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This application is based on, and I claim priority rights under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from, U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/021,359, filed Jul. 8, 1996.
a first switch mechanism having neutral centered position, and being responsive to forward pressure to cause said first switch mechanism to generate a command to cause said computer system to advance through a series of image files displayed in said image display unit, said first switch being responsive to rearward pressure to cause said first switch mechanism to generate a command to cause said computer system to back up through a series of image files displayed in said image display unit, and
second and third switch mechanisms to generate additional commands to cause said computer system to perform additional functions to permit further study of a displayed image in said display unit;
a microphone for receiving audio dictation and converting audio signals to electrical signals;
a finger operated dictation control having a dictation switch mechanism located in said controller, said dictation switch mechanism being operable to generate commands for recording and playback of audio dictation received in said microphone, converted to said electrical signals, and digitally stored in said computer system; and
communication means for communicating commands generated by said image display controls and said dictation controls, and said electrical signals from said microphone, to said computer system.
finger operated image display controls for controlling serial display of different radiographic medical image files of a patient displayed in said image display unit, said image display controls including
a centered switch mechanism that has neutral centered position, and which is responsive to forward pressure to cause said centered switch mechanism to generate a command to cause said computer system to advance in serial order through a series of image files displayed in said image display unit, and which is responsive to rearward pressure to cause said centered switch mechanism to generate a command to cause said computer system to back up in serial order through a series of image files displayed in said image display unit, said centered switch mechanism being responsive to the amount of pressure applied thereto whereby lesser pressures applied thereto generate commands for advancing or backing up through image files at a slower rate, and greater pressures applied thereto generate commands for advancing or backing up through image files at a faster rate, and
left and right switch mechanisms located on left and right sides of said centered switch mechanism to generate additional commands to cause said computer system to perform additional functions to permit further study of a displayed image in said display unit;
a microphone for receiving audio dictation and converting audio signals to electrical signals;
a finger operated dictation control having a first switch mechanism located in said controller, said switch mechanism being operable to generate commands for recording and playback of audio dictation received in said microphone, converted to said electrical signals, and digitally stored in said computer system; and
wireless communication means for communicating commands generated by said image display controls and said dictation controls, and said electrical signals from said microphone, to said computer system.
The present invention relates generally to the field of computerized image acquisition, management and display, with particular use in the field of medical applications thereof.
Radiographic images, such as X-ray films, and Magnetic resonance imaging ("MRI") and computerized tomograph (CT) transparencies have traditionally been reviewed by a diagnosing physician such as a radiologist on a film viewer, on which a series of images in a patient study are displayed in groups of two or more. Different image series, generated by processing the data captured during a patient scan in different ways, are typically provided. The different image series may display the same portions of the patient's anatomy but processing reduces the amount of information in the image to allow for films having sufficient pixel depth to provide the detail needed for diagnosis in the tissue of interest. The film viewer may be a static light box or a motorized film viewer. A motorized film viewer consists of vertically positioned light boxes and an endless belt on which the films are mounted and which passes the films in front of the light boxes. Motorized film viewers are controlled by the radiologist using foot pedals which activate the motorized viewer to cause the films to be moved to the left or to the right (or in some cases, up and down) to permit viewing of the desired portions of the film series. The images are usually presented in a standard sequence, usually in the order of image capture. The radiologist will typically dictate a medical study into a tape recorder while viewing the films, for later transcription. The films and transcribed dictation are stored in a patient's file.
Filmless image systems have also been proposed and used. Filmless systems have been used in connection with handling both MRI images, and computer tomography images generated by processing X-ray image data to generate a series of "slices" through the human body. Such systems historically have presented all the image data captured by the MRI or tomography equipment, as opposed to in film images (where the medical technician will expose films only for selected series of images of clinical interest) This mass of information has proven unwieldy to review and consider, as instead of filtering the image data through the selection of a skilled technician, all the image data is presented to the diagnosing physician. Another disadvantage of this approach is that it does not provide an "image of record," that is, the basic image(s) relied on by the physician in making the diagnosis. Given the limitations of the image processing equipment, it took a significant amount of time to review the numerous image series. Such systems are far less efficient than the conventional light boxes, which allowed the radiologist to rapidly review numerous series of images to find the few images showing the pathological condition of interest. Other filmless systems have been proposed in which a series of images are presented to the diagnosing physician simultaneously. One such system is described in Hilton, U.S. Pat. No. 5,452,416.
However, all of these systems have proven awkward in actual use, as they require use of mouse, keyboard, trackball or other device to navigate through the image series. These control devices severely impair the diagnosing physician's ability to concentrate on the images presented and to relate the images to his knowledge built up through years of practicing medicine. The constant need to correctly position and actuate a mouse and trackball to navigate through images has made the use of such systems far less efficient than conventional film systems. In conventional film systems, the image navigation is effortless, requiring no more than movement of the eyes over a wall filled with film images, allowing the diagnosing physician to concentrate on the real work of interpreting the medical images to reach a diagnosis. Such control devices thus limit the fluid navigation by the diagnosing physician through the image series, and tie the physician to a single position. These control devices are also awkward for a diagnosing physician who may need to refer to materials such as textbooks or prior film-based medical studies for comparison. These devices also may impede the physician's ability to easily dictate the medical study, as most dictation equipment requires a handheld recorder or microphone, thus requiring the physician to either put down and pick up the microphone each time he needs to activate the mouse or trackball to see further images. Alternatively, the physician might learn to work two handedly, but this creates additional complications, for example, if the physician also desired to turn pages in or otherwise refer to a text or other reference material.
It is an object of the invention to provide a apparatus and method for annotation and navigation of electronic images and documents that increases the diagnosing physician's efficiency in using the system.
It is an object of the invention to provide such an apparatus that can be operated single handedly. It is an object of the invention to provide such a system which permits the diagnosing physician to move around in a work area to retrieve reference works, view past studies, or do other things while at the same time continuing with the medical study of the images.
These objects, and other objects as disclosed in this application, are achieved by an apparatus for audio dictation and navigation of electronic images for use with a personal computer system. The computer system is provided with at least one image display unit, random access memory, means for digital data storage, and an analog to digital conversion system. The apparatus comprises a handheld wireless controller having a combination of controls serving as an image control actuator and a dictation actuator. The image control actuator is operable to transmit wireless control signals to a wireless control signals receiving unit operably connected to the computer system to cause the computer system to display each one of a series of electronic images, in sequential order, and to select display of each next image or next preceding image, and to cause display of related image series in sequential order, and to select display of each next image series or next preceding image series. The dictation actuator is operable to activate wireless transmission of voice signals, generated by a microphone, to a wireless voice signals receiving unit operably connected to the computer system to cause the computer system to convert the voice signals to digital signals and to record the digitized voice signals as digital audio files in the means for digital data storage, and to permit selective playback of such files. Further details of the invention are described below.
The foregoing aspects and other features of the invention are explained in the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a top rear perspective view of a handheld apparatus for audio dictation and navigation of electronic images and documents in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a top rear perspective view of a handheld apparatus for audio dictation and navigation of electronic images and documents in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 3 is a bottom front perspective view of the handheld apparatus for audio dictation and navigation of electronic images and documents of FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a front schematic illustration of computers of an interpretation unit for use with the handheld apparatus of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3.
FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of an embodiment of an interpretation unit.
FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the monitors of an interpretation unit positioned for use by a single person.
FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the monitors of an interpretation unit positioned for use by multiple persons.
Referring to FIGS. 1-7, where like numbered elements in the drawings represent the same elements, a handheld controller 20 for audio dictation and navigation of electronic images and documents is shown in FIG. 1, and another embodiment of such a controller is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 as 120.
Controllers 20, 120 comprise two significant control subsystems. An image control subsystem permits navigation among the images to be displayed by a viewing unit. A dictation subsystem operates to receive voice dictation. Preferably, a wireless transmitter subsystem transmits commands from the image control subsystem and the dictation control subsystem to a personal computer based interpretation unit 22.
Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the interpretation unit 22 is preferably provided with at least one conventional personal computer or workstation system 80. Most preferably, interpretation unit 22 comprises three conventional personal computer systems 80 which are linked together by a network system. Each personal computer system 80 is preferably a conventional personal computer such as an Intel processor based system running a Windows 95 or Windows NT operating system. Each personal computer system 80 includes an image display unit 82 such as a 20 inch by 20 inch 0.28 dpi non interlaced monitor, random access memory (preferably a minimum of 32 megabytes, and more preferably 128 megabytes), means for digital data storage such as a hard disk drive, and an analog to digital conversion system for converting analog audio signals to digital format. The use of three linked personal computers provides a simple and effective way of driving three separate monitors, which can be independently controlled by the handheld controllers 20, 120 or which can be controlled by the handheld controllers 20, 120 via a selected "master" personal computer 84, with the flanking left personal computers 86 and right personal computer 88 acting as "slave" computers under the control of the "master" computer 84.
In the present invention, various fields of view are contemplated, including a main viewer 90, a left clipboard viewer 92, and a right clipboard viewer 94. As described below, the main viewer 90 will display an image which is then being studied, and the left and right clipboard viewers 92 and 94 serve auxiliary display functions.
In an embodiment of the interpretation unit 22 in which three personal computers are networked together, the monitor of the master computer 84 acts as the main viewer 90, the monitor of the left slave computer 86 will act as a left clipboard viewer 92 and the monitor of the right slave computer 88 will act as the right clipboard viewer 94. However, the viewers 90, 92 and 94 may also be implemented as separate windows displayed on a single monitor if interpretation unit 22 comprises a single personal computer or workstation. In addition, since patient medical images at this time generally consist of black and white images, it would also be possible to implement the three viewers as separate monitors driven by a single personal computer or workstation by appropriate software to drive each monitor in one of the R,G,B (red, green, blue) channels of the RGB color model.
In a preferred embodiment, the three monitors of interpretation unit 22 are mounted on a pivoting mountings, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The pivoting mountings position the main viewer monitor 90 in a central position, with the left and right clipboard viewer monitors 92 and 94 angled inwardly to provide a convenient viewing of all three monitors simultaneously, as shown in FIG. 6. The pivoting mountings are also designed so that the left and right clipboard viewer monitors may be pivoted outwardly, to allow for use of the left and right clipboard viewer monitors 92 and 94 as separate main viewers by other medical personnel, as shown in FIG. 7.
Interpretation unit 22 will have installed in it a "Viewer" application software running on Windows 95 or Windows NT that responds to the diagnosing physician's use of the controllers 20, 120 to implement the commands transmitted from controllers 20, 120. Where interpretation unit 22 consists of three separate computers, each computer will have the "Viewer" software loaded on it, allowing each computer and its associated monitor to be simultaneously used by different persons if desired. The use of separate computers with "Viewer" software provides backup systems in the event of the failure of the "master" computer 84.
In the expected environment of use, the interpretation unit 22 will have received a digital "folder" for the patient to be diagnosed. The "folder" will contain patient identifying information, a patient medical history and/or chart; and a series of digital images to be reviewed by the diagnosing physician. Unlike current filmless systems, the patient images stored in the folder will be images selected by a skilled technician in the same way as is now done in conventional radiology film systems. The images in the patient file will be captured at the MRI or other imaging unit by placing a suitable digitizing tablet in the location where films are exposed by the technician. The exact same procedures as in selecting images for film exposure will apply to the filmless images to be captured for use in the present invention. The digital images are preferably provided in a bitmap format, although other formats may be used.
The patient "folder" will typically be named with the name of the patient, e.g. "John Smith." The interpretation unit 22 may receive such patient information via a hospital network, or a modem transmission, or directly from an image capture device such as a MRI unit.
Controller 20 uses a pistol grip with a control end 26 located in an upper end, similar in appearance to a computer joystick used for playing computer games. Controller 120 is a more elongate handheld device with a control end 26 at one end. In the specification following the term "controller 20" shall be used to refer to both controllers 20 and 120, as the functions thereof are identical, the sole difference being in their shape.
Controller 20 is preferably shaped to be comfortably held in one hand. At control end 26 of case 24 are provided the controls for operating the image control subsystem and the dictation control subsystem.
In the preferred embodiment, the controller 20 has only four switch elements or assemblies to operate as the dictation control and the image display control: a trigger switch 42 located at the underside 28 of controller 20; a pressure switch 44 located on the upper surface 29 of controller 20; and a left toss button 46 located on the upper surface 29 of controller 20 to the left of pressure switch 44; and a right toss button 48 located on the upper surface 29 of controller 20 to the right of pressure switch 44. With reference to FIG. 1, the trigger switch 42 is located where it may be actuated by the forefinger of the user, while the pressure switch 44 and the left and right toss buttons are located on the upper surface of controller 20 where they may be actuated by the user's thumb. These four switch elements or assemblies provide all necessary inputs to achieve the navigation of images and dictation control. If desired, of course, additional buttons and controls may be added, but it is expected that a minimum of controls will provide the most reliable and user friendly control. The present invention desirably has no more than six switch elements or assemblies for operation of all necessary functions. The reduction of controls is achieved in the present invention by allowing for different types of inputs to each switch assembly, such as double clicking or pressure sensitive switches, that allow for different outputs for each input. This is also achieved in the present invention by providing for the different switch assemblies to operate different functions depending on the current mode of operation of the image display and the audio dictation, or combination thereof, at the time of the input to the control.
It is to be appreciated that other switch elements may be substituted for the preferred switch embodiments described above in connection with the controller 20. For example, in an alternative embodiment, the functions of pressure switch 44 and left and tight toss buttons 46 and 48 described below may be implemented in a joystick type control that is movable from front to back and left to right, or by a four way rocker switch, or a thumbwheel, or a tiny trackball, or a sensitive touchpad, or set of directional arrow keys located in the controller 20. Such variations are all within the scope of the invention.
In addition to the control switches 42, 44, 46, and 48, controller 20 is provided with a microphone 50 to receive voice dictation and convert the dictation to appropriate electrical impulses. In another embodiment, controller 20 may have a jack 52 for receiving a clip-on microphone instead of, or in addition to, the microphone in the controller 20. Microphone 50 is preferably located on the upper surface 29 of controller 20 at its control end 26.
Controller 20 may be attached to interpretation unit by suitable electrical cabling, however, in the preferred embodiment, controller 20 is a wireless unit that remotely communicates with interpretation unit 22. Such wireless systems are known in the art and may include radio frequency, infrared, or other wireless communications systems. Preferably, controller 20 is provided with a infrared transmitter 52 at its control end 26 for communication with the interpretation unit 22. In such case, the various keyboard interrupts and/or mouse interrupts generated by the controller 20 are communicated via modulated infrared beams transmitted from the infrared transmitter 52 to infrared receivers 54 associated with the computers or workstations of interpretation unit 22 to cause the desired actions. In addition, voice dictation received in microphone 50 and converted to electrical signals are also communicated from the infrared transmitter 52. If desired, a single transmitter 52 may serve to communicate both the control signals and the dictation signals to the infrared receiver, or separate infrared transmitted may be used. In a wireless embodiment, controller 20 is provided with a power source such as suitable batteries to power the functions of the controller 20.
The control switches 42, 44, 46 and 48 generate keyboard interrupt and mouse control signals that control the interpretation unit 22. Such keyboard interrupt and mouse control signals are conventional signals in operation of personal computer operating systems which are generated, respectively, upon the entry of particular keystrokes or clicking the mouse buttons. In a conventional system, for example a Microsoft Windows operating system, event routines are actuated upon pressing a keyboard key as follows: the keyboard chip transmits a message, that a key or combination of keys are pressed, to a buffer, which notes the key and transmits a message identifying an "onkeydown" routine and the key or key combination pressed to the operating system. The operating systems receives this message and posts a message to all open programs when a keyboard interrupt is received; and the program which is the active program (known as the program which has the "focus") responds to the keyboard input. Upon release of the key on the keyboard, the key chip transmits another key indication; the buffer notes the key and transmits a message identifying an "onkeyup" and the key or key combination pressed to the operating system, which then again transmits this message to all open programs, and the active program responds thereto. In the present invention, the controller switches actuate such keyboard interrupts to instruct a "Viewer" application software running on one or more of the master and slave computers 84, 86, and 88.
It is to be appreciated that with the present invention, the controller 20 is intended to be the only necessary control, and thus the conventional keyboard and mouse controls may be omitted from the personal computers that constitute the interpretation unit 22. However, of course, if desired, such interface devices may be included in the interpretation unit 22, as for example, if the present invention is implemented in a single computer at a medical office where the computer may be used for other functions besides review of medical images for diagnosis. However, it is expected that when the "Viewer" software for operation of the personal computers in their function as an interpretation unit 22 is running, that the controller 20 will be the only interface device necessary for a diagnosing physician's control of the interpretation unit 22 to review patient images and to dictate a medical study.
In one preferred embodiment, the following switches and combinations of switches actuate the following functions. However, of course, the various functions described below may be assigned to other switches or combinations of switches than described in connection with the preferred embodiment, such different assignments being all within the scope of the invention. As described below, image display control and the dictation control have multiple functions, and at least some of the functions of the image display control and the dictation control are both accomplished through commands generated by actuation of one or more of the switches. The particular control function provided by a switch or combination of switches is dependent on the mode of dictation or mode of image display or combination of modes of dictation and image display at the time of operation of such one or more switches.
The trigger switch 42 actuates the primary functions of the voice dictation system. If the trigger switch 42 is clicked and held down, the microphone 50 is connected to a power source, and a keyboard interrupt is sent to the interpretation unit 22, where the "Viewer" software summons the "audio record" function, and voice dictation by the physician into the microphone is communicated to the interpretation station 22 and is recorded as a digital file.
Recording continues until the trigger switch 42 is released, which is transmitted as a keyboard interrupt that causes the "Viewer" software to summon a "stop audio record" function. A hold down of the trigger switch 42 will initiate the record function whether in stop or playback mode.
The audio record function, as well as rewind, playback and other audio functions described herein are conventional features in the Windows 95 operating system and are not described in detail herein. It is noted that a sound card will be required to cause the analog to digital conversion needed to store the voice dictation as a digital file. Voice dictation received by the interpretation unit 22 is stored as a Windows ".wav" file for playback using the conventional Windows based audio software. The file may be stored locally on the interpretation unit 22 or in a network file server as selected.
