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Commercialization and role of the private sector
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In general, commercialization of agricultural biotechnology is far behind the application of biotechnology in human health and medicine. In the developed countries, especially in Japan, the private sector plays a major role in the generation, development and commercialization of biotechnology products and techniques. Because of commercial considerations, concentration has been mainly on diagnostics, vaccines, pharmaceuticals and other health-related products. Moreover, because of the eminent involvement of the private sector, marketability of the products and potential return on investment are crucial factors in deciding which products are to be developed and commercialized.
R&D companies in plant biotechnology are still relatively small in Australia, but represent the way in which the R&D infrastructure can be associated with international partners. Particular companies and their fields of interest are:
In Japan, the MAFF is subsidizing fundamental technical development projects in the private sector and providing funds for investment in such projects. It is also offering financial assistance to prefectural governments so as to encourage their R&D activities and utilization of the outcome of such activities. The Ministry takes steps to subsidize the research projects of private technical research associations and other similar study programmes. These subsidies are offered mainly through the Ministry's project for the development of biotechnology and other high technology for the food industry. In fiscal 1989, MAFF began such financial assistance programmes as the "Transformation of plant cells through the introduction of small organelles into the cells" and "Genetically manipulated vaccines against animal protozoa diseases" (Sugishita, 1989).
In the area of biotechnological R&D activities in the food industry, the Ministry started the project "Development of bioreactor systems for the food industry" in 1984. This project has achieved a number of remarkable results regarding the conversion of saccharides, fat and other substances. Another project, the "Development of technology for improvement of enzyme functions for the food industry" aims to improve the functions of enzymes for food production utilizing recombinant DNA technology. In fiscal 1989, the Ministry began a new programme, "Food production by large-scale, high-density fermentation under ultra-high pressure conditions" with a view to increasing the efficiency of the food production process under ultra-high pressures and to finding food materials with a higher value added.
Two more projects were launched in 1989: the "Utilization of extracts from trees (green sprouts project)" and "Advanced and multipurpose utilization of unused marine resources (marine-frontier project)". The objective of these projects is to develop the technique for extracting useful substances from trees and marine organisms and utilizing them for foods, perfumes and medicines, thereby helping further growth of forestry and fishery industries.
The Bio-Oriented Technology Research Advancement Institution (BRAIN) was founded in October 1986 by the joint investment of the government and the private sector. In an effort to encourage the R&D activities of the industries related to agriculture, forestry, fishery and food production, this institution is investing in joint technical development corporations and is providing no interest-bearing loans to the technical research projects of businesses on certain conditions.
During three years from fiscal 1986 to 1988, BRAIN invested in 14 study projects and offered loans to 70 projects. In fiscal 1989, the Institution invested in, among others, the Institute of Aquacultural Technology of Cold Water Fishes, Wakayama Agro-biological Research Centre and the Japan Turf Grass Co. The first is engaged in the development of aquaculture systems of cold water high-class fishes, the second in R&D activities for rationalized process of tangerine juice production and the third in the breeding of better turfs.
In the area of biotechnology-related R&D in the private sector, financing systems through the Japan Development Bank, the Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery Finance Corporation and other similar government organizations were reinforced to turn the results of these R&D activities to practical use. It is hoped that as biotechnology is increasingly introduced to industries, these financial measures will be utilized more in the coming years.
Prefectures are becoming more and more interested in R&D activities on biotechnology and the practical use of the outcome of such activities. This is evident from the fact that almost all prefectures throughout Japan have a council on this technology composed of scholars and other people of expertise.
MAFF is offering to prefectures a variety of subsidies in order to diffuse the mass production technology of virus-free seedlings of vegetables, ornamental plants and fruit trees and the transplanting technology of the embryos of beef cattle. In fiscal 1989, the Ministry started the "Project for establishing embryo supply centres" to ensure a stable supply of embryos of beef cattle. This project is improving the raising and controlling facilities of cattle from which such embryos are taken.
Since 1986, MAFF has also been implementing the "Project for assisting local R&D activities in biotechnology". This project offers financial assistance to the R&D activities of prefectural research institutes concerning the breeding and utilization technology of biological resources. Other biotechnology-related activities of the Ministry include regional biotechnology meetings held in seven locations across the country with the object of exchanging information on R&D. The Ministry's new initiative in fiscal 1989 included surveys and studies for examining the direction of the practical use of biotechnology in each region. The Tsukuba Bioscience Hall created in 1989 provides a forum for collaboration among trainees from industries, universities and the government and international exchange programmes. Furthermore, to foster links among genetic resources and biotechnology, the Ministry has a strong national genebank and germplasm conservation programme (Sugishita, 1989).
Of the developed countries in the region, the involvement of the private sector in biotechnology, especially plant biotechnology, is rather limited in New Zealand. Very little research on plant biotechnology is being carried out by private companies. A shortage of venture capital, low taxation incentives and tough competition from large overseas firms make such ventures unattractive. Several small companies are engaged in either product formulation, or manufacture of biological control agents. Larger international companies (e.g. Monsanto, MPI Koln, PGS Ghent, ICI) and overseas research institutions (UCLA, California; John Innes Institute, United Kingdom; Christian Albrecht University, Germany) have provided personnel, facilities and some supportive funding on collaborative projects. Producer Boards (e.g. New Zealand Kiwifruit Marketing Board) also support research through joint funding of government programmes (Steele and Cooper, 1991).
Many New Zealand research programmes on plant biotechnology are not mature enough to have reached the stage of successful commercialization. In addition, some programmes are commercially sensitive, particularly where research is collaborative with private companies. Examples of plant biotechnology research that have been, or are in the process of being commercialized in New Zealand include (Steele and Cooper, 1991):
Future commercialization is likely to be through the release of improved crop varieties, development of new cultivars and the licensing of technologies that have been developed.
In the developing countries, in vitro culture for micropropagation of elite and disease-free materials, production and distribution of efficient nitrogen-fixing microbes, diagnostic kits and monoclonal antibody-based vaccines are the main areas that have been commercialized to varying degrees in different countries.
In developing countries, the role of the private sector in modern biotechnology has been rather limited. This is attributed partly to (i) vague government policies regarding the private sector; (ii) unclear policies or no policies/views on patents and intellectual property rights; (iii) poor links between public and private sectors; (iv) low purchasing power for new products that are usually highly priced and are out of reach of the majority of resource-poor farmers and low-income consumers; and (v) inadequate local expertise and infrastructure and R&D support to new biotechnology.
In India, biotechnology industries have recently been growing in the private sector. Hindustan Lever Ltd, an Indian subsidiary of the multinational Unilever, the Tata Energy Research Institute (TERI) and Southern Petrochemical Industries are some of the leading biotechnology companies in the country. These have considerable in-house R&D bases active in the application of new technology to agribusiness, such as enzyme technology for high-value chemicals and quality edible oil by using genetically modified bacteria; protoplast fusion in yeast for efficient fermentation and production of edible oil from biomass; tissue culture of plantation and ornamental crops; biological nitrogen fixation; organic components for higher rate of photosynthesis; big-insecticides; plant growth promoters; biomass processing for animal feeds; and hybrid seeds. Some small and medium-size companies are also initiating biotechnology activities but, with less R&D capacity, are more wary of what they consider to be a higher-risk technology.
