping well? It might be your diet A new study shows that what you eat might disrupt your sleep. If you’re waking up frequently at night or not feeling rested even after a full night’s sleep, what you’re putting into your body might be to blame. A diet low in fiber and high in sugar and saturated fat may be associated with less restorative sleep and more disruptive sleep, says a new study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. The sleep study involved 26 adults of normal weight. Researchers at the Institute of Human Nutrition at Columbia University Medical Center in New York found that when participants ate more fiber, they spent more time in the stage of deep, slow wave sleep. When they ate more saturated fat, they experienced less slow wave sleep. Researchers analyzed sleep data after three days of controlled feeding and after one day of participants eating what they wanted. The results showed that just one day of “ad libitum” (at one’s pleasure) eating can affect sleep. The study indicates that a diet high in fiber and low in sugar and saturated fat is the way to go for a good night’s sleep, but here are few more tips to help you sleep and get your zzz’s. Avoid late-night nibbling It’s not just what you eat, it’s also when you eat, says Beth Ann Malow, M.D., director of the Vanderbilt Sleep Center. “If possible, avoid late-night eating,” she says. “If hungry, I recommend a light snack before bedtime.” She suggests crackers or a low-sugar cereal to her patients. An overall healthy lifestyle will enhance your resting hours. “Exercise is a wonderful promoter of sleep and also a very healthy habit,” Malow says. Check in with your doctor If you’ve tried some of the above tips to help you sleep, but are still having trouble sleeping, you should talk to your doctor. Sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome or other issues might be keeping you awake, Malow says. Chronic pain from arthritis or another medical condition could also be affecting your rest. The Vanderbilt Sleep Center has resources to help. If you have lingering sleep issues, talk with your health care provider about finding a sleep disorder program. Vanderbilt’s Sleep Disorders Center can help.
Since the customers have demanded for a more intensive bandwidth, the telecommunication carriers must seek to offer a matured network convergence and enable the revolution of consumer media device interaction. Hence, the emergence of FTTx technology is significant for people all over the world. FTTx, also called as fiber to the x, is a collective term for any broadband network architecture using optical fiber to provide all or part of the local loop used for last mile telecommunications. With different network destinations, FTTx can be categorized into several terminologies, such as FTTH, FTTB, FTTC, FTTN, etc. as shown in figure 1. - FTTH (Fiber to the Home) FTTx is commonly associated with residential FTTH (fiber to the home) services, and FTTH is certainly one of the fastest growing applications worldwide. In an FTTH deployment, optical cabling terminates at the boundary of the living space so as to reach the individual home and business office where families and officers can both utilize the network in an easier way. FTTH can provide higher bandwidth for users to meet different demands of services of voice, video and data with fiber as transmission medium, which will gradually replace the technology of copper accessing. There are two common systems available in FTTH networks: - AON (active optical network) - PON (passive optical network) - AON (active optical network) The AON arrangement is a point-to-point structure (PTP), meaning that each user has his own dedicated fiber optical line terminated on an optical concentrator. In an active optical system, environmentally electrical switching equipment are deployed, such as a router or a switch aggregator, to manage signal distribution and route data to proper places as shown in figure 2. - Passive Optical Network Passive optical network, just as its name shows, it only uses fiber and passive components like optical splitters rather than active components like amplifiers, repeaters, or shaping circuits. Its arrangement is a point to multi-point (PMP) network. That is to say a passive optical network shares fiber optic strands for portions of the network. In passive optical system, a single fiber from a central office optical line terminal (OLT) is connected to optical network terminals (ONTs) or optical network units (ONUs) at customer premises. Figure 3 is a PON system. An OLT terminates the optical signals and distributes IT and Internet services to as many as 16 to 128 customers per fiber line. An optical splitter, also called PON splitter, is either fitted in or outside the subscriber’s premise to divide a single optical signal into multiple equal but lower-power signals and distribute the signals to users. An Optical Network Unit (ONU) terminates the PON at the customer’s home. The ONU usually communicates with an Optical Network Terminal (ONT), which may be a separate box that connects the PON to TV sets, telephones, computers, or a wireless router. ONU and ONT are basically the same device. Moreover, PON network implements that optical signal of upstream and downstream can be transmitted in the same fiber by adopting WDM (Wavelength Division Multiplex) technology with the wavelength of downstream optical signal as 1490nm and the wavelength of upstream optical signal as 1310nm. Data is transmitted by broadcasting for downstream and by TDM (Time Division Multiplex) for upstream, so as to realize the communication of P2MP (Point to Multiple Point). There are two main solutions for a PON access network: - GPON (Gigabit-Capable PON) - EPON (Ethernet Passive Optical Network). PON standardization organization IEEE, ITU-T/FSAN made researches on EPON and GPON technology and released relative standards respectively. Figure 4 is showing both EPON and GPON access network solutions. AON vs. PON Each system has its own virtual points and shortcomings. As for AON subscribers, the bandwidth in each port is dedicated to each individual without sharing of it. Thus, higher bandwidth per port is possible through AON compared with PON. In addition, because of its dedication to specific individual, it is easier to detect fiber faults or problems in AON. However, an AON system requires active equipment to manage signal transmission, which means power supply and potentially higher costs. - FTTB (Fiber to the Building) In a FTTB (fiber to the building) deployment, optical cabling terminates at the buildings. Unlike FTTH which runs the fiber inside the subscriber’s apartment unit, FTTB only reaches the apartment building’s electrical room. The signal is conveyed to the final distance using any non-optical means, including twisted pair, coaxial cable, wireless, or power line communication. FTTB applies the dedicated access, thus the client can conveniently enjoy the 24-hour high speed Internet by installing a network card on the computer. - FTTC (Fiber to the Curb) In a FTTC (fiber to the curb) deployment, optical cabling usually terminates within 300 yards of the customer premises. Fiber cables are installed or utilized along the roadside from the central office to home or office. Using the FTTC technique, the last connection between the curb and home or office can use the coaxial cable. It replaces the old telephone service and enables the different communication services through a single line. - FTTN (Fiber to the Node) In a FTTN (fiber to the node) deployment, the optical fiber terminates in a cabinet which may be as much as a few miles from the customer premises. And the final connection from street cabinet to customer premises usually uses copper. FTTN is often an interim step toward full FTTH and is typically used to deliver advanced triple-play telecommunications services. FTTx Technologies Summarization With its high bandwidth potential, FTTx has been closely coupled with triple play of voice, video and data services. And the world has now evolved beyond triple play to a converged multi-play services environment with a high bandwidth requirement. Applications like IPTV, VOIP, RF video, interactive online gaming, security, Internet web hosting, traditional Internet and even smart grid or smart home are widely used in FTTx network. FTTx Hybrid Solutions ALTADBIR provides FTTx hybrid solutions, which are new generations of active and passive fiber network product based on AON and PON system networks and meets relative national and international standards of GPON and EPON, and also meets the transmission requirement of high speed internet, voice and video services. The solutions not only can provide the last kilometer access with fiber for all kinds of network operators, but also can be applied on customer professional network for various industries like broadcast and television access network, video monitoring network, enterprise local area network, and servers in customer private network of different industries such as radio and television, transportation, energy sources, electric power, finance and government. Based on customer request, one or more FTTx technology can be deployed in the customers’ networks by ALTADBIR.
Educated voting and accurate election results are the most fundamental and critical components in implementing a true democracy. The U.S. democratic form of government cannot continue to function unless and until we protect our country against any invasion of these rights. The Mueller report concluded that Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election occurred “in sweeping and systematic fashion” and “violated U.S. criminal law” [“Mueller: Trump not cleared,” News, May 30]. It describes two methods by which Russia tried to influence the presidential election: a social media campaign that supported Donald Trump’s campaign, and computer hacking by Russian military intelligence that led to the release of damaging material stolen from the Hillary Clinton campaign and the Democratic Party. We must take these invasions by a foreign country very seriously. No longer can we limit our country to military defenses. We must better arm ourselves with cyberpower and technical prowess. Each one of us, as educated voters, must learn to critique what we read or hear or see in the media, and the social media, seeking documentation and trustworthy accuracy. In addition, to guarantee an accurate count, every state must use voting machines that involve paper ballots.
This fascinating and beautifully illustrated book on the work of Francis Bacon, one of the 20th century s greatest painters, takes an in-depth look at his trademark motif of figures imprisoned within ghostly frames. Arguably one of the most influential and original painters of the 20th century, Francis Bacon painted haunting portraits that employed themes of crucifixion, torment, and isolation. Incorporating the insights of The Logic of Sensation, French philosopher Gilles Deleuze s seminal criticism of Bacon s work, this volume highlights Bacon s approach to space as one of the defining forces of his work. By organizing the spatial and dramatic structure of his compositions with barely visible cubic or elliptical cages, his figures become trapped in a kind of invisible room. This sense of confinement creates a direct, unsettling impression on the viewer, and further emphasizes the painter s dark vision. This book features stunning reproductions of 40 large-scale paintings, including Study for a Portrait (1952), Chimpanzee (1955), Three Studies of the Male Back (1970), and Sand Dune (1983) as well as a selection of rarely exhibited works on paper. This book also contains a series of essays that explore the range of variation in Bacon s use of isolating constructions over a period of nearly 50 years, as well as the nature of his painting technique and compositions. The art of Francis Bacon epitomises the angst at the heart of the modern human condition. His dramatic images of screaming figures and distorted anatomies are painted with a richly gestural technique, alluding to such old masters as Titian, Velazquez and Rembrandt. Displaying repressed and raw emotion, his body of work includes portraits of Lucian Freud and John Deakin. Without any claim to resolve or judge, this paper proposes itself as a particular analysis about what can be considered one of the most important aspect of Francis Bacon’s artistic work: The study of the “Figure”. The structure, anything but linear of this research, evokes a very important aspect about the thought and the lifestyle of the artist: the dynamic of accumulation. In the thematic- stylistic analysis of the work as in the more “intimate” observation of Bacon’s life, the conduction of this research in a rhizomatic form, proposes herself as a pure investigation, that acts with centrifuge force around the “figure” element, starting and final unicum of all his artistic production and, then, of his artistic research. In conclusion, the analysis effort here proposed, concentrates on an objective reception, explanation and organization of the philosophical- critical evaluations elaborated on the work and life of the artist Francis Bacon. Bacon’s philosophical approach to Nature was sounded early in the ‘Advancement of Learning’. It shadowed out the lines of his proposed reform of philosophical thought, and showed the direction of his ideas and hopes. In the second book of the ‘Advancement’, Bacon observed. ‘The parts of human learning have reference to the three parts of man’s understanding, which is the seat of learning, history to his memory, poesy to his imagination, and philosophy to his reason.’ Bacon was chiefly concerned with the last mentioned item that is, philosophy which he subdivided into Divine Philosophy, Natural Philosophy, and Human Philosophy, for all things are ‘stamped with this triple character of the poser of God; the difference of nature, and the use of man.’ Bacon’s most important thoughts concern natural philosophy. Although he was not a philosopher in the accepted sense of the term. Hence, we should not look for any systematic discussions in his writings, as we find in those of Kant and Hegel. Bacon stood for the possession of knowledge and had taken the whole of nature as the object of his study. He emphasized the significance of a critical analysis of experience and the facts of life. Building the Rule of Law – Francis Nyalali & the Road to Judicial Independance in Africa Building the Rule of Law – Francis Nyalali & the Road to Judicial Independance in Africa This book introduces Bacon's erotic, unsettling, unforgettable oeuvre, a transformative body of work often emulated, much analysed, and above all felt. Largely self-taught as an artist, Francis Bacon developed a unique ability to transform interior and unconscious impulses into figurative forms and intensely claustrophobic compositions. Sediment erosion in hydraulic turbines has been a major challenge in development of hydropower projects in Nepal. The rivers in this region carry large amount of sediments containing hard abrasive minerals, which cause rapid erosion of turbine components and affect the performance of turbines. This in turn decreases the efficiency, reliability and operating life of the projects. Recent studies have shown that it is possible to reduce such effects in Francis turbines through optimization in the hydraulic design of turbine runner. This book explains about comparative study of sediment erosion in the alternative designs of Francis runner blades through lab tests. The effect of sediments in the hydraulically optimized design is compared with that in the traditional design. The result obtained shows that the optimized design is better in handling sediment erosion. The study should help to shed some light in the field of laboratory tests of sediment erosion in hydraulic turbines, and should help in the development of Francis turbines suitable for high sediment conditions. The book is especially useful for researchers working in the field of sediment erosion in hydraulic turbines. The Beautiful and Damned, first published in 1922, is F. Scott Fitzgerald's second novel. It explores and portrays New York caf societ у and the American Eastern elite during the Jazz Age before and after "the Great War" and in the early 1920s. As in his other novels, Fitzgerald's characters in this novel are complex, especially with respect to marriage and intimacy. Kids already love Charlie the Ranch Dog from the humorous picture books by Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman. Now hard-working, bacon-loving basset hound Charlie is starring in a series of illustrated books for beginning readers. In Charlie the Ranch Dog: Where's the Bacon?, a new dog comes to visit. Things get off to a bad start. Rowdy doesn’t understand Charlie is the boss of the ranch. He sleeps in Charlie’s bed, drinks Charlie’s water, and worst of all, he eats Charlie’s bacon. Charlie has to get Rowdy under control. And he really needs to find more bacon! Where’s the Bacon? is a Level One I Can Read book, which means it is perfect for children learning to sound out words and sentences. Meet Pope Francis. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis is the first Pope from the Americas. He's also the first Pope to replace a living one! Learn all about the Pontiff in this Level 1 reader, carefully leveled for an early independent reading or read aloud experience. Dive into the history and application of the IBC Building Codes Illustrated: A Guide to the 2015 International Building Code, Fifth Edition is a bestselling complement to the International Building Code, or IBC. Designed to give you an insider's look at the origins of the IBC, how it can be interpreted, and how it applies to design and construction, this updated text offers new information regarding hazmat occupancies, hospitals, and nursing homes, major changes to how building heights and areas are presented, as well as means of egress, and the latest information on building materials, interior environments, and structural provisions. Francis D.K. Ching's distinctive illustrations and the code expertise of Steven Winkel, FAIA, give students and professionals in architecture, interior design, construction, and engineering industries a user-friendly, easy-to-use guide to fundamentally understanding the 2015 IBC. Building codes and standards serve to establish minimum regulations that emphasize performance while prioritizing public health and safety. Updated every three years, the IBC is the most important reference that you can leverage throughout your career in architecture, design, or engineering. The IBC is a national 'model building code' which is adopted in some form by most building permit jurisdictions across the nation and in several foreign countries. Access the updated regulations reflected in the 2015 IBC Explore how the IBC was developed, and why it is an important component of so many industries Identify the areas of the IBC that have undergone the most change, such as the presentation of building heights and areas, along with changes to means of egress provisions Easily navigate and digest the information with full illustrations Building Codes Illustrated: A Guide to the 2015 International Building Code, Fifth Edition is a practical, fully illustrated reference that guides you through the latest in building code regulations.
Thousands of pounds of funding have been awarded to an innovative plan to reduce the impact of flooding and climate change in West Yorkshire over the next six years. Spearheaded by five local Lead Flood Authorities across the region, the West Yorkshire Flood Innovation Programme (FLIP) has just achieved a successful bid for £160k local levy funding from the Yorkshire Regional Flood and Coastal Committee to get it off the ground. Research England has also given £69k to the programme to be used over the next three months. This will enable Yorkshire Integrated Catchment Solutions Programme to make sure that the latest flood research can be used from the start to develop integrated, innovative approaches to resilience. The ambitious programme will explore new ways to help protect vulnerable communities from flooding which are urgently needed throughout the region, as climate change is increasing the frequency and scale of flooding events. Innovation and collaboration between the private sector, community groups, charities and volunteers are key elements of the work and representatives from finance and insurance, transport, education, technology and health sectors will be involved to ensure a wide range of benefits for communities. Learning from the programme will be shared across organisations to help others deliver similar projects successfully across the region, nationally and internationally. Councillor Jane Scullion, Chair of the West Yorkshire Flood Risk Partnership and Deputy Leader of Calderdale Council and Ian Fearnley, Flood Programme Manager for Calderdale Council are members of the programme board. Watch a video of Professor Joe Holden on YouTube talking about the programme https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9rokiqL-i8 and find out more https://icasp.org.uk/2021/11/22/innovative-action-plan-gets-funding-to-reduce-the-impact-of-flooding-across-west-yorkshire/
1879 Warren Map of Europe Description: This is an example of David M. Warren's 1879 map of europe. The map covers the continent in its entirety from the Atlantic to the Caspian Sea and from the Arctic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. It also details Iceland and parts of Turkey in Asia. Shows Italy as one unified nation. Notes the legendary and semi-mythical whirlpool known as the Maelstrom (Maelstrom) in northwestern Norway. This map depicts a period shortly following the unification of Italy and the rise of the British empire apex of power and influence. It was also a time of decline for the Ottoman empire. This map follows the period immediately after the Franco-Prussian War and the unification of Germany. Throughout, the map identifies various railroads, cities, towns, rivers, islands, mountain passes and an assortment of additional topographical details. The map is color coded according to regional and political boundaries with elevation rendered by hachure. Issued as page 69 in the 1879 edition of Warren's Common-School Geography. Date: 1879 (undated) Source: Warren, D. M., Common School Geography, 1879. Size: Printed area measures 11.5 x 9.5 inches (29.21 x 24.13 centimeters) Condition: Very good. Even overall toning. Text on verso. Some foxing. Code: Europe-warren-1879 (to order by phone call: 646-320-8650)
Grandmother and grandfather Grandmother baked cakes. Grandfather ate half, then quarter of the rest ate Peter and Paul ate half of rest. For parents left 6 cakes. How many cakes maked the grandmother? Thank you for submitting an example text correction or rephasing. We will review the example in a short time and work on the publish it. Showing 0 comments: Tips to related online calculators You need to know the following knowledge to solve this word math problem: Next similar math problems: Grandmother baked cakes. Half of its was poppy, quarter with plum jam and 16 cheesecakes. How many cakes she baked in total? On the bowl were a few cakes. Jane ate one-third of them, and Dana ate a quarter of those cakes that remained. a) What part (of the original number of cakes) Dana ate? b) At least how many cakes could be (initially) on the bowl? - Jam cakes Mom baked a third of plum jam cakes, one third cheesecakes and 18 poppy. How many cakes she had bake? Three siblings ordered one pizza. Miška ate a quarter of the whole pizza. Lenka ate a third of the rest and Patrik ate half of what Lenka had left. They had the rest packed up. How much of the pizza did they pack? Write the result as a fraction. - 7 roses Peter buys 7 roses. When he pay for it left him 4 euro. If he bought 5 roses left him 40 euros. How many euros had Peter before buying? Mirka spent on a trip for gifts half pocket. For the third remain money bought a bagel. Six euros left her. How many euros had Mirka in pocket? In a bowl was some cupcakes. Janka ate one third and Danka ate one quarter of cupcakes. a) How many of cookies ate together? b) How many cookies remain in a bowl? Write the results as a decimal number and in notepad also as a fraction. - Pizza 4 Marcus ate half pizza on monday night. He than ate one third of the remaining pizza on Tuesday. Which of the following expressions show how much pizza marcus ate in total? - The buns Kate, Zofia and Peter Liked buns. Even today, their grandmother prepare their favorite meal. Katka eats 4 bunches, Žofia 3 and Petra eats 5 buns. Their grandmother said to them, "My inmate will you know how many buns I have been make today, if those you e Jan is 13 years and Peter 21 years old. For how many years will their ages in the ratio of 7:9? What number I think? The third is 6 and half is 2 more than the its quarter. One half of rope use Mam for packaging, half of the rest got son, half of the rest he took father and two fifths of what remained, got daughter. Remained 143 cm of rope. How long was rope at the beginning? Student makes a mathematical task for five minutes and the task from biology in twelve minutes. Another day he have homework in math and biology which consists of eleven tasks together. To do the job took hour and a half. How many tasks maked in each subj Parents piggybacking children on vacation to its grandmother and grandfather at a city distant 150 kilometers. They agreed to meet halfway. Parents will be travel at 90 km/h, grandmother and grandfather at 60 km/h. Parents depart at 12:00 hours. When gran I think the number. If I add to its third seven I get same as when to its quarter add 8. Which is the number? - Cake fractions Thomas ate 1/3 of cake, Bohouš of the rest of the cake ate 2/5. What fraction of cake left over for others? 6 pump fills the tank for 3 and a half days. How long will fill the tank 7 equally powerful pumps?
Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) What is Macular Degeneration (AMD)? Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease that affects the macula, a small area of the retina that is responsible for your central vision. This area allows you to see fine details, read, and drive. Peripheral vision remains intact. AMD usually does not cause complete blindness. People may not notice changes to their vision, while others will notice slow, or rapid, declines in their vision. Causes of AMD? The exact cause of AMD is unknown. It is believed that “free radicals” play a role. Specific risk factors are: - Family History - Being over 50 years of age Types of AMD There are two types of AMD: wet and dry. Dry is the most common. Approximately 90% of peple with AMD have the dry type. Vision loss is gradual. Wet is caused by abnormal blood vessel growth. This can cause more rapid and significant vision loss due to fluid or blood leaking from the vessels. Symptoms of AMD Some people will not notice any changes in their vision. Other people may notice lines become wavy, distorted, or sometimes loss of vision. This may happen in one or both eyes and not necessarily at the same time. How is AMD Diagnosed? Having a thorough eye exam by Dr. Kuczynski will determine if a person has AMD and to what extent. How is AMD treated? Antioxidant vitamin supplements have been shown to reduce the progression of AMD. For people without AMD, the benefits of supplements are unknown. Treatment for wet AMD involves injecting a drug that stops the bleeding and blood vessel growth. The drugs are in a class called, anti-VEGF(vascular endothelial growth factor). The injections can improve vision or slow and in some cases stop progression. There is no cure. Long term treatment is needed in all cases of wet AMD. Using an Amsler Grid can help monitor your vision for any changes. A person looks at the center of the Grid and covers one eye at a time. If changes are notice, Dr. Kuczynski should be called immediately.
Human Kinetics has published a textbook titled Sedentary Behaviour and Health, edited by Drs Weimo Zhu and Neville Owen. From the Human Kinetics website: From office jobs and long commutes to passive entertainment like television and video games, humans are sitting more than ever. Though lack of exercise has major health consequences, researchers are now examining the additional and widespread health risk of the simple act of sitting for extended periods. With research from leading scientists, Sedentary Behavior and Health: Concepts, Assessments, and Interventions presents evidence on sedentary behavior, its apparent health risks, and suggestions on measuring and altering this behavior. Editors Weimo Zhu and Neville Owen have assembled a highly respected team of international contributors. Together, they provide an interdisciplinary review of current research, examining scientific, public health, and broader social questions about the implications of sedentary behavior. These topics include humans’ physiological predispositions, exacerbation of current health conditions like obesity and diabetes, and the design and ergonomics of offices and chairs. To examine the many facets of this developing area of study, Sedentary Behavior and Health is divided into five parts: - “Sedentary Behavior Concepts and Context” reviews the physiology of sedentary behavior, investigating current habits from the perspectives of evolution, industrial engineering, and design. - “Sedentary Behavior and Health” explores the relationship between sedentary behavior and several major chronic diseases, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, and low-back pain. - “Measuring and Analyzing Sedentary Behavior” explains research methods for understanding and measuring sedentary behavior in order to recognize patterns and design interventions. - “Sedentary Behavior and Subpopulations” covers issues, risks, and behaviors in groups such as children, working adults, older adults, and minorities. - “Changing Sedentary Behavior” provides methods and recommendations for improvement with environmental, social, community, worksite, and technology-based interventions. Included in this groundbreaking text are learning objectives, key concepts, and study questions to focus attention on key issues and reinforce concepts. Reviews of the literature in the field are presented, many with comparisons in table form, to provide the full scope of research. Sidebars throughout the text apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios. Inactivity is mismatched with many aspects of humans’ genetic makeup. While it is becoming the new norm, the consequences of this behavior are emerging as a public health threat. Sedentary Behavior and Health will serve as a key reference for the rapidly emerging research area of sedentary behavior. Full table of contents are available via the book website.