The "Viewer" software will automatically save the voice dictation file each time the trigger switch 42 is released. The "Viewer" software will automatically save voice dictation file under a file name such as "Study Dictation.wav." The file will preferably be automatically saved in the patient "folder."
When the audio system is in neither the record nor playback, if the trigger switch 42 is clicked and released, the playback function is activated. In the audio file currently open by the "Viewer" software, the recorded audio file will back up two seconds from the end of the file and then will playback that portion of the file to the end. When the recorded audio file is being played back, actuation of the trigger switch 42 by a click and release stops the playback. Also, when the recorded audio file is being played back, actuation of the trigger switch 42 by two clicks and release causes the "Viewer" software to jump to the end of the recorded audio file.
When the audio system is in neither the record nor playback, if the trigger switch 42 is clicked twice it will initiate a "rewind" sequence, in which the position in the audio file is moved back, with acceleration after an initial period of "rewind". "Rewind" may be halted by clicking trigger switch 42 once.
When the audio system is in playback mode, as a result of a single click of trigger switch 42, toss buttons 44 and 46 can be used to call additional audio dictation functions. For example, the left toss button 44 can be used to toggle through various dictation functions (with a screen display in a small window showing the various functions selected). These functions preferably include (1) insert additional audio; (2) overwrite audio; and (3) delete audio. Once a dictation function is selected, the right toss button 46 may be clicked during the desired position in playback to mark the position of the desired function, and clicked a second time, where applicable, to mark the end of the function. Thus, where insert additional audio is desired, the right toss button 46 will mark the position of the audio insert; and the trigger switch 42 may be activated to record the audio insert. Where overwrite audio is desired, the right toss button 46 may be clicked to mark the beginning of the portion of the audio file to be overwritten, and clicked again to mark the end of the portion to be overwritten, and the trigger switch 42 may be activated to record the audio insert to the overwritten portion. Where delete audio is desired, the right toss button 46 may be clicked to mark the beginning of the portion of the audio file to be deleted, and clicked again to mark the end of the portion to be deleted.
Other dictation switch designs may also be used in the handheld controller 20. For example, the dictation control switch may be a slide switch actuated by forward and rearward motion. In such an embodiment, the standard dictation controls (record, off, play, fast forward, rewind) are actuated by positioning the slide switch along the longitudinal axis of the controller 20. Thus, recording is actuated by positioning the slide switch at the forward position of its travel. Moving the slide switch backwardly actuates the following modes, in order: stop, playback, fast forward, and rewind. Other switch control systems may also be implemented in accordance with the invention.
The audio file comprising the diagnosing physician's dictated study of the patient images may be converted to a text file by a transcriptionist or by use of voice recognition software. At the time of the present invention, it is expected that a transcriptionist will be required to accurately transcribe the dictated study. However, as vendors such as IBM and others continue to improve voice recognition software, that the services of a transcriptionist may be less needed, and that voice recognition software may be used to convert the recorded audio file to a text file.
In a system using a transcriptionist in a distributed network, a central file server will maintain information on the status of the patient folder and the contents thereof, and will forward a copy of the audio to a transcription station to generate the corresponding text file.
The controller 20 also controls the "Viewer" software to permit the physician to review the images of the patient. Pressure switch 44 is the principal control for the image viewing system. Pressure switch 44 is a strain gauge switch that transmits different keyboard keys as keyboard interrupt instructions to the interpretation unit 22 depending on the amount of pressure applied to the switch. In the preferred embodiment, pressure switch 44 is a thumb actuated rocker bar switch that has a default centered position, and which may be pushed forwardly or pulled backwardly, against a bias that will tend to center the pressure switch in its centered position. Forward pushing on the edge 45 of switch 44 will cause the Viewer software to advance through the image series. Backwards pulling thereon will cause the Viewer software to back up through the image series. The different keys transmitted by pressure switch 44 instruct the interpretation station 22 to advance or back up through and display the image series at different speeds.
The image series stored in the patient folder in interpretation unit 22 is preferably stored as multiple files, identified for example as 100010001, 100010002, where the terminal four digits identify the number of the image in the series, and the second through fifth digits indicate the number of the series. Actuation of the pressure switch 44 by a single push will cause the Viewer software to display each image file in numeric order, one image at a time, beginning from the first image of the first series. Actuation of the pressure switch 44 by pushing and holding the pressure switch 44 will cause the Viewer software to scroll through the images. The amount of pressure applied to pressure switch 44 will control the speed at which the Viewer software scrolls through the images in the series. The scrolling of images will halt when the end of an image series is reached (or the end of the set of all images reviewed during the study so far), whereupon the first image of the next series will be displayed, and the scrolling function will be terminated. The user may then step or scroll through the displayed next image series by again activating the pressure switch 44. In the preferred embodiment, the physician will be required to step through the entire sets of image series before rapid scrolling will be permitted. This will help to insure that each image is reviewed initially, to prevent missing a potentially relevant image during rapid scrolling.
A serial display as described above is believed to be the most effective way of presenting the images in the patient file, as it maximizes the diagnosing physician's ability to interpret the image using lower cost, standard size computer monitors. However, it is also possible to present the image information in a matrix format with multiple images displayed in a monitor at one time. Such multiple images may comprise a tiled set of windows, each containing a separate image. In such case, the controls of controller 20 will be as described above, except that in stepping or scrolling through images, the Viewer program will step through the different windows.
However, it is believed that a serial display provides a preferable approach as it will force the physician (particularly the experienced physician) to review all the images presented, without the possibility of skipping over a potentially relevant image. With an experienced physician there is sometimes a temptation to leap to the most relevant image--and to reach the obvious diagnosis. With a serial display, a physician will be less likely to miss the less obvious diagnosis that might be reached after proper review of all images. The serial image display is also helpful to the inexperienced physician who will have a better awareness of the entire image set, and what he is looking at, by virtue of the preceding images already displayed. A final benefit of a serial display approach (as opposed to a multiwindow format) is that it allows presentation of a large image. In comparison to film, which has a quality of very high contrast resolution at a certain luminance, current monitors provide much less resolution. To compensate for the reduced contrast resolution, the spacial resolution is enhanced (the image is made larger) to give the user an image of subjective quality that approaches the resolution provided by film.
The "Viewer" software will also determine if the user has displayed a specific image for a predetermined period of time. If so, the Viewer software will "bookmark" for subsequent return. The "bookmark" may be inserted by adding an appropriate stop in the patient image file, or in a table containing a list of the images, or by storing the filename of the displayed image for later recall. Thus, if the diagnosing physician studies the third image in a first series for a period exceeding the predetermined period of time, then steps forward to the third image of the next series, the physician may jump back to the third image of the first series by pulling back on the pressure switch 44. The "Viewer" software, having bookmarked the third image of the first series, will stop backwards scrolling when that image is displayed. In another embodiment of the invention, images studied for a predetermined period of time may be selected to be automatically tossed to one of the clipboard viewer monitors; and/or tossed images may be auto-bookmarked.
As mentioned above, interpretation unit 22 preferably comprises three separate networked personal computers or workstations, operating a main viewer monitor 90, a left clipboard viewer monitor 92, and a right clipboard viewer monitor 94. In a default mode of operation, the main viewer monitor 90 will have displayed on it the selected displayed image in an image series. The left clipboard viewer 92 will be set up to display a number of images in a tiled format, for example, in a 2×2 matrix of tiled images. Other matrix sizes may be used, however, for better image clarity, a 2×2 matrix size is preferred. A title block will be associated with each displayed image to identify the filename of the image.
The toss buttons 46 and 48 serve two functions. A quick click of a toss button 46 or 48 causes the image currently on view on the main viewer monitor 90 to be separately displayed on the respective clipboard viewer monitor 92 or 94. This is again accomplished by the toss button generating a keyboard interrupt with instructs the "Viewer" program to display the selected image on the selected clipboard viewer monitor, for example, by copying the image to a new file containing images of interest, and displaying the new file. The use of the toss buttons 46 and 48 in this manner also marks the "tossed" image for later use of the comparison function described below. An image that has been "tossed" to a clipboard viewer monitor may be "untossed" (removed from the clipboard viewer) by clicking the toss button for the clipboard viewer when the main viewer monitor 90 has displayed on it the image to be "untossed".
It is anticipated that the right clipboard viewer will generally be used for assembling a summary study containing images of particular medical interest, while the left clipboard viewer will be used as a worksheet for displaying side by side comparisons of different series, or display of prior patient studies for comparison (or consultation as needed without interruption of the present study).
If a toss button 46 or 48 is pressed and held down, it will invoke a "mode selection" function in the main viewer program. The "Viewer" program will display a menu of the various modes on the main viewer monitor or one of the clipboard monitors. In the "mode selection" mode, the pressure switch 44 may be used to cycle through the various modes, accompanied by a display in which a highlighted selection bar down the menu of modes. A mode may then be selected by clicking on the toss button again. Of course, other control schemes may be implemented using the controller 20, for example, upon entering a "mode selection" mode, the toss buttons could be used to cycle through the various modes by clicking the toss buttons to cycle one entry at a time through the various modes, and selection could be made by clicking the trigger switch 42; or the trigger switch 42 could be used to cycle through the various modes and the selection could be made by pressing one of the toss buttons. If the toss buttons are used to cycle through the various modes, one toss button will cycle up through the mode selection menu and the other toss button will cycle down through the mode selection menu. In another embodiment, one toss button might be used to cycle through the mode selection menu and the other toss button would be used to select the particular mode to be implemented. Other mode selection and selection schemes are equally within the scope of the present invention.
The "modes" to be selected from may include one or more of the following functions.
(1) List Patients mode. This will cause the system to display the patient folders so that the folder of a patient to be studied can be selected.
(2) View mode. This will cause the system to return to the default viewing mode with controller 20 controlling the master computer 84 of the interpretation unit 22.
(3) Compare mode. This will cause one clipboard viewer (preferably the left clipboard viewer monitor 92) to display a side-by-side presentation of all images in two series starting with the first marked image in each series. For example, while in view mode, a diagnosing physician could select the third image of the second series and send it to the left clipboard viewer 92 by marking with toss button 46, and could then select a fourth image of the fourth series and send this image to the left clipboard viewer 92 by marking with toss button 46. The images would then be displayed with the third image in the second series in the top left quadrant of the monitor screen, and the fourth image of the fourth series in the top right quadrant of the monitor screen. The diagnosing physician would then summon the compare mode, which would cause the display of all subsequent images to the selected images in a side by side relationship, with the selected images on top, and the subsequent images below.
(4) Annotate mode. The master computer 84 may be set up with a light pen, allowing the diagnosing physician to annotate the patient image displayed on the main viewer 90. The annotated image may then be saved as a separate file from the original image by using toss button 48 to save it to the right clipboard viewer 94, or upon return to view mode. Screen buttons actuated by the light pen may be provided to step forward or back through the image series and to "toss" an annotated image to the left or right clipboard. A submenu may also be established to select the particular image to be annotated.
(5) Left clipboard control. This will cause the controller 20 to be acting on and controlling the left clipboard viewer monitor 92. Thus for example, after invoking the compare function described above, the diagnosing physician could then select left clipboard control and use the controller 20 to step up and down or scroll up and down through the side by side comparison, using the pressure switch 44 and the navigation control.
(6) Right clipboard control. This will cause the controller 20 to be acting on and controlling the right clipboard viewer monitor 94.
(7) Dictation special functions. This menu selection will call a submenu with the insert, overwrite, and delete the dictated audio file functions described above.
(8) End study. This will cause the system to close the open files being viewed, and the dictated audio file, and to save the summary study prepared by the diagnosing physician as a separate file or files.
Other modes might include a main menu mode, to call a main mode selection menu, if, for example, some or all of the above functions or additional functions are established as submenus to be selected; and a Mark image mode to bookmark the image currently on display in the main viewer, or to bookmark other images as may be selected from a submenu, to subsequently implement comparison and other functions. The light pen might also be used by a non-physician technician to operate various other functions of the computer.
When series of images in a patient study is first opened, the clipboards may be used to provide an overview of the study. For example, the left and right clipboard viewers 92 and 94 might first have displayed in them the center image of each series of images. Other modes of initial display may be provided, such as the first and last image of a series, or all of the images in one or more series in the patient image file. In some patient image studies, there is a "scout slice", which is an orthogonal view of the patient anatomy of interest showing the location of the various slices constituting the image series. Where a scout slice is available, it will preferably remain on display, most preferably as the last image on display on the left clipboard viewer monitor 92.
Upon tossing of a first image to a clipboard viewer monitor by the toss function, the initial image display will be cleared. Thus for example, upon invoking the toss function to transfer a copy of the image on the main viewer monitor 90 to the right clipboard viewer monitor 94, the images placed on the right clipboard viewer monitor 94 at initial start-up will be cleared. As noted, it is anticipated that the right clipboard viewer 94 will generally be used for assembling a summary study containing images of particular medical interest, and may include annotated images as described above, while the left clipboard viewer 92 will be used as a worksheet. When the summary study is completed, it will be saved as a separate file from the original patient study. It is also possible to save the summary study in the form of a list specifying the images of particular interest from the original, complete, patient image file. The summary study images will typically be the images pertinent to the medical diagnosis, and may printed, and/or delivered back to a referring physician along with the text file comprising the dictated patient study, either in electronic or hard copy form.
The clipboard viewer monitors may also be used for a comparative image display as described above.
The clipboard viewers 92 and 94 also serve other functions. As noted above with regard to the master computer, one slave computer 86 or 88 may be set up with a light pen, allowing the diagnosing physician to annotate the patient image displayed on the clipboard viewer. In such case, the patient image will most likely be displayed in a full size image, rather than in a tiled matrix of smaller images, although, of course, such a smaller format may also be used. Also, the clipboard viewers 92 and 94 could be used to pull up and review a prior patient study without closing the study in progress, as, for example, if the diagnosing physician receives a telephone call seeking discussion of a past patient study, the diagnosing physician could call up, review, and discuss the past patient study, and then return the clipboard viewer to its slave functions as described above.
Control of the display on the clipboard viewer monitors may be accomplished via controller 20 or by separate controls associated with each of the main and clipboard viewers. When control is transferred to a slave computer, another copy of the "Viewer" software is launched in the slave computer and all functions thereof are available on the slave computer.
The display on the clipboard viewer monitors, as well as on the main viewer monitor, may also be controlled by means of an array of buttons placed on or near the monitors. Such buttons, like controller 20, generate keyboard interrupts that provide the control of the images on the viewer monitor. For example, buttons may be provided that trigger a stepping forwards or backwards, or scrolling forwards or backwards, through the images that are selected for display on the particular monitor. Of course, other controls implemented through other interfaces such as a conventional keyboard, mouse, touch screen, light pen interface, and the like may also be used.
As prior noted the various functions described above may be assigned to a switch or combination of switches other than the described switch or combination of switches. In this respect, the invention is designed to provide a "context sensitive" control in which various switch combinations achieve different results. For example, as described above, in a dictation edit/revision mode, the physician will not be likely to need the "toss" or "compare" functions, so that the toss buttons 46 and 48 (or other switch elements) may be assigned dictation control functions instead of their usual toss functions. It would also be within the scope of the invention to disable the image advance and retreat functions of a switch such as pressure switch 44 during a dictation edit mode and to assign dictation control functions to that switch during dictation edit mode. Similarly, as described above, when the "mode selection" menu is displayed, the physician is not likely to need the dictation functions, and the trigger switch 42 may be assigned mode selection functions instead of the usual dictation functions.
A further feature of the present invention is a "multimedia" record function. This function will desirably be implemented automatically whenever the dictation trigger switch is activated, or may be limited to the final "Conclusion" which is conventional at the end of any medical diagnostic dictation, or may be applied in some other summary time period. The "multimedia record function" is to record the images being reviewed by the physician at the time the dictation is recorded, enabling a later playback of the dictation with simultaneous display of the images that the physician reviewed at the time of the dictation. The image display will be synchronized to the dictation so that on playback the precise image being viewed at the time of the specific dictation is displayed. The "multimedia record function" may be implemented by recording the file name of the image on display at the time of particular dictation, which may be embedded into the dictation file as a link or using other conventional techniques for slide show type presentations, or by other file list methods.
The above described serial display system for patient images is believed to be the most efficient and user friendly system that may be implemented. However, other possible control systems may also be implemented in accordance with the invention. In an alternative control system, using a pressure switch having additional left and right switch positions in addition to front and back switch settings, it would be possible to control the "Viewer" software to jump among the different image series. Thus instead of scrolling to the end of an image series to obtain the next series, a diagnosing physician could implement the display of the next preceding series at the same image number as being currently viewed by leftward pressure on the switch, or of the next succeeding series by rightward pressure on the switch. This would permit "lateral" movement among the various patient series. Once a new series sequence was selected, the physician could then scroll forwards or backwards through the series as in the above described serial display embodiment. An adjunct clipboard viewer display might also be provided in such case to provide a matrix containing thumbnail size images of all the images in the patient folder, arrayed in columns, with each column containing the images of a different series. The adjunct clipboard viewer would indicate the image being presented to the main viewer by appropriate highlighting or framing, as an aid to navigation among the images in the study.
Although the foregoing description has described an application of a combined image review/voice dictation function in a controller 20 operating in conjunction with a medical interpretation unit, the present invention has broader application as well. It may be implemented for example in a legal or business environment. For example, using controller 20, an attorney reviewing documents could dictate comments on the documents (as in reviewing electronically stored raster images of production documents in litigation) or revisions to a document (as in revisions to a contract). The images which may be controlled in this fashion may thus include graphic images, text documents, and other electronic files. The controller 20 in the first example would interface with a viewer software that controls viewing of the imaged documents. The controller 20 in the second example would interface with word processing software to insert a comment or margin note in the document for a transcriptionist to later type in the requested changes, or would work in conjunction with a speech to text conversion system to implement the revisions. Similarly, a business person might dictate comments or responses to electronically received faxes, and documents for typing or conversion to text.
The present invention provides an convenient and practical apparatus for review of radiographic medical images with integrated dictation control and has better operational flexibility than any device known in the art.
It is to be appreciated that the foregoing is illustrative and not limiting of the invention, and that various changes and modifications to the preferred embodiments described above will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the invention has application in other fields where it is desired to have a handheld unit that can control image review with dictation abilities, such as in legal and business fields. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and it is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the following claims.