The private sector in India is particularly active in tissue culture products. There are about 50 private sector companies such as Indo-American Hybrid Seeds, A.V. Thomas and Co., Unicorn Biotek, the three companies mentioned above and others that are comprehensively involved in commercial in vitro production of planting materials of several horticultural and plantation crops such as cardamom, coffee, tea, oilpalm, orchids, strawberry, roses, Spatiphyllum, banana, lily, Gerbera, etc. both for domestic and export markets. These companies have established effective links with the public sector (Kumar, 1990; Prakash, 1993).
The recent liberalization of trade, including that of certified seed, coupled with the greater priority given to science and technology and the promotion of private sector and public-private sector links, should encourage increased participation of the industry in agricultural biotechnology R&D. Financial incentives are available for supporting the growth of indigenous biotech industries. However, venture capital is still lacking. Several multinationals, e.g. Seedtec International, Cargil Inc., Dehlgien Inc., Northrup King and Sandoz (through their local subsidiaries) have been shortlisted by the Indian Government for production of hybrid seeds which may involve biotechnologically produced seeds in collaboration with Indian companies. To take advantage of the availability of expert personnel in biotechnology at relatively low costs, a few multinational companies like Astra AB (Sweden) are setting up a biotechnology R&D centre in India. Recently, Pro-Agro, an Indian seed company, established links with Plant Genetic Systems, a leading Belgium-based plant biotechnology company, for the production and distribution of hybrid seeds.
In Indonesia, there is relatively little direct involvement or sponsorship of research in government institutions at present (Dart, Manwan and Persley, 1991). Some companies are investigating improved planting materials. A commercial production system has been started for improved oil palm plantlets, with a target of 1 million plants per year in 1993, at the Research Institute for Oil Palm at Marihat. Animal vaccines are produced by Pus Vetima and human vaccines by Perum BioFarma, in government-owned companies, which also undertake some biotechnology research.
In the Republic of Korea, the entrepreneurship drive led the biotechnology sector to be organized in 1982 under the Korean Genetic Engineering Research Association (KOGERA). At present more than 20 private companies are participating in this Association. The government provides the members of KOGERA with subsidy as the seed money. In 1980, the public sector provided 70 percent of the R&D support to the biotech industry. Six years later, the situation was reversed; in 1986 the public sector provided only 28 percent of the R&D cost whereas the industry provided 72 percent of the cost. This shows the increasing success and confidence of the private sector. The private companies are mostly involved in fermentation and pharmaceutical matters and have very little interest in agricultural biotechnology. Most of the companies are using biotechnology for the production of antibiotics, insulin, new vaccines and interferons.
The Association performs an important role in the exchange of biotechnology information and also promotes relevant research. MOST provided a special fund for 122 projects in the field of gene manipulation and recombinant DNA technology in 1990. Of these national projects, 32 projects were directly connected with crop improvement (Chung, 1991). The Korean Science Foundation (KSF) has contracted research projects to universities relating to biotechnology in the fields of medical, pharmaceutical, and agricultural sciences.
The entire biotechnology work in agriculture in the Republic of Korea is coordinated by the Agricultural Biotechnology Research Council comprising researchers from national institutes and universities and representatives of industries and the private sector. A few private companies involved in agricultural biotechnology are using the new technology for the production of virus-free potato planting material, and through the anther culture technique are producing haploids for heterosis breeding in Chinese cabbage and rice. The private sector, besides having strengthened its own R&D system, also provides assistance to universities for undertaking specific biotechnological research.
The following tables show the increase in personnel and funds for biotechnological research and development in the private sector in the Republic of Korea.
Table 6
Trend of biotechnological scientists in companies, in the Republic of Korea
Table 7
Research fund and facility inputs in companies (US$ million) in the Republic of Korea
It may be seen from Table 6 that the total number of biotechnological scientists in the private companies increased from 64 in 1982 to 329 in 1988. The bulk of the researchers were master degree holders. The number of Ph.D. holders in the private companies more than trebled between 1982 and 1988. Research funding support, as seen in Table 7, increased from about US$7 million in 1982 to US$58 million in 1988 (Chung, 1989).
In Malaysia, R&D in plant biotechnology is also being actively pursued by the large plantation companies such as Guthrie Chemara Research, Golden Hope Plantation Berhad, United Plantation, Eastern Plantation Agency and Sime Darby. These companies have their own research arms and their function is often to serve the requirements and needs of their in-house market.
The activities of the private sector are mainly restricted to those areas that have an almost immediate pay-off, namely in micropropagation. Table 8 lists the plant biotechnology activities of the private sector (Zakri, 1991). Top Plant Laboratories is one of the most successful local companies. It does not depend on its own in-house market, simply because it is not a plantation company like many of the others in Malaysia. It is oriented not only to local demand, but also tries to penetrate the regional and distant foreign markets.
Table 8
Plant biotechnology activities in Malaysia - private sector
|Areas of research
|Plant species
|Oil palm
|Guthrie, United Plantation, Golden Hope Plantation Berhad
|Eastern Plantation Agency, Top Plant Laboratories
|United Plantation, Top Plant Laboratories
|Genetic tranformation
|Oil palm
|Protoplast culture
|Oil palm
Joint research ventures in plant biotechnology with foreign companies were attempted in the past but failed to take off. An example is the tie-up between Sime Darby and the International Plant Research Institute (IPRI) in California in 1985 with the aim of commercializing tissue culture techniques in tropical plant species. Nothing substantial came out of this joint venture and the deal was terminated. IPRI of course ceased its operations some time before. During initial interest in the clonal propagation of the oil palm, there were also some joint undertakings between local companies with foreign concerns such as Unilever in the United Kingdom, but because of the abnormality problem alluded to earlier, the collaboration was shelved. However, expertise from foreign sources are still being brought in by various companies from time to time to consult on special problems in plant biotechnology.
Regarding commercialization, in January 1991, the National Working Group on Biotechnology convened a round table meeting on commercialization of biotechnology in a developing economy in Kuala Lumpur. The meeting was attended by scientists, entrepreneurs, bankers and business people. Some of the objectives were to review current developments and trends in biotechnology with emphasis towards commercialization; assess the prospects and implications of the biotechnology industries with special reference to a developing country such as Malaysia; identify areas of biotechnology that have potentials for commercialization; create awareness of the potentials of biotechnology industries in Malaysia among policy-makers, entrepreneurs, investors and financiers (Zakri, 1992).
The round-table found that the interest in biotechnology in Malaysia is mostly confined to universities and government research institutions. There is a communication gap between scientists and academicians on the one hand and the commercial sector involving bankers, entrepreneurs and business people on the other. Therefore, as a first step, an information clearing house needed to be established through the initiative of the National Working Group on Biotechnology and based at the Ministry of Science, Technology and the Environment. This unit would function not only as an information dissemination centre but also as a catalyst to encourage better interaction between the researchers and the businessmen. The Government on its part is also encouraging the commercialization of research results by giving tax exemption of five years to approved institutions that are established for the purpose of carrying out research for a particular industry, in this case biotechnology. One of the areas of biotechnology that is deemed to have a head start in commercialization is plant biotechnology by virtue of the long-established interest of the large plantation houses in producing elite propagation materials or cultivars.
An approach considered relevant in producing planting materials on a commercial scale is in vitro technology which encompasses tissue culture and specifically the technique of micropropagation. Potential clones that are envisaged to have immediate commercial impact are oil palm, ornamentals that are native in origin including orchids, and fruits such as papaya, banana and pineapple. Except for oil palm which already has a high internal and in-house market, the ornamentals and fruit clones also need to be tailored for the export market. As a long-term strategy, research on the production of transgenics should also be embarked upon to meet future challenges in this sector.