But what is the UPC Code? The full name of UPC is Universal Product Code, that have 12 digit UPC codes, Only client specified exported to North America and the need to apply for the code. The UPC code is established by the unified code commission UCC commodity bar code. It is first appeared in the world and the application of commodity barcodes, which are widely used in North America. UPC codes have 5 kinds of version, the commonly used commodity code included UPS-A and UPS-E. The former is the UPC general commodity bar code, while the latter is the UPC-A compressed version. At first, UPC barcode is used to help create a grocery store to speed up the checkout process to better tracking inventory, but for its application is very successful, so the system soon spread to all the other retail goods. UPC code, which possesses uniqueness, contains the origin of goods, transport, shortage, inspection and other information. It is also the firewall to prevent counterfeit goods and protect consumers’ rights and interests. What are the advantages of using UPC code? 1. Can make us to quickly master the sales information and understand the best-selling products, thus increase profit opportunities; 2. Settlement more quickly and accurately, provide a better service for consumers;
Wednesday, 12 September 2007 Woodpecker signs: general Most birds are located visually or by call, however some birds leave visual clues that betray their presence. These signs include footprints, feathers, and pellets and, of course, nests. Perhaps more than any other bird family, woodpeckers leave a variety of obvious signs that indicate that they are present in an area. Holes in trees, feeding marks on stumps, logs and trees, anvils, food stores, wood-chips on the ground beneath holes, all of these are a result of woodpecker activity. Many of these signs are unique to certain species, indeed in some cases they can be described as diagnostic. Knowledge of such signs, together with tree and habitat preferences, can lead to a confident assertion of which woodpecker species are present in a given area. In winter, when woodpeckers are less vocal, such signs are very useful clues. Indeed, winter is an excellent season in which to search for, and study, such signs as most trees are without leaves and so signs are easier to discover. It is difficult to state for sure which species is responsible for the worked tree in the photo here on the left. Black, Great Spotted and White-backed Woodpecker are three candidates. It is also possible that two or three of these species contributed to the resultant hacked out stump. The shot was taken in an old forest in Lithania (Juozas Miskinis).
Analysis by Jens Martens NEW YORK (INPS \| IDN) - The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted unanimously at the United Nations by world Heads of States and Governments in September 2015 is highly ambitious. If taken seriously it has the potential to change the prevailing development paradigm by re-emphasizing the multidimensional and interrelated nature of sustainable development and its universal applicability. The 2030 Agenda offers the opportunity to correct the errors and omissions of the ‘MDG approach’ – an approach that has reduced the development discourse to a focus on the symptoms of extreme poverty and the provision of basic social services in poor countries. While – without doubt – these issues are extremely important, the MDG approach failed to address adequately the structural flaws of the global economic and financial systems, the imperative of ecological sustainability and the responsibilities of the global North. The 2030 Agenda offers the opportunity to respond in an integrated manner to urgent global problems, such as accelerating global warming and growing inequalities. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) contained in the 2030 Agenda incorporate a commitment to reduce inequalities within and among countries, a clear demand for sustainable consumption and production patterns and the aspiration for peace, fair governance and justice. The 2030 Agenda is universal, not just because the SDGs are global in scope, but also because all countries have to do something to achieve them. No country can deem itself to be sustainably developed and having already done its part to meet the SDGs. The 2030 Agenda offers the opportunity to challenge the idea that development is a phenomenon that occurs only in countries of the global South while the North is already ‘developed’. Obstacles and contradictions remain However, the 2030 Agenda is not free of contradictions and fails to adequately address a number of goals and targets, particularly when it comes to their means of implementation. The 2030 Agenda represents a compromise among 193 governments and far from perfect. But for the first time in an intergovernmental document, it acknowledges the “enormous disparities of opportunity, wealth and power” as immense challenge to sustainable development. Disparities and inequalities also have detrimental human rights effects. Even the IMF recently confirmed that income inequality is, for example, highly correlated with gender inequality. Therefore, overcoming gender inequality requires, inter alia, challenging economic policies and institutions that have entrenched social inequalities and undermined the capacity of states to meet their commitments to women’s rights. But there are further severe obstacles to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and overcoming them is a prerequisite for achieving the SDGs and fulfilling the commitments made to human rights and sustainability: For too long, economic policies have been shaped by acceptance of neoliberal policies »without alternatives«. But taking the title of the 2030 Agenda, “Transforming our World”, seriously implies that its implementation should lead to structural transformations instead of being led by the interests and advice of those governments, elite class sectors, corporate interest groups and institutions which have taken us down paths that are unsustainable and continue to create global obstacles to the implementation of the agenda. Thus, it is irritating that the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) as coordinator of the Global Business Alliance for 2030 (an umbrella group of major global industry associations and business organizations) can claim to play a key role in implementing the 2030 Agenda, offering “comprehensive engagement with the full diversity of business expertise.” Corporate lobby groups such as the ICC have been advocating for exactly those trade, investment and financial rules that have destabilized the global economy and exacerbated inequalities in both the global North and the global South. Furthermore, a plethora of bilateral investment treaties as well as a new generation of free trade agreements in conjunction with the multilateral Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) have not only reduced the policy space of governments to implement sound social, environmental and developmental policies but in numerous instances seriously undermined existing social, environmental and human rights standards. These and other domestic policies in the spirit of the dominant neoliberal paradigm have further strengthened the power of investors and big corporations and, by the same token, weakened the role of the state and its ability to promote human rights and sustainability. The 2030 Agenda does not provide an adequate response to these challenges. In the name of “international competitiveness” countries continue to compete in a race to the bottom, offering lower taxes and cheaper labour so as to attract investments. Tax havens allow for tax evasion. The leak of the “Panama Papers” published in 2015 illustrated how wealthy individuals are using a global net of secretive offshore companies to hide financial assets, and to avoid or evade tax payments. So too did the “Luxleaks” scandal in 2014 uncovering corporate tax evasion on an “industrial scale”, as well as the Mbeki-report of 2015 on illicit financial outflows from Africa, conservatively estimated at US$ 60 billion a year and predominantly business-related through trade mispricing or abusive transfer-pricing by multinational corporations. These practices seriously undermine the ability of states to finance and implement the 2030 Agenda. Finally, the obsession with growth, backed up by the dominant economic regime, provides the drive to exploit nature, relies on fossil fuels and depletes biodiversity, undermining the provision of essential services. The decision in the 2030 Agenda (SDG Target 8.4) to improve progressively global resource efficiency and to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation, is a necessary, but by no means sufficient response to the transgression of the planetary boundaries. Here, as in other areas, a combination of low levels of ambition, inadequate and contradictory goals, targets and indicators makes it impossible to stop or reverse the damage done to the global environment and scale down human demands on the earth’s ecosystem. This lack of a serious political agenda presents a virtually insurmountable impediment the realization of the 2030 Agenda. Without addressing the structural obstacles and inbuilt contradictions it will be difficult, if not impossible to achieve the SDGs by 2030. Worsened global political and economic environment Indeed, in the first year of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda it seems that the global political and economic environment for its implementation has become even worse. Negotiations on multilateral trade and investment agreements are well underway, with the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) signed on February 4, 2016 in Auckland, New Zealand, and awaiting only ratification and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) between the European Union and the United States to be finalized by the end of 2016. In their current form these agreements could seriously undermine important goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda. These agreements regard social, environmental and human rights standards as potential non-tariff barriers to trade and investment, which have to be ‘harmonized’ or removed. The investor-state dispute settlement system, even if relabeled as an investment court system, gives foreign investors the power to effectively undermine regulations, such as those designed to protect public health or to reduce carbon emissions, by suing governments for lost future profits even if it goes against the rulings of domestic courts of law, or even national constitutions. While the United States and the European Union follow a strict liberalization agenda with regard to the free flow of goods and services, many of their leading politicians have successfully pressed countries to build new border fences to keep out people, be it migrants or refugees. Governments committed in Target 10.7 of the SDGs to facilitate orderly, safe, regular, and responsible migration and mobility of people, but, so far, the European Union has failed to adopt, let alone implement well-planned and managed migration policies based on the principle of solidarity and has failed to prevent the death of thousands of refugees in the Mediterranean. The current ‘refugee crisis’ is not a kind of natural disaster but has very concrete internal and external causes. These range from corruption, clientelism, nepotism, and policies of discrimination and exclusion in countries of origin, to the devastating external effects of climate change and the economic and agricultural policies of rich countries. If governments do not address these issues adequately in their implementation strategies for the 2030 Agenda, global inequalities will increase further, with seriously detrimental impacts on global peace and stability. The increasing global concentration of corporate power will exacerbate all of these trends if governments continue to regard such power as inevitable. In 2015 the merger and acquisition activities of transnational corporations reached an all-time high. The merger of Heinz and Kraft formed the world’s fifth largest food and beverage company; Anheuser-Busch InBev took over SABMiller in a deal that combines the world’s two largest beer makers; US chemical giants Dow Chemical and DuPont announced plans to merge by the end of 2016; and in May 2016, the German pharma and chemical company Bayer offered to acquire Monsanto, creating the world’s largest producer of chemicals and seeds with an estimated global market share of 30 percent. These and many more mega-deals have been supported or even initiated by a small group of corporate ‘control-holders’, particularly transnational banks and investment funds, with no effective government opposition. The resulting concentration of economic power distorts the functioning of financial and labor markets and undermines democratic decision-making processes, threatening the ability to implement the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs and rendering some of them (such as SDG 2 on food and agriculture, SDG 3 on health and SDG 12 on sustainable consumption and production) essentially meaningless. But there are positive signals Despite these numerous alarming trends there are also some positive signals. In many countries, discussions and consultations have started about how to use the 2030 Agenda as a reference framework for shaping national policies and adapt it to specific national realities. A total of 22 countries, from the global North as well as South, have agreed to conduct national reviews and to present their national strategies for implementing the 2030 Agenda at the UN High Level Political Forum in New York in July. Even the G20 under the Chinese presidency made the implementation of the 2030 Agenda one of its key priorities. In his message on the G20 presidency, Chinese President Xi Jinping suggested that all G20 members develop national plans for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, “based on which a G20 collective action plan could be collated”. However, this must not undermine the UN and its High-Level Political Forum as core institution in the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda. Also positive is the fact that civil society organizations and networks have started to create cross-sectoral alliances at national and international level, bringing together a broad range of environment, development and human rights groups as well as trade unions and social justice organizations. Even at local level, citizen groups and local authorities have started consultations on sustainability goals and strategies for their cities and communities. These discussion processes are much more than just a ‘trickle-down effect’ of the SDG process at global level. Social change cannot be decreed top-down either by governments or by the UN. The critical engagement of civil society groups and the broader public will be essential for triggering the necessary change towards global sustainability. Independent monitoring and review indispensable The political success of the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs will depend on the adoption of appropriate strategies and policies, available resources and other means of implementation. Accountability mechanisms are important tools for strengthening political commitment and effectiveness. Thus the successful process relies a lot on the effective monitoring of progress or regressive developments in achieving the goals. The 2030 Agenda includes a special chapter on “follow-up and review” at national, regional and global levels. Governments agreed only to the voluntary sharing of experiences and peer learning and failed to introduce an effective intergovernmental monitoring mechanism, building, for instance, on the experience of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in the human rights field. It is important to ensure that the monitoring and review process, like the implementation strategies themselves, not be dominated by the rich and powerful, including both countries and multinational corporations. In this regard, it is particularly worrying that in some cases not only the implementation of certain goals and targets but also their monitoring is being outsourced to “partnerships” involving funders, corporations, foundations and civil society organizations. This self-monitoring undermines independent and objective assessment. These developments underline the need for strong independent monitoring efforts on the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs. However, monitoring and review should not be reduced to the implementation of the SDGs and their related targets, often measured by inadequate indicators. Previous experience clearly shows that monitoring of outputs or outcomes alone is by no means sufficient. Rather, policies and policy changes (and not just outcomes) in the follow-up of the 2030 Agenda should be scrutinized. These analyses are by their very nature qualitative rather than purely quantitative. Civil society organizations have to play a key role as independent watchdogs to monitor the (positive or negative) contributions by governments, international organizations, International Financial Institutions and Multilateral Development Banks as well as transnational corporations to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. * The Reflection Group comprises: Barbara Adams (Global Policy Forum), Gita Sen (DAWN), Hubert Schillinger (Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung), Nicole Bidegain (DAWN), Thomas Mättig (Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung), Roberto Bissio (Social Watch), Wolfgang Obenland (Global Policy Forum), Chee Yoke Ling (Third World Network), and Ziad Abdel Samad (ANND) contributed to this article. ”. [INPS \| IDN - 13 July 2016] Photo: Reducing inequality among and within countries (Goal 10). Credit: UN IDN is flagship agency of the International Press Syndicate.
Young People and Politics Youth is an intensive period of transaction during which individuals, in different ways, will enter adulthood and discover politics. Young people have to negotiate with their primary socialization, and especially with their family legacy, to make their own choices and to appropriate specific attitudes, behaviours and roles in this field. First of all, this course will give the opportunity to better understand this process and to study political identity during this period of life. Are young people in politics so different from their elders? Can we observe some generational characteristics? Are all young people politically similar? This course will also explore the different forms of politicization among the young. Are they interested? Do they vote and how do they vote? Are they engaged and how are they engaged? Lastly, working with different data, surveys and studies, this course will offer an overview of French political life today. Anne Muxel, Avoir 20 ans en politique. Les enfants du désenchantement, Paris, Seuil, 2010, ISBN 978.2.02.100.252.2 - Summer 2014 Language Schools - Le Chateau 107(CHT 107) - 1:30pm-3:20pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday (Jul 23, 2014 to Aug 15, 2014) - Anne Muxel - Language School - Requirements Fulfilled: - Non-degree, Undergraduate - View availability, prerequisites, and other requirements. - Course Reference Number (CRN):
Over 50 million of them are installed in homes and businesses across the US. But what are smart meters and how do they work? Are they safe? What is a Smart Meter? A smart meter works similarly to a regular electromechanical (analog) meter, in that it measures the consumption of electricity used by your household as it passes into your home. All types of meters, whether "smart" or "simple" perform the same basic function as the mileage display in your car that shows you the total distance your car has traveled; they display the total amount of power (measured in kilowatt-hours) that has been used since they were installed, and are constantly working. All types of meters perform the same function and include the same basic components: - A display of total electricity consumption - A unique meter number that is used to identify your consumption It's a good idea to write down your meter number to have it on hand in case you have ever have a concern about billing, or if you decide to switch suppliers The difference between a conventional meter and a smart meter is that smart meters are equipped with a battery and a communication chip so that they can send electronic meter readings to the utility automatically. How does it work? The communication chip sends meter reading data by radio signal to a mobile collector several times of day (it rests dormant between these times). This meter reading information is sent to the electric utility through the power lines or by radio frequency or cellular networks. The electric utility sends customer consumption information to their energy supplier for billing. The advantage of smart meters is that they enable precise and accurate measurements of your electricity usage. There's no need for you or a meter reader to take a reading every month, nor is there a need for the utility to estimate your monthly consumption if they can't access your meter for a reading in time. What's more, smart meters are able to capture and record real-time data about your energy use, making different electricity systems such as time of use pricing possible. Pricing based on the time power is used is a more accurate reflection of the true cost of electricity, and can help you pay the most accurate price for your power usage. Having this kind of real-time data can give you some ideas about how to be more efficient with your energy use, helping you save money on your electricity bills. Smart meters also help cut down on your utility's costs, as they can save money in operating and labor costs. They can also help utilities respond to power outages faster. While smart meters alone don't constitute a smarter grid, they are a fundamental component of it. However, smart meters have not been without some controversy. Most concerns focus on safety concerns, privacy, or how smart meter implementation is handled. Smart meter health and safety concerns Some people are concerned with the health effects of the RF radiation that smart meters emit. However, this type of radiation is low-energy radiation, which means it has enough energy to move atoms in a molecule around or cause them to vibrate and can lead to heat, but not enough energy to damage DNA directly. While RF radiation is classified as "possibly carcinogenic to humans" (based on the finding of a of a possible link between cell phone use and a specific type of brain tumor in at least one study), the American Cancer Society states that it would be "nearly impossible to conduct a study to prove or disprove a link between living in a house with smart meters and cancer because people have so many sources of exposure to RF and the level of exposure from this source is so small". There are a few things to keep in mind about the radiation that smart meters emit for those who are worried about their health. First, the emissions from a smart meter are less intense than the emissions from a microwave oven. Also, as your meter is typically installed outside your home, they are much farther away than other possible sources of RF radiation (such as cell phones or cordless phones), and are to some extent blocked by the walls of your home as well. Smart meters typically send and receive short messages about 1% of the time that they are running. This means that the amount of RF exposure from smart meters is probably a lot lower than possible exposure from other sources. Some have also expressed concerns that smart meters might interfere with electronic medical devices, such as heart pacemakers, but a study that examined the effect of smart meters on pacemakers and implantable defibrillators found that the smart meters did not interfere with these devices. Smart meters and privacy Can your smart meter be hacked? While no widespread hacking incidents have happened in the United States, two independent researchers were able to hack and under-report electricity usage for smart meters in Spain. That being said, utilities typically encrypt smart meter communication data, meaning that it is sent to the utility securely. In France for example, many citizens are afraid that their Linky meter may be hacked and therefore refuse its installation in their house, even though the authorities assure it could never happen. Smart meter roll-outs These days, most concerns about smart meters focus more on how they are deployed. While many utilities have been able to take advantage of federal assistance in upgrading their meter systems to smart meters, it typically costs a utility several hundred millions of dollars install smart meters. This cost is passed along to the consumer in the form of higher delivery charges. However, customers can also save money from being billed more accurately and improving their energy efficiency. Many states allow consumers the opportunity to opt-out of a smart meter, if they don't want one. However, this usually comes at a price - in Texas, for example, it can cost more than $800 to replace a smart meter with a traditional analog one. Not sure if you have a smart meter or a conventional one? Check with your utility to find out Smart meters are the future However you feel about them, smart meters are here to stay. One thing we like about them is that they open up your electricity pricing options, helping you find the rate type that works best for you, and the rate that saves you money. If you're looking to save money on your electricity bills, give us a call at 347-410-8789 to find the best rates available in your area
Special educators must be promoting change, and to promote this change, we need three essential roles to be cultivated in the school environment. We need Catalysts, Innovators and Supporters. To reiterate my stance on special education, it is time we need to do something different, to reflect on our past and ask ourselves what has changed in the past 5, 10 or 15 years. If nothing has changed then it is time to take a position. Mine is to create change and find others who want to do the same. It starts with the leader. A leader must be a catalyst of change, allow staff to be innovative and support innovators within the school. These roles must be developed and seen as essential ingredients to promote change at all levels of the school environment. Leaders have many responsibilities but their most important job is to instigate change; to be a catalyst for innovation. A leader does not necessarily have to be the person who creates the idea, but they do have to be a person who promotes it and gives it a chance in the organizational culture. They also need to keep their eyes and ears open to new practices to implement and use it in their organization. They are looking for inspiration and to be in the place or in communication with others who are looking for growth and progress. Innovators are those individuals who come to you with an idea that they are excited about and they want to share it with someone. It could be a new curriculum, presentation, new technology, a unique classroom activity, or a new system to make their job more efficient, but they are looking for something new and different and they are looking for someone to listen. They learn from the world outside of their own classroom and are paying attention to what others are doing. They are curious and each day they are thinking about how they can make it better. They also move from concept to reality because thinking about it is not good enough, they need to experience it in action and find out if it works or not. They don’t want you to do it for them, they have a plan and just want to know they are going to be supported. Leaders also need to be supporters because you will have innovators that are part of your staff and we need to give these innovators the opportunity to take risks. Leaders must encourage and support an innovative idea and be paving the way to give this initiative the best possible chance at succeeding. There will be criticism, negative talk, gossip and other barriers, but for change to happen the initiative needs to be supported through all of these obstacles and a leader must have courage to see it through.
In the classic Disney film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the dwarfs return home from a hard day at the mines, their picks slung over their small shoulders. From a distance, They see that their small cabin in the woods is unexpectedly aglow, and a billow of smoke drifts from the chimney. Warily, they make their way into their cabin and discover that an intruder is asleep in their bedroom. Their imaginations run wild as they discuss what vile creature slumbers in their room. The other dwarfs urge Dopey to go and investigate. "Don't worry. We're right behind you," they assure him. Dopey carefully cracks open the door and enters. Just then, the "thing" under the sheets stretches, and Dopey and the other Dwarfs flee in unbridled terror. "What was it?" they scream. "Did you see it? Did you see it?" Dopey nods his head vigorously. "Was it a dragon?" Again Dopey nods yes. "Did it have horns?" Using his fingers to imitate horns, Dopey nods again. "Did it slobber?" Dopey nods again, slobbering profusely. The fears of the dwarfs have grown larger with each question. "What was it doing?" they ask. Dopey closes his eyes and snores. Doc cries, "There's a monster sleeping in our beds! Let's get him while we can."Once again they venture up the stairs to deal with the beast in the bed. Gathering around the bed, they raise their picks to deal the fatal blow to the monster. But when the sheets are thrown back, they find a harmless guest, the beautiful Snow White. Such is the power and unpredictability of an imagination that surprises us and leads to deeper beauty.