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text:
English summary
Hilsa Fish In Poppy Seeds & Yogurt Curry Recipe is a Bengali delicacy that is made with the hilsa fish available in monsoons. Hilsa is one of the favourite fishes of the region, that is locally grown near the Ganga river and its tributaries. Poppy seeds and the mustard seeds needs to be ground till smooth and be used in this recipe along with other spices like nigella seeds, haldi, and chilli powder. Then the gravy is poured on the plain salt-marinated hilsa fish pieces on a grill pan and cooked further till the fish is tender. The taste of the mustard oil in the dish is delectable and the addition of yogurt to the gravy gives a unique flavour to the recipe. This dish is a real treat for those who know the art of separating bones from cooked fish.


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What would you do if you knew about a software product that could get more productivity out of every member of your utility's team?
Two Rivers Water & Light in Wisconsin bought it.
And Cedarburg Light & Water Utility.
Why? Officials realized the potential to rapidly recoup up-front costs with the significant cuts in time and labor that they would realize from implementing integrated plant management tools from TerraSpatial Technologies.
Put simply, greater productivity helps control staffing costs.
"We were able to eliminate one full-time position out of the efficiencies of the software," says Tom Bushman, electric utility director for Two Rivers (right).
"That's 10 percent of our work force. We have 10 people here."
He sees the efficiencies everywhere he looks, in each generation of TST's product. When his line foreman is using TST's Mapworks to stake out a work order, he saves time using drop-down menus instead of shifting from mouse to keyboard and back.
When the utility is responding to an outage, crews can plug information into the Mapworks utility and graphically trace the problem upstream.
"It will show you the first common point for an outage for those houses, and it can help with troubleshooting," Bushman says.,
"Before we had TST software, the guys would have to go out and knock on doors and look at houses individually. This really shortens the time to look for outages."
Planned outages also benefit from the software's ability to pull customer information from cloud storage.
"You can go to a line and say 'I'm going to take this transformer out,' and the software will spit out the names of all the affected people.
"That way, you can notify them and give them a day and approximate time of the impact on their service. It speeds up process, and you can make sure you're not missing someone. It's a lot better for customer relations."