In Thailand, a large number of private companies have sprung up near Bangkok for in vitro culture and micropropagation of orchids and other cut flowers. The average turnover of these companies is valued at about US$20 million per year. So far there is little R&D in biotechnology related to orchids and cut flowers in the private sector and the link between private and public sector is rather weak. The government recognizes the importance of this link and a Joint Public-Private Sector Coordination Committee chaired by the Prime Minister was established. Furthermore the government has a policy to encourage the increasing role of the private sector in biotechnology and has been providing bank loans, tax incentives and development grants to support such companies. Since food processing industries have been growing annually by 20 percent, and agricultural export is the major source of national income, the Government has been supporting the use of biotechnology for transforming agricultural products into value-added products (Attathom, 1991).
Regulatory aspects
R&D biotechnology is heavily influenced by two regulatory issues, namely biosafety and intellectual property rights. Biosafety aspects include the policies and procedures needed to ensure the environmentally safe development and application of biotechnologies. An effective biosafety system to regulate release and use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and to address concerns about potential risks to public health and environment must be in place in all countries involved in biotechnology. Biosafety regulations are necessary also to facilitate technology transfer. Comprehensive biosafety guidelines and measures exist in the developed countries, but the situation is far from satisfactory in most developing countries, although they are aware of the need and are in the process of formulating national frameworks, procedures and capabilities for addressing biosafety issues.
In Australia, biosafety guidelines/regulations have been evolving since 1975, when the Academy of Science Committee on Recombinant DNA (ASCORD) issued its first guidelines. In 1981, as per the Commonwealth resolution, the Recombinant DNA Monitoring Committee (RDMC) was established. In 1987, the RDMC published "Procedures for the Assessment of the Planned Release of Recombinant DNA Organisms". The RDMC was further transformed into the Genetic Manipulation Advisory Committee (GMAC) to include the surveillance of any genetic manipulation procedure resulting in an organism containing foreign DNA that was unlikely to be formed by conventional breeding practices. The GMAC emphasizes that the focus of the assessment should be directed towards ensuring that the release does not cause harm to people, livestock, plants or the natural environment, and not primarily be directed towards considering how the organism was constructed.
GMAC adopted the following procedure (Millis, 1990):
In Japan, five guidelines have been established for the regulation of research of DNA organisms and the safe promotion of experiments since 1979 (Figure 1). Appropriate regulations are considered effective in minimizing the potential risks of a new technology to the environment and human health, and in ensuring positive public perception. The purpose of MAFF's "Guidelines for the Application of Recombinant DNA Organisms in Agriculture, Forestry,
Fisheries and the Food Industry and Other Related Industries", is to promote the safe progress of agro-industries by: (i) defining general principles for the appropriate application of rDNA organisms; and (ii) ensuring safety in the use of rDNA organisms (Nakajima, 1991). The guidelines are based on OECD guidelines.
Applications for field trials of rDNA organisms are to be approved by MAFF through biosafety assessments conducted by the authority committee under MAFF. The first application for field tests using transgenic tomato plants harbouring TMV coat protein genes was filed in late 1990. The application was based on three years of greenhouse experimentation. As the biosafety review of this application was completed, the first field trials were approved in 1991 and since then many field tests have been approved.
Figure 1 : Framework for the regulation of rDNA organisms
|Ministry of Education, Science
|Science and Technology Agency
|and Culture
Industrial use
|Environmental release
Industrial production process
|Simulated model
Open environment
|Simulated mod
Open environment
|Agricultural chemicals Fertilizers Feed additives Animal drugs Foods
Fine chemicals
|Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
|Ministry of Health and Welfare
|Ministry of International Trade and Industry
In New Zealand, an Advisory Committee on Novel Genetic Techniques (ACNGT) was set up in 1978 under the terms of a Cabinet resolution. All persons working in the public sector (universities, government departments, etc.) are required to inform ACNGT of their intention to conduct experiments that are defined as "any experiment involving novel genetic techniques that is properly contained and that can be terminated at any point without loss of containment" (Steele and Cooper, 1991).
In 1988 a Genetically Modified Organism Interim Assessment Group (JAG) was established under the Environment Act. The principal role of IAG is to assess all proposals to field test or release GMOs and in so doing provide effective opportunity for public involvement in the assessment process. Private sector researchers are not bound by IAG but are encouraged to use it. In 1989 the New Zealand Government announced that a new agency, the Hazard Control Commission, would be established. This Commission, in addition to responsibilities with respect to hazardous substances, is responsible for assessing and licensing all genetic manipulation work in New Zealand and approving applications to import or release new organisms.
Among the developing countries, comprehensive national biosafety systems/guidelines have been set up in China, India, the Philippines and the Republic of Korea. Most of these guidelines are based on multitier approach, modelled on the lines of OECD and NIH and NAS (United States) biosafety procedures and guidelines for handling and release of GMOs.
In India, the Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT, 1990) prepared a set of Recombinant DNA Safety Guidelines that cover all areas of research and large-scale operations involving genetically engineered organisms, excluding humans. The institutional mechanism for implementing the guidelines consists of:
Environment, to review and approve activities involving the large-scale use of genetically engineered organisms and their products in research and development, industrial production, environmental release, and field applications.
In the Philippines, the National Committee on Biosafety and Biosafety Guidelines is a working group composed of representatives of the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Science and Technology, the University of the Philippines, and the International Rice Research Institute (Padolina and Gapasin, 1991). It has prepared biosafety guidelines that include a provision for case-by-case review of proposed releases of genetically modified organisms. A national Biosafety Committee was established in 1990 to oversee the compliance of policies and guidelines in public and private institutions. A network of 39 Institutional Biosafety Committees was created to ensure the implementation of the guidelines at the institutional level. The National Biosafety Committee coordinates with other national agencies involved in regulations, such as the quarantine services and the environmental management bureau. To date, the National Biosafety Committee has approved 15 applications for the importation of, among other things, transgenic cotton tissue and transgenic strains of rice.
Intellectual property rights
Two Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) mechanisms namely, patents and plant breeders' rights are most important for agricultural biotechnology. A patent is a right granted by the government to inventors to exclude others from imitating, manufacturing, using or selling a specific invention for commercial use during a certain period, usually 17-20 years. The patent holder, in turn, is obliged to disclose the invention to the public. Plant Breeders' Rights (PBR) are rights granted by the government to plant breeders to exclude others from producing or commercializing material of a specific plant variety for a period of about 15 to 20 years.
Both under IPR and PBR, use of the protected matter is restrictive, being highly restrictive under IPR. There is, however, provision for research exemption under IPR which allows others to study the protected subject-matter without reproducing or multiplying it for commercial purposes. Under PBR, there are provisions for breeders' exemption and farmers' privilege. But, in 1991, UPOV tightened PBR by eliminating the breeders' exemption for an essentially derived variety - a variety predominantly derived from another (initial) variety which retains the expression of the essential characteristics from the genotype of the initial variety. Now, as per the 1991 legislation, a breeder who inserts a single new disease-resistance gene into a PBR-protected variety will have to obtain permission from the holder of the original rights before marketing the new variety. In 1991 UPOV also attempted to tighten up farmers' privilege, i.e. freedom to farmers' freedom to use their own harvested material of protected varieties for the next crop on their farm, but because of a lack of consensus among UPOV members it was left to the national governments whether to permit farmers to reuse the seed of a BPR-protected variety for further crop cycles on their own holdings.