1. What is copyright? In the United States, copyright is the right of an author of a creative work to prevent others from doing certain things with that work, including copying it and performing it. See 17 U.S.C. § 101, et sec. Copyright can cover almost any original creative work expressed in a tangible form. In other countries, the scope of a copyright or related rights may be different. The copyrights that apply to music are complicated. Put simply, there are at least two copyrights to any sound recording of a musical work – the copyright on the underlying composition and the copyright on the particular performance. So, for example, if you perform the song “Imagine” by John Lennon, John Lennon’s estate holds a copyright in the sheet music, and you hold a copyright in your performance, but you are limited in doing certain things with the recording of your performance without John Lennon’s estate’s permission or a statutory license. We offer the following links to copyright law resources for informational purposes: 2. What is the public domain? In United States, the “public domain” refers to works that are not protected by federal copyright law and are free to be used, copied and distributed by anyone without attribution, permission, license or royalty payment. A work may become part of the public domain for a variety of reasons, including expiration of the term of copyright protection, failure of the work to qualify for copyright protection, or dedication of the work to the public domain by the work’s author. The concept of the public domain differs from country to country. For more information about the public domain, please see the following: 3. What are some common misunderstandings regarding the public domain? There is no “official” list of what music or other material is in the public domain. Determining whether a particular work is in the public domain may require the aid of an attorney. Some examples of common misunderstandings about the public domain include: - The lack of a copyright notice (“©”) on a musical composition or sound recording (or on the medium in which it is stored) does not necessarily mean it is in the public domain. Nor does the musical composition’s or sound recording’s availability “for free” on the Internet, the radio, or otherwise mean that it is in the public domain. - Simply because a musical composition or sound recording is old does not necessarily mean the work is in the public domain. - Simply because a musical composition or sound recording is well-known or famous does not mean that it is in the public domain. - Although certain musical compositions may be in the public domain, a particular recording of the musical composition may remain under copyright protection and may not be in the public domain. The inverse is also true: just because a sound recording is in the public domain does not mean that the underlying musical composition is in the public domain. There may also be many different sound recordings of the same musical composition that may be protected by different copyrights (i.e., owned by different people). - Foreign musical compositions or sound recordings may not be in the public domain, as copyright laws outside of the United States are often different from ours. For further information, the link below will take you to a tool developed by the American Library Association that may help you determine whether a particular work is in the public domain: 4. Can I add content to Musopen that I got elsewhere? Yes! Musopen’s goal is to be the largest online repository of music in the public domain. However, because of the complexities discussed above, Musopen strongly encourages Musopen users to familiarize themselves with copyright law and assess the public domain status of any specific musical composition or sound recording before uploading it to the site. Please remember that our Music Dedicator Terms and Terms of Service require you to represent and warrant that content uploaded to the site is in the public domain (for more information, see our Music Dedicator Terms and Terms of Service). The following links to copyright law resources provide additional information for your reference: 5. What content on Musopen can I use and reuse elsewhere? Musopen’s goal is to be the largest online repository of music in the public domain. Musopen respects the rights of copyrights owners and asks that its users do the same. Musopen requires all users who upload music to the site to represent that the uploaded musical composition and/or the sound recording is in the public domain. However, please note that Musopen cannot guarantee that any music uploaded by its users is, in fact, in the public domain. While Musopen seeks to prevent copyright infringement and complies as a service provider with the requirements of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (“DMCA”), Musopen does not review music uploaded by users of the site to determine if the music is in the public domain or subject to copyright. We strongly encourage anyone who wishes to use music found on Musopen to familiarize themselves with copyright law and the public domain and to independently assess whether any given musical work or sound recording is in the public domain and not otherwise subject to third party rights. 6. Can I use Musopen music in another work that will be sold for profit? Public domain works are not protected by U.S. copyright law and are free to be used, copied, performed and distributed by anyone for any purpose, even if sold for profit. [However, as noted above, we strongly encourage our users to independently assess whether any given musical work or sound recording is in the public domain before using, copying, performing or distributing musical works or sound recordings found on the Musopen site. 7. What should I do if I find my copyrighted work on Musopen? Musopen takes the rights of copyright owners very seriously, and complies as a service provider with all applicable provisions of the DMCA. If you are a copyright owner, or agent thereof, and find works on Musopen that you want us to remove, please visit our DMCA Notification Guidelines to report the instance in question. 8. If I don’t live in the United States, do these laws still apply to me? If you live in a different country or are accessing Musopen from another country, that country’s copyright laws may be different from United States copyright law. International users must understand and comply with the laws of their own country. For more information, visit: U.S. Copyright Office – International Copyright Relations of the United States
Minimum entry requirements from GCSE: English – grade 5. Year 12 topics Paper 1 and Paper 2 are assessed in two written examinations, which are part of internal exams. \|Education with Theory and Methods Methods in Context \|Topics in Sociology Families and Households Beliefs in Society Year 13 topics Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3 topics are assessed in three written examinations. Each test lasts 120 minutes and is worth 20 and 30 marks. The exams include structured questions and several essays. There is no coursework. Research Methods are taught throughout the year, in all topics, to give students a firm grasp of necessary theoretical and practical research skills. \|Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods Crime and Deviance Theory and Methods In order to cope with humanistic texts, new vocabulary and sociological essays, we recommend that students attain the standard GCSE points score required for entry to study advanced level, together with an intellectual curiosity to look beyond the views of "Joe Public".
On Oct. 25 1962 two unarmed and unescorted Navy photo-reconnaissance jets were speeding over the Cuban landscape on their way to photograph an intermediate-range ballistic missile site being constructed by Soviet technicians. The lead RF-8A Crusader was piloted by Lt. Cmdr. Tad Riley. His wingman, Lt. Jerry Coffee, flew sorties with the first VFP-62 low-level reconnaissance missions on Oct. 23, as part of the classified operation codenamed Blue Moon. Coffee spotted a military encampment and broke formation with his flight leader to get a closer to take pictures. His photographs disclosed a military threat unknown to Pentagon and the CIA analysts: Soviet tactical nuclear-capable Luna missiles. This evidence of battlefield weapons of mass destruction got submerged in the flood of intelligence reaching the president. Those forgotten missiles of the Cuban Missile Crisis could have triggered World War III. Earlier, in response to a Soviet supplied military buildup in Cuba in mid-1962, Pentagon planners were refining two operational plans against Cuba: one a massive 500 sortie airstrike against missile and radar sites and MiG airfields; the other a 125,000-strong joint-force invasion. The latter apparently had no contingencies for facing tactical nuclear weapons, as Defense Secretary Robert McNamara revealed in his book In Retrospect, “. . . U.S. invasion forces would not have been equipped with tactical nuclear weapons.”
Bring Health Benefits To Your Place With Indoor Plants Some of the best indoor houseplants look like they’re taking over your home if they’re already occupying every available surface, but you’re not alone if that’s the case. As people have begun spending more time indoors, there has been a dramatic increase in the demand for green plants. Indoor plants not only liven up a room and provide a dash of cuteness, but some experts also claim they can improve your well-being. Traditional naturopaths have long recognised the therapeutic value of plants. To support them, various pieces of research have shown that being in close proximity to nature favours people in all aspects of their being. All plants benefit the soul and can improve your emotional and mental health. These are some of the most highly recommended by professionals. Plants best for your health Spider plants, or Chlorophytum comosum, have long, narrow leaves that are often striped and completely non-toxic. Spider plants are perennials that can live for several years and bloom with tiny, star-shaped white blooms. The air around spider plants can be cleaned to some degree. Multiple houseplants were studied for their leaves, soil, roots, and microorganisms, and the results showed that plants can operate as an organic air filter by absorbing contaminants. According to the research, in just 24 hours, spider plants were able to filter 95% of the hazardous formaldehyde out of the air within a Plexiglas container. Preventative maintenance techniques Spider plants thrive in moderate to bright light, average to cool temperatures, and either soil or a soilless medium when grown indoors. It needs to be repotted often because of its rapid growth. The Sansevieria trifasciata, or snake plant or mother-in-tongue, is a perennial evergreen that can get as tall as 4 feet. Its pointed leaves easily recognise it. Extensive testing confirmed that the method effectively eliminated airborne pollutants. Snake plants do best in full sun but can survive in a dappled or shady light. The spring and summer months require more frequent watering, while the fall and winter months require less. The broad, heart-shaped leaves of golden pothos, Epipremnum aureum, are a telltale sign that they are a subspecies of pothos rather than the more common devil’s ivy. Plants have been shown to eliminate VOCs from the air and reduce indoor ozone levels, which can improve respiratory health. The ideal conditions for a golden pothos plant are high humidity and mild to bright indirect light. Do not water the soil until it is completely dry; otherwise, it will not drain properly. Remove any wilted or rotting leaves or stems. There are thousands of kinds of ferns, and they all use spores to spread. Depending on the species, ferns are non-toxic, have large leaves, and can remain small or develop into a tree-like structure. Studies demonstrate that ferns, particularly the Japanese royal fern (also known as zenmai), can significantly reduce levels of formaldehyde in the air. The Boston fern has also been proven to be an effective carbon dioxide absorber in an indoor setting. Maintaining it properly Ferns prefer dark, moist environments that are warm and humid. Care for ferns involves regularly maintaining a damp environment by spraying the soil. How do indoor plants improve health? Researchers note that they have long-term effects, such as increasing air quality, which can lessen headaches, or providing moisture to the air, which can alleviate dry skin. The diversity of the microbiome in your home may improve your gut and skin health if you work with soil that contains bacteria. Plants have many health benefits, and to get them, one must bring them to their home. However, many face problems finding the plants; you must search online by writing to the nursery near me and voila!! You have the plant. Enjoy planting!!!
Important Facts about Disinfectants! Before attempting to disinfect a surface with your homemade kitchen disinfectant or sanitizer, you must remove all food particles, dirt and grime from the surface. That means thoroughly washing with soap and water. Once the disinfectant is sprayed on the surface, leave it for at least 20 minutes, or until the surface is completely dry. Homemade and commercial disinfectants are not able to kill bacteria and germs in the air. That is impossible! Only non-porous surfaces can be successfully sanitized or disinfected. Disinfectants do not kill all viruses and parasites. They must be washed away with soap and water, or even better prevented from entering your kitchen in the first place. The most basic way to disinfect surfaces and food with a homemade disinfectant is to spray a mist of vinegar, and then a mist of 3% hydrogen peroxide, not necessarily in that order, onto select surfaces and right onto fresh food to kill 99% of bacteria. The order of the spray did not matter in terms of killing germs, but many authors have suggested using the vinegar first, and then the hydrogen peroxide (which has no smell) to rinse off the vinegar. It is a great solution, no pun intended, and kills two birds with one stone, no cliché intended! How to make this easy: Get some spray bottles, one of which should be dark and opaque as possible. Buy as large a bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as you will use in say 3 months time. (When H2O2 gets old it looses its extra oxygen molecule and turns back into plain H2O!) Buy a large bottle of 5% distilled white vinegar made from grains, not petroleum. Most vinegar sold in the United States is made from grains, and it will say on the bottle. Next, pour some of the peroxide into the dark bottle and label it. If you can’t find a suitably opaque bottle screw a spray attachment right onto the peroxide bottle itself. Now it’s already labeled! Pour some vinegar into the other bottle and label. That’s it! You are ready to go. You can use this on food, food packaging (non-porous) and kitchen surfaces, except please never, never use acidic substances on natural stone surfaces or grout! Sanitizing Cutting Boards with Homemade Disinfectants Disinfecting (sanitizing) your cutting board, especially necessary if you use a plastic board, (which is not really recommended!) is as simple as scrubbing it with course salt. Let the salt sit on the board for a little while as it creates a saline atmosphere that kills bacteria, then rinse. You are done. Or try this homemade recipe: Homemade Cutting Board Sanitizer by Renee Loux ¼ cup 3% hydrogen peroxide ¼ cup white distilled vinegar 4 drops grapefruit seed extract, optional 4 drops essential oil of oregano, optional 1 TBLS baking soda Mix the hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, grapefruit seed extract, and essential oil of oregano in a spray bottle or bowl. Sprinkle the baking soda on the cutting board. Spray the board with or dunk a clean sponge in the mixture and scrub the board. It should fizz up a storm. Wipe the board thoroughly with fresh water before using it. How to Clean Your Food Before Cooking and Eating Here are some homemade recipes for sanitizing your food. The first three are created by Renee Loux and published in her extremely well documented and cited book Easy Green Living. Recipes are presented in order of strength, weakest first, and bring in the vodka for the fourth! BTW, the term disinfectant carries with it an assumption that germs will be killed. To label a product as disinfectant legally in the United States, it must be first a registered pesticide. That’s kind of intense. Most of the time, we don’t really need disinfecting like that. We just need proper sanitation, we need a sanitary kitchen in which to cook and eat. Only if we are living with an immune deficiency disorder or are on certain cancer treatments and the like do we really need to literally disinfect our home kitchens. Fruit and Veggie Washing Tonic by Renee Loux Note: don’t use this tonic on mushrooms 3 cups filtered water 3 TBLS white distilled or apple cider vinegar 2 TBLS baking soda Mix the water, vinegar, and baking soda together in a spray bottle or bowl, depending on how you will use it. Spray Tonic. Spray it on fruits and veggies. Scrub firm fruits and veggies like cucumbers, apples, and potatoes, especially if you plan to eat the skin (which generally contain bountiful nutrients). Rinse well and carry on. Dunk Tonic. Dunk, swish, and scrub the produce as desired. Put veggies in a colander or strainer that fits inside the bowl for easy draining and to allow you to use the same batch of tonic multiple times. Extra Strength Homemade Lemon Peel Produce Wash by Renee Loux Yield about 1 quart 4 cups filtered water 3 TBLS white vinegar 2 TBLS Homemade Lemon Peel Concentrate (next recipe) 2 tsp. baking soda 4 drops grapefruit seed extract Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly until the baking soda has dissolved. Pour it in a spray bottle for spritzing on fruits and veggies or in a bowl for dunking. Rinse the produce before carrying on. Homemade Lemon Peel Concentrate and Produce Wash by Renee Loux Yield 1 cup, enough for 1 gallon diluted 4 organic lemons 1 cup Vodka Scrub the lemons with water. Peel away the yellow part of the skin (which cooks call zest) and chop it finely. Try not to include any of the white pith because it’s bitter (especially if you plan to bake with the extract). Place the chopped peel in a freshly washed glass jar and cover it with the vodka. Cap the jar tightly and let it stand for 2 weeks. Strain out the solids before using the concentrate. To make the produce wash, dilute 2 TBLS of concentrate in each quart of water. Put in a spray bottle for spritzing or a bowl for dunking. Rinse the produce after the wash. Store the concentrate in a tightly capped jar, away from direct light and at room temperature. Recipes for Cleaning Kitchen Surfaces Here is a recipe similar to the Lemon Peel Concentrate from Readers Digest book Homemade. It is not so refined as the Lemon Peel Concentrate recipe above because it is not designed to be used on food. It is a totally safe kitchen cleaner safe to use around food, just not on food. Don’t use this on your food as you might the formulas above. Peel from 1 orange, grapefruit, lemon, or lime 3 cups white vinegar 1 clean quart jar with lid 1 clean 32 oz. spray bottle Combine the citrus peel and vinegar in the quart jar. Fasten the lid on the jar and store the mixture in a cupboard for two weeks, giving it an occasional shake. Remove the peel from the jar, strain the vinegar, and return it to the jar. To use as a spray cleaner. Our 1 cup of citrus vinegar in the spray bottle and fill with water. To clean linoleum floors, add 1 cup citrus vinegar to 2 gallons water. I found another interesting take on a citrus-based kitchen surface cleaner from Donna Smallins book Cleaning Plain & Simple. She credits this recipe to Pure Liquid Gold. Again, this formula is safe to around food and food preparation surfaces but no directly on food. Natural Disinfectant Cleaner Mix 15 drops of grapefruit seed extract with 2 cups of warm water (or use 1 tsp. per gallon of water). Pour the solution into a spray bottle. Double the amount of grapefruit seed extract to create a super-strength cleaner for more extreme jobs. Grapefruit seed extract also whitens [porcelain] sinks, tubs, and tiles. Super strength formula made with grapefruit seed extract and water?! We really don’t need you and your extra strength toxic ammonia Mr. Clean!
It appears that many people do not take the importance of magnesium as seriously as they should. Although magnesium is a mineral essential to the body’s function, according to lots of studies, magnesium deficiency is present in almost 75% the American population. Magnesium is important for more than 300 biochemical processes in our body. The National Institutes of Health claim that magnesium supports a healthy immune system, keeps bones strong, helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function, and keeps heart rhythm steady. Moreover, it promotes normal blood pressure, helps regulate blood sugar and it plays an essential role in protein synthesis and energy metabolism. In fact, a magnesium deficiency can lead to insomnia, anxiety, diabetes, hypertension, and migraines. One of the main factors for the prevalence of magnesium deficiency nowadays is the declining quality of soil because the magnesium that is found in the soil can affect the magnesium found in food. The fact that the industrial farming methods have exhausted much of the U.S. soil results in the conclusion that it is really hard to get the RDI of magnesium by including foods rich in magnesium in your daily diet. Furthermore, following a healthy lifestyle is another important factor. For instance, excess sugar, caffeine, lack of sleep, and alcohol can also affect your magnesium levels. 8 Warning Signs of Magnesium Deficiency - Muscle Cramps - Osteoporosis or weak bones - Diabetes or unbalanced blood sugar - Muscle Pain or Fibromyalgia - Stress and Anxiety How To Prepare Your Own Magnesium Oil Fortunately, DIY magnesium oil can increase your energy, considerably improve your sleep, and prevent heart-related conditions. Using magnesium oil is one of the most convenient way to increase your magnesium levels. It is really easy to make and it is affordable. Magnesium oil can be also bought in a store, however making the oil in your home is a more affordable alternative. - A glass spray bottle - A glass bowl or glass measuring cup - ½ cup pure water - ½ cup Magnesium Chloride Flakes Bring the water to boil. Put the Magnesium Chloride Flakes in a glass bowl and put the hot water over them. Make sure to mix well until the flakes dissolve. Let it cool then transfer the oil into a spray bottle. In order to get the best results, spray the oil onto your stomach, arms and legs, since in this way you will effectively absorb the magnesium. Use the oil every day and let it act for 20 minutes then you can rinse it off. You may experience a burning experience, however don’t worry because this is a normal response. If you cannot stand it, you can dilute the oil with water. Other Sources Included: besthealthyguide.com
Diseases & Conditions Clubfoot is a deformity in which an infant's foot is turned inward, often so severely that the bottom of the foot faces sideways or even upward. Approximately one infant in every 1,000 live births will have clubfoot, making it one of the more common congenital (present at birth) foot deformities. Clubfoot is not painful during infancy. However, if your child's clubfoot is not treated, the foot will remain deformed, and he or she will not be able to walk normally. With proper treatment, however, the majority of children are able to enjoy a wide range of physical activities with little trace of the deformity. Most cases of clubfoot are successfully treated with nonsurgical methods that may include a combination of stretching, casting, and bracing. Treatment usually begins shortly after birth. In clubfoot, the tendons that connect the leg muscles to the foot bones are short and tight, causing the foot to twist inward. Although clubfoot is diagnosed at birth, many cases are first detected during a prenatal ultrasound. In about half of the children with clubfoot, both feet are affected. Boys are twice more likely than girls to have the deformity. Clubfoot can range from mild to severe, but typically has the same general appearance. The foot is turned inward and there is often a deep crease on the bottom of the foot. In limbs affected by clubfoot, the foot and leg are slightly shorter than normal, and the calf is thinner due to underdeveloped muscles. These differences are more obvious in children with clubfoot on only one side. Clubfoot is often broadly classified into two major groups: - Isolated (idiopathic) clubfoot is the most common form of the deformity and occurs in children who have no other medical problems. - Nonisolated clubfoot occurs in combination with various health conditions or neuromuscular disorders, such as arthrogryposis and spina bifida. If your child's clubfoot is associated with a neuromuscular condition, the clubfoot may be more resistant to treatment, require a longer course of nonsurgical treatment, or even multiple surgeries. Regardless of the type or severity, clubfoot will not improve without treatment. A child with an untreated clubfoot will walk on the outer edge of the foot instead of the sole, develop painful calluses, be unable to wear shoes, and have lifelong painful feet that often severely limit activity. Parents of infants born with clubfeet and no other significant medical problems should be reassured that with proper treatment their child will have feet that permit a normal, active life. Researchers are still uncertain about the cause of clubfoot. The most widely accepted theory is that clubfoot is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. What is known, however, is that there is an increased risk in families with a history of clubfeet. The goal of treatment is to obtain a functional, pain-free foot that enables standing and walking with the sole of the foot flat on the ground. The initial treatment of clubfoot is nonsurgical, regardless of how severe the deformity is. Ponseti method. The most widely used technique in North America and throughout the world is the Ponseti method, which uses gentle stretching and casting to gradually correct the deformity. Treatment should ideally begin shortly after birth, but older babies have also been treated successfully with the Ponseti method. Elements of the method include: - Manipulation and casting. Your baby's foot is gently stretched and manipulated into a corrected position and held in place with a long-leg cast (toes to thigh). Each week this process of stretching, re-positioning, and casting is repeated until the foot is largely improved. For most infants, this improvement takes about 6 to 8 weeks. - Achilles tenotomy. After the manipulation and casting period, approximately 90 percent of babies will require a minor procedure to release continued tightness in the Achilles tendon (heel cord). During this quick procedure (called a tenotomy), your doctor will use a very thin instrument to cut the tendon. The cut is very small and does not require stitches. A new cast will be applied to the leg to protect the tendon as it heals. This usually takes about 3 weeks. By the time the cast is removed, the Achilles tendon has regrown to a proper, longer length, and the clubfoot has been fully corrected. - Bracing. Even after successful correction with casting, clubfeet have a natural tendency to recur. To ensure that the foot will permanently stay in the correct position, your baby will need to wear a brace (commonly called "boots and bar") for a few years. The brace keeps the foot at the proper angle to maintain the correction. This bracing program can be demanding for parents and families, but is essential to prevent relapses. For the first 3 months, your baby will wear the brace essentially full-time (23 hours a day). Your doctor will gradually decrease the time in the brace to just overnight and nap time (about 12 to 14 hours per day). Most children will follow this bracing regimen for 3 to 4 years. There are several different types of braces — all of which consist of shoes, sandals, or custom-made footwear attached to the ends of a bar. The bar can be solid (both legs move together) or dynamic (each leg moves independently). Your doctor will talk with you about the type of brace that would best meet your baby's needs. Babies might be fussy during the first few days of wearing a brace and will need time to adjust. More information about helping your baby adjust to bracing is provided at the end of this article in the section titled "Helpful Tips for Bracewear." - Considerations of the Ponseti method. The Ponseti method has proven extremely effective for many children. It does, however, require the family to be highly committed to applying the braces properly every day. If the brace is not worn as prescribed, there is a high likelihood that the clubfoot will recur. A small percentage of children develop relapses despite proper bracing. If the child's foot slips out of the boot on a regular basis, it may be the first sign of a mild recurrence of the deformity. If addressed promptly, this can usually be corrected with a few serial casts and possibly a minor surgery. In addition, applying the Ponseti method correctly requires training, experience, and practice. Be sure to ask your pediatrician for a referral to an orthopaedic surgeon with expertise in the nonsurgical correction of clubfoot. French method. Another nonsurgical method to correct clubfoot incorporates stretching, mobilization, and taping. The French method — also called the functional or physical therapy method — is typically directed by a physical therapist who has specialized training and experience. Like the Ponseti method, the French method is begun soon after birth and requires family involvement. Each day, the baby's foot must be stretched and manipulated, then taped to maintain the range of motion gained by the manipulation. After taping, a plastic splint is put on over the tape to maintain the improved range of motion. This method requires approximately three visits to the physical therapist each week. Because this is a daily regimen, the therapist will teach the parents how to do it correctly at home. After 3 months, most babies have significant improvement in foot position, and visits to the physical therapist are required less often. Like children treated with the Ponseti method, babies treated with the French method commonly require an Achilles tenotomy to improve dorsiflexion of the ankle. To prevent recurrence of the clubfoot, the daily regimen of stretching, taping, and splinting must be continued by the family until the child is 2 to 3 years old. Although many cases of clubfoot are successfully corrected with nonsurgical methods, sometimes the deformity cannot be fully corrected or it returns, often because parents have difficulty following the treatment program. In addition, some infants have very severe deformities that do not respond to stretching. When this happens, surgery may be needed to adjust the tendons, ligaments, and joints in the foot and ankle. Because surgery typically results in a stiffer foot, particularly as a child grows, every effort is made to correct the deformity as much as possible through nonsurgical methods. Even an infant with severe deformities or clubfeet associated with neuromuscular conditions can improve without surgery. If a child's foot has been partially corrected with stretching and casting, then the surgery required to fully correct the clubfoot will be less extensive. - Less extensive surgery will target only those tendons and joints that are contributing to the deformity. In many cases, this involves releasing the Achilles tendon at the back of the ankle or moving the tendon that travels from the front of the ankle to the inside of the midfoot (this procedure is called an anterior tibial tendon transfer). - Major reconstructive surgery for clubfoot involves extensive release of multiple soft tissue structures of the foot. Once the correction is achieved, the joints of the foot are usually stabilized with pins and a long-leg cast while the soft tissue heals. After 4 to 6 weeks, the doctor will remove the pins and cast, and typically apply a short-leg cast, which is worn for an additional 4 weeks. After the last cast is removed, it is still possible for the muscles in your child's foot to try to return to the clubfoot position, so special shoes or braces will likely be used for up to a year or more after surgery. The most common complications of extensive soft tissue release are overcorrection of the deformity, stiffness, and pain. Your baby's clubfoot will not get better on its own. With treatment, your child should have a nearly normal foot, and he or she can run and play and wear normal shoes. The affected foot is usually 1 to 1-1/2 sizes smaller and somewhat less mobile than the normal foot. The calf muscles in your child's clubfoot leg will also stay smaller, so your child may complain of "sore legs" or getting tired sooner than peers. The affected leg may also be slightly shorter than the unaffected leg, but this is rarely a significant problem. Helpful Tips for Bracewear Play with Your Child in the Brace This is the key to getting over the irritability quickly. If your child is using the solid bar, he or she can kick and swing the legs simultaneously with the brace on. You can help facilitate this by gently bending and straightening the knees by pushing and pulling on the bar of the brace. If your child is using the dynamic bar, it is also helpful to gently move the legs up and down as your child adjusts to the brace. Make It a Routine Children do better if you develop a fixed routine for the bracewear. During the years of night and naptime wear, put the brace on anytime your child goes to the "sleeping spot." Your child will soon figure out that when it is sleep time, it is time to wear the brace. Your child is less likely to fuss if this is a consistent routine. Pad the Bar A bicycle handle bar pad works well for this. By padding the bar, you will protect your child, yourself and your furniture from the metal bar. Never Use Lotion on the Skin Lotion will make the problem worse. Some redness is normal with use. Bright red spots or blisters, especially on the back of the heel, usually indicate that the heel is slipping. Ensure that the heel stays down in the shoe by securing the straps and/or buckles. It is important to check your child's feet several times a day after starting bracing to make sure no blisters are developing. If your child continues to escape from the brace, try the tips below. After each step, check to see if the heel is down. If not, proceed to the next step. - In boots or sandals with a single strap, tighten it by one more hole, using your thumb to hold the foot and tongue in place. In boots with multiple straps, tighten the middle one first, using your thumb to hold the foot and tongue in place. - Try double socks. In boots with a removable insert, place one sock directly over the foot, and a second sock over the insert to help take up excess room. - Remove the tongue of the shoe — this will not harm your child. - Try lacing the shoes from top to bottom, so that the bow is by the toes. - Use 40-inch round shoelaces. - Try thinner or thicker cotton socks, or the ones with non-slip soles. AAOS does not endorse any treatments, procedures, products, or physicians referenced herein. This information is provided as an educational service and is not intended to serve as medical advice. Anyone seeking specific orthopaedic advice or assistance should consult his or her orthopaedic surgeon, or locate one in your area through the AAOS Find an Orthopaedist program on this website.