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I know a lot of you saw the picture I posted on my social media accounts last night of the Mama bear and her cub on our porch, so I thought I'd tell the full story here. It was pretty comical, freaky, and awesome all at the same time. In fact, I have pretty mixed emotions about it, and about them coming back again. The photographer in me loves it and wants them to stay so I can take a million pictures, while the more practical side of me wants them to go hibernate so I can take my walks without having to think about what I'll do if one pops out at me.
Ok, so, last night Dave and I were hanging out in the kitchen, talking about what last few things we needed to pick up at the store to make our dinner. We heard what sounded like something on the deck, but we both kind of shrugged because we've been hearing it lately and never see anything. Then, there was a loud boom and I see the big black figure with it's paws on our shed. I start whisper shouting (didn't want to scare them off just yet, pictures first!) that there's a Mama bear on our porch.
Of course, pretty much the first thing out of my mouth is "Get my camera, get my camera!" as I'm pointing to my Canon with one hand and taking pictures with my iphone with the other. As Dave is reaching for my camera, the Mama bear RIPS OFF part of the door to our shed and starts crawling in! At this point, we're half freaking out, half in shock. She is on the ledge of our shed with her big butt hanging out and Dave and I are just looking at each other like, "Is this really happening?"
Meanwhile, her two cubs come running onto the deck and watch her jump into the shed. Now, there was a fresh bag of trash in the shed, but no food was in the bag. I should explain that we don't have trash service and were told by our landlady it was ok to put a bag or two out there in between trips to the dumpster. We're always extra cautious not to put any food or something that might smell tasty outside. Anyways, food or no food, it wasn't going to stop that Mama bear. She thought she'd found something good and she was on it. They ripped the bag to shreds and took the remains with them to the bushes by our Jeep when Dave finally scared them off with the car alarm.
So, we're still in shock with adrenaline running and watching the bears from our bedroom window. We couldn't really see them, since they're so dark, but we could see the trees and bushes moving like crazy and every once in awhile a little nose would pop out. I kept watch while Dave went out to put a few things in the car, he said he heard the cubs making hissing noises at him, like they were trying to growl but didn't know how yet...cute, but scary.
I watch them run across the street and so I figured we'd be good to go to the store, I kept my eye on the window and never saw them run back our way, so we started to make our way to the Jeep. Luckily, I peeked out at the shed before we opened the door...and there she was again! The Mama was about to jump in our shed again, who knows why, a park ranger from Haines told Dave she might be looking for a warm place to hibernate...umm, no thank you.
We got her away from the shed, but she wouldn't leave our Jeep alone for a bit. We are sooo lucky and thankful she didn't scratch our pretty new car! Dave was concerned when she had her hands up there, he was certain she was going to leave claw marks. And now that I look at the pictures, I see just how close it was.
Very long story "short", we finally got them to stay away long enough that Dave was able to go to the store. He went without me because they had been in the trees on the side I would have been getting into the car, so we didn't want to take any chances. Now every noise I hear I have to look out to the shed, and last night I didn't sleep so well. Multiple dreams of bears on our porch and waking up from every little noise.
Oh and, sorry for some of the weirdness in the pictures, I took all of these through our windows...because although I'll do just about anything to get the shot, I'm not that crazy. ;) I'm just glad I got pictures this time. And if you'd like to see the Mama bear in action, check out my vine here.