The status of development and adoption of IPR and PBR varies widely from country to country in the region. The three developed countries (Australia, Japan and New Zealand) are all members of UPOV and have explicit IPR provisions for biotechnological products and procedures. None of the developing countries are members of UPOV and have mostly been opposed to enforcement of any form of IPR, particularly patents. However, lately, under various kinds of bilateral pressures, such as the special 301 Provisions of the US Omnibus Trade Act of 1988, as well as multilateral pressures, and after having signed the successfully negotiated GATT agreements in December 1993, whether to introduce legislation covering proprietary protection for biotechnology products and procedures, and/or how rigid the protection system should be, are under active debate in several developing countries of the region. Those in favour of having the legislation argue that an effective IPR system would (i) improve the access of the country to new technology from abroad; (ii) stimulate private sectors; and (iii) encourage foreign investment. Those against it argue that in the context of the developing countries it will (i) suppress in-country innovation and local industries and production systems; (ii) increase the dependence on foreign countries even for materials and procedures that are vital for the people of the importing country; (iii) increase prices of even commonly used products and services; and (iv) restrict information flow and knowledge growth. The effects of IPR on the development of biotechnology in developing countries are not clearly understood and should be studied systematically, covering countries at various levels of development and of varying sizes and in the context of different industries, such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, food industries, environmental protection, etc.
Thailand adopted a new patent act (1992) that protects biotechnology inventions after the United States Government had withdrawn Thailand's trade benefits under the General System of Preferences. Under a similar pressure, when the renewal of the Sino-American Science and Technology Agreement was postponed by the United States Government, China revised its patent law effective as of January 1993, which protects biotechnology inventions, but excludes plant and animal varieties. In India, the matter is hotly debated. Despite the pressure from the United States Government by postponing the Indo-US Vaccine Action Programme and the Indo-US Science and Technology Initiative, the Indian Government has not yet strengthened its IPR legislation. However, given these pressures, the changed and liberated seed policy of the government and increasing pressure from the private seed companies within the country, there is a change in the mood of the government, although strong opposition persists. India signed the GATT agreement in December 1993. Its 1994 Spring Session of the Parliament held a special debate on the issue, and the opposition parties continue to agitate. It appears that a consensus may emerge to evolve an IPR system that will not promote inequity, jobless growth, and ecological degradation. The government is currently preparing an effective sui generis UPOV PBR, explicitly emphasizing breeders' exemption and a strong farmers' privilege. In addition, the system would provide for farmers' rights and include mechanisms for the operation of these rights.
As regards other developing Asian countries with considerable programmes in agricultural biotechnology, no patent protection systems exist either in Malaysia or the Philippines. However, Indonesia is preparing a new IPR legislation.
It can be seen from the above that, under various kinds of pressures, from outside or within, and as biotechnological R&D efforts are being intensified, several developing countries are moving towards restructuring or strengthening their IPR systems. What is important at this stage is that the countries strike a rational balance between the positive and negative aspects of the IPR system and tailor their legislations to their needs, opportunities and aspirations. In countries where the local technology base is weak, an IPR system may contribute little to the indigenous technology capacity. However, if the country is now able to pursue cutting-edge biotechnology and produce innovative and useful products and processes at competitive prices, the relevance of an appropriate IPR would increases. The countries must therefore be able to analyse the various pros and cons and short- and long-term socio-economic and ecoenvironmental advantages and disadvantages of instituting a particular IPR system. International organizations, such as FAO, should assist the countries in this task.
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The Canadian Press - ONLINE EDITION
Taliban threat could skew Pakistan's election in favour of parties soft on militants
PESHAWAR, Pakistan - Moderate politicians from some of Pakistan's most violent areas are risking the threat of Taliban attack to run in upcoming nationwide elections, but they are increasingly being forced to rely on social media, phone calls and even short documentaries that allow them to campaign at a distance.
That could give hard-line Islamic candidates and Taliban supporters an advantage as they're able to stump for votes and hold large public rallies that are a traditional hallmark of elections in the country but are extremely vulnerable to attacks.
One of the most serious attacks occurred Tuesday, when a suicide bomber blew himself up outside a meeting of the secular Awami National Party in the northwestern city of Peshawar, killing 16 people. The Taliban said the target of the attack was Haroon Ahmad Bilour, whose father, a senior party leader, was killed in a suicide bombing in Peshawar in December. He escaped unscathed, but his uncle, Ghulam Ahmad Bilour, suffered minor injuries.
As he was being treated at the hospital, the uncle vowed that he and other party candidates would not withdraw from the election despite the death threats. With his trousers soaked in blood, he walked among the hospital beds to comfort crying victims and told them, "We are fighting a war for Pakistan's survival."
Hours earlier, a candidate from one of the Islamic parties, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, campaigned freely in his constituency in a different part of Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Maulana Jalil Jan's supporters showered him with rose petals as he walked unguarded from shop to shop down narrow, crowded lanes to ask for votes. He bristled at any suggestion that the Taliban were terrorists and blamed attacks in the country on foreign agents seeking to "malign religious leaders, all bearded people." He pointed out that the word Taliban simply means a student in an Islamic school.
"There is a difference between the Taliban and terrorists," said Jan.
Faced with the Taliban threat, parties have had to get more creative in their campaigning for the May 11 vote. Members of the Awami National Party and other secular political parties specifically targeted by the Pakistani Taliban have stepped up their use of Facebook and Twitter as well as phone calls and advertisements.
Analysts and secular party candidates fear that the danger could skew election results in favour of hard-line Islamic parties and others who refuse to speak out strongly against the Taliban. Their candidates are able to campaign with much less fear of being attacked, and the concern is this could lead to national and provincial governments inclined to take a softer position toward the militants.
"If you tie my hands, and you want me to fight, I can't," said Mian Iftikhar Hussain, a candidate from the Awami National Party, sitting in his heavily guarded office in Peshawar.
Hussain is running for a provincial assembly seat in the town of Pabbi, which is only 20 kilometres (12 miles) from Peshawar, but it is too dangerous for him to campaign there in person. To get around the danger, Hussain produced a short documentary that highlights development work he has brought to Pabbi and chronicles the sad loss of his only son, who was gunned down by Taliban militants in 2010.
The documentary shows Hussain standing in prayer over the freshly dug grave of his son as a heartfelt poem he wrote in the young man's memory is sung out in mournful tones: "I never knew the enemy could reach my home, my heart, my love would disappear in a grave." He distributes it on DVDs to voters in Pabbi and plans to show the short film there using a couple of big projectors.
Hussain was attacked himself by a suicide bomber at his son's funeral in Pabbi. He survived, but seven other people were killed, including two of his close relatives.
The politician's eyes teared up as he watched the images of his son's grave in the documentary. The film asks his constituents to "vote for those who are sacrificing their lives to save you and your children from terrorists."
It's not only the top Islamic parties like Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam and Jamaat-e-Islami that seem to have been spared by the Taliban in the run-up to the election, but also mainstream parties perceived to take a softer stance on militancy, such as the Pakistan Muslim League-N, which is favoured to come out on top in the election, and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, which is headed by former cricket star Imran Khan. They have all safely held public rallies attended by thousands of people in recent weeks.
These parties have all pushed for peace negotiations with the Taliban instead of military offensives, and the militant group recently said talks should be mediated by the leaders of the top two Islamic parties and the Pakistan Muslim League-N. The parties that have been targeted by the Taliban have also called for peace negotiations, but have demanded the militants put down their weapons and endorse the constitution first and have vowed to continue fighting them until that happens. The Taliban have rejected these conditions.