These inequities have resulted from historical exclusion and racism that continues to pervade our education, criminal, housing, and health care systems. Experts anticipate increased mental health needs in the wake of COVID-19, which heightens the need to address stigma and systemic barriers that create disproportionate access to mental health care for people of color. Mental health stigma is a persistent challenge for many. Nearly half (47.3%) of Coloradans who said they did not get needed mental health care cited stigma as a reason in 2019. There are countless reasons a person can be reluctant to seek care, but for people of color, cultural factors can make the stigma around mental health especially difficult to overcome. While the experiences of different racial and ethnic groups and individuals are unique, some harmful notions about mental health can be magnified for people of color. These mental health myths create additional hurdles to seeking care. - Myth: A mental health condition is nothing compared with the hardships experienced by previous generations. - Myth: A mental health condition is a sign of weakness. - Myth: A mental health condition is shameful. Compounding mental health stigma is the system of oppression that exists from centuries of racism and discrimination. Systemic barriers prevent people of color from accessing care and treatment. For as long as the U.S. has existed, people of color have faced race-based exclusion from accessing health, educational, social, and economic resources. Today, disparities persist and are reflected in lower rates of health care access and treatment. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that white adults were significantly more likely to have received mental health counseling in the past 12 months than Black or African American, Asian, or Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander adults (see Figure 1). Good health is not equally distributed, and systemic problems continue to negatively impact health outcomes for people of color.
Healthy Eating and Cooking with Children March 16, 2018 Molly ManleyActivity Ideas Families Food and Nutrition Infant and Toddler Pre-K Preschool Providers School Age 3 Comments by Molly Manley, Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Coordinator Looking for a way to learn and grow with your kids, while also promoting healthy eating? Get on your aprons, and get ready to whip up something delicious with your children or those in your care. Cooking with children can promote lifetime skills such as: Basic Math – Cooking involves counting, addition, shapes, sizes, and measurements. Science – Highlight growing food or changing forms, like liquids and solids. Language – Conversations with children while cooking will increase their language development and ability to follow instructions. Creating simple recipe cards with instructions is also a useful tool. Obtain children’s books from the library that pertain to the type of foods they will be eating. Art – Have children draw pictures of the foods they ate. Ask them to create a picture by painting with yogurt, or glue cereal to a piece of paper. GO ON A FOOD ADVENTURE Cooking with children also encourages them to explore new foods and how food gets to our tables. Discuss where food comes from, plant a garden, or take a field trip to the grocery store or a farm. This will give them a better understanding of what they are eating. It would also be a good idea to shop around for child size utensils, cups, bowls and pitchers. This will make it easier for the child to prepare and serve themselves. We are promoting self-help skills, and, if the child has a difficult time succeeding, it may prompt them to quit out of frustration. TRY OUT A NEW AND FUN RECIPE Below are three simple recipes to try with children. Fruit and Yogurt Muffin Ingredients: 1 Whole Grain English Muff ¼ cup of Yogurt- any flavor ¼ cup of fruit- bananas and berries work well Directions: Adult: Portion out yogurt and fruit for each child separately. Adult: Toast English Muffin. Child: Spread yogurt over English muffin using a spoon. Child: Add fruit to top. Pizza Rollups Ingredients: 1 tube of crescent rolls 1 jar of pizza sauce 1 package of string cheese – cut into quarters (1 ounce each) 1 bag of pepperoni- cut into quarters, unless using minis Directions: Adult: Unroll crescent roll dough, separate into 8 triangles. Child: Place 8 pepperoni pieces on each. Child: Place a piece of cheese on the short side of the triangle. Child: Roll up dough starting on the short side and pinch seams to seal. Adult: Place 2 inches apart on greased baking sheet. Cook at 375 for 10-12 minutes Serve with ¼ cup of warm pizza sauce Makes a 8 roll ups. Celery Snails Ingredients: 1 bunch of celery – washed and cut in halves Apples – cut into slices small enough to fit into celery Peanut or Almond Butter Directions: Adult: Wash and cut celery and apples to appropriate size. Child: Spread peanut or almond butter on celery pieces. Child: Insert apple into middle of celery. Cover image by Flickr user Andrew Seaman, Creative Commons license.
Louisiana has become the 17th state to pass a law requiring all high school students to take CPR training, adding to the more than 1 million graduates who will be equipped with this lifesaving skill every year. The legislation was passed unanimously by the Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Bobby Jindal on Thursday. It takes effect in the 2014-2015 school year. “Too few people in our community are trained in CPR to respond in these emergency situations. But this law will change that,” said Kay Eddleman, volunteer chair of the American Heart Association’s Louisiana Advocacy Committee. Louisiana had a law in place that required that CPR be taught, but not a practice requirement that went along with it, said Coletta Barrett, R.N., vice president of mission for Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. “For someone to know they’re supposed to do CPR but not know how to do it could be frustrating,” said Barrett, also past chairman of the board of the American Heart Association. “We wanted to add this to the current law to make it clear we would give students the skills to practice what they’re supposed to do.” The AHA and other organizations are pushing state legislatures across the country to pass bills requiring CPR and automated external defibrillator training for high school students. No one knows for sure where and when a sudden cardiac arrest may strike, so training more people increases the odds someone will be prepared to give CPR. School-based CPR training is one of the most effective ways to get large numbers trained in this simple, lifesaving skill. Bystander CPR can double or triple survival rates from cardiac arrest. However, many people do not get help from bystanders who could provide CPR if they knew how. Of the roughly 424,000 Americans who have a cardiac arrest outside of the hospital each year, only 40 percent get CPR from a bystander and only about 10 percent survive. Most people don’t know how to use AEDs, which deliver an electric shock to stop cardiac arrest, although they’re becoming more widely available. Training in CPR and AEDs could have made a difference in the tragic case of Burke Cobb, a Louisiana 14-year-old who had a sudden cardiac arrest while playing basketball with friends two years ago. Burke had no signs of heart disease when he collapsed at his high school. He died despite 25 people being around him and AEDs being available. No one performed CPR. To honor him, the Louisiana law will be known as the Burke Cobb Act. The AHA helped get the Burke Cobb Act passed by leading a diverse group of advocates that urged lawmakers to prioritize CPR education by writing letters, calling lawmakers and hosting a CPR Advocacy Day at the Louisiana State Capitol. Louisiana joins 16 other states with CPR graduation laws: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia and Washington. Photo courtesy of Linzy Cotaya. For more information:
TUESDAY, Aug. 9, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Getting lots of exercise may reduce your risk for five common diseases, a new report suggests. Researchers analyzed 174 studies published between 1980 and 2016, and found that people with high levels of weekly physical activity had a lower risk of breast cancer, colon cancer, diabetes, heart disease and stroke. The investigators used a formula called MET minutes to estimate how much activity offered the greatest health benefit. MET minutes measure how much energy you burn during physical activity. The study findings showed the biggest benefit at 3,000 to 4,000 MET minutes a week. A person could get 3,000 MET minutes by weaving activity into their daily routine — for example, 10 minutes of climbing stairs; 15 minutes of vacuuming; 20 minutes of gardening; 20 minutes of running; and 25 minutes of walking or cycling. “With population aging, and an increasing number of cardiovascular and diabetes deaths since 1990, greater attention and investments in interventions to promote physical activity in the general public is required,” lead author Hmwe Kyu wrote. Kyu is an acting assistant professor at the University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation in Seattle. “More studies using the detailed quantification of total physical activity will help to find a more precise estimate for different levels of physical activity,” the study concluded. The study was published Aug. 9 in the journal BMJ. Researchers at the University of Strathclyde in Scotland and the International Prevention Research Institute in Lyon, France, reacted to the findings in an accompanying editorial. The editorial noted that while the study brings together diverse data on exercise and disease prevention, “it cannot tell us whether risk reductions would be different with short duration intense physical activity or longer duration light physical activity.” The editorial said future studies “must streamline their measurement and reporting for real gains in knowledge.” The U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute offers a guide to physical activity.
The Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology (SAIT) has developed new battery material, made from a " graphene ball," which could potentially deliver charging speeds five times faster than today's lithium-ion batteries. Samsung announced the new material in a press release this past Wednesday, November 28. But just how fast is this new material? Well, in theory, this graphene ball material only needs about 12 minutes to achieve a hundred percent charge. But it shouldn't come as a surprise that this breakthrough material comes from graphene. The 2D-material has long been regarded as a wonder material because of its combination of unique properties. Graphene, among other things, is strong, durable, and highly conductive. SAIT researchers, led by Son In-hyuk, developed a mechanism that allows for graphene to be mass synthesised into a 3D popcorn-like form using silica (SiO2). The graphene ball, in this technique, is applied to both the anode protective layers and the cathode materials in lithium-ion batteries. Samsung's new battery material could be the breakthrough in battery technology that many have been waiting for, because the tech has essentially remained the same for several decades. Together with increased capacity, faster charging time is one of the improvements that today's batteries need. Aside from faster charging, batteries built from this graphene ball can maintain highly stable temperatures at 60-degrees Celsius, according to the SAIT researchers who published the details of their work in the journal Nature Communications. Such stable battery temperatures are crucial for EVs, Samsung explained. "Our research enables mass synthesis of multifunctional composite material graphene at an affordable price," In-hyuk, explained in the press release. "At the same time, we were able to considerably enhance the capabilities of lithium-ion batteries in an environment where the markets for mobile devices and electric vehicles is growing rapidly. "Our commitment is to continuously explore and develop secondary battery technology in light of these trends."
Dr. Bhatia has completed two full years of specialty training in orthodontics after obtaining her degrees in Pediatric Dentistry and General Dentistry. Orthodontics is not part of what we do; it's ALL that we do! Question: I am 52 years old. My physician has informed me that my health may be compromised by the crowding of my teeth and has suggested that I see an orthodontist. How does my teeth not being straight influence my overall health? Answer: There are plenty of medical reasons for adult orthodontics. Crowded, excessively spaced or misaligned teeth can wear unevenly over time and, in some people, cause the teeth to weaken and fall out. Other problems associated with misaligned teeth include headaches, jaw pain and difficulty in cleaning and maintaining the teeth, possibly resulting in more decay and gum disease. Research has found that people with periodontal (gum) disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease than those without periodontal disease. The theory is that the bacteria that form periodontal disease can trigger white blood cells to release chemicals in the blood (known as pro-inflammatory mediators) that may lead to heart disease and stroke. Another theory is that bacteria from the mouth attach to fatty acid plaques in the coronary arteries and contribute to clot formation. These clots can obstruct normal blood flow and also lead to strokes and heart attacks. Straight teeth allow for proper oral hygiene by providing easier access to the areas between the gums and reduce the accumulation of tartar and plaque on the teeth, thereby reducing the total bacterial count in the mouth For a good resource on health consequences of crooked teeth, go to YouTube: "Straight Talk About Crooked Teeth." It is estimated that 75 to 80 percent of adult patients are now getting their teeth straightened for the first time. The silver-colored braces are still a good option for kids. However, most adults want less-visible options, and clear braces have been developed to make the braces less noticeable. Invisalign is the latest alternative to conventional braces, and most adults and teens can be treated with this method. Invisalign is a set of clear aligners that straighten the teeth gradually until the intended results are achieved. It is technique-sensitive, and the results vary with the expertise of the prescription that is put into each aligner. Our practice has been awarded an Elite Provider status by Invisalign, a distinction based on over 600 cases treated. Visit our website at www.La-hainaOrthodonticsMaui.com for more information on the health benefits of straight teeth and the different ways to straighten them. Dr. Bhatia is happy to answer any additional questions. Send them to her at Lahaina Orthodontics, 505 Front St., #202, Lahaina, HI 96761 or visit www.LahainaOrthodonticsMaui.com.
State symbols in Chemical Equations are very key to get marks in IB diploma exams. It is not difficult to use state symbols in chemical equations. What is state symbols? State symbols are symbols used to represent the physical state of reactants and products in a chemical equation. White solid magnesium Oxide is formed when Magnesium metal ribbon is burned in air( oxygen gas). 2Mg(s) + O2(g) à 2 MgO(S) Try to write the state symbols of the following equations: Ag+ + X− → AgX(s) Na2O + H2O → 2NaOH MgO + H2O → Mg(OH)2 Li2O(s) + 2HCl → 2LiCl + H2O MgO + 2HCl → MgCl2 + H2O P4O10+ 6 H2O→ 4H3PO4 Hint: Use following points for deciding state symbols. For acids and ionic compounds you can use aqueous solutions with out much thinking. For most diatomic molecules you can use gas as state symbol if you do not have any idea. In the chemical reactions between halogens and halogen compounds, the halogen molecules like chlorine molecule(Cl2) etc you should use aqueous as state symbol. for all metals except mercury , use solid as state symbol. Important Chemical Equations for IB
Australia is to begin trialling some of the world's most advanced shark deterrent technologies in the next few months in an effort to curb a rise in attacks that threaten its beach tourism industry. After nine deaths in two years, authorities in New South Wales on Tuesday outlined plans to test electronic repellents, plastic shields, sonar and other technologies to detect or repel sharks. Business is also tapping into global interest in shark deterrents, which has been heightened by a spate of recent attacks in the US and elsewhere. Scientists say the rise in attacks may be linked to the growing popularity of surfing and other watersports, bait fish moving closer to shore or a recovery in large species such as Great White sharks following conservation efforts. "We are seeing a lot of interest in our products from divers and spear fishermen due to these attacks," said Lindsay Lyon, managing director of Shark Shield, a company based in Perth, Western Australia. Shark Shield has developed a device that emits an electrical field that disturbs the gel-filled sacs in sharks' snouts, causing them to spasm. Divers, swimmers or surfers attach the 1.8m long antenna-like device to their ankle to create a field measuring several feet. Tests by researchers at the University of Western Australia found the shield had a "significant effect" in deterring sharks, including Tiger and Great White sharks. But they said further testing is needed to be confident about species-specific effects of the device. Uptake of Shark Shield has been limited so far due to the bulky nature of the product. But the company has signed a deal with surfing equipment company Oceans & Earth to embed the device within boards, which may increase its popularity. More from the Financial Times: Shark Shield's technology is based on research originating in South Africa, a country also trialling deterrent technologies. Last year the KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board installed a 100m long cable at a beach in Cape Town. It emits a similar low frequency pulsed electronic signal to repel Great White sharks. Advocates of electronic barriers say that if it can be proved they work, the systems would be preferable to deploying shark nets, which kill marine life that become entangled. "Shark nets are another way of culling sharks and marine life," said Daniel Bucher, marine ecologist at Southern Cross University. "It is similar to setting drum lines and baited hooks." Last year the Western Australia state government ditched a shark cull policy using baited hooks and drum lines after community protests. Local councils have sought alternatives with the City of Cockburn trialling an Eco Shark Barrier at Coogee beach. "The beauty of the product is it doesn't kill marine life, it's cost effective and has a 10-year lifespan," said Craig Moss, inventor of the Eco Shark Barrier. The barrier is made from flexible nylon that stretches from seabed to surface, from shoreline to shoreline. But it is probably best suited to protecting swimmers on enclosed beaches rather than surfers, divers or spear fishermen further from shore, who tend to be most at risk from shark attacks. New South Wales is at the forefront of the search for solutions following 13 shark attacks this year. On Tuesday at a summit in Sydney, 70 shark experts discussed detection and deterrent technologies, including real-time tracking of tagged sharks using satellite technologies. Shark Attack Mitigation Systems (SAMS), a Western Australian company, has developed a shark detection system that does not rely on tagging sharks. Its Clever Buoy system deploys sonar technology around beaches and uses software to analyse readings to determine if a shark-sized object has entered the vicinity. "It is a type of facial recognition software for marine life," said Craig Anderson, SAMS co-founder. "We use multi-dimensional sonar and the software to send a warning message to local lifeguards."
Developed as a collaboration between ASADA and National Integrity of Sport Unit (NISU), the lesson plans are a free resource for teachers. In years 9 and 10, the National Health and Physical Education Curriculum reflects on how fair play and ethical behaviour can influence the outcomes of movement activities. This includes: - discussing the role in promoting fairness and ethical behaviour in sport of organisations such as the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority, sporting tribunals, Australian Human Rights Commission and the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and - investigating the impact of performance-enhancing drugs on individuals and sporting codes. The lesson plans can also be used to inform senior secondary students studying topics such as Legal Studies and Physical Education. The lesson plans include: - Topic 1: Integrity and Anti-Doping in Sport - Topic 2: Anti-Doping in Sport - Topic 3: Match Fixing in Sport - Topic 4: Illicit Drugs in Sport - Topic 5: Ethics and Ethical Decision Making in Sport - All lesson plans as one PDF - Teachers’ notes The plan are available for download at the bottom of this page. In addition to the free downloadable lesson plans, face-to-face sessions facilitated by ASADA are available for schools (one per school) on a government-funded (free of charge) basis to support the study of the anti-doping aspects included within the plans. Sessions run for approximately 45 minutes, however are flexible to suit your school’s timetable and can be tailored to the needs of the subject area. We are currently accepting booking requests up to 30 June 2017. We anticipate that demand for these sessions will be high and therefore advise schools to book early. While all schools are welcome to request a session, designated sporting schools will be given priority. Due to the location of our presenters, travel costs will be incurred for schools located outside of major metropolitan areas. If your school is interested in requesting a session, please complete the Face-to-Face session request form. If your school is unable to secure a government-funded session this financial year, or would like to book additional sessions, paid sessions are also available (see our schedule of fees for pricing). Our Education web page lists further resources for students and teachers. We highly recommend teachers and/or students explore our award-winning eLearning program, which includes relevant courses such as the level 1 anti-doping course (60 minutes), as well as the Ethical Decision Making course (30 minutes). For more information about our School Lesson Plans, please email the ASADA Education team.
All diabetes patients know that dental problems are common in their condition and they have to take special care to avoid them. High glucose levels with diabetes can aggravate plaque deposits on teeth and lead to tartar formation that can quickly deteriorate into dental carries or periodontal disease. Regular visit to family dentist Cary by diabetes patients will help them to manage dental problems like mouth ulcers and infection. Dental care tips Regular blood checks can give you advanced warning about good and bad glucose levels in the body that can help in preventing dental problems. Dentist Holly Springs can also give you a list of warning signs to avoid dental carries related to diabetes and complications of tooth decay. Brushing twice every day along with flossing will remove all remnants of food particles and control build-up of plaque. For dental care Apex diabetes sufferers should try to avoid food items that have starch or sugar in them and include fresh fruits and vegetables in their diet. Diabetes patients should also avoid smoking and monitor their cholesterol and triglycerides levels at dental clinic Cary to avoid diseases related to gums and tongue. Neglect can lead to chronic infection and pain followed by long-term expensive medical care.
Hair has been considered a significant stylish incentive for humans at each age and has consistently been a significant idea. In this way, different strategies have been attempted since the commencement to anticipate male pattern baldness and hair sparseness. The main hair transplantation in history was done in 1822 by Diegonbach. Throughout the entire existence of hair transplantation going back to 1822, numerous ineffective techniques have been attempted; however, with the most recent innovation, every one of these disappointments has been covered in the dusty pages of history. After Diegonbach’s first hair transplantation in 1926, Hunt Kelligen, in principle, referenced that hair development could be accomplished in bare territories. He clarified that by moving the hair in hair zones to the region, achievement could be achieved be accomplished. In 1931, hair cells were first distinguished by Passot. This definition is the consequence of research on Hunt Kelligen’s hypothesis. The nuts and bolts of current hair transplantation developed in 1952 with the treatment of unions. Following this disclosure, square joins started to be utilized in 1971, and in 1984, treatment strategies were applied by extending the scalp. Aside from every one of these investigations, an assortment of systems has been attempted in this period. Notwithstanding the techniques, for example, extending the scalp, extending the scalp, micrografting and fold strategies, which developed after 1984, were additionally attempted. The scalp is amplified and transplanted to the expanded hair territory in the medications that apply the scalp-extending technique. Picture deformities and torment were inescapable in this strategy. The scalp-extending strategy wants to diminish the thinning of top zones by extending the scalp regions. The folding technique moves the scalp region tissue to the going bald region tissue and is transplanted. In this technique, it is entirely expected to encounter a great deal of torment and visual aggravation. After all these tasks, FUT and FUE procedures have been created, and effortless, easy victories have begun. On account of the most recent innovation, there is no unnatural appearance and torment.