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Feeling the Moments in 2017
Each day we walk through the routine of life, wake up..take care of responsibilities at work and home...exercise...eat...sleep, and do it all over again the next day. Many times, It's not until an extreme event happens in our lives, that we wake up and appreciate the routine, have gratitude that we have able or healthy bodies to be able to do these things, and feel.
We go through the motions each day of our lives, but not often slowing down to let ourselves FEEL each moment. In my yoga classes, many time I am stressing to the yogi's that practice with me to let their breath lead their movement, rather than mechanically moving from pose to pose. This also applies to our daily everyday life.
We get so busy with all the demands of our lives, we get consumed with all of the communications coming at us - through social media, emails, texts, and face to face interactions, that we don't take time to feel the moments in our lives. We can't keep up.
When we are at work, we rush from meeting to meeting, not stopping to take note of the last meeting we were in or pausing to reset ourselves for the next meeting. There may be frustrations from a prior interaction we didn't take note of or pause to let it simmer, so instead we bring that to each interaction and keep adding on.
Without taking notice of the feelings, they can pile up. We don't stop and breathe. We don't take stock of the little moments and appreciate them. Instead, we get stressed by our "routine" rather than stepping back and taking note of how we feel, good or bad, and being grateful for each interaction.
Resolutions don't always need to be about losing weight and exercising, they can be about small things that can improve our wellbeing for ourselves, but also for those around us.
Here are some small tips you can think about deploying this year that can be easy to make a habit of, as long as you are consistent:
- Set your meetings to end 5 minutes earlier. This will help give you time to reset before your next meeting so you can be completely present for that interaction.
- During meetings, family or friend interactions - put your phone away. That means not keeping it on the table so you can glance at it, it means completely away. Being fully present can help you focus on the person you are with and not miss important messages - whether in discussion or body language -that will help you to create successful outcomes.
- Set time in your day to shut off - whether that is calendaring in an exercise routine, or taking a few minutes in the middle of your day to shut down all technology, communication and just be in silence.
- Take 2 minutes before a meeting or interaction to close your eyes and shut off all communications. In 2 minutes, your nervous system can calm down and you can reset yourself and your brain to be more present in your next interaction.
Most importantly, take time to let yourself feel. Don't wait for a bad thing to happen in your life to wake up and take notice. Now is the time, each day. Rather than closing yourself off from letting yourself feel emotions - good or bad, take a step back and observe those feelings and let them be a teacher to you. Don't let the fear of what comes up, close you off from your life. Appreciate each moment and take little steps to see how it creates change in your life this year.