"This is not a level playing field," Awami National Party leader Afrasiab Khattak said.
The Pakistani Taliban have been waging a bloody insurgency in Pakistan for years to enforce Islamic law in the country and to break the government's alliance with the United States in fighting militants. They have killed thousands of civilians and security personnel in scores of gun and bomb attacks.
The group's main sanctuaries are in the rugged northwest along the Afghan border, including the semiautonomous tribal region and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Taliban have also established a significant presence in the southern city of Karachi and have stepped up attacks there.
The militant group issued audio and video messages last month warning people to stay away from rallies held by the Awami National Party and two other secular parties that have supported army offensives against the militants in the northwest: the Pakistan People's Party, which led the most recent government, and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, which controls Karachi.
The Taliban have carried out at least 10 attacks against candidates and party workers, mainly those in the Awami National Party. The attacks have killed at least 18 people, including a candidate for the Muttahida Qaumi Movement. Many other candidates have been wounded, including five from the Awami National Party.
"This is a clear attempt by the so-called 'non-state actors' to oust and defeat moderate parties," said Raza Rumi, a political analyst who runs the Jinnah Institute think-tank in Islamabad. "This can't be a fair and free election."
The Awami National Party has closed over 50 of its election offices in recent months, mainly in Karachi and Peshawar, because of the threat of attack. The Muttahida Qaumi Movement has stopped holding the massive public rallies that it is known for in Karachi. The Pakistan People's Party had to cancel a large event in southern Sindh province at the beginning of April that was meant to mark the start of its campaign because of security reasons.
Khattak, the Awami National Party leader, called on all political parties to come forward and condemn the attacks on candidates. Many have remained silent or have refused to name the Pakistani Taliban, either for ideological reasons or out of fear of being targeted themselves.
"You have to decide whether you are with the terrorists or with the people," Khattak said.
Associated Press writer Riaz Khan contributed to this report.
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Genre: Series
A young woman who enjoys spreading holiday cheer among her friends and neighbors faces her greatest challenge when the doctor living in the apartment upstairs appears to resist her every effort. Sparkling dialogue keeps THE GRINCH MAKES GOOD (4) moving at top speed as Alison Kent blends sentiment with sensuality to achieve the perfect mix for December reading.
Reviewed By: Renae Dryer
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Published: Dec 1997


text: Investing.com - The Reserve Bank of New Zealand Thursday raised the official cash rate by 25 basis points to 2.75% in a widely expected decision that still gave the currency a jolt upwards.NZD/USD traded at 0.8439, up 0.58%, after the rate hike announcement and remained well bid as economic forecast by the central bank pointed to higher 90-day bill rates, though there was a warning the track of the currency was not sustainable."By increasing the OCR as needed to keep future average inflation near the 2% target mid-point, the Bank is seeking to ensure that the economic expansion can be sustained," Governor Graeme Wheeler said in a statement.The RBNZ has also increased by 20 basis points its projected track for the 90-day bank bill, starting from the next quarter. The current forecast is for 3.3% in the June quarter, rising to 4.8% by December 2015. The last forecasts were for 3.1% in the June quarter, rising to 4.6%.It also raised its GDP growth estimate for the current year to September compared to the last monetary policy statement, three months ago, to 3.4% from 2.9%.As a result, the RBNZ also revised its exchange rate track upwards with the trade-weighted index is now forecast to stay above 75.5 through to the end of 2016, instead of previous expectations it would fall back towards the 70 mark.But Wheeler said the high exchange rate "is not sustainable in the long run."


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Office Manager Jobs in Madison, Wisconsin
2 Madison, WI Office Manager jobs found on Monster.Jobs 1 to 2 of 2
AVON has available opportunities for part time or full time independent Sales Representatives. Bilingual and Entry Level Candidates welcome, No experience is required! Come join the change movement and enjoy amazing success! It doesn't matter if you come from Customer Service, Accounting, Marketing, Administrative or any other field - AVON is looking for you to become an Independent Sales Represe...
University of Wisconsin- River Falls Madison, WI, 53706
This position assists in managing the School of Social Work's admission office and provides program support to a director, assistant director, associate director, and two academic advisors. The person in this position serves under general supervision as the assistant to the director for School of Social Work and serves as office manager at the School of Social Work. This position must be able to t...
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Office Manager
$31,000.00 - $54,080.00
Typical Salary for Office Manager in Madison
(15 Respondents)
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Source: Monster.com Careerbenchmarking Tool
Office Manager
Supports operations by organizing and coordinating office operations and procedures in order to ensure organizational effectiveness and efficiency.
Rate of Growth
14.30 %
Size of Industry in 2006:
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2006
Related Skills
Inventory Control
Management Proficiency
Related Duties
Completes operational requirements by scheduling and assigning employees; following up on work results.
Maintains office services by organizing office operations and procedures; preparing payroll; controlling correspondence; designing filing systems; reviewing and approving supply requisitions; assigning and monitoring clerical functions.
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Town Square
Police: Outrage over homicides leads to tips
Original post made on Jul 29, 2011
Read the full story here Web Link posted Friday, July 29, 2011, 9:15 AM
on Jul 29, 2011 at 10:42 am
The common denomonator is DRUGS! Supply and demand. Drugs and violence go hand in hand. Gangs make alot of money selling drugs in EPA. As long as there are those willing to buy and use them and the "gangster" lifestyle is tolerated, this City will never be safe.
on Jul 29, 2011 at 1:54 pm
How can they release the demographic of the anonymous tipsters? isn't that a breach of anonymity?
I could give you 5 houses right now that sell drugs and i do not ever go to east palo alto. Its from the high school days and guess what else? they're still there!
same people operating them and the police know exactly who and where they are.
But there is one problem in East Palo Alto, they don't do anything about it!!!!
on Jul 29, 2011 at 3:34 pm
EPA police do nothing to catch criminals IMHO. My housekeeper's hardworking husband just cashed his check at a market in EPA, where 2 African American males entered the store and watched, but on security camera, plus their car was also photoed on the camera outside, and then these thugs followed him home, where, at gunpoint, he was robbed of $1,400 dollars which was his entire rent for a month. IN BROAD DAYLIGHT right in front of his house. The EPA Police took a report after Mr. Mendoza called 911, but never called him in to see mug shots, or anything after that. A year later, nothing has ever happened. Can you imagine if this had happened in Menlo Park or Atherton ? I am disgusted with EPA police. I have tried to call the EPA police and they won't give any info out and these criminals who "can" be identified are still on the loose.


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Found July 02, 2013 on Football Nation:
PLAYERS: Mark Sanchez, Tim Tebow, Tom Brady
TEAMS: New York Jets, New England Patriots
TEAMS: New York Jets, New England Patriots
It was just a year ago that Mark Sanchez had to deal with the signing of Tim Tebow. Now he faces an even tougher situation in the carousel that is the New York Jets quarterbacking debacle.And don't forget what is going on amongst the tight ends in New England. Who will Tom Brady have to target in 2013?Could this be the year that the mighty Patriots finally meet their match and fall to an upstart rival in the East? Some are saying that other teams, namely the Bills and Dolphins, are building their teams to win, and very soon.Travel up and down the East Coast with me as I dissect what is about to unfold in each of the AFC East training camps this month.
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Added Mar 22, 2014
Orange County, C...