Robert M. Owens. Mr. Jefferson's Hammer: William Henry Harrison and the Origins of American Indian Policy. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 2007. xxx + 311 pp. $34.95 (cloth), ISBN 978-0-8061-3842-8. Reviewed by John Bowes Published on H-SHEAR (February, 2009) Commissioned by Caleb McDaniel The Long Arm of Virginia The person and policies of William Henry Harrison cast a long shadow over the history of Indiana Territory and the enactment of American Indian policy in the early nineteenth century. This is not necessarily the notion that comes to most people’s minds when considering the shorter-lived member of the well-known “Tippecanoe and Tyler Too” presidential ticket of 1840. Even those who study American Indian history tend to view Harrison only through the lens of one or two of his more notorious treaties and know little about the man himself. In this focused biography from Robert M. Owens, however, the fundamental and far-reaching importance of Harrison during his time as territorial governor becomes clear. Just as important, Owens ably illustrates the manner in which Harrison’s Virginia upbringing and republican principles made him “quintessentially American” (p. xvi). Therefore, although the narrative does not always live up to the title of the book, this examination of Harrison’s career in Indiana performs a valuable service to those interested in Harrison as an individual as well as the legacy of his actions in the early 1800s. This is, as Owens states in the introduction, a cultural biography of Harrison that places the man’s actions and opinions within the larger context of his Virginia upbringing and contemporary American society. But Virginia truly plays the lead role. Indeed the first sentence of the first chapter is repeated in the last sentence of the book, in which Owens writes simply, “William Henry Harrison was a son of Virginia” (p. 250). As that son, he was heir to all of the strengths and weaknesses shared by his father Benjamin, Thomas Jefferson, and other notables of the Revolutionary generation. William Henry was neither malevolent nor saintly. Instead, he was a Virginia gentleman who “saw his own interests and those of his country as one and the same, and he tried to advance them as best he could” (p. 250). Rather than presenting a biography encompassing all facets of Harrison’s life, Owens focuses on the Indiana years because it was during that time that Harrison had “a much greater impact on American history” (p. xix). Nor is this solely related to the ways in which he, as territorial governor, negotiated numerous treaties and land cessions that paved the way for future expansion and settlement. Most notably, Harrison’s legacy also encompasses debates over slavery in the Northwest Territory and the constant dealings with the suspicion and fear of British influence in the region. The narrative begins with a relatively brief examination of his road to becoming territorial governor. Born to a signer of the Declaration of Independence and bearing a surname that ranked with Lee and Randolph in Virginia politics and society, William Henry had a privileged upbringing. But having arrived in 1773, the young man also came of age at a time when his fortunes would not come through material inheritance and would no longer reside in his home state. Instead, William Henry, like many of his generation, turned his gaze west. At the age of eighteen he gave up the pursuits of medicine and enlisted in the army. His family connections procured him the appointment and his service in Ohio in the 1790s granted him the opportunity for advancement. By 1798 he was the secretary of the Northwest Territory, and in the summer of 1800 he received the appointment as governor of the newly created Indiana Territory. Harrison served as the governor of Indiana Territory from 1800 to 1812, a period that encompassed a number of critical events. Perhaps most important in the eyes of Owens, however, is the fact that Harrison’s first eight years as governor coincided with the two terms of President Thomas Jefferson. According to Owens, the two men maintained a “synergistic relationship” during those two terms (p. 51). It is this relationship that rests behind the title of the book, for Harrison as governor did his very best to implement Jefferson’s principles as they related to the Indians and to western expansion. At their core, Jefferson’s intertwined policies depended on an acquisitive benevolence in which the fair treatment of Indians wrestled with an ardent nationalism. And over the course of less than a decade, Harrison displayed his mastery of Jefferson’s ideas through strategic negotiations with multiple Indian tribes that transferred millions of acres into American hands. But Harrison did more than negotiate with Indian tribes over lands. He is also known for his dealings with Tecumseh and Tenskwatawa, the two Shawnee brothers who crafted a confederacy in Indiana Territory through diplomatic and religious means. The circumstances highlighted both the continuing concerns over possible conflicts with Indians and the influence of the British. Owens makes clear from the beginning that the British presence consistently looms over the life of Harrison in that he, like his father’s generation, saw British hands in all aspects of Indian resistance to American expansion. It is when he discusses Harrison’s treatment of the Indians and the concerns over the British that Owens is at his strongest. Less seamless are the discussions over slavery. A less known and certifiable low-point of Harrison’s governorship rests in his attempts to bypass the Northwest Ordinance’s prohibition on slavery in the territory north of the Ohio River. Harrison lobbied hard to allow slavery to exist in Indiana Territory, but was never able to achieve that goal. It is a story that opens an important door into Harrison’s beliefs even as it illustrates Owen’s fine work with the available documents. But this thread does not always connect as well to the other elements of the narrative. Because of the emphasis on Indian affairs in both the title and, at times, in the book, the discussion of slavery often appears as an intriguing addition to, as opposed to a necessary aspect of, the assessment of Harrison’s career. On the surface, it may seem like a petty comment to say that the book does not follow through on its title. At the same time, however, it would appear that the problem is that the title sells both this book and its namesake short. Harrison is eternally linked to events like the 1804 treaty with the Sauk Indians and the Battle of Tippecanoe. But even as Owens wants to emphasize that aspect of the governor’s career, the information provided illustrates that there was much more to this man and his time as the instrument of federal authority in Indiana Territory. Owens has given the reader a narrative that does more than focus on the origins of American Indian policy. This book paints Harrison as hoping to create in Indiana Territory a place that would be familiar and comfortable for a man of his Virginia roots. And that relates to far more than just Indian affairs. All criticism aside, Owens presents a very readable and enlightening biography of William Henry Harrison. The material is well situated within the historiography and takes advantage of the Harrison papers painstakingly collected by the Indiana Historical Society. It provides valuable insight into the ways in which federal policy worked on the ground through the filters of individual context and local politics. And in very important ways it fleshes out the life of a man who had a far greater impact on early American expansion than many realize. If there is additional discussion of this review, you may access it through the list discussion logs at: http://h-net.msu.edu/cgi-bin/logbrowse.pl. John Bowes. Review of Owens, Robert M., Mr. Jefferson's Hammer: William Henry Harrison and the Origins of American Indian Policy. H-SHEAR, H-Net Reviews. \|This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.\|
Please help support the mission of New Advent and get the full contents of this website as an instant download. Includes the Catholic Encyclopedia, Church Fathers, Summa, Bible and more all for only $19.99... A term used to denote the religious belief and position of members of the established Church of England, and of the communicating churches in the British possessions, the United States (see EPISCOPAL CHURCH), and elsewhere. It includes those who have accepted the work of the English Reformation as embodied in the Church of England or in the offshoot Churches which in other countries have adhered, at least substantially, to its doctrines, its organization, and its liturgy. Apart from minor or missionary settlements, the area in which Anglicanism is to be found corresponds roughly with those portions of the globe which are, or were formally, under the British flag. To form a general idea of Anglicanism as a religious system, it will be convenient to sketch it in rough outline as it exists in the Established Church of England, bearing in mind that there are differences in detail, mainly in liturgy and church-government, to be found in other portions of the Anglican communion. To these general characteristics we may add by way of corrective that while the Bible is accepted much latitude is allowed as to the nature and extent of its inspiration; that the Eucharistic teaching of the Prayer Book is subject to various and opposed interpretations; that Apostolic succession is claimed by many to be beneficial, but not essential, to the nature of the Church; that the Apostles' Creed is the only one to which assent can be required from the laity, and that Articles of Religion are held to be binding only on the licensed and beneficed clergy. Inside these outlines, which are necessarily vague, the constitution of the Church of England has been largely determined by the events which attended its settlement under the Tudors. Before the breach with Rome under Henry VIII there was absolutely no doctrinal difference between the faith of Englishmen and the rest of Catholic Christendom, and "Anglicanism", as connoting a separate or independent religious system, was unknown. The name Ecclesia Anglicana, or English Church, was of course employed, but always in the Catholic and Papal use of the term as signifying that part or region of the one Catholic Church under the jurisdiction of the Pope which was situated in England, and precisely in the same way as the Church in Scotland was called the Ecclesia Scotticana, the Church in France, the Ecclesia Gallicana, and the Church in Spain the Ecclesia Hispanica. That such national or regional appellations were a part of the style in the Roman Curia itself, and that they in no sense could have implied any indication of independence from Rome, is sufficiently well known to all who are familiar with pre-Reformation records. The first point of severance was clearly one of Erastianism. When news of the papal decision against the divorce reached England, Henry VIII gave his assent to four anti-papal statutes passed in Parliament in the spring of 1534, and in November the statute of the Royal Supremacy declared the King to be Supreme Head of the English Church (without the limiting clause of 1532), and an oath was prescribed, affirming the Pope to have no jurisdiction in the realm of England. The actual ministry of preaching and of the sacraments was left to the clergy, but all the powers of ecclesiastical jurisdiction were claimed by the sovereign. Thus the chief note of Henrician settlement is the fact that Anglicanism was founded in the acceptance of the Royal, and the rejection of the Papal Supremacy, and was placed upon a decidedly Erastian basis. When the Act of Royal Supremacy, which had been repealed by Queen Mary, was revived by Elizabeth, it suffered a modification in the sense that the Sovereign was styled "Supreme Governor" instead of "Supreme Head". In a subsequent "Admonition", Elizabeth issued an interpretation of the Royal Supremacy, to the effect that she laid claim "to no power of ministry of divine offices in the Church". At the same time she reasserted in the full the claim made by Henry VIII as to the Authority of the Crown in matters ecclesiastical, and the great religious changes made after her accession were carried out and enforced in a royal visitation commissioned by the royal authority. In 1628, Charles I, in a Royal Declaration prefixed to the Articles, stated that it belonged to the kingly office "to conserve and maintain the Church committed to our charge, in unity of religion and the bond of peace", and decreed that differences arising as to the external policy of the Church were to be settled in Convocation, but its ordinances were to be submitted to the Crown for approval, which would be given to them if they were not contrary to the laws of the land. Archbishop Laud, in 1640, had a series of canons drawn up in Convocation and duly published, but this attempt at spiritual independence was speedily suppressed. The indignation of Parliament was so great that he himself begged leave to withdraw them, and the House of Commons passed a resolution unanimously declaring that "the Clergy in Convocation assembled has no power to make any canons or constitutions whatsoever in matters of doctrine, discipline or otherwise to bind the Clergy and laity of the land without the common consent in Parliament" (Resolution, 16 December, 1640). The effect of the legislation under Henry VIII, revived by Elizabeth, and confirmed in subsequent reigns, has been, as Lord Campbell pointed out in his famous Gorham judgment, in April, 1850, to locate in the Crown all that decisive jurisdiction which before the Reformation had been exercised by the Pope. Until the year 1833, the Crown exercised this supreme jurisdiction through a special body called the Court of Delegates. Its members were appointed under the great Seal, and consisted of lay judges, with whom might be associated a number of bishops or clergymen. In 1833 this Court was abolished, and its powers were transferred to the King in Council. Hence matters which come under its purview are now decided by the King upon the advice of that part of the Privy Council which is known as the Judicial Committee. The statute (2 and 3 William IV, xcii) expressly states that its decisions are final, and are not subject to any commission of review. It must be observed that this tribunal does not profess theoretically to decide articles of faith, or to pronounce upon the abstract orthodoxy or heterodoxy of opinions. "Its duty extends only to the consideration of that which is by law established to be the doctrine of the Church of England, upon the due and legal construction of there Articles and formularies" (Gorham decision, March 1850). But upon this ground the Crown decided that the views of Mr. Gorham, whose notorious rejection of the doctrine of baptismal regeneration had shocked his bishop and scandalized the Tractarians, were "not contrary or repugnant to the declared doctrine of the Church of England as by law established". Numerous protests and appeals were made by high Churchmen, but all attempts to reverse the decision were unavailing, and Mr. Gorham duly received institution to the benefice which his bishop had refused him. In like manner in 1849, when vehement opposition was made to the appointment of Dr. Hampden to the See of Hereford, the Prime Minister of the day insisted on the right of the Crown, and the Vicar-General of the Archbishop ruled that no exception could be suffered against one whom the Crown had duly nominated, and the Court of Queen's Bench sustained his ruling. Thus, whatever views or aspirations have been held theoretically by Anglican divines on the spiritual authority of the Anglican Church, the Royal Supremacy remains an effective reality, and the Crown, supported by Parliament and the Law Courts, both as to the doctrines which may be taught, and the persons who shall be put in office to teach them, has possession of the practical and substantial control. It is characteristic of the Anglican Reformation that the supreme and far reaching regulative jurisdiction which was exercised by the Holy See was, after the severance from Rome, taken over, to all intents and purposes, by the Crown, and was never effectively entrusted to the Anglican Spirituality, either to the Primate, or to the Episcopate, or even to Convocation. As a result, there is to this day the lack of a living Church Spiritual Authority which has been to the Anglican Church a constant source of weakness, humiliation, and disorder. In 1904 a royal commission was appointed to investigate the complaints against ecclesiastical discipline, and in July 1906, it issued its report, in which it points out that at no time in the past have the laws of public worship been uniformly observed, and recommends the formation of a Court which while exercising the Royal Jurisdiction, would be bound to accept the episcopate on questions of doctrine or ritual. This, if granted, would be the first step towards the partial emancipation of the Spirituality from the thraldom of the civil power, in which it has been held for more than three centuries. It will be observed that Anglicanism as a religious system is separable from the doctrine of Royal Supremacy, which is an outcome of its union with the State, and of the circumstances of the English Reformation. In countries outside of England the Wales Anglican Churches exist, and, it is said, all the more prosperously from being untrammelled by the State connection. But even in those countries the decisive voice in the government of the Anglican Church is not entrusted to the Episcopate alone, and in some of them the lay power in the synods has made itself felt, and has shown that it can be as really a master as any Tudor sovereign invested with royal supremacy. The supremacy of the Spirituality in the domain of doctrine, as the sole guarantee of true religious liberty, is still lacking in the Anglican system, and the problem of supplying it remains unsolved, if not insoluble. The doctrinal position of the Anglican Church, in like manner, can only be adequately studied in its history, which divides itself into a number of stages or periods. The first, or Henrician, period (1534-47) includes the breach with Rome, the setting up of an independent national church, and the transfer of the supreme Church authority from the Papacy to the Crown. The Edwardian (1547-53) and the Elizabethan (1558-1603) periods carried the work of separation much further. Both accepted the Henrician basis of rejection of the Papacy and erection of the Royal Supremacy, but built upon it the admission of the doctrinal and liturgical changes which make up mainly the Anglican Reformation, and brought the nation within the great Protestant movement of the sixteenth century. Although the policy of Henry VIII, after the breach with Rome, was ostensibly conservative, and his ideal seemed to be the maintenance of a Catholic Church in England, minus the Pope, it is incontestable that in other ways his action was in fatal contradiction to his professions. Influence of English Protestant Sympathizers. — By raising to power, and by maintaining in positions of unique influence, his three great agents, Thomas Cromwell, Thomas Cranmer, and Edward Seymour, all of whom were always, and as openly as they dared, in sympathy with the Reformation, Henry VIII, whether by intention or the by the indifference of his latter days, undoubtedly prepared the way and opened the gates to the Protestantism which came in under Edward and Elizabeth. Influence of German Protestants. — In 1535 Henry sent agents to negotiate an agreement with the Reformers in Germany, and in 1537 he was led by Cromwell, in connivance with Cranmer, into further negotiations with the Protestant princes assembled at Smalkald. He wrote to Melanchthon to congratulate him on the work which he had done for religion, and invited him to England. Melanchthon was unable to come, but in 1538 three German divines, Burkhardt, Boyneburg, and Myconius, were sent to London, where they remained some months, and held conferences with the Anglican bishops and clergy. The Germans presented as a basis of agreement a number of Articles based on the Lutheran Confession of Augsburg. On the doctrinal part of these Articles, the first thirteen, both parties came to an agreement (Letter of Myconius to Cromwell, 8 September, 1538). On the second part, the "Abuses" (viz., private Masses, celibacy of the Clergy, invocation of Saints) the King would not give way, and finally dissolved the conference. Although the negotiations thus formally came to an end, the Thirteen Articles on which agreement with the Germans had been made were kept by Archbishop Cranmer, and afterwards by Archbishop Parker, and were used as test articles to which the preachers whom they licensed were required to subscribe. Eventually they became the nucleus of the Articles of Religion which were authorized under Edward VI and Elizabeth. Hence the almost verbal correspondence between these Articles and the Lutheran Confession of Augsburg, from which they were originally taken. By the death of Henry VIII (27 January, 1547) the main obstacle to the reforming influence was removed. With the accession of Edward VI, who had been brought up in the reformed faith, with Seymour, also a Protestant, omnipotent in the Council, and Cranmer, now able to show his hand and work his will, the party of the Reformation became possessed of all the resources of national power, and during the five years of the reign (1547-53) remained triumphantly in the ascendant. This period witnessed the introduction of the great doctrinal and liturgical changes. Denial of the Sacrifice of the Mass. — One of the cardinal principles of the Reformation which the German delegates had brought over in 1538 was that "the Mass is nothing but a Communion or synaxis" (Tunstall's Summary, M.S. Cleop. E. V., 209). Cranmer vehemently upheld this conception of the Eucharist. One of the first Acts under Edward VI was the introduction of a new English Communion Service, which was to be inserted at the end of the Mass, and which required Communion to be given under both kinds. This was soon after followed by a Book of Common Prayer, with a Communion Service entirely taking the place of the Latin Mass. Cranmer was the chief author of this book. Whether it ever received the assent of Convocation has been questioned, but it was approved by Parliament in 1549. Gardiner, Bishop of Winchester, in opposing Cranmer's denial of the Real Presence and of the Sacrifice of the mass, argued that even certain passages in the new Prayer Book implied the acceptance of these doctrines; whereupon Cranmer and his fellow-reformers drew up a new Prayer Book, still more Protestant in tone and character. In it the order of the parts of the Communion Service was considerably altered, and the passages used by Gardiner as apparently favouring the Catholic doctrine were studiously eliminated, or so changed as to preclude in future any such interpretation, and all allusion to Altar or Sacrifice was carefully omitted (Gasquet and Bishop, Edward VI and the Book of Common Prayer, 289). In 1552, this, the second Prayer Book of Edward VI, was authorized by Parliament. A new Ordinal or Order for making bishops, priests, and deacons was compiled, from which in like manner all mention of the sacrificial office of the priesthood was rigorously excluded. It was approved by Parliament in 1552. In 1551, quite in harmony with this liturgical reform, an Order in Council issued to Bishop Ridley required the altars to be torn down, and movable tables substituted, while a statement of reasons was to be made to the people explanatory of the change, namely, "that the form of a table may more move and turn the simple from the old superstition of the Mass and to the right use of the Lord's Supper". Suppression of Catholic practices. — By Royal Proclamations and episcopal visitations, a multitude of Catholic practices and sacramentals, such as lights, incense, holy water, and palms, were suppressed. These reforms, proceeding tentatively but rapidly, were initiated and carried out mainly by Cranmer and his set, and the reflected his beliefs and that of this fellow-reformers. The 42 Articles. — In 1553, a royal decree was issued requiring the bishops and clergy to subscribe forty-two Articles of Religion which embodied in great part what had been contained in the Thirteen Articles agreed upon with the Germans. The article on the Eucharist had been significantly changed to agree, as Hooper attests, with the teachings of the Swiss reformer, Bullinger. Based on Prayer Book of 1552. — The new settlement of religion was based, not on the First Prayer Book of 1549, but on the more Protestant one of 1552. The latter was adopted with a few slight modifications, and it remains for the most part substantially unchanged to the present day. The statement that Pius IV offered to approve the Prayer Book is devoid of all historical foundation. It has not a vestige of contemporary evidence to support it. Camden, the earliest Anglican historian who mentions it, says: "I never could find it in any writing, and I do not believe any writing of it to exist. To gossip with the mop is unworthy of any historian" (History, 59). Fuller, another Anglican historian, describes it as the mere conjecture "of those who love to feign what they cannot find". The 39 Articles. — In 1563 the Edwardian Articles were revised in Convocation under Archbishop Parker. Some were added, others altered or dropped, and the number was reduced to Thirty-eight. In 1571, the XXIXth Article, despite the opposition of Bishop Guest, was inserted, to the effect that the wicked do not eat the Body of Christ. The Articles, thus increased to Thirty-nine, were ratified by the Queen, and the bishops and clergy were required to assent and subscribe thereto. Calvinistic Influence. — During the whole of Elizabeth's long reign, the prevailing tone of Anglican teaching and literature was decidedly Genevan and Calvinistic (Dr. Prothero, English Hist. Rev., October, 1886). In 1662 a reaction set in against Puritanism, and the Prayer Book, which had been suppressed during the Commonwealth, was brought back and subjected to revision in Convocation and Parliament. The amendments made were numerous, but those of doctrinal significance were comparatively few, and of a kind to emphasize the Episcopal character of Anglicanism as against Presbyterianism. The most notable were the reinsertion, with altered wording, of the Black Rubric (omitted by Elizabeth) and the introduction in the form of the words, "for the office of a Bishop" and "for the office of a Priest", in the Service of Ordination. Anglican Formularies. — The historic meaning and doctrinal significance of the Anglican formularies can only be determined by the candid and competent examination of the evidence as a whole, There can be no doubt that the English Reformation is substantially a part of the great Protestant Reformation upheaval of the sixteenth century, and that its doctrine, liturgy, and chief promoters were to a very considerable extent derived from, and influenced by, the Lutheran and Calvinistic movements on the Continent. There was first of all the living or personal connection. The great English Reformers who took the leading part in the work of Reformation in England — Cranmer, Barlow, Hooper, Parker, Grindal, Scory, May, Cox, Coverdale, and many others—were men who lived and laboured amongst the Protestants of the Continent, and remained in constant and cordial touch and communication with them. (See Original Letters of the Reformation.) Reciprocally, continental reformers, like Peter Martyr and Martin Bucer, were welcomed to England and made professors of Divinity at the universities. Others, like John a Lasco, and Paul Fagius, become the friends and guests of Cranmer. A second bond was the adoption of the same essential doctrines. The great principles and tenets set forth in the works of Luther, Melanchthon, and Calvin, or Zwingli, are reproduced with or without modifications, but substantially, and often almost verbatim in the literature of the English Reformation. The chief doctrines which are essentially and specifically characteristic of the Protestant Reformation as a whole are the following nine: A third bond between the Reformation on the continent and that which took place in England is to be found in the actual composition of the formularies. The Anglican Articles owe much, through the Thirteen Articles, to the Confession of Augsburg, and also to the Confession of Wurtemberg. Notable portions of the baptismal, marriage, and confirmation services are derived from the "Simplex et Pia Deliberatio" which was compiled by the Lutheran Hermann von Wied, with the aid of Bucer and Melanchthon. That a considerable part of the Anglican ordinal (without the distinctive form for each Order) is found in Bucer's "Scripta Anglica", has been pointed out by the late Canon Travers Smith. In this triple bond—personal, doctrinal, and liturgical — the continental and Anglican Reformations are, amid many and notable differences, substantially and inseparably interwoven as parts of one and the same great religious movement. The comparison of the Anglican Prayer Book and Ordinal with the Pre-Reformation formularies which they replaced leads to a second conclusion which in harmony with the above. On making an analysis of what has been removed, and what has been retained, and what has been altered, it becomes unmistakably apparent that the main motive which determined and guided