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6th international training course on climate risk management in a changing environment
- Type:
- Training Course
- Organizer:
- Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC)
- Date:
- 01-10 Sep 2014
- Location:
- Thailand (Bangkok)
COURSE BACKGROUND & PURPOSE Climate change and its impacts have become one of the most significant challenges of the 21st century. Climate-related risks, whether concurrent or prospective need to be addressed swiftly as part of the development strategy at any level, from a global level down to a local level. With an upward growth trend in urban centers, population expansion and industrialization in both developed and developing countries, policy makers need to ensure resilience of development to the possible exacerbation of risks from hydro-meteorological hazards due to climate change. However, understanding the science of climate change and potential interventions and their integration into development policies and practices has become a challenge for development and disaster risk reduction practitioners. The "International Training Course on Climate Risk Management (CRM-06)" offers a unique and timely opportunity for development and disaster risk reduction practitioners from: The Government, international organizations, UN agencies, NGOs, civil society organizations, private sectors and others to enhance knowledge, expertise and skills on Climate Risk Management enabling them to face this challenge. The course will illustrate climate risk management in urban and rural settings focusing on the sector challenges. The course participants will be guided through a number of interactive sessions that will enable them to acquire scientific knowledge to assess climate risks and reduce climate risks strategically through: climate risk management planning, implementation and mainstreaming climate risk management into development policies and programs at different levels. Broadly, the course intends to harmonize climate risk management, disaster risk reduction and development planning to enable a holistic approach for sustainable development. COURSE OBJECTIVES By completing the course, participants should be able to: Discuss the science, systems and societal issues of climate change,impacts of climate change and their linkages with climate induced extreme events; Assess specific sector vulnerabilities to climate change in different settings; Utilize decision support systems for assessing climate impacts, vulnerabilities and risks and use the tools for designing climate risk management policies, programs and interventions to reduce climate induced risks at different levels; Discuss and be familiar with the climate change planning processes fordesigning climate risk management policies, strategies, programs andinterventions at different levels; Identify a menu of options for climate risk management to a given context. Share good practices and lessons learned on climate risk managementfrom different contexts; and Develop hands-on skills on how to develop a CRM initiative (project/program/action) using the existing knowledge in an innovative learning environment. COURSE CURRICULUM Conducted over a period of ten days, the course is divided into six modules. The module details are as follows: MODULE 1: Concepts and emerging directions of Climate Change and Climate Risk Management Basic Concepts and Terminologies in Climate Risk Management Fundamentals of Climate Change Science oDefining weather, climate and climate change Science behind climate change: greenhouse effect etc. Climate Change and climate variability Emerging directions of Climate Risk Management practice Climate change and extreme events Linkage and overlap of CCA and DRR MODULE 2: Climate change projections and decision support tools in Climate Risk Management Overview of climate modeling for climate risk management, overview of projection and modeling of climate change and its impacts Projection of future climate change: General Circulation Model,Regional Circulation Models, Atmospheric and Oceanic Models etc. Use and applications of the projections and climate modeloutputs in planning and policy formulation Accessing Local Climate Scenarios and climate risk mapping Downscaling of global and regional climate models into local climate scenarios Overview to a downscaled climate modeling output for local climate scenario MODULE 3: Climate change and urban built systems Overview of the projected issues of climate change and urban built system oOverview of the urban settings and climate change impacts on the built systems Housing and public amenities / urban settlements / heat island Urban infrastructure, common amenities, drainage and flood controls Water, sanitation and hygiene and health Managing megacities / coastal cities in changing climate Case study example of climate risk management in urban built systems Detailed case study and critical overview of a case study on urban climate risk management (to be taken from ACCCRNprogram) MODULE 4: Climate change and rural ecosystems Overview of the projected issues of climate change and rural ecosystems Overview of the rural ecosystems and climate change impacts on various eco-systems Sustainable livelihoods Agriculture and food security Case study on climate management in rural settings Detailed case study and critical overview of an agricultural climate risk management project MODULE 5: Climate risk management planning and implementation Climate Risk Management Planning Processes at the national level,sub-national and local levels Climate forecasts and applications for proactive risk management Description of various types of climate forecast products (including short, medium, seasonal, long-range) Integration of climate change adaptation in urban built environment and local development programs Climate proofed housing and infrastructure Urban drainage and flood controls Public health Coastal city and urban land use planning Integration of climate risk management in rural development and ecosystem-based programs focusing on agriculture and livelihoods oAgriculture based adaptation (crops, aquaculture and animal husbandry) Incorporation of climate forecasts for selection of livelihood options including selection of crops Crop insurance and microfinance for climate resilience Farmer's field schools and data advocacy for climate resilience Concrete examples of two climate forecast applications one in rural setting (e.g. CFA examples) and another in urban setting(i.e. Urban flood forecast in Jakarta). Climate resilience indicators Overview to climate resilience Climate resilience indicators in urban built environment Climate resilience indicators for coastal environment Climate resilience indicators in rural agriculture based environment Cross-cutting issues to address climate change, Climate Risk Management and socially vulnerable groups oGender, children, elderly, differently able people Other marginalized groups Extreme events and findings of SREX report Early warning system development and contingency planning foreffective response to changing hazardous environment Economics of Climate Change and Climate Risk Management Climate Risk Communication CRC at national and sub-national level CRC at local levels MODULE 6: Future knowledge applications and conclusions Hands-on exercise on project concept development exercise Exercise on development of two project concept notes (in briefmanner) using the knowledge from the earlier sessions (one reflecting urban setting and another on rural setting) Presentation of the project concept in groups and mock-evaluation of the proposals by a technical team, course conclusions and way forward Post course action planning Post-test Course evaluation Note: The contents are shown for guidance only. ADPCs ongoing course improvement process may lead to some changes in topics and structure. RESOURCE PERSONS Internationally experienced practitioners and experts from different organizations will complement ADPCs in house expertise to conduct and facilitate the course. COURSE METHODOLOGIES The course has been designed to promote the sharing of: knowledge, expertise and experience amongst the invited resource persons, sector specialists, guest speakers and the course participants. This approach will facilitate to equip participants with strategic planning processes and implement appropriate climate risk management options at different levels. It will encourage participants to think and act innovatively utilizing contemporary adult learning methodologies, including, but not limited to: Interactive lectures and discussions Facilitated group exercises Scenario based simulations Peer to Peer learning events Field and institutional visits Video documentaries Case studies and good practices sharing Instructional games Guest speeches and high-level chats Participants are asked to participate fully in all of the above course activities. Certificates will only be awarded to participants who complete all course requirements. LANGUAGE All teaching and reference materials are in English. Participants must be fully conversant in English. ACCOMMODATION Applicants are highly recommended to stay at the hotel where the training is held. The room rate is approximately US$70-90 per single occupancy room per night including daily buffet breakfast.
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Event feePackage A with accommodation USS2,825 Package B without accommodation US$2,075
What is included in the event feeThe standard course fee of US$2,825 covers course tuition, training materials, single accommodation with breakfast (11 nights), two break refreshments & lunch (Monday-Friday) during the training, and study visits. Participants will be responsible for their own travel expenses and arrangements, airport transfers, visa application, lunch on weekends, all dinners, health/accident insurance, and other personal expenses. Participants who wish to seek own accommodation can choose an alternative course fee package B of US$2,075
Target audienceThe Asian Disaster Preparedness Center invites practitioners from: Government policy makers and development practitioners representing planning agencies, local authorities, land use planning offices, disaster risk management agencies, climate change secretariats or offices attached to national level ministries or sub-national government authorities UN development and environmental agencies, international organizations such as Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies, donor agencies and NGOs working on climate risk management, climate change adaptation, disaster risk management or green development programs Academe such as Universities, research institutes or training institutes on climate risk management, climate change adaptation and disaster risk management Private sector such as insurance and construction industries Media and charity & faith based organizations working on climate change adaptation, climate risk management or disaster risk management
How to register
Interested persons can apply as individuals although preference will be given to those sponsored by the organizations. The application can be submitted online at http://www.adpc.net/tsu/sign-in.asp or offline through email, fax, or postal mail before July 19, 2013. The application form is available for download above. A more detailed course information will be sent to only accepted participants. PAYMENT If you are selected to attend the course, the payment should be transferred to ADPC account through bank or International Demand Draft (IDD) no later than July 1, 2014. Otherwise, your participation will be cancelled. Please note that personal cheques are not accepted as a form of payment. CANCELLATION If you are unable to attend, a substitute applicant is welcome to attend in your place, provided that the participation criteria described above have been met. Cancellation of attendance should be notified at least 3 weeks prior to course commencement; in which case, a full refund less 15% of course fee for banking charges and administrative costs will be made. No refunds are available for cancellation within 3 weeks prior to course commencement. CONTACT INFORMATION Training Services Department (TSD) Asian Disaster Preparedness Center 979/66-70, 24th Floor SM Tower, Paholyothin Road, Samsen Nai, Phayathai, Bangkok 10400, THAILAND Tel: +66 (02) 298 0681-92 Fax: +66 (02) 298 0012-13 Skype ID: ADPC_Training Email: firstname.lastname@example.com URL: www.adpc.net
- Themes:
- Climate Change, Environment & Ecosystems, Insurance & Risk Transfer, Urban Risk & Planning, Economics of DRR, Water, Food Security & Agriculture
- Hazards:
- Flood
- Countries:
- Thailand