There are tons of iPad cases available so you might ask why bother making one? My thought was that having a handle on the case would prevent me from dropping it. That's the last thing I want to happen. And then I had the idea for this particular case and it became a welcome project challenge. I like the simplicity of this case (or you may call it a sleeve) the convenience and the cost. It doesn't require much material so I was able to make it with scraps of vinyl I had on hand. Get the tutorial for this project by clicking "Case" in credits below.
Vinyl, mat board
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Asthma symptoms vary from person to person and vary over time in the same person. Common asthma symptoms may include:
An asthma attack (or episode) is a worsening of symptoms, which may start suddenly or take several days to develop. Although some people typically have milder and less frequent asthma attacks than others, it's possible for anyone with asthma to have a severe attack. Treating symptoms early helps people avoid emergency symptoms from developing.
If a person's asthma symptoms are left untreated, the following emergency symptoms may develop:
People who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately. In some cases a severe asthma attack may require a hospital stay, intravenous medicine (into a vein), and oxygen therapy.
Asthma is not the same for everyone. Asthma symptoms are often grouped into four levels of severity. The levels are based on the frequency and intensity of a person's typical symptoms:


text:
New York, NY
Content Type
- Building
Certifications & Awards
Project Team
- Owner: The Durst Organization
In 1995, Four Times Square was the first speculative office building to be developed in New York City in almost a decade. It has 48 stories of occupied space and was the first project of its size and financial structure (multi-tenanted and not owner-operated) in the U.S. to adopt standards for energy efficiency, sustainable materials, and indoor environmental quality, as well as for responsible construction, operations, and maintenance practices.
Table of contents
This building was originally imported from the U.S. Department of Energy Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
- Location: New York, NY
- Building type(s): Commercial office, Retail
- New construction
- 1,600,000 sq. feet (149,000 sq. meters)
- Project scope: 48-story building
- Urban setting
Completed January 2000
As soon as April 2000, all available space in 4 Times Square was leased and 98% was already occupied.
In 1995, Four Times Square was the first speculative office building to be developed in New York City in almost a decade. It has 48 stories of occupied space and was the first project of its size and financial structure (multi-tenanted and not owner-operated) in the U.S. to adopt standards for energy efficiency, sustainable materials, and indoor environmental quality, as well as for responsible construction, operations, and maintenance practices.
Environmental Aspects
Energy efficiency and indoor air quality were given special consideration in Four Times Square.
Owner & Occupancy
Owned and occupied by The Durst Organization, Corporation, for-profit
Building Programs
|Indoor Spaces:
|Restrooms, Retail general, Office
Commissioning, Transportation benefits, HVAC, Efficient lighting, On-site renewable electricity, C&D waste management, Occupant recycling, Daylighting, Natural ventilation, Ventilation effectiveness, Low-emitting materials
Team & Process
Douglas Durst, President of the Durst Organization, decided in 1995 to build a "green" office building in Times Square. From the start, the design team was surprised by the limited available guidance in large-scale green design.
In order to bring about their desired outcomes, all involved parties worked closely throughout design and construction. The design team participated in several retreats in order to more effectively communicate and coordinate their various ideas.
Waste management plans were written and followed for both demolition and construction. Deliveries were scheduled so as not to result in unnecessary engine idling on site. Low-toxic construction materials and techniques were specified when appropriate; when hazardous materials were used, only trained workers handled them. Prefabricated, preassembled, and resource-saving materials were specified when possible. Finally, all employees were educated about environmentally responsible procedures and the reasons for their selection.
The process of educating tenants was a major component of "greening" this project. The Dursts expended considerable effort to educate tenants, architects, and engineers regarding "green design," including providing them with a green building library that had been useful on the base building.
The project employs extensive building commissioning to ensure the optimal functioning of various systems. Additional commissioning check-ups are scheduled every five years for the life of the building.
Indoor environmental quality is strictly monitored, including sensors and controls for humidity, CO2, contaminants and particulates. Direct Digital Control and monitoring systems are being provided for all equipment, pumps, motors, etc.
DOE-2 computer modeling was used for energy analysis during design and recommended to tenants for further lighting consultation.
- ALGOR was used to simulate fluids and air movement.
- CFD2000 was used to simulate fluids and air movement.
The RADIANCE program was recommended to tenants to facilitate lighting design.
The design team also included:
- Engineers
Finance & Cost
The DOE-2 computer analysis work was provided by grants from Rocky Mountain Institute and the New York State Energy Research & Development Agency (NYSERDA).
Cost data in U.S. dollars as of date of completion.
- Total project cost (land excluded): $270,000,000
A gas-fired plant for heating and cooling was chosen because of its efficiency and payback of approximately 3 years. Note that the developer incurs the increased first cost of the system, while the tenants benefit directly from the lower operating cost of the system.
Land Use & Community
Four Times Square is an infill high-rise development in the heart of Manhattan. It used the footings of an existing building and is in close proximity to mass transportation, including bus and subway lines and commuter railways. Located in Times Square, the building has a pedestrian emphasis and provides no parking.
Recognizing the building's location at "the crossroads of the world," between commercial Broadway/Times Square and corporate 6th Avenue, the designers used attitude-appropriate exterior facades for different sides of the building.
Responsible Planning
Ensure that development fits within a responsible local and regional planning framework
Properties with Excessive Impacts
- Avoid contributing to sprawl
Support for Appropriate Transportation
Design development to have pedestrian emphasis rather than automobile emphasis
- Provide access to public transportation
Property Selection Opportunities
- Look for opportunities for infill development
- Select already-developed sites for new development
Site Description
Low-flow water fixtures were specified.
Preexisting structure(s), Previously developed land
Development Impacts
- Minimize building footprint
Low-Water-Use Fixtures
- Use automatic faucet controls for lavatories
Low-Impact Siting
Select an already-developed portion of a site for new development
- Site buildings where lowest biodiversity is present
Select building sites that make use of existing infrastructure
DOE-2 and other computer analyses were used on the Four Times Square project in order to optimally design the HVAC and building envelope systems. (Urban orientation rather than solar orientation generated the building form.) The DOE-2 model calculates the amount of energy consumed by a floor or group of floors using various configurations of systems and materials.
Energy-conservation strategies
In order to provide the greatest amount of daylight penetration yet minimize solar heat gain, large windows were chosen—7 feet high (2.1 m) in a 9-foot (2.7 m) ceiling—as well as high visible-light transmission glass (0.40 and 0.66) with a good shading coefficient (0.30). These high-performance windows let in light without affecting inside air temperature. They also maximize daylighting, lowering electric lighting needs.
Direct-fired natural-gas absorption chiller/heaters, located on the 49th floor, were chosen over electrical and steam-driven chillers for heating and air conditioning. This choice was made in light of the fuel source profile of the northeast, the low emissions associated with natural gas, and the avoidance of transmission loss with direct-fired equipment. The high floor location of the heavy equipment in combination with the hat truss structure aids the structural performance of the building, although it complicated construction scheduling.
Extra levels of insulation were specified. Additional thermal insulation was detailed for spandrels, roofs, etc.
Two 200 kW fuel cells are located in the 4th floor outside air plenum with a separate exhaust. The building is using the electricity generated from these two fuel cells to cover almost 100% of its base load late at night and approximately 5% of the building's electrical needs during the day.
Integrated "thin-film" photovoltaics were used in approximately 60 feet (18 m) of spandrel glass on the south and east facades of the top nine floors of the building as a demonstration test. The peak output from these panels is only about 15 kW but will give The Durst Organization hands-on experience with photovoltaic technology in an urban high-rise application.