the construction of the new liturgy was the same as that which inspired the whole Reformation movement, namely: the determination to have the Lord's Supper regarded only as a Sacrament or Communion, and not as a Sacrifice, and to remove whatever indicated the sacrificial character of the Eucharist, or the Real, Objective Presence, in the Catholic sense, in which Christ is worshipped in the Host. The Catholic liturgical forms, missal, breviary, pontifical, were in possession and had been in actual use for centuries. In making a liturgical reform, it was by the necessity of the case impossible that the changes made should not have reference to them, standing as they did, in the relation of terminus a quo to a terminus ad quem of reformation. If the Sarum Missal, Breviary, and Pontifical are placed side by side with the Anglican Prayer Book and Ordinal, and a comparison made of the corresponding parts, the motive, drift, and intention of the framers are clearly revealed. Although the Anglican Articles and liturgy have been practically unchanged since 1662, it was inevitable that the life and thought of a religious body like the Church of England should present the note of development, and that such development should eventually out grow, or at least strain, the historic interpretation of the formularies, and the more so because there has been no living authority to adapt or readjust them to the newer needs or aspirations. The development may be said to have been guided by three main influences. (See also OXFORD MOVEMENT.) In 1833 a strong current of popular opinion directed against the Anglican Church aroused in its defense the zeal of a small band of Oxford students and writers, who gradually gathered under the informal leadership of John Henry Newman. Among these were John Keble, C. Marriott, Hurrell Froude, Isaac Williams, Dr. Pusey, and W.G. Ward. Their object was to make good for the Anglican Church its claim to the note of Catholicity. Their task led them to look both behind and outside the sphere of the Reformation. By forming a catena of Anglican High Church divines of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries on one side, and a catena of certain Fathers on the other, it was hoped that a quasi-continuous chain of Catholic tradition could be made to connect the Anglican Church of their day with Catholic antiquity. Translations of the Fathers, works on liturgy, the festivals of the "Christian Year", and above all a memorable series of "Tracts for the Times", conveyed with telling force the newer and broader conceptions of churchmanship which entered into the spirit of the defenders. In "Tract 90" an attempt was made, somewhat on the lines of Sancta Clara, to show that the Anglican Articles might in certain aspects be reconciled to the teaching of the Council of Trent. The result was a doctrinal and devotional crisis such as England had not witnessed since the Reformation, and the Oxford or Tractarian movement, during the twelve years from Keble's sermon on "National Apostasy", in 1833, to Newman's conversion in 1845, formed a historic epoch in the annals of Anglicanism. The fact that the work of the movement was informally a study de Ecclesiâ brought both the writers and their readers more directly face to face with the claims of the Church of Rome. A large number of those who took part in the movement, and notably its great leader, became Catholics, while others, in remaining Anglicans, gave a new and pro-Catholic direction and impulse to Anglican thought and worship. It may be said that in the case of Newman, Oakley, Wilberforce, Ward, and a host of others, the research of the nature of Catholicity and the rule of faith brought them to realize the need of the living voice of a Divine magisterium (the regula proxima fidei), and failing to find it in the Anglican episcopate, they sought it where alone it could be found. Others, like Pusey, Marriott, Keble, sought what they called the voice of the "Church" in the inanimate formularies (or regula remota) which, after all, was merely adding the Fathers, the liturgies, and conciliar definitions to the Scripture as the area over which they still used, after the manner of true Protestants, their private judgement. The same principle is always more or less at work and goes as far now as then to sift those who come from those who stay. [If we bear in mind that by "Church" was thus meant the silent self-interpreted formularies (or regula remota), and by "Bishops" the living magisterium (or regula proxima) sought in Anglicanism, we shall feel that there is a great truth contained in Pusey's well-known saying, three years after the secession of Newman: "I am not disturbed, because I never attached any weight to bishops. It was perhaps the difference between Newman and me. He threw himself upon the bishops and they failed him. I threw myself on the English Church and the Fathers, as under God, her support" (Letter to C. Marriott, 2 January, 1848)]. Although the Oxford movement is regarded as having come to a close at the conversion of Dr. Newman in 1845, a large section of the Anglican public had been much too profoundly stirred by its ideals ever to return to the narrowness of the religious horizons which were bounded by the Reformation. Its influence has survived in the unceasing flow of converts to the Catholic Faith, and is shown in the Anglican Church itself by the notable change of belief, temperament, and practice which is known as the Anglican Revival. The last fifty years (1860-1910) have witnessed the development of an influential and growing school of religious thought which, amid the inconsistencies of its position, has steadily laboured to Catholicize the Church of England. It has set up the claim, hopelessly untenable in the face of historical evidence, that the Anglican Church is one and continuous with the Ancient Catholic Church of the country, and is an integral portion of the Catholic Church of today. It professes to be able to give to Anglicans all that the Catholic Church gives to her members, save communion with the Holy See. Through possessing neither the learning nor the logic of the Tractarians, it exercises a wider and more practical influence, and has won the favour of a large body of the Anglican public by importing into the Anglican services something of the beauty and power which it has borrowed from Catholic teaching and ritual. At the same time it has in many centers earned the respect and attachment of the masses by the example of zeal and self-sacrifice given by its clergy. It was natural that this advance section of the Anglican Church should seek to ratify its position, and to escape from its fatal isolation, by desiring some scheme of corporate reunion and especially by endeavouring to obtain some recognition of the validity of its orders. With the truest charity, which consists in the candour of truth, Pope Leo XIII in his Encyclical on Unity, pointed out that there can be no reunion expect on the solid basis of dogmatic unity and submission to the divinely instituted authority of the Apostolic See. In September, 1896, after a full and exhaustive inquiry, he issued a Bull declaring Anglican Orders to be "utterly null and void", and in a subsequent Brief addressed to the Archbishop of Paris, he required all Catholics to accept this judgment as "fixed, settled, and irrevocable" (firmum, ratum et irrevocabile). The Anglican Revival continues to reiterate its claim and to appropriate to itself, where practical, whatever in Catholic doctrine, liturgy, and practice, church vestments or church furniture, it finds helpful to its purpose. By the Lambeth judgment of 1891 it acquired a public sanction for many of its innovations. Since then it has gone further, and holds that no authority in the Church of England can override things which are authorized by "Catholic consent". It stands thus in the illogical and unhistorical position of a system which is philocatholic in its views and aspirations, but hopelessly committed to heresy and to heretical communication, and built upon an essentially Protestant foundation. Although to Catholics its very claim is an impious usurpation of what belongs of right to the Catholic Church alone, it fulfils an informal mission of influencing English public opinion, and of familiarizing the English people with Catholic doctrines and ideals. Like the Oxford movement, it educates more pupils than it can retain, and works upon premises which cannot but carry it in the long run farther than it is willing to go. A branch theory which is repudiated by the principal branches, or a province theory which is unknown to the rest of the provinces, and a continuity theory of which more than twelve thousand documents in the Record Office and the Vatican Library are the overwhelming refutation, cannot form a standing ground which is other than temporary and transitional. In the meantime, its work amongst the masses is often a species of catechumenate for Catholicism, and in all cases it is an active solvent and a steady undoing of the English Reformation. The number of Catholics in the world (1910) is said to exceed 230,000,000 (estimates by M. Fournier de Flaix, see The American Statistical Association Quarterly for March 1892). The number belonging to the Greek and Eastern Churches is about 100,000,000. The number of Anglicans in all countries is something less than 25,000,000. Thus the relative proportion of those three Christian bodies which are sometimes grouped as being Episcopalian in constitution may be fairly stated by the three figures 23, 10, 2.5. The growth of Anglicanism has followed mainly upon the expansion of the Anglo-Saxon race. Its area may be said to include, besides the three nucleal countries (England, Ireland, Scotland), six others, namely: the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and India. But the bulk of its membership, in fact more than two-thirds, is to be found in England. In all the other countries of its areas it is in a minority of the Christian population. In five of them—Ireland, Scotland, the United States, Canada, and India — its numbers are considerably exceeded by those of the Catholic Church. Its foreign missions are very generously supported, and have extended their activity far into the heathen countries. The following table is compiled from comparatively recent statistics. The numbers given are of members, except when it is stated to be of communicants. The ratio of communicants to members may be anything between 1 in 3 and 1 in 8. \|NUMBER OF ANGLICANS\| \|England\|\|32,526,075\|\|Between 13 and 17 millions or 2,223,207 communicants\| \|Scotland\|\|4,472,103\|\|134,155 (Epis. Ch of Scotland — Year Book, 1906)\| \|United States\|\|76,303,387\|\|823,066 communicants\| \|South Africa\|\|1,135,735\|\|Under 300,000 or 48,487 communicants\| The foregoing statistics concerning the Christian population of England and her dependencies are, with the exception of Australia and New Zealand, taken from the Census, 1901 (British Empire Official Year Book, which is also to be consulted for the Anglican population of Ireland, Canada, New Zealand, and India). The figures for the Christian populations of Australia, in 1901, and New Zealand are given respectively in "Whitaker's Almanac", 1906, which includes 6,851 aborigines, and the "New Zealand year Book", 1904, which excludes the Maoris. The Christian population of the United States is based on the Abstract of the twelfth Census, and that of South Africa on the European population, 1904, as contained in "Whitaker's Almanac", 1906. For several decades there has been no return of religious denominations in the British Government Census. The Church of England is popularly estimated to include about 17,000,000. Its official "Year Book" (1906), which is also the authority for the number of communicants in the United States and South Africa, gives the number of communicants in England, as 2,223,207. This multiplied by 6 would give a membership of 13,339,242. The same authority give the number of baptisms as 615,621. This, upon the usual multiple of 22.5, would give a membership of 13,860,000. The number belonging to the Church of England would thus seem to be between thirteen and seventeen millions. For the number of Anglicans in Australia in 1901, refer again to "Whitaker's Almanac", 1906. Wilkins, Concilia (London, 1737); Calendar of State Papers: Henry VII (London, 1862 sqq.); Edward VI (1856 sqq.); Elizabeth (ibid., 1863 sqq.); Prothero, Select Statutes; Cardwell, Documentary Annals (Oxford, 1844); Cranmer, Works; Gairdner, History of the Church of England in the XVIth Century; Dixon, Hist. of Church of England (London, 1878-1902); Wakeman, Introduct. to Hist. of Church of England (London 1897); Cardwell, History of Conferences (London, 1849); Gibson, the Thirty-nine Articles; Browne, Hist. of the Thirty-nine Articles; Keeling, Liturgiae Britannicae; Gasquet and Bishop, Edward VI and the Book of Common Prayer (London, 1891); Dowden, The Workmanship of the Prayer Book; Bulley, Variations of the Communion and Baptismal Offices; Brooke, Privy Council Judgements; Seckendorff, History of Lutheranism; Janssen, History of the German People, V, VI; Original Letters of the Reformation (Parker Series); Zurich Letters (Cambridge, 1842-43); Benson, Archbishop Laud (London, 1887); Church, The Oxford Movement (London and New York, 1891); Newman, Apologia; Liddon, Life of Pusey (London and New York, 1893-94), III; Benson, Life of Archbishop Benson APA citation. (1907). Anglicanism. In The Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company. http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01498a.htm MLA citation. "Anglicanism." The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 1. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1907. <http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01498a.htm>. Transcription. This article was transcribed for New Advent by Nicolette Ormsbee. Ecclesiastical approbation. Nihil Obstat. March 1, 1907. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York. Contact information. The editor of New Advent is Kevin Knight. My email address is webmaster at newadvent.org. Regrettably, I can't reply to every letter, but I greatly appreciate your feedback — especially notifications about typographical errors and inappropriate ads.
The world needs to step up efforts to educate large numbers of young people to meet the challenges of the 21st century. That was a key message at the Learning for All Symposium, Investing in a Brighter Future, at the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings. The event, moderated by PBS News Anchor Judy Woodruff and webcast in three languages, linked what several participants described as an ongoing “learning crisis” with high unemployment among young people worldwide. While a lot of progress has been made getting children into school, 57 million are still out of school. Studies have found that education gaps are impeding skills development, economic growth, and competitiveness around the world. In 2011 it was estimated that 73 million young people were unemployed globally. Youth employment rates are two to four times as high as those of adults in most countries. An estimated 250 million children cannot read or write after more than three years of schooling. According to UNESCO’s latest Education for All Global Monitoring report, 100 million young women in low- and lower-middle-income countries are unable to read a single sentence, said United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. Even so, “It is not enough for education to produce individuals who can read, write and count; education must be transformative, practical, and able to promote shared values,” Ban said. Former U.K. Prime Minister Gordon Brown, now UN Special Envoy for Global Education, said the world needs to accelerate efforts to meet the Millennium Development Goal calling for universal primary education by 2015. “We need a coalition over these next 21 months to see how far and how fast we can go to deliver the 57 million children who are out of school opportunities that otherwise they would never have.” World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim said the post-2015 goals should also ensure all “children are equipped to lead productive lives and meet the challenges of the 21st century.” Some 700 million jobs will need to be created by 2020, according to the International Labor Organization, said Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende. “We have to have more and better education and vocational training in developing countries” and work more closely with the private sector to identify the skills that are needed, he said. A panel of ministers from Bangladesh, Malawi, Papua New Guinea, and Senegal said education is a major priority in their countries and crucial for development. However, they face challenges, such as employing adequate numbers of teachers and making education relevant to the realities of today’s world. The needs are even greater for children affected by or displaced by conflict, said United States Agency for International Development Administrator Rajiv Shah. He said education needs to be prioritized in those settings, and innovative programs implemented, such as No Lost Generation, an effort to help Syrian refugee children. Watch a replay of the event.
As part of a national focus on recommendations based on systematic review of the evidence and evaluation of the risks and benefits of different treatments, the Spanish Clinical Practice Guideline on Therapeutic Interventions in ADHD was released in 2017. The guidelines focus on the management of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or hyperkinetic disorder (HKD), outlining psychoeducational, psychological and pharmacological options and forming recommendations to aid with decision-making and promote a multidisciplinary approach.1 These evidence-based guidelines were developed by healthcare professionals from a number of different specialities and societies involved in the care of people with ADHD.1 This summary provides an overview of the recommendations made in the Spanish Clinical Practice Guideline on Therapeutic Interventions in ADHD, but it is not exhaustive of all recommendations and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of ADHD. Healthcare professionals should consult the full Spanish Clinical Practice Guideline, which is available online. Key recommendations for treatment are included below. These guidelines are directed at healthcare professionals in Spain, some of the medications recommended may not be approved in other countries. Children and adolescents Psychoeducational and behavioural training programmes for parents are recommended to be offered as a first-line treatment when a child aged 3–12 years is diagnosed with ADHD. These programmes are recommended to be offered by trained professionals, be structured, include sufficient sessions, incorporate tasks at home, include strategies to improve child/parent relationships and allow parents to identify their own objectives. Educational interventions may also be included as part of treatment programmes for children and adolescents with ADHD. During primary education, the child’s teachers are recommended to receive training in behaviour-modification techniques, e.g. cognitive behavioural therapy and physical activity programmes, and parents are recommended to receive training on homework and home routines. Social functioning and autonomy skills training may be provided to the child with ADHD. During secondary education, non-pharmacological interventions can help parents to promote the academic responsibility of their child at home and at school, focusing on organisational skills, time management, homework and studying. Communication between parents and teachers is key, as is collaboration between parents and children to correct behavioural problems. Making a record of successes and failures, and rewarding of effort and progress, is recommended.1 Cognitive behavioural programmes may be used to facilitate and maintain the incorporation of individuals with ADHD in the labour market. These programmes may include psychoeducation around the biopsychosocial nature of ADHD and skills training designed to improve functioning and adaptation at work. Organisational skills programmes may also be provided, including instruction on tools and routines to record tasks and deadlines, strategies for organising work to be completed at home, the use of checklists for the materials required for a job and how to divide tasks into steps.1 The Spanish guidelines 2017 provide a comprehensive description of the evidence underlying the recommendations for pharmacological treatment in children and adolescents (Figure 1) and adults (Figure 2) with ADHD.1 Children and adolescents Pharmacological therapy for the treatment of ADHD is not recommended for children aged <6 years. In children and adolescents aged ≥6 years, pharmacological therapy is recommended when psychoeducational and/or psychological therapies have not been effective, or when the individual is severely affected by their symptoms of ADHD. These guidelines state that methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine, guanfacine and atomoxetine are licensed for the treatment of ADHD in children and adolescents in Spain.1 Pharmacological therapy for the treatment of ADHD is recommended as a first-line treatment of ADHD in adults with moderate to severe symptoms. In adults with more mild symptoms of ADHD, a choice may be made between non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatments. The only medication licensed in Spain for the treatment of ADHD in adults is atomoxetine, although osmotic-controlled release methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine may be continued into adulthood in those established on these treatments during childhood and with a continuing need for pharmacological treatment in adulthood.1 Figure 1: Non-pharmacological and pharmacological management of ADHD in children and adolescents. Figure developed using information from the Spanish guidelines 2017.1 Figure 2: Non-pharmacological and pharmacological management of ADHD in adults. Figure developed using information from the Spanish guidelines 2017.1 - Guías de Práctica Clínica en el SNS. Grupo de trabajo de la Guía de Práctica Clínica sobre las Intervenciones Terapéuticas en el Trastorno por Déficit de Atención con Hiperactividad (TDAH). 2017.
SEGREGATION OF IRON AT FURNACE AND FOUNDRY. 137 middle of a " cast," and that a car of iron may come to him from a " cast " having one portion from one-half to one per cent, higher in silicon than another. This is fully verified by Mr. Rubricius's table which shows that the two ends of a " cast " may vary one per cent, in silicon. Mr. Rubricius also states that " notwithstanding the large number of experiments made, it was not possible to correlate the initial percentage of silicon and the rate of increase, as iron poor in silicon presents, in some cases, a large increase in silicon in the upper parts. This can only be due to the difference in specific gravity between silicon and iron.'' The uneven distribution of silicon and sulphur in pig metal is largely due to conditions over which furnace managers have, as a rule, not perfect control, while with castings the moulder or founder can, at will or through methods in casting, give rise to an ill diffusion of the carbons that could often be prevented were he only aware of the conditions which effect such results in castings. The moulder when turning out a casting having hard or soft spots often finds the word '' segregation" very convenient to disguise evil effects of hard ramming, wet sands, or ill-vented moulds. When a mould has been properly made and the iron well mixed and melted hot and poured as it should be, there is generally little to fear, in a practical way, from segregation in castings that can be charged to the iron, aside from what effects degrees in cooling or casting in a chill can have in causing different proportions of combined or graphitic carbon A rammer should never be allowed to hit a pattern, as this causes a hard spot on the mould which, in light castings, can change the character of the carbons orhe one analysis which may be given is simply an average of the whole, generally taken from the two ends andith the uncertainty of furnace workings when in urgent need of ten hundred jon of iron; and Sir........................ 2,720 "
From: The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) Blog – Guest Post on behalf of Teach.com – July 5, 2017 – The educational landscape is awash with initiatives to make learning more authentic and problem-based. For these differentiated approaches to work, students and teachers need networks of support to ensure that students can follow their own felt needs for learning. Who better to support that journey than the modern school librarian? Forget Dewey decimal quizzes and overdue notices; today’s school librarians are the linchpins for modernizing the educational system. In the era of belt-tightening and budget cuts, school librarians are crucial pieces in the educational infrastructure that need to be both protected and cherished if our students are to receive the best education possible. Read more at The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) Blog : The Constantly Evolving Role of the School Librarian
The Vortex Tube Separator is a device for chilling gas by expansion. The chilling process is more effective than the conventional expansion by the Joule Thomson valve. As a result, using the vortex tube, lower hydrcarbon and water dewpoints can be achieved for the same pressure drop. The Vortex Tube Separator is a long thin tube with a header, a throttle and up to four inlet nozzles, with no moving parts. Maintenance requiremnts are therefore very low. The Vortex Tube Separator (VTSä) utilises two elementary physical concepts: The gas is introduced into the Vortex Tube Separator through a header across tangential inlet nozzles. In most caese, depending upon the ratio of the inlet to outlet pressures, the gas will reach near sonic velocity as it passes into the vortex tube. Due to the Hilsch effect both a warm and a cold gas fraction are created. During the near adiabatic expansion of the gas across the inlet nozzle, condensation of the gas components occur. The condensate is thrown to the outer wall of the Vortex Tube Separator and the liquid passes through drain holes at the bottom of the VTS to a separator Simultaneously, gas moves from the wall to the centre of the tube where it cools further. By removing the liquid phase from the tube wall it is possible to obtain two discrete gas and liquid phases. Special internals at the opposite end to the inlet enable the cold and warm gas streams to be separated. The cold gas is diverted back by the throttle along the tube to the cold gas outlet. The temperature gradient and the cold gas stream temperature increase the liquid separation. Both the cold and warm gas streams are thermodynamically superheated. Combing the warm and cold gas is the normal mode of operation for the Vortex Tube Separator (VTSä). (see figure 2) Dependent upon the gas compositions and process conditions, a 15 - 20% weight additional condensate recovery may be expected compared to a typical JT process. The main areas for a Vortex Tube Separator installation are gas dewpointing, gas dehydration and condensate recovery/removal. Generally, gas wells or storages where typically JT valves are used and pressure drop is available, are good cases for potential installations The Vortex Tube Separator can be used for gas dewpointing on sales or fuel gas systems utilising the same or reduced overall pressure drop. In particular, utilising lower pressure drops the same dewpoint is achievable on gas wells where reservoir pressure is declining and the sales gas specification is in danger. The installation of a gas compressors could be delayed if a Vortex Tube Separator were used. A performance curve of a VTS is shown in figure 3. The graph shows the phase envelope of the untreated inlet gas and gas when dewpointed by the VTS, Joule Thomson and Turbo expander. The inlet conditions and the pressure drop for each unit / valve is the same (120 to 70bar), the grpah shows that the VTS phase envelope falls between that of the Joule Thomson and the Turboexpander. Two major parameters must be satisfied for the safe operation of the Vortex Tube Separator. The Vortex Tube Separator has been used for hydrocarbon dewpointing and simultaneous gas dehydration. The dehydration process is performed by injecting TEG directly upstream of the VTS. The TEG / gas contact temperature is lower than a typical contactor tower. The lower temperature favours a better adsorption equilibrium and therefore drier gas. The TEG and condensate are separated and the TEG regenerated for the recycling process. Due to the advantages in comparison to the gas dehydration with an absorber tower all dimensions and process datas downstream of the Vortex Tube Separator are appr. 60% smaller than usual. In particular, dew points can be achieved using low glycol concentrations (90 - 95%) and reduced flow rates. This reduces co-absorbed hydrocarbons and aromatics and also allows glycol regeneration at lower temperatures (appr. 154°C), thereby reducing glycol degradation. Because of its improved condensate recovery relative to a Joule Thomson valve, the VTS reduces the disturbance to the dawnstream equiptment resulting from a turbine trip. This is particularly important where downstream gas treatment plant is sensitive to reduce feed rates and changed conditions.