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Charlie McDonnell is an English Video-Blogger who is raising money, with a matching donation, for the Alzheimer's Society.
Alzheimer's Reading Room
Known on YouTube as charlieissocoollike (or just Charlie) he is currently the most subscribed YouTuber in the United Kingdom. He is 21 years old.
I would rather see candid videos like this one instead of the canned celebrity ads and videos we usually see. I can identify with this young man.
One thing for sure, Charlie's Alzheimer's video is getting viewed. 182,000 times in the first day. The video also has almost 19,000 Likes which is very impressive.
|Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room
Advice and Insight into Alzheimer's and Dementia
- Test Your Memory for Alzheimer's (5 Best Tests)
- What is the Difference Between Alzheimer's and Dementia
- Dementia and the Eight Types of Dementia
- What is Alzheimer's Disease?
- Why I Invented Alzheimer's World and the Power of Positive Reinforcement
- Learning How to Communicate with Someone Suffering From Alzheimer's Disease
- Alzheimer's Disease Statistics
Original content the Alzheimer's Reading Room


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I know, I know. I still have a few more days left in my Disney trip report and I promise I will finish. I will.
Remember when I told you the little sister was turning 5? Well if you don't and you want to read about it go here.
We are getting so excited for the Karsyn County Fair that we are practically bursting at the seams! Our Kitchen counters are filled with brightly colored lollipops and other yummy treats!
Before I show you all of those goodies though, let me show you "the dress".
The little sister was very specific on what her dress must consist of.
Lots of farm animals, a ruffle or two, and a big bow!
OK. I got this.
Off to the fabric store I go. Nothing. On to the next one. Nothing. And then one more. Nothing.
My last resort, Wal-mart. PERFECT!
Check out all of this farm animal goodness,
Now for the dress….. While checking out Mallard Cove Mommy's absolutely adorable 3 bears Birthday party I happened to notice the sweet little dress that she made for her daughter. It was just what I was looking for! Mallard Cove Mommy was able to make her own dress without a pattern but I had to turn to the link she listed to the etsy shop that inspired her dress. Enter Kissing Kumquats. I {heart} this shop more than you will ever know! Kissing Kumquats not only creates OOAK gorgeous clothing they also share their patterns with you! To make the little sister's dress I purchased this downloadable pattern.
It was mailed super quickly, and in no time at all I was creating this
I had to make mine a tiny bit different because how could I ignore the little sister's request for a ruffle?
And remember I'm just a wannabe sewer so you know this pattern ROCKS!!
I also got to use my early Mother's day present
Yup I got a new sewing/embroidery machine! I LOVE it!
The little sister is oh so pleased with her big bow in back!
Linking up here


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Lights, Camera, Action! House Hunters: Florence, Italy/
Back in June, we hinted that we had spent a few days "working" on a fun little project. If you haven't already guessed by now, we're going to be on House Hunters International. Our episode is scheduled to air on November 28 and you can read more about it on the HGTV website.
A lot of people have been asking us what the experience was like. The honest answer? It was interesting. The UK-based crew we had in Florence was seriously awesome (the top photo was snapped by the camera guy). The shooting days are long, so you spend a lot of time with the sound and video guys and the director. They were at hoot and we had a great time (Rob may have even done his best British accent impersinations for them). I flew home to Philly to shoot "before" scenes and had a great crew there, as well. Although, I will always remember that 2-day trip home for the hellish USAirways experience more than anything else.
All that being said, as a previous diehard fan (read: addict) of the show, I will say that the experience has totally ruined the program for me -- simply because I now know how things really come together; what's real (not much) and what's fake (mostly everything).
A fellow blogger, Kirsten from Ivory Pomegranate, lives in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan and recently had her episode of the show air. She did a great series of posts about her experience that sums up what it's like to film the show. Not great, not bad...just interesting, like I said. Fun sidenote: Kirsten and her husband are also both GWU grads and met there while undergrads. Small world, eh?
Anyway, get excited to see us (and Winston!) on TV. And, remember, take it easy on us :-)


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I depend upon the kindness of strangers for copies of the American Bar Association's ABA Journal. (I blame this on the Internet—the world's greatest library—which has almost succeeded in making magazine subscriptions obsolete—and the reason why I tend to subscribe to few printed periodicals. After all, if you're patient, sooner or later everything finds its way to the web.)
So it was only today that I saw last month's issue of the ABA Journal, which my business partner was good enough to leave on my desk this morning. An article by Molly McDonough entitled "Meddling in Settling" caught my eye, since it discussed an issue I had blogged about a couple of weeks ago: the growing (and disturbing) trend among judges to use strong-arm tactics to coerce litigants to settle, including the imposition of sanctions on parties who fail or refuse to settle their cases through mediation. This practice has understandably caused mediators and other ADR professionals much consternation, since it undermines confidence in mediation and makes settlement negotiations far less attractive to litigants. Coercion and mediation simply do not mix.
Recognizing that this is a problem in urgent need of a remedy, the ABA has taken steps to evaluate these and other issues and to propose recommendations for addressing them. Available for downloading in PDF format at the ABA's web site are two documents on this topic which are well worth perusing.
First, there is the report of the ABA Joint Commission to Evaluate the Model Code of Judicial Conduct, which was released just 11 days ago. The report recommends substantive changes to the ABA Model Code of Judicial Conduct, and includes a preliminary draft of the Code.
The proposed revisions to the Model Code do address the issue of coercive settlement practices by judges. For example, the comments to Rule 2.09, Ensuring the Right to Be Heard, urge a judge to
be careful that efforts to further settlement not undermine a party's right to be heard according to law. A judge may therefore encourage parties to a proceeding and their lawyers to settle matters in a dispute but should not act in a manner that coerces a party into settlement.
(Emphasis added.)
The comment period for the preliminary draft remains open until September 15, 2005. Comments may be submitted to Debra D. Taylor at the American Bar Association at debrataylor [at] staff.abanet.org.
Secondly, there is a well-researched paper authored by the Honorable John C. Cratsley, a justice of the Massachusetts Superior Court and a lecturer at Harvard Law School, on "Judicial Ethics and Judicial Settlement Practices: Time for Two Strangers to Meet". In this paper Judge Cratsley explores the ethical dimensions of judicial involvement in settlement, discusses the role of ADR in the courts, and explores the reasons why it's time for the Model Code of Judicial Conduct to be revised. Judge Cratsley also supports mandatory training for judges undertaking mediation—the same kind of training that statutes or court rules require of neutrals engaged in court-connected dispute resolution.
This is a radical proposal but one which many in the ADR field would undoubtedly embrace. (Unfortunately, however, the preliminary draft of the Model Code posted at the ABA web site does not contain Judge Cratsley's proposed provisions for mandatory ADR training for judges.)


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Bagels: Top or Bottom?
A random question struck me this morning over breakfast: do you like the top or bottom half of a bagel?
The top is cushiony: it's soft, it's loaded, in my case, with poppy seeds which are delicious but tough to eat neatly. And because it's so soft, sometimes it's tough to maneuver when it's more than half-eaten.
The bottom is crusty; it's crunchy and fabulously dense, but I miss some of the topping goodness. However, it's got wonderful structural integrity, which is a nice plus.
Can't decide. You?
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Abdominoplasty (aka "Tummy Tuck:) Can Improve Urinary Incontinence in Women.
The loss of bladder control is a common and embarrassing problem that can really disrupt daily activities - especially for women who have had at least one pregnancy and have not had a cesarean section. A recent study from the Aesthetic Surgery Journal shows that an abdominoplasty, more commonly known as a "tummy tuck", not only creates a firmer and smoother abdomen, but can also relieve the symptoms of urinary incontinence.
During pregnancy, women undergo hormonal changes and the increased weight of the uterus can lead to stress incontinence. Similarly, a vaginal (non-cesarean section) pregnancy can weaken the muscles that are needed for bladder control and can also damage bladder nerves and supportive tissue. There are several non-surgical treatments to help bladder control such as fluid and diet management, medication, muscle exercises and absorbent pads. But sometimes these techniques aren't successful and so it might be time to consider surgery.
In the study, physicians discovered that in some abdominoplasty procedures, it's possible to pull up enough soft tissue from the pelvic area to suspend the urethra and create a small outlet around the bladder to reduce incontinence. The authors found that this surgery alleviated the symptoms of 60% of their patients and they can see abdominoplasty as being an option to treat and relieve the symptoms of incontinence when other non-surgical treatments are unsuccessful.
Abdominoplasty Tummy Tuck San Francisco
If your urinary incontinence is unresponsive to non-surgical treatments, consider calling the leading abdominoplasty doctor in San Francisco at (415) 392-3333 for a FREE consultation.


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If only you guys had smellavision.
My good friend Sherry just moved into her cottage (officially dubbed Miss Honeys cottage). She is located in the country with chickens, goats and horses. I loved it!
Chris had a soccer game near TJ's this past week, so obviously this happened.
Emily and I made this BANANA BREAD! Well, Emily made the banana bread. I mostly just watched and blamed my left handedness on my inability to mash bananas. We made the recipe as is, but added an entire bag of chocolate chips (necessary).