Individual floor-by-floor fan units operate only when tenants are using their spaces. State-of-the-art, energy-efficient, fiber-optic outdoor signage is being used atop the building. LED exit signs, occupancy sensors in seldom-occupied spaces, and high-performance fixtures with central controls in public spaces reduce the building's energy use.
Tenant guidelines were developed for energy efficiency including: keeping sections of the perimeter free of private offices to let more natural light penetrate the space; consolidating rooms with similar uses and schedules to allow lighting and temperature controls to be more finely tuned and to reduce ductwork and associated costs; using light-colored surfaces and finishes to decrease the amount of artificial light required; and using energy-efficient office equipment.
Direct Digital Control and monitoring systems are being provided for all equipment, pumps, motors, etc.
An extensive building commissioning process is being conducted to ensure that all building systems are performing as per design criteria. Tenants were encouraged to do the same and coordinate their systems with the building's operating staff and systems. Commissioning procedures will be designed to ensure that thermal comfort, indoor air quality, water quality, and energy systems perform up to or better than design specifications. Commissioning is being performed on all base building systems and equipment.
Materials & Resources
Recycled and recyclable materials were used in the construction of Four Times Square. Tenants are encouraged to use materials with high recycled content as well as easily recyclable materials. Two recycling chutes are located on each floor in the service area of the core: one for paper and one for wet trash. Each chute is connected to an appropriate container in the loading area.
Existing footings at the corner of 42nd Street and Broadway were reused. The amount of needed steel was reduced by the introduction of concrete as a structural element, the rooftop HVAC units, and the use of "hat trusses."
Tenants are encouraged to use light-gauge metal framing and gypsum board with as much recycled content as possible; to use modular wiring assemblies to facilitate easy relocation of power and communication cabling; to provide for effective and efficient waste handling of fluorescent lamps and ballasts; to consider open office furniture systems for flexibility; and to specify ceiling tiles with 100% post-industrial recycled material, with exposed spline to minimize damage during alterations, and that can be easily recycled.
Waste specifications were required to efficiently use resources and energy to the fullest extent possible, which included recycling waste during demolition and construction. The contractors and subcontractors were required to track what was recycled and where it went. The tracking report for demolition reported recycling 1,800 tons (1,600 tonnes) of steel; 95 tons (86 tonnes) of scrap metal; 8,000 yd3 (6,100 m3) of brick, concrete, and dirt; and 1,000 doors, beams, and copper or stone architectural elements. Future debris from fit-ups and renovations must be separated and carted to facilitate recycling.
- Access Flooring Systems
- Carpet Recycling
- Cork Flooring
- Fabric Wall Covering
- Lighting Control Systems
- Low-VOC Acrylic Latex Interior Paint
- Low-VOC, Materials-Efficient Office Furniture
- Recycled-Aluminum Ceiling
- Recycling System for Multistory Buildings
An underfloor air system operates via the access flooring system.
Building Deconstruction
- Identify items to be reused from existing structure
- Recycle materials to be discarded from existing structure
Job Site Recycling
- Investigate local infrastructure for recycling
- Require a waste management plan from the contractor
- Require that subcontractors keep their wastes separate
Recycling by Occupants
- Design a physical in-house recycling system
Post-Consumer Recycled Materials
Use wallboard from manufacturers that utilize gypsum from job-site scraps
Specify light-gauge steel framing with highest recycled content
Indoor Environment
Tenants are provided with better-than-code air delivery: outside air is delivered at 0.20 cfm/ft2 with an additional 0.50 cfm available if desired. The system has the capacity to purge any 3 floors simultaneously with 100% outside air ducted into the building at high elevations, avoiding street exhaust.
Central monitoring of air quality is accomplished through a network of tubes in the plenum. Periodic IAQ monitoring and analysis of tenant spaces will establish baseline information and test IAQ over time. Carbon dioxide and, in some cases, carbon monoxide monitoring is provided on an ongoing basis.
The project's exterior skin is designed for up to 30% relative humidity in the winter without risk of problematic condensation formation.
Tenants are required by NYC code to connect smoking rooms to the general exhaust shaft in the building's core. Tenants are encouraged to connect all private offices in which smoking is allowed to this shaft. These dedicated exhaust shafts may also be used for copy rooms or high-VOC-content rooms.
A selection of materials with low to no VOCs was specified for the base building. The Durst Organization is committed to using the most environmentally sound cleaning materials and procedures. All cleaning solutions and materials will be nontoxic.
Tenants were given the option to link their air distribution system to the main controls to take advantage of the balancing of air supply, IAQ purge capability, humidity control, etc.
Entry of Pollutants
- Locate outdoor air intakes away from pollution sources
- Keep positive pressure in the building
Visual Comfort and The Building Envelope
Choose interior and exterior glazing to maximize daylight transmission
Visual Comfort and Interior Design
Design open floor plans to allow exterior daylight to penetrate to the interior
- Place primarily unoccupied spaces away from daylight sources
Ventilation and Filtration Systems
Specify ventilation rates that meet or exceed ASHRAE Standard 62-1999
Direct Exhaust from High-source Locations
Provide local exhaust ventilation for rooms with high-emitting sources
Reduction of Indoor Pollutants
- Use only very low or no-VOC paints
Maintenance for IEQ
Specify routine maintenance for HVAC system and check performance of system
- Specify use of only nontoxic cleaning products
Alliance to Save Energy in 1999; Category/title: Star of Energy Efficiency Award
New York Construction News in 1998; Category/title: Commercial Project of the Year
Learn More
It is possible to visit this project. The building is located at 4 Times Square in downtown Manhattan, New York. It is on the corner of 42nd Street and Broadway. If driving, note that no parking is available at the site. Four Times Square is within walking distance of Grand Central Station and the Port Authority Terminal, as well as the 42nd Street/6th Avenue and 42nd Street/Times Square subway stops.
Lessons Learned 4 Times Square: An environmental information and resource guide for the commercial real estate industry Editors: Lippe, Pamela (1997)
This magazine-format report (with ads) contains personal environmental statements from key players in this landmark project, insights into green design of skyscrapers, and other useful articles.
Web sites
Fox & Fowle's 4 Times Square Web site
This is architect Fox & Fowle's Web site description of 4 Times Square. It includes several photographs and a description.
The Durst Organization's 4 Times Square Web site
This is the 4 Times Square Web site for the Durst Organization, the owner/developer of the project.
Brochure: 4 Times Square (November 2001)
Part of the U.S. Department of Energy's "Highlighting High Performance" series, this brochure is available online in PDF form. (PDF 342 KB) Download Acrobat Reader


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Trayvon Martin: Profiles of prominent people involved in the Trayvon Martin case
Several local and national leaders have been involved in the Trayvon Martin shooting. These are our profiles of the politicians, police and community leaders involved in the case.
10:43 PM EDT, April 12, 2012
Scott Maxwell: Corey looks courageous, savvy in Trayvon Martin case so far
Only time will tell whether Special Prosecutor Angela Corey got it right in charging George Zimmerman with second-degree murder.
10:11 AM EDT, April 25, 2012
Trayvon Martin: Bill Cosby discusses case on CNN's 'State of the Union'
Democratic strategist Hilary Rosen caused a furor with her comments about Ann Romney, wife of Mitt Romney. Rosen has apologized for saying that Mrs. Romney "never worked a day in her life," but the controversy will drive a lot of Sunday morning talk.
5:47 PM EDT, March 31, 2012
Al Sharpton: Civil disobedience will escalate if Zimmerman remains free
If George Zimmerman is not arrested in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin soon, theRev. Al Sharpton will call for an escalation in peaceful civil disobedience and economic sanctions.