June 29, 2009 American Chemical Society’s Weekly News Like astronomers counting stars in the familiar universe of outer space, chemists in Switzerland are reporting the latest results of a survey of chemical space "” the so-called chemical universe where tomorrow's miracle drugs may reside. The scientists conclude, based on this phase of the ongoing count, that there are 970 million chemicals suitable for study as new drugs. Scheduled for the July 1 issue of the Journal of the American Chemical Society, the study represents the largest publicly available database of virtual molecules ever reported, the researchers say. Jean-Louis Reymond and Lorenz Blum point out that the rules of chemical bonding allow simple elements such as carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and fluorine to potentially form millions of different molecules. This so-called "chemical universe" or "chemical space" has an enormous potential for drug discovery, particularly for identifying so-called "small molecules" "” made of 10 to 50 atoms. Most of today's medicines consist of these small molecules. Until now, however, scientists had not attempted a comprehensive analysis of the molecules that populate chemical space. In the report, Reymond and Blum describe development of a new searchable database, GDB-13, that scientists can use in the quest for new drugs. It consists of all molecules containing up to 13 atoms of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and chlorine under rules that define chemical stability and synthetic feasibility. The researchers identified more than 970 million possible structures, the vast majority of which have never been produced in the lab. Some of these molecules could lead to the design and production of new drugs for fighting disease, they say. On The Net:
The Roll Back Malaria Partnership of donors, governments and organizations says sub-Saharan Africa is making gains in fighting the disease. But West African health officials say there is still a long way to go, because donors are not focusing on what is most needed. Phuong Tran has more from VOA's West Africa bureau in Dakar. The report's authors from the U.N. children's agency, UNICEF, say most sub-Saharan African countries have tripled distribution of insecticide treated bed nets in recent years. These nets, especially long-lasting ones that do not require re-spraying, have been proven to block disease-carrying mosquitoes. But the U.N. authors say they are not able to link the nets to a direct decrease in deaths from malaria. Fred Binka, a professor from University of Ghana's School of Public Health, says it is hard to measure deaths in West Africa, especially ones from malaria. He says most these deaths happen at home, making them hard to track. "I think most of the health information systems are still very rudimentary," he said. "We cannot rely on the information that comes from them. There is a lot [that] needs to be done so that we can have the true measurements. In this age, everybody wants figures to show impact of the programs, but the programs usually do not contribute resources to do this." Binka says unless donors devote money to program evaluation, governments will continue to estimate deaths from malaria using household interviews, which can delay program evaluations. During the past decade, donors have increased funding ten-fold to fight malaria. Most comes from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, which has recently promised nearly $10 billion to fight those diseases during the next three years. About a quarter of its funding goes to malaria. Other major donors include the United States, which recently promised more than $1 billion, and the World Bank with $500 million. But some health officials worry the money is not being used efficiently. For example, World Health Organization, WHO, recommends countries with high rates of malaria infection give young children anti-malarial medication, even without diagnosis. But Christa Hook, with the London office of Doctors without Borders, says giving medication without a diagnosis can waste money, and make things worse by increasing resistance to new malaria treatment. Ghana's health officer Binka says even in cases when children - the most vulnerable to malaria infection - are diagnosed as having malaria, they cannot get new treatment known as ACT because of donor rules about distribution. "They [donors] are restricting the distribution of these drugs to the health facilities, but this is not the major source of treatment for most people who have malaria in Africa," he added. The Rollback Malaria Partnership report says more children are expected to receive effective malaria treatment in coming years, without specifying numbers or ways to get out the treatment. The report recommends more community programs, and making malaria treatment a core part of all health care services. The World Health Organization says malaria is Africa's number-one killer for children under five, and is responsible for up to half of the hospital visits in many sub-Saharan African countries.
Valid conjunction inference with the minimum statistic. Nichols T., Brett M., Andersson J., Wager T., Poline J-B. In logic a conjunction is defined as an AND between truth statements. In neuroimaging, investigators may look for brain areas activated by task A AND by task B, or a conjunction of tasks (Price, C.J., Friston, K.J., 1997. Cognitive conjunction: a new approach to brain activation experiments. NeuroImage 5, 261-270). Friston et al. (Friston, K., Holmes, A., Price, C., Buchel, C., Worsley, K., 1999. Multisubject fMRI studies and conjunction analyses. NeuroImage 10, 85-396) introduced a minimum statistic test for conjunction. We refer to this method as the minimum statistic compared to the global null (MS/GN). The MS/GN is implemented in SPM2 and SPM99 software, and has been widely used as a test of conjunction. However, we assert that it does not have the correct null hypothesis for a test of logical AND, and further, this has led to confusion in the neuroimaging community. In this paper, we define a conjunction and explain the problem with the MS/GN test as a conjunction method. We present a survey of recent practice in neuroimaging which reveals that the MS/GN test is very often misinterpreted as evidence of a logical AND. We show that a correct test for a logical AND requires that all the comparisons in the conjunction are individually significant. This result holds even if the comparisons are not independent. We suggest that the revised test proposed here is the appropriate means for conjunction inference in neuroimaging.
HUD has posted a six-part webcast explaining the required content of the new Assessment of Fair Housing (AFH) established in the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) rule. The webcast defines fair housing “issues,” discusses their analysis, and explains the process of identifying and prioritizing fair housing “contributing factors.” The webcast also describes establishing fair housing priorities and goals based on the analysis of fair housing issues and the priority contributing factors. A case study is utilized to demonstrate the process of drafting an AFH. - Part 1 introduces key terms and discusses the required content of the AFH (31 minutes). - Part 2 discusses how to conduct a demographic summary and how to undertake an analysis of segregation (23 minutes). - Part 3 covers the analysis of racially and ethnically concentrated areas of poverty (R/ECAPs) and disparities in access to opportunity (24 minutes). - Part 4 discusses the analysis of disproportionate housing needs and explores AFFH considerations associated with publicly supported housing (28 minutes). - Part 5 explores the analysis of fair housing issues impacting people with disabilities and describes the required discussion of a program participant’s fair housing enforcement capacity (20 minutes). - Part 6 is a presentation about establishing fair housing priorities and goals (16 minutes). The webcasts are at http://bit.ly/1SGq8uv. HUD’s AFFH website is at https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/affh. NLIHC has AFFH information at http://nlihc.org/issues/affh.
After reading Hobbes’ work I can further solidify my belief that a democracy, no matter its flaws, is better than a feudal system of affairs. It was interesting how in his work Hobbes understood the concept that all men are created equal, yet he supported the idea that one man must rule over all. Kings, queens, dictators are all authoritarians. Authoritarianism has its benefits. Mainly that with one ruler it’s easier to accomplish more and expediently; however, the downturns of the system are apparent within this benefit. A single leader can use the power they hold to expediently accomplish horrid, immoral works and I cannot cosign on that. Absolute power corrupts easily. Throughout history there have been more tyrants than benevolent kings, I’d rather take my chances with democracy. Democracy isn’t perfect, nor is any overarching system of governance, but its benefit lies in the fact that options and choices are given to all. People deserve a chance to involve themselves in a government that benefits from their labor and taxes, simple as that. It is better that way because people also feel more accepted within the government and would gladly contribute more which further improves the wealth and dominance of their government. Ideally the prosperity of the government will be witnessed by the people, but idealism isn’t reality… unfortunately. Democracy’s downturn is the fact that not all citizens experience first-hand their government’s success, but the benefit of options and choice gives hope that one day all will benefit, instead of the few.
‘Loop’, ‘Bug’, ‘Patch’ ? Know from where these terms came from! This is not “hot news”, but it is always fun to share tidbits of computer history! “Loop”, “Library” and “Patch” are common terms used among programmers, while “Bug” is widely known by users as well, but do you know when they were used for the first time? The Harvard University maintains a page about the Mark I, the first programmable computer in the United States, where they explain those terms were first used when the Mark I was still in use, between 1944 and 1959! They even found an actual bug “in” the computer! You can check the small collection of retro computer fun facts following the link below. Link: The Mark I at Harvard
Human Unity Day : Manav Ekta Diwas is also known as Human Unity Day is a dedication to a spiritual personality Baba Gurubachan Singh for his sacrifices for humanity. Baba Gurubachan Singh died as on 24th of April so people celebrated this day as Manav Ekta Diwas. Baba Gurubachan Singh was a great saint of the history. He always tried to spread out brotherhood among the human beings in all over the world. Human Unity Day is a sign of importance of humanity among the people belongs to various religions, various countries, various tribes and communities and from various culture and traditions. Since Baba Gurubachan Singh’s assassination all over the world decided to celebrate that day as a Manav Ekta Diwas or Human Unity Day in all around the parts of earth. This day also represents the thought of Baba Gurubachan Singh. He said that “Blood should flow in veins, not in drains”. There is an organization named as Saint Nirankari Mission organizes various human survive programs like they organizes donations of blood for needy people. Various camps organize for the help of human beings who are facing dangerous problems by naturally or human made in any parts of world. Human Unity Day In Year 2014 : 24th of April Human Unity Day is most famous in all around the world and celebrated this as a part of human life. In India also celebrated this day as a most emotional celebration of Human Unity.
The remaining gorillas are struggling to survive in eastern Congo The population of Grauer’s gorilla, the most widespread subspecies has dramatically decreased from 18,000 to 3800 individuals in 20 years. In tropical forests of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Natural Park qualification is meaningless. The green mountains of the Virunga National Park extending over 7,900 km2 in a densely populated area and are home to one of the species among the most endangered of the continent: Grauer’s gorillas , one of the four subspecies, which is also the most widespread of this great ape. But Virunga park staff, who composed with very limited resources, can ensure a fragmented surveillance of the area and the gorillas. A report published April 4, 2016 by the Wildlife Conservation Society, Fauna & Flora International and the Institute Congolese conservation of nature shows that between 1995 and 2015, the population of Grauer’s gorillas has increased from 17,000 to about 3,800 individuals. Multiple factors threaten the existence of the ape population. “The Grauer’s gorilla is facing a major crisis. The agricultural and livestock expansion, high levels of subsistence hunting and bushmeat extraction, exotic pet trade, the widespread mining, and socio-economic depression for more than a decade of civil war exert a huge pressure on resources and wildlife of the forests of the DRC. Since 1996, the entire range of the Grauer’s gorilla was consumed by the conflict, ” say the authors of the study. In Radar Nishuli, the current director of Virunga park and co-author of the report said, “it is urgent.” “What we have observed on the ground is extremely worrying.We urgently need a strong and targeted response, with training, additional staff for eco-guards to combat poaching more effectively. We have also set up an intelligence network, and support the daily monitoring of gorilla families to ensure their safety. It must also integrate our action leaders who hold the traditional power in the region and educate their communities to stop hunting these apes, ” he said. Scene of fighting between armed militias since 1996, the Virunga park attracts virtually no tourists, unlike the Rwandan side national park on the other side of the border are also present gorillas. Visitors pay 370 euros for example to spend an hour to closely observe the gorillas in the Volcanoes Park in Rwanda. In its latest report on the Virunga Park , Unesco also note that “promoting a localized and controlled tourism could increase the income and contribute to regular financing for the maintenance of good.” If the decline of the species continues at the current rate – about 5% of the population of Grauer’s gorillas are killed each year – the authors of the study believe that this ape has almost disappeared in the wild to within five years.
Having nightmares may help to prepare us for potentially frightening situations, a study at the University of Geneva and University Hospitals Geneva, and the USA’s University of Wisconsin, has found. There’s a huge amount science still doesn’t know about dreaming. It’s not even clear if everyone does it: we know that everyone experiences REM sleep, but whether those who claim they never dream really don’t, or do dream but simply don’t remember it after waking, isn’t clear. Nor is the mechanism by which dreams are formed in the brain entirely understood, never mind why it happens. Read more about sleep: However, many neuroscientists have long believed that bad dreams allow us to safely ‘act out’ potentially dangerous situations before they occur in real life. And the new findings seem to add weight to that theory. The researchers asked 18 volunteers to wear EEG headsets while they slept and then woke them multiple times during the night to ask them a series of questions about whether they’d been dreaming, and if that dream involved fear. They then compared the volunteers’ answers to their mapped brain activity during sleep. They discovered that during ‘scary’ dreams, two areas of the subjects’ brains were particularly active: the insula and the cingulate cortex. During the day, the insula is involved in identifying and evaluating emotional responses, while the cingulate cortex is responsible for preparing the body’s physical reaction to perceived threats (the famous ‘fight or flight’ response). A patient with a high-density electroencephalogram (EEG), which measures brain activity during sleep using numerous electrodes placed on the skull © Dorothée Baumann In the second part of the study, 89 participants kept a ‘dream diary’ for a week, and were then shown a series of distressing images while lying in an MRI scanner. In subjects who reported having a lot of frightening dreams, the images triggered less of a response in the two brain regions studied, and in the amygdala – the brain’s ‘fear centre’ – than patients who reported few or none. What’s more, patients who’d had more bad dreams showed more activity in the medial prefrontal cortex, a region of the brain that’s known to ‘dampen down’ the fear response. “Dreams may be considered as real training for our future reactions, and may potentially prepare us to face real-life dangers,” said lead researcher Lampros Perogamvros, a senior lecturer in the Center for Sleep Medicine at University Hospitals Geneva.
We continue our series on… The A- Z of the Christian Faith J is for Jesus. For Christians, God has a human face, and it is the face of Jesus of Nazareth, He was a man who never held high political office. He never led a mighty army into battle. He never established an Empire. He was rejected by the leaders of his own people and was murdered by the state along with two common criminals. And yet, his influence has stretched around the globe and across time. What we know about him principally comes from the four gospels. While the writers of the gospels would have had access to the stories that people told about Jesus, many of which could have come from eye-witnesses, each author used the material to tell the story they wanted to tell. With the gospels we are invited us to see Jesus through the eyes of each author. They give us Jesus from slightly different angles with slightly different emphasis. Also, the gospel writers try to tell their readers truths about Jesus which are beyond the bare recitation of fact. They are not only interested in what happened, but who is this person and what can he tell us about God? Little is known of the early life of Jesus (Jesus is Greek for the Hebrew name Joshua which means “Yahweh saves”). From the gospels of Luke and Matthew we have some stories of his birth. They place his birth within a Jewish family in Bethlehem of Judaea. But he was raised in Nazareth of Galilee. As his father was a carpenter it is not unreasonable to assume that for the first decade of his adult life he worked in the family firm (most people did) and was a carpenter, a skilled craftsman. Then, aged about 30 years, the gospels record that Jesus was baptized in the River Jordan by the wild and mysterious person called John the Baptizer. From this moment Jesus’ life seems to have taken a radical turn. He collected a band of followers, both men and women, some of who were from dubious moral backgrounds, and became an itinerant preacher, prophet, healer, and miracle worker. Like John the Baptist, he proclaimed the nearness of God’s kingdom and the end-times. More than John, whose emphasis seems to have been on Divine Judgment, Jesus saw the positive side of the closeness of God’s rule for the poor, the hungry, the suffering, and the lost. According to tradition, he and his followers toured his home country bringing hope, healing and refreshment to the people he met. He attracted great crowds. Although he talked about God and called people back to faithfulness in Him, he was more concerned with the outcast than with the religious people of the day. He encountered lots of criticism and controversy throughout his active ministry. Some of the most powerful religious groups of the time, notably the Pharisees but also others, took exception to what Jesus said and did. Jesus was a threat and he challenged the religious establishment and their orthodoxy. All through his ministry people asked the question who is this man, where does his authority to say and to do these things come from? For some people Jesus was a Rabbi or another prophet in a long line of people sent by God to call his people back to faithfulness: a Man of Religion. Others recognised him as the long-expected Messiah, a king like David who would raise up an army and set the Jewish people free: a Man of Politics. Most obviously this occurred near the end of his life when he entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey and was proclaimed the heir of the mighty King David by the crowds. But whenever the people tried to make Jesus into the figure they wanted he would withdraw for a time. Shortly after riding into Jerusalem on a donkey he took to teaching in the Temple like other Jewish Rabbis. On one occasion, disgusted at the presence and practices of the Temple market, he caused a disturbance, over-turning the market stalls and the tables of money changers. These two last incidents were the final straw for the religious authorities. Jesus was just too much of a threat to their power. So they arrested him and persuaded the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate, to sentence him to death on political charges. He was killed on a Roman cross on a hill called Golgotha between two thieves. At the end of his life he was deserted by all the crowds who had followed him and all but a few of his own close disciples. But his story does not end here. Soon after his death, Jesus’ close band of followers began to proclaim that God had raised him from the dead, that he was alive and that they had seen him. His followers grew in number and spread across the world. They told stories about him and passed them on from generation to generation. Some of the stories were written down. As they met, lived, prayed, and worshipped together they kept asking the question, who was this man? Over years and decades they came to the shocking conclusion that his man was not someone sent by God but that he was God himself. The Almighty God, the Creator of the universe has a human face, and it is the face of Jesus of Nazareth.
By Larry MagidWe're just a few weeks away from school letting out and -- for lucky families -- a chance to spend a bit of time together on vacation. Summer also means lots of free time for children and teens -- time that can be taken up in outdoor activities like sports or playing in the park, indoor activities like playing video games and going online, or hybrid activities such as hanging out with friends while, at the same time, using their mobile devices for texting, taking and sharing pictures, playing games and social networking. For many kids these days, the lines between being offline and being online are blurry. Talk but don’t lecture So for parents, this is a great time to sit down with your kid and have “that talk.” No, not about the birds and the bees but about the bits and the bytes or, more precisely, about the appropriate use of the technology that many kids will have almost unfettered access to while they’re away from school. The most important thing is to make this a conversation, not a lecture, and to approach it with a bit of humility because — at least in terms of the apps and services they use — they probably know more than you do. Use that to your advantage by getting them to explain what they’re doing on their computer, tablet, phone, iPod touch, game console or whatever devices they’re using to get online. Engage kids in helping Have the kids use their tech skills to benefit the entire family. If you’re planning a family trip, have the kids go online to research the history, geography and all the cool things to do at your destination. They can search through mobile app stores to find apps focused on the place you’re going (some cost money, so have them help you figure out if they’re worth the price). Have them read through local newspapers for the area you’re visiting and report back on what’s happening there. If you’re driving to your destination, the kids can be in charge of navigation with your cell phone GPS and by consulting an online map before you go (though with the price of gas today, I recommend you check out the route too). If your teen or child has a smartphone, ask them to show you all the apps they use and have them explain what they do with them and how they are protecting their privacy. Ask them to explain the privacy features of the app and then do a little research on your own to make sure there aren’t some they’ve missed. Do the same with any social networks they use. You can find links to articles about settings for Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and popular game consoles at SafeKids.com/privacysettings. Tablets and Toddlers Very young children are now going online with tablets, iPod touches or their parents or older siblings’ smartphones, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. There are lots of great apps for small children from PBSKids and others but do be aware of how much time they’re spending with the device and what they’re doing. Don’t assume that an app has to be labeled “educational” to have value. As Hanna Rosin asked in a recent Atlantic cover story, “Would you make your child read a textbook at bedtime? Do you watch only educational television? And why don’t children deserve high-quality fun?” She and experts she quotes make the case that young children can learn from a variety of apps and activities regardless of what “category” they fall under. Still, and I know you’ve heard this before, never use technology as an electronic baby sitter. Kids of all ages need lots of interaction with family and friends and a wide variety of activities, including plenty of physical activity. Come to think of it, so do adults. Be a good role model And speaking of adults, consider how you’re role modeling. You can’t expect your child to moderate his or her use of phones, tablets and computers if they see you constantly using yours. Try to have dinner together as a family and try to ban the use of devices during the meal. Don’t leave your devices on in the bedroom. Consider creating a charging area in the main part of the house where devices can recharge their batteries while family members recharge theirs in bed. And “I use my phone as an alarm clock” isn’t a good excuse. You can buy a stand-alone alarm clock for under $10. As I look back at my summer vacations as a kid, I remember hanging out with friends, spending a bit more time watching TV, playing games and sometimes being bored. The same can be true today. Kids can hang out with their friends in person and online (sometimes at the same time), they can play with apps on their devices and, instead of TV, many will watch YouTube. And when it comes to boredom, that too isn’t such a bad thing. It’s a time to slow down, reflect and be left alone with your own thoughts. For that to happen, we need to “unplug” once in awhile — a lesson worth teaching our kids and heeding ourselves.
Economics analyzes how people make choices under an unavoidable circumstance: relative to our limitless desires, our resources are scarce. The range of issues and circumstances that shape peoples' choices are vast and complicated. Economists use conceptual tools to focus on the most important decision-making factors and to predict typical outcomes of peoples' interactions. Economists also use quantitative tools to test theories, analyze data, and inform ongoing decision-making. Policymakers in the government, executives, and business managers rely on the research and advice of economists in order to achieve various objectives. At the undergraduate level, students can learn about the types of analysis that economists rely on, and the various fields of inquiry where economists have been most productive. In the Applied Economics program at Farmingdale State College, students learn the methodological tools of economics and apply these tools to problems faced by businesses, households, and governments alike. Employers and graduate programs both look favorably on applicants with an economics degree because of the critical thinking skills learned and practiced in the sequence of economics courses. After graduation, economics majors often pursue careers in business, banking, finance, government agencies, law, and international relations. Many succeed in graduate studies in a wide range of disciplines and proceed to become leaders in their field.
Posted May 6, 2009 The College of American Pathologists recognizes that obesity in children is a major health problem for our society. Childhood obesity is a chronic disease and must be approached in the broadest context of public education about its prevalence, the need for prevention, and the consequences of not addressing the issue effectively. Early identification and intervention through appropriate testing, patient and family education, and treatment are essential. - Childhood obesity is a serious health problem. - Childhood obesity rates are rising. Nearly half of the children in the United States will be over their ideal body weight by the year 2010. - The number of children between the ages of 6 and 11 years who are obese has nearly doubled in the past 20 years. - Obese children are at risk for developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and high cholesterol. - Many obese children have emotional problems such as depression. - An obese child has a greatly increased chance of being obese as an adult. - Elevated cholesterol levels can create disease even very early in life. - Early recognition of excessive weight can be detected in the routine health care setting. - Obese children should reduce their weight, exercise regularly, and avoid excess calorie intake.
Arthritis - Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis (OA) is diagnosed based upon medical history and clinical examination (Busija 2010). Radiographic imaging can aid in the diagnosis of OA. It involves the identification of a variety of anatomic abnormalities such as joint space narrowing, bone spurs, and joint bone deformity (Murphy 2012). However, since many patients with joint abnormalities do not develop symptoms, a diagnosis of OA cannot be made solely upon the basis of positive radiographic images. Likewise, patients with symptoms of OA may not display radiographic evidence (Bijlsma 2011). A newer method of imaging called delayed gadolinium-enhanced MRI of cartilage (dGEMRIC) provides information about cartilage quality and may offer an improved means of diagnosing OA in the early stages (Siversson 2012). This method involves the intravenous injection of a negatively charged contrast agent, which then diffuses into articular cartilage over at least two hours. An increased concentration of contrast agent (in positively charged areas on the MRI scan) would be indicative of articular cartilage damage in that specific region (Taylor 2009).
Balanced Loading of the Setter05 July 2013 Balanced loading is key to preventing uneven temperatures inside the setter, which increases the risks of decreased hatchability and chick uniformity, writes Roger Banwell, Hatchery Development Manager at Petersime. Sometimes, it is inevitable to load eggs from different flocks into one incubator. To avoid that this leads to uneven temperatures inside the setter and, consequently, decreased hatchability and chick uniformity, balanced loading is key. In order to have optimum temperature, ventilation and humidity levels throughout the entire setter, hatchery staff should ideally be only loading the setters with fertile eggs from one single flock, that have been stored for the same period of time. These eggs will be about the same size, and will produce about the same amount of heat at about the same moment in time. In this case, the optimal incubation program can be used specifically for this batch of eggs. However, in practice, setting only eggs from a single flock is not always possible to achieve. If not enough eggs from the same source are available to fill a machine, it is by no means an option to leave trolleys out and start an incubation cycle in a machine that is not fully loaded. In such a case, it is inevitable to load eggs from different kinds of flock into one machine. However, if eggs from a highly fertile flock with little storage time are loaded on one side and eggs from a flock of low fertility with a lengthy period of storage on the other side, problems will occur. The first group of eggs will need less time to heat up and will produce heat faster, while the second group of eggs will heat up slower, start developing later and produce heat later. As a consequence, high temperature differences will occur. These differences will dangerously increase towards the end of the incubation cycle, as the eggs produce more heat and ventilation and cooling are increased. They will lead to a wide hatch window, possible heat damage and very poor chick uniformity. In this article, Mr Banwell explains how you can load your machine with different flocks and at the same time avoid any losses in hatchability or chick uniformity. This can be done with the technique of balanced loading. Advantages of Non-linear Weight Loss In Petersime incubators, we apply the non-linear weight loss system. This allows for the environment to be extremely stable during embryonic development (days 0 to 9 for chickens): there is very limited intervention from ventilation, humidification and cooling. Balanced loading is not a key factor at this stage. During the embryonic growth phase (days 9 to 18), heat production is such that a significant degree of cooling and ventilation is necessary, which will inevitably lead to some temperature differences. However, they will not be excessive; by applying non-linear weight loss, a natural build-up of humidity is enabled, so that no additional artificial humidity is necessary. This eliminates one major disruption in temperature uniformity as well as a possible contaminant to the bio-security of the setter. When setting a mix of eggs, these reduced temperature differences can be used to our advantage by ensuring a balanced load. Balanced loading means setting a mix of eggs while taking into account their level of heat production and the point in time at which this heat is produced along with the air distribution and the location of the cooling elements. There are three factors to consider: flock age, flock fertility and storage times. Based on these three factors, there are four general rules of thumb: - An egg mass from a "prime" flock with high fertility (between 30 and 44 weeks of age) will produce more heat than an egg mass from a low fertility flock - Large eggs (from older flocks) produce more heat than small ones and have a poorer surface/volume ratio with regard to heat dissipation - Eggs that have been stored for a longer period of time will produce heat later than eggs that have been stored only shortly, and - Eggs from a younger flock will produce heat earlier. Taking into account these rules of thumb, the following general loading scheme can be drawn: - Positions A: highest fertility, oldest (large egg) flock, shortest storage time - Positions B: lowest fertility, youngest (small egg) flock, longest storage time - Positions C: middle fertility, middle aged flock, middle storage time Some further guidelines for balanced loading are: - Generally, it is not advised to exceed more than 10 weeks of difference in flock age, seven days of difference in storage times and 10 per cent difference in fertility. - The setter trolley on which the three OvoScan™ sensors are installed should be loaded with the eggs with medium heat production. - Always load the machine symmetrically so that the air resistance is the same on both sides of the pulsator. - Never start an incubation cycle when the machine is not fully loaded. If you do, any measures taken regarding balanced loading will be ineffective. The above guidelines are a good way to get started when loading eggs from different flocks. But ultimately, experience will dictate the optimum flock mix, and only site-specific comparative trials will identify the overall absolute limitations.