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O2 Academy Leeds, Saturday 15th February 2020
The following agents are selling tickets for Example at O2 Academy Leeds on 2020-02-15 Saturday 15th February 2020. Face value tickets are priced at £20.
55 Cookridge Street, Leeds LS2 3AW
Leeds Gig Tickets is updated every day to find the latest events and O2 Academy Leeds tickets. Click through for more concerts at O2 Academy Leeds in Leeds.


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Flipbooks are a great way to make unique party favors for your guests while also giving them something lively, fun & memorable at your event.
Flipbooks™ brings an animated flipbook studio to your wedding or special event and let's your guests create a video right on the spot. The flipbook will be in their hands in a matter of seconds. The process is quick and simple. We produce about 50 booklets per hour, which means over 200 for a typical four-hour event. Next guest, please!
It all takes just a minute or two. A video is recorded and turned into 60 photos that are printed out instantly. The photos are then machine cut and arranged into the perfect gift – a personalized and unique book that creates the illusion of moving images when flipped through. They take it home, keep it forever. No waiting for a flipbook by mail, it's made instantly right on the spot! After the event you can enjoy all of your guest videos via our online gallery.
Our flipbook studio has many features to offer like backgrounds, smart overlay, social network integration and themed props that your guests will love. We also includes a custom designed cover for every book.
Interested in learning more? Click Here
Want to visit our studio for a free demo? Click Here
Located in Chicopee, MA, Flipbooks™ is perfect for events throughout western Massachusetts, Connecticut & nationwide. Contact Us


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After performing at Lollapalooza earlier in the day and touring around Chicago for most of the day, J.Cole made one last stop Friday night at Chicago's Bottom Lounge as he headlined a Lollapalooza afterparty. The Chicago crowd was desperately waiting on his performance and he did not disappoint, performing tracks from previous mixtape, The Warm Up, and some of his leaked tracks. J. Cole's stage prescence is dope and the crowd knew most of his bars as he performed. He was definitely surprised by the reception from the Chi-town crowd. Up top check out him performing his first single, Who Dat!
Video provided by WIMH


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Types of aquarium fish
The science knows more than 22 thousand species of fish. Types of aquarium fish . of course, less, and the most popular will take only a few hundred. What kinds of aquarium fishes the most suitable for home detention, will today tell the country of the Soviets.
Today some of the most common at home types of aquarium fish are the species belonging to the family Cyprinidae . To this family belong to species such as aquarium fish goldfish . barb . zebrafish .
Another popular family of fish is pelleve. To this family belong such types of aquarium fish like guppies, swordtail, platies, mollies. With these types of aquarium fish many begin their hobby of aquariums.
Various types of fish family somovyh become nowadays more and more popular. Speckled catfish . glass catfish . catfish-shifters and even electric catfish suitable for a tank. Well established also numerous species of aquarium fish the cichlid family . among them angelfish . discus, etc.
Pearl gourami . spotted gourami, blue gourami, "kissing" gourami, marbled gourami – typical representatives of the suborder labyrinth (ananasovyi).
Labyrinth fish have unicoloniality body . allow them to breathe atmospheric oxygen. When the content of these species of aquarium fish the aquarium must be closed with coverslip – labyrinth very bouncy.
To the family of tetras belong to such types of aquarium fish like the neon . tetras . termezii . These fish are small, schooling, brightly colored. By the way, to the same family belong and piranhas . which have lately become very popular inhabitants of aquariums.
The main criteria for the selection of species of aquarium fish for home aquarium size, the size of the fish themselves, the presence of specific requirements for the content .
So, freshwater aquarium fishes length 2.5 cm (excluding tail) 192 cm 2 of surface area of the aquarium, if the fish holodoljubivaja and 64 2 – tropical species.
For marine species of aquarium fish 2.5 cm long should be given for at least 18 liters of water during the first six months and not less than 9 litres – for the rest of the time.
These data are based on the needs of each fish in sufficient quantities of oxygen. But the so-called territorial species of aquarium fish require more space per fish . otherwise fish possible between fights.
The number of opposite-sex members of the same species of aquarium fish should be selected depending on whether the breeding of fish. As a rule, one male to 4-5 females pick up or contain fish in pairs.
Different types of aquarium fish require different hardness of water, acidity, temperature, degree of aeration. Therefore, choosing the types of aquarium fish for keeping in the aquarium absemetova, we should not forget about it.


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Mastro is an Ontology-Based Data Access (OBDA) management system developed in JAVA. Ontologies in Mastro are specified through languages belonging to the DL-Lite family of lightweight Description Logics. The ontology is connected to external relational data management or data federation systems through a mapping establishing a semantic relation between SQL queries issued over the underlying databases and elements of the ontology. To access data, users can specify SPARQL queries over the ontology and make use of the query answering services provided by Mastro.
At the core of the system there is the reasoner which provides the following main functionalities:
The Mastro Data Source Manager enables interactions with the most popular DBMSs both commercial and non-commercial. Among the other, support is provided for Oracle, DB2, SQLServer, MySQL, Postgres.
Mastro is fully conform to the standard OWL2QL profile, which is based on the DL-Lite family.
DL-Lite or OWL2QL ontologies given as input to Mastro are parsed through the standard OWLAPI.


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In the dream, Bob (lovely husband) and I were traveling and kept running into him--just nodding "Hello". Then we were in Fond Du Lac (also weird) and ran into him again on a street corner...
He invited us to come over to see his home. So we did and it turned out that it was a tourist "attraction".
Outside, I was sitting on the front steps and the two of them came over to see what happened…
I started telling Sylvester that his Feng Shui was more like F$%#ed Shui because (And here's the takeaway)...
When the front door is blocked in ANY WAY--with boxes, unused old coats and shoes, piles of stuff, bags, old things high on the closet shelf, OR tight bars and weird steps or any other architectural block, like a wall too close to the door, then not only is it nearly impossible for YOU to get in, but any other energy, especially CAREER energy cannot find it's way in either.
Annnnnnd here's what you can do about it:
Step 1: Clear it all out,
Step 2: Clean (maybe paint!)
Step 3: Edit--Only keep the things you LOVE or need. The rest can just go--there are others in the community that will LOVE your cast-offs, I promise. Be RUTHLESS--this is where the magic happens!
Step 4: Reasses your storage for the "keepers". What's the best way to contain these items?
Step 5: Put everything away
Step 6: Happy Dance! You did it--Please send me a message, I would love to celebrate with you!
Mirrors are a very potent Feng Shui "cure" and often help with the flow by the front door. So try one on a wall as you enter your home and notice the difference in your space.
The importance of your front entrance (inside and out) cannot be underestimated! Not only does it represent Career energy but it's EVERYTHING flows in, your money, your health and your relationships. Please let me know if you would like an assessment of your entryway, I would love to work with you!
Oh, and Sylvester? He asked If I would help him figure out his front entry "situation". Fond Du Lac must be his weekend home ;) cuz I think he lives in California. I'll keep you posted, I might just send a little FaceBook message to see if he needs some assistance...
Lots of love,
"Om For Your Home--3 Surprising Secrets to Supercharge Your Home So You Have the inspiration and Energy to Live the Life You've Always Dreamed"
1 North Pinckney, Madison, WI


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Designed for outdoor use, this Outdoor Rug shrugs off the elements with ease. Whether you're relaxing at the campsite, having an RV weekend, or just need something for your backyard oasis, this Rug has you covered. It's durable, keeps its color and rolls up to tackle the next adventure!
Cover some ground today!


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The Jockey® Colour lab Trunk is made with a combination of breathable combed cotton for extra softness and 5% lycra for added stretch to give you all-day comfort. The non – functional double shaped pouch, bold stripe elastic and contrast tape give added comfort and support. The contrast leg binding assist in keep the garment in place.
- Low rise and moderate coverage
- 100% cotton
- No-fly design


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Contact information
Licensing Department
Peterborough City Council
Bayard Place
Consultation started: 6 Jul 2015 — Consultation ended: 13 Sep 2015
When will results be available: At the end of the consultation period
We have a duty under the Gambling Act 2005 to licence premises where gambling is to take place, and to licence certain other activities (such as registering small society lotteries). Every licensing authority is required to publish a statement of principles and review this statement at least every 3 years. The statement sets out how we intends to approach this task. The initial statement was published in January 2007, was updated in January 2010, 2013 and 2016.


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Life is all about choices and attitude. Make the right choices, keep a positive attitude-- and you will find JOY through all of your ups and downs. Hope you enjoy my thoughts!
Thursday, December 1, 2011
The Lagoon at Biltmore
Today I'll share some pictures from this area. Above is a picture of the Lagoon and the back of the Biltmore House...
Hope you enjoyed my photos from the Lagoon...
Welcome to DECEMBER.... (Hard to believe, isn't it???)
Posted by Betsy Banks Adams at 4:00 AM 36 comments
Labels: BETSY AND GEORGE, BILTMORE, THANKSGIVING TRIP 2011
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