Did you know that there are two different types of stretching? While one warms up your muscles pre-workout, the other benefits your body after you exercise. Let’s examine the difference between dynamic and static stretching. Dynamic Stretching (pre-workout) Dynamic stretching puts your muscles through the range of motion they will typically experience during a workout. This process of moving all your muscles and joints is a great way to prepare for exercise. It boosts circulation and loosens your body for the activity it’s about to experience. One example of a dynamic stretch is hip circles. For this stretch, you stand on one leg and rotate your other leg in a circle. This opens up your hip, loosens the hip joints and fires up the hip/core muscles. Static Stretching (post-workout) Static stretching requires very little movement. All you have to do is hold a stretch for 15 to 30 seconds, and repeat for several reps. Practice static stretching only after you exercise, when your muscles are already warmed up and loose. Recent studies have shown that static stretching before a workout can actually lead to decreased performance and a higher risk of injury. One example of static stretching is touching your toes to stretch your hamstring muscles. You can do this either standing up or sitting down. Hold this stretch for 30 seconds before adjusting your position. Why We Stretch Both types of stretches help reduce injury—during exercise and after you’ve left the gym. Additionally, flexibility and muscle strength are the keys to staying agile as you age. Not stretching can lead to tight muscles which can tear if you push yourself too hard. So remember to keep your limbs loose with both dynamic and static stretches!
In industry, there are many devices that many newcomers may not completely understand. If you are beginning a career in the oil and gas industry or another sector where the use of pressure transducers are commonplace, this article will outline the basics of what they are, how they work, and the industrial applications that they have. What is a pressure transducer? A pressure transducer is a mechanical sensor that translates the displacement of an external force into an electrical signal. This signal is often used to determine the amount of pressure in pounds per square inch that this external force is exerting on a specific surface or object. How does it work? Although different pressure transducers function in varying ways from model to model, they generally work by using piezoresistive technology to translate the pressure applied by external forces (like a truck driving onto a scale, or the earth pushing back on a drill bit on an oil rig) into a readable unit of measurement. As the force is applied, the diaphragm flexes, changing the amount of resistance that the Wheatstone Bridge can offer in response. This change over time provides the reading that an operator or a machine can understand, allowing them to act in the appropriate manner. Where are they used? There are many places where apg transducers are used in industry. Below, we will give three common applications of this pressure measuring tool… 1) Weight scales Ever drive past weight scales that tractor trailers are obligated to visit by law? Put in place to limit the amount of damage that overloaded trucks do to roadways over many years, these checkpoints have weight scales embedded in the pavement that measure the mass of transport trucks. Pressure transducers are part of these systems, translating the force that these vehicles produce into a weight that helps enforcement agents get overloaded units off our highways. 2) Oil rigs The oil and gas industry is a lucrative but dangerous business. Many of the risks that operators face on the job every day have to do with the pressures exerted by their equipment, the earth they are drilling into, and the oil and gas deposits that lie beneath the surface. Pressure transducers monitor the amount of force that drill bits are facing, the amount of pressure being applied by drilling fluid that is being injected into a well, and the volume of extracted oil/gas that is passing out of a well. These sensors ensure safety, as they give operators the information they need to prevent a catastrophic blowout. 3) Holding tanks From municipal water towers to tank farms holding a variety of different chemicals, pressure transducers are used to monitor the level of liquid held within a vessel. As the level drops, the pressure on the transducer decreases, leading to a reading that will eventually lead to a corrective action by whoever is overseeing it.
- "Therein lies the future of the galaxy." - ―Jorus C'baoth Outbound Flight was an expeditionary project, led mainly by Jedi Master Jorus C'baoth, that sent a mission of six Jedi Masters, twelve Jedi Knights, and 50,000 men, women, and children beyond the borders of the Galactic Republic into the Unknown Regions where they hoped to pierce the edge of the galaxy and seek out extragalactic life. Despite bureaucratic complications during funding and construction, Outbound Flight was eventually launched in 27 BBY as a central fuselage surrounded by six Dreadnaught-class heavy cruisers. It set out from Yaga Minor, and after visiting several worlds on the Outer Rim, Outbound Flight headed off into the Unknown Regions. Problems arose when the Jedi leader and project creator Jorus C'baoth took command of the vessel and imposed severe restrictions on its civilian and military population. In the Unknown Regions, the ship was almost destroyed by the forces of Commander Mitth'raw'nuruodo, at the request of Darth Sidious, though it was the Sith Lord's minion Kinman Doriana who dealt the final blow. It crashed on a world in The Redoubt, where it stayed for 49 years until it was rediscovered by the Chiss in 22 ABY. Along with Luke and Mara Jade Skywalker, they led a mission to recover it and encountered the survivors of the crash and their descendants, who had formed their own society amidst the wreckage. - 1 Birth of the project - 2 Vessel details - 3 Launch - 4 The end of Outbound Flight - 5 The Outbound Flight Colony - 6 Rediscovery - 7 Passengers and crew - 8 Behind the scenes - 9 Appearances - 10 Sources - 11 Notes and references Birth of the project[edit \| edit source] Outbound Flight was the brainchild of famed Jedi Master Jorus C'baoth. Conceived in 29 BBY, it was planned as a massive expedition into the Unknown Regions and eventually beyond the Galactic Rim to another galaxy. Families would be brought along in hopes of colonizing worlds in the Unknown Regions and beyond, extending the Galactic Republic's reach. Officially, Outbound Flight was a proposal by the Jedi Council, but the forceful C'baoth assumed control over the project, becoming its main champion. It was C'baoth who convinced the Senate to support and fund the mission. Though hyperspace travel to other galaxies was long thought impossible due to a hyperspace disturbance beyond the edge of the galaxy, C'baoth believed that the Jedi could use the Force to smooth it and allow the vessel to pass. He demonstrated this technique in a turbulent area of space at the edge of the Unknown Regions, and then recommended that eighteen Jedi, including himself, be included in the mission. Recruiting for crew and passengers began in 29 BBY. Colonists were selected by their technical proficiency, though secretly, families with Force-sensitive children were given a higher priority. They were sent to train on Yaga Minor, the launching point for the mission. Six new Dreadnaught-class heavy cruisers were purchased from Rendili StarDrive to compose the vessel itself, also named Outbound Flight. As time passed and the political situation of the galaxy changed, the enthusiasm of the project's participants faded, and the Senate and Jedi began to back away from Outbound Flight. Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, not wanting to devote too much funding to such areas in a time when dissatisfaction with the government and rumors of secession were flourishing, kept the mission low-profile. The Senate Appropriations Committee made a series of budget cuts and voted to remove the families and colonists from the mission, leaving only the ship's crew. The Jedi Council, too, had second thoughts, and Masters Yoda and Mace Windu refused to send more than two Jedi on the voyage. As one of the Jedi's chief objectives was to find Vergere, many in the Order believed that only a small expedition was needed, and not the massive undertaking of C'baoth. Despite these setbacks, C'baoth was not deterred from realizing his dream. In a meeting with Palpatine in 27 BBY, he made a deal with the Chancellor; if he could negotiate a resolution to a conflict between the Corporate Alliance and the Brolfi of Barlok, Palpatine would pressure the Appropriations Committee to restore all funding and bring the colonists back onboard. When C'baoth foiled an assassination attempt on the Alliance and Brolfi representatives, engineered by the Dark Lord of the Sith Darth Sidious through his agent Kinman Doriana, he was able to bring the negotiations to a rapid close, and the political clout he gained in the Senate gave him the power to push Outbound Flight through committee with all his original proposals intact. Even the Jedi succumbed to the political pressure, and allowed him to take as many Jedi as he needed. Final assembly on the Outbound Flight began, and as promised, Palpatine approved Measure 4213.0410 on 8:2:11 GrS, sponsoring Outbound Flight and allowing it to finally launch. The purpose of Outbound Flight[edit \| edit source] - "I heard rumors. Some sort of grand effort to extend the Old Republic's authority outside the galaxy, as I recall, launched just before the Clone Wars broke out. I never heard anything more about it." - ―Gilad Pellaeon With so many participants involved in the project, Outbound Flight had many intended goals, some public, others secret, and many at cross purposes with each other. C'baoth's original proposal, as submitted to the Senate, was to discover new life forms and new Force-sensitives in the areas outside the Republic. One of his private reasons, and one of the main reasons behind the Jedi Order's support, was to search for Vergere, who had been captured by the Far Outsiders—also known as the Yuuzhan Vong—from Zonama Sekot in the Unknown Regions two years prior. As the turmoil in the Republic worsened, C'baoth also began to speak of establishing colonies of Jedi in the Unknown Regions beyond the reach of the Republic, an idea that worried some Jedi, including Mace Windu and Yoda. The Senate had its own reasons for supporting the project. In the original plan, colonies were to be established in the new territories that Outbound Flight scouted, and in this way the Republic would gain a foothold in the Unknown Regions and grow further. The prospect of identifying possible threats from outside the galaxy before they reached it and became a danger also appealed to the security-conscious Senators. Palpatine had a personal agenda as well. In his alter-ego as Darth Sidious, he was working to destroy the Jedi Order and saw the advantage of being able to eliminate a large number of Jedi in a single attack far away from the public eye. He was also aware of the threat of the Yuuzhan Vong and did not wish for them to be discovered before the galaxy was strong enough to fight them; for Palpatine, Outbound Flight was always intended to fail, and become a deathtrap for the Jedi onboard. Vessel details[edit \| edit source] - "You're joking... You run swoops through these corridors?" - ―Obi-Wan Kenobi Outbound Flight was composed of a central storage core surrounded by six Dreadnaught-class heavy cruisers designated D-One through D-Six. The main control area for Outbound Flight was located in D-One. Each dreadnaught was linked to its neighbors and the core by pylon turbolifts, allowing passengers to move from dreadnaught to dreadnaught or dreadnaught to core. To Obi-Wan Kenobi's surprise, Outbound Flight also used swoops and speederbikes to travel throughout a single dreadnaught. The speederbikes and swoops were monitored by a control system on the command bridge of Dreadnaught-One, similar to a podracer control and monitoring system that Anakin Skywalker had used during his years on Tatooine. For the most part, droids handled the repair and maintenance on Outbound Flight. For example, there were droids for making large repairs such as welding large plates to patch up walls, and there were droids for doing simple tasks like cleaning up debris. For weapons systems on Outbound Flight: - See also: Dreadnaught-class heavy cruiser Launch[edit \| edit source] - "Ultimately, their destination was indeed another galaxy. But before that particular expedition began, it was decided to send them and their ship on a, shall we say, shakedown cruise: a great circle through part of the vast Unknown Regions of our own galaxy. A route, as it turned out, that was to bring it across the edge of territory controlled by the Chiss." - ―Admiral Voss Parck to Mara Jade. Outbound Flight set out from Yaga Minor in the Outer Rim, under the command of Captain Pakmillu. For three weeks, it stayed in Republic space, traveling in turn to Lonnaw, Argai via the Glythe sector, the Kokash and Mondress sectors, and making a final stop at Roxuli. 234 light-years from the edge of Wild Space, the Outbound Flight intended to stop to calibrate its navigational instruments, and then journey into the Unknown Regions. After traveling in a large circle through them, it would eventually head beyond to another galaxy. Aboard were 45,000 colonists, 5,000 crew, and twenty Jedi—six Masters, thirteen Knights, and one Padawan. Amongst them were Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker, two last-minute additions to the roster put on by Mace Windu to keep an eye on C'baoth. At the edge of the galaxy, they would depart in a two-person Delta-12 Skysprite and return to known space. As the voyage went underway, Obi-Wan began to consider staying aboard for the entire length of the mission; however, he left sooner than expected. Palpatine learned of their participation in the project, and, wanting Anakin Skywalker alive, he arranged to meet Outbound Flight at Roxuli. There, he pulled Kenobi and his Padawan from the flight, officially to mediate a mining conflict. Because C'baoth would not alter his schedule, the Outbound Flight departed without the two Jedi. It was planned for Outbound Flight to return at the end of its mission. Though the timeframe for this was unknown, it was provisioned with supplies for ten years of travel, though it could restock on any nearby habitable planets. Some colonists would be left in settlements as well, with one of the Dreadnaughts detaching from the rest of the vessel to give them protection and, if necessary, transport. C'baoth takes command[edit \| edit source] During the expedition, Jorus C'baoth took over the ship from Captain Pakmillu and was extremely strict and unfair to the non-Force-sensitive people. He stole children in the night to train, would not permit decoration, and punished people severely for accidents. The crew began to despise him and contemplate rebellion and escape. C'baoth's former Padawan Lorana Jinzler, who disagreed with her master's efforts, tried to appease the disgruntled passengers. Obi-Wan Kenobi advocated leniency and the ability for parents to choose whether or not to join the aboard training facility, but C'Baoth would not listen and was much pleased when Kenobi departed at Roxuli. The end of Outbound Flight[edit \| edit source] Darth Sidious's original sortie[edit \| edit source] Palpatine, in his alter-ego as Darth Sidious, had sent Kinman Doriana to lead a Trade Federation task force of fifteen ships under the command of Vicelord Siv Kav into the Unknown Regions to wait in ambush for Outbound Flight. However, Doriana's fleet first met Chiss Expansionary Defense Forces under the command of Mitth'raw'nuruodo (known better as Thrawn). Using superior tactics, the Chiss quickly subdued the task force in the battle, destroying all ships but the flagship Darkvenge. Thrawn contacted the Darkvenge, and Doriana explained the purpose of their mission, stating that the Jedi were a threat to Chiss space. Thrawn did not believe him, and Doriana was brought on board Thrawn's ship. There, he told Thrawn of the real threat, an extragalactic species he called the Far Outsiders; their true name, the Yuuzhan Vong. According to Doriana, if Outbound Flight were to succeed in its mission, the Far Outsiders would be alerted to the Republic before adequate defensive preparations could be made. The Jedi, he said, were too arrogant to recognize or respond to the threat, so they therefore had to be eliminated. Thrawn knew of the Far Outsiders, as the Chiss had fought one of their reconnaissance parties before. Doriana made Thrawn contact his master, Darth Sidious, who reiterated the threat the Far Outsiders and Outbound Flight posed. Thrawn decided to disable the vessel and force it to return to the Republic, or leave the galaxy via another route; he would destroy it if necessary. Destruction[edit \| edit source] - "It was intercepted by a task force outside Old Republic space and destroyed." "How do you know?" "Because I was the force's commander. Even at that early date the Emperor recognized that the Jedi had to be exterminated. Six Jedi Masters aboard the same ship was too good an opportunity to pass up." - ―Grand Admiral Thrawn informing Gilad Pellaeon of the fate of Outbound Flight. Thrawn began placing Doriana's droid starfighters on an asteroid in preparation to stop the Outbound Flight. Meanwhile, Thrawn's "prisoner" Jorj Car'das left the Chiss fleet and contacted the Vagaari, a nomadic and deadly enemy of the Chiss, in an attempt to get them to attack the Chiss forces, so as to free his friends. This was actually a ploy by the mastermind Thrawn, who saw this event as an opportunity to destroy the Vagaari as well as Outbound Flight. Using a Vagaari ship net stolen from an earlier engagement, he had it setup at a position that would be both along the path of Outbound Flight, and in between the Vagaari's last known position and the Chiss Crustai base. Outbound Flight was forced to exit hyperspace first by the Vagaari ship net's interdiction field. Thrawn contacted C'baoth and boarded the Outbound Flight to meet. Negotiations failed, as the Jedi Master refused to return home or take another route out of the galaxy, while the Chiss Commander maintained that he could not risk letting the Jedi come into contact with the Far Outsiders. Shortly afterwards, the Vagaari were ripped out of hyperspace on their way to attack the Chiss base. When the Vagaari threatened to attack Outbound Flight, C'baoth and the rest of the Jedi used their battle meld to confuse the Vagaari warriors. Thrawn took this moment to activate the Vulture droids to engage the confused Vagaari, as well as activate battle droids and droidekas that he had positioned on the Vagaari ship prior to the attack (with Car'Das delivering them, pretending to betray the Chiss). With the Vagaari gunners dazed by the Jedi, the droid fighters were able to get close enough to disable most of the Vagaari ships without killing the prisoners they were using as living shields, and the Vagaari themselves were slain by the battle droids and the droidekas. Thrawn counted on the fact that while invading the Vagaari's minds, the Jedi would feel their pain. The Jedi were distracted and overwhelmed by the disturbance in the Force caused by the death of the Vagaari whose minds they were confusing. During the disturbance, C'baoth and his fellow Jedi failed to detect the Chiss forces that were sneaking in, and Thrawn managed to systematically destroy the weapon clusters of the Outbound Flight, killing almost every Jedi aboard, save for Jorus C'baoth and Lorana Jinzler. In a fit of rage, C'baoth fell to the dark side and Force-choked Thrawn, nearly killing him. A panicking Kinman Doriana diverted the Vulture droids from the Vagaari and sent them smashing into the ship, opening it to space. The special radiation bombs on some of the droid ships (which Thrawn had intended for use against the Vagaari), then detonated themselves inside each Dreadnaught of Outbound Flight; as a result, some of the Vagaari were able to escape. Survivors[edit \| edit source] - "I've known you and your people only briefly, Jedi Lorana Jinzler. But in that time, I've learned to admire and respect you. I hope that someday humans and Chiss will be able to work side by side in peace." Only Lorana and fifty-seven colonists, whom Jorus C'baoth imprisoned in the core, managed to escape. Lorana, along with Thrawn's brother, Thrass, sent the ship into lightspeed and crashed it into a planet later known as part of the star cluster The Redoubt. Outbound Flight entered the gravitational field of the nearby planet, and with the craft's thrusters burnt out, Thrass and Lorana had to crash-land the craft. A stone-filled trench was chosen to absorb the impact of landing. A few moments before impact, Lorana and Thrass realized the fifty-seven survivors had moved from the central storage core to D-4, the Dreadnaught on the opposite side of D-1, their location. Lorana and Thrass knew they would have to land on D-1 to save D-4, and gave their lives so that the remaining colonists would have a chance for survival. The Outbound Flight Colony[edit \| edit source] Fifty-seven of the forty-five thousand colonists survived the destruction of Outbound Flight. The injuries they had sustained in the attack and the poor living conditions in the wreck took their toll on the survivors. By the time the crash site was rediscovered in 22 ABY, only ten members of the original survivors remained. It was due to C'baoth's arrogance and draconian behavior that the survivors of Outbound Flight had such a resentment and hatred for the Jedi. In an attempt to organize themselves, a Managing Council was formed to make policy decisions for the survivors. The people who were thought to be Force-sensitive were moved and quarantined to a separate dreadnought. Traps were also made to foil any attempts of entering the colony, such as hidden turbolifts. Rediscovery[edit \| edit source] For forty-nine years, nothing was known of the fate of Outbound Flight. Obi-Wan Kenobi is known to have researched hyperlanes into the Unknown Regions in preparation for leading a search for the lost ship, though this attempt was obviously unsuccessful. Following Grand Admiral Thrawn's assassination during the Battle of Bilbringi, his private notes were retrieved by the New Republic, revealing Thrawn's role in Outbound Flight's destruction. In 10 ABY, New Republic historian Arhul Hextrophon mentioned the Galactic Republic's extragalactic exploration during a guest lecture at the Brionelle Memorial Military Academy on Chandrila. He told that the Old Republic had several times tried to contact other galaxies, but all the previous attempts were deemed failures, and Outbound Flight Project was the most recent extragalactic expedition. According to Hextrophon, Thrawn's notes proved that his goal was to eliminate the six Jedi Masters. He also explained that Outbound Flight was ordered to be destroyed by Palpatine. In 22 ABY, a CEDF patrol discovered the remains of the vessel. After doing a fly-by at long range to verify what they had found, they reported back to the Nine Ruling Families, who decided to declare that region off-limits. Aristocra Chaf'orm'bintrano, also known as Formbi, contacted the Hand of Thrawn base on Nirauan with instructions. They forwarded a message to Luke and Mara Jade Skywalker stating that the Chiss wished to make amends for Outbound Flight's destruction, and as it had been a Jedi project, wanted to invite the head of the New Jedi Order. Formbi had another, secret goal in mind. Wanting to push the Chiss into a confrontation with the Vagaari, but knowing that they would not attack first, he used Outbound Flight as a lure to draw them into taking aggressive action against the Chiss. The colonists, not wanting anything to do with the New Republic due to its association with the Jedi, chose to join the Empire of the Hand, though many were reluctant to leave the wreck of Outbound Flight. Though it would take a long time to excavate and extract any information on the ship's computers, Luke hoped to eventually find records of the old Jedi Order that he could use to build his new one. Passengers and crew[edit \| edit source] Jedi[edit \| edit source] There were six Jedi Masters, twelve Jedi Knights (including newly knighted Lorana Jinzler), and one Padawan aboard Outbound Flight. Amongst them were: - Master Jorus C'baoth - Master Evrios - Lorana Jinzler - Obi-Wan Kenobi (disembarked at Roxuli) - Master Justyn Ma'Ning - Anakin Skywalker (disembarked at Roxuli) - Two Duros Non-Jedi[edit \| edit source] - Jobe Keely - Captain Pakmillu - Dillian Pressor - Jorad Pressor - Katarin Pressor - Brace Tarkosa - Chas Uliar Behind the scenes[edit \| edit source] - The Essential Chronology and The New Essential Guide to Characters indicate the project departed before 29 BBY, but this is superseded by the date given in the subsequent novels. Appearances[edit \| edit source] - Outbound Flight - Republic HoloNet News Special Inaugural Edition 16:5:241 (Mentioned only) - X-Wing: The Bacta War (Mentioned only) - Tatooine Ghost (Mentioned only) - Heir to the Empire (First mentioned) - Dark Force Rising (Mentioned only) - The Last Command (Mentioned only) - Vision of the Future (Mentioned only) - Survivor's Quest (First appearance) - The New Jedi Order: Agents of Chaos I: Hero's Trial (Mentioned only) - Dark Nest I: The Joiner King (Mentioned only) - Crosscurrent (Mentioned only) - Riptide (Mentioned only) - The Jedi Path (Mentioned only)
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