5:30 PM EDT, March 28, 2012
Special prosecutor: I may need no grand jury in Trayvon Martin case
The special prosecutor in the Trayvon Martin case said she hopes to make a decision without a grand jury about whether to arrest the man who killed the unarmed black 17-year-old in Sanford, according to a Florida newspaper.
5:50 PM EDT, March 27, 2012
Trayvon Martin: Fort Lauderdale senator asks governor to speed up task force work
A Fort Lauderdale senator has asked the governor to speed up the work of a special task force assigned to evaluate the "Stand Your Ground Law" in the wake of the Trayvon Martin shooting.
4:02 PM EDT, March 27, 2012
Trayvon Martin: Rollins students rally for slain teen
Wearing black shirts and photos of Trayvon Martin, a small group of Rollins College students gathered on campus Tuesday to urge their peers to sign a petition calling for the prosecution of the man who shot and killed the teenager last month in Sanford.
11:56 PM EDT, March 26, 2012
Trayvon Martin: 'The whole world is watching Sanford,' Rev. Jesse Jackson tells commissioners
SANFORD — Vowing never to relent, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, other civil-rights leaders and the parents of slain teen Trayvon Martin demanded that city commissioners do their part to ensure shooter George Zimmerman is arrested.
12:29 PM EDT, March 23, 2012
President Obama urges 'thorough investigation' of Trayvon Martin case
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama spoke in unusually personal terms today about the shooting death of an unarmed black teenager in Central Florida, a case that has roiled civil-rights activists and the community.
9:45 PM EDT, March 21, 2012
Trayvon Martin case: Sanford commission votes 'no confidence' in police chief
SANFORD — Sanford city commissioners have voted "no confidence" in police Chief Bill Lee Jr., who has been publicly lambasted for his department's handling of the fatal shooting of Miami teenager Trayvon Martin.
10:57 AM EDT, March 20, 2012
Trayvon Martin shooting: Statement from State Attorney Norm Wolfinger
Statement from State Attorney Norm Wolfinger:
5:59 PM EDT, March 17, 2012
Trayvon Martin shooting draws Rev. Al Sharpton to Sanford
The Rev. Al Sharptonannounced through social media that he will be visiting Sanford next week to hold a rally for slain Miami teen Trayvon Martin, whose killing by a Neighborhood Watch volunteer has sparked national outrage.
1:00 PM EDT, March 21, 2012
Siplin asks for special prosecutor in Trayvon Martin case
6:06 PM EDT, March 20, 2012
Trayvon Martin: Sanford officials, Rep. Corrine Brown meet with Justice officials in Washington
Rep. Corrine Brown, and Sanford city leaders, who met in Washington today withU.S. Department of Justicerepresentatives, said they were committed to finding answers surrounding the shooting death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin.
March 14, 2012
Sanford shooting calls for FDLE investigation
After Sanford Police Chief Bill Lee's unrevealing and unsatisfying press conference Monday, residents were no less in the dark about what happened Feb. 26 within a gated Sanford enclave.
5:03 PM EDT, March 13, 2012
Police turn over Travyon Martin shooting case to State Attorney
Sanford police turned over the Treyvon Martin shooting case to the Seminole-Brevard State Attorney's Office this afternoon.
11:05 PM EDT, March 14, 2012
Trayvon Martin's death reminds Sanford of history of racial tension
In almost any community, the shooting death of a black teen by a white crime-watch volunteer would raise accusations of racism. But this one occurred in Sanford, a city that has struggled with racial tensions for a century.
Copyright © 2014, Orlando Sentinel


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AFCAT Syllabus 2014:
Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is conducted to get admission in academies related to Air Force.
To crack this exam, candidates must have study according to updated syllabus.
Among the four groups of test viz. Intelligence test, psychological test, a group discussion and medical test the syllabus for the Intelligence test had been provided below, read it carefully and prepare accordingly.
Syllabus is the most important section by which sure success can be achieved by the aspirants.
Four portions from which the questions will be asked:
General Awareness
To test your knowledge on the current topics regarding history, science, defence, sports, economics, etc.
Verbal Ability in English
To test the skills of English language Error detection, synonyms, antonyms, word-meanings, comprehensions are asked in this section.
Numerical Ability
Contains mathematical section up to 12th class with interest rate, numerical fractions, average, etc
Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test
Spatial abilities and verbal skills are the parts of this section
- AFCAT exam duration is of 2 hours and it is held separately for males and females.
- It contains 100 questions and each question carries 03 marks. For every wrong answer 01 mark would be deducted from the total.
- There is no negative marking for the questions left unanswered.
Book that contain AFCAT syllabus:
AFCAT Test Guide book and previous year solved papers.
NOTE: For more details about AFCAT Exam keep reading our web portal: privatejobshub.blogspot.in.
- AFCAT Eligibility Criteria- More Details
- AFCAT Sample Papers - More Details
- AFCAT Admit Card - More Details
- More Defence Jobs
- How to Apply For Government Jobs- More Details
Computer Knowledge
General Awareness


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Cass, Crow Wing to cooperate
BACKUS –Reno Wells, Cass County Health, Human and Veterans Services (HHVS) director, obtained county board approval Tuesday to begin a pilot program with Crow Wing County to offer benefit application services interchangeably between the two counties.
From April 1 to Oct. residents of both counties may choose whether to apply for assistance benefits from either county and will then have the county where they applied track their benefit distribution.
Are you a newspaper subscriber but you don't have a Digital Access account yet? https://secure.forumcomm.com/?publisher_ID=40&event=subscriber/lookup.
You will need your subscription account number and phone number. Not sure if you have an account? Email us at email@example.com and we can help you.


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9 CFR 381.205 - Labeling of immediate containers of poultry products offered for entry.
(a) Immediate containers of poultry products imported into the United States shall bear a label printed in English showing in accordance with subpart N of this part all information required by that section (except that the inspection mark and establishment number assigned by the foreign poultry inspection system and certified to the Inspection Service shall be shown instead of the official dressed poultry identification mark or other official inspection legend, and official establishment number); and in addition the label shall show the name of the country of origin preceded by the words "Product of," which statement shall appear immediately under the name of the product.
(c) All marks and other labeling for use on or with immediate containers shall be approved for use by the Food Safety and Inspection Service in accordance with §§ 381.132 and 381.133 before products bearing such marks and other labeling will be permitted for entry into the United States.
[37 FR 9706, May 16, 1972, as amended at 39 FR 4569, Feb. 5, 1974; 54 FR 41050, Oct. 5, 1989; 60 FR 67458, Dec. 29, 1995]
Title 9 published on 2014-01-01
The following are only the Rules published in the Federal Register after the published date of Title 9.
For a complete list of all Rules, Proposed Rules, and Notices view the Rulemaking tab.
Title 9 published on 2014-01-01
The following are ALL rules, proposed rules, and notices (chronologically) published in the Federal Register relating to 9 CFR 381 after this date.


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If you have an event you would like to have posted to our Calendar - send us an email at firstname.lastname@example.com or give us a call at (281) 344-9496
|Wednesday, September 17, 2014
|PGPOA Nomination Meeting 7:30PM
Calendar Items
Map of Pecan Grove
Pecan Grove Weather
"Welcome to Pecan Grove--a community of neighbors. The Board of Trustees is here to serve you in any way we can. Feel free to contact our office or any one of us individually any time you need assistance in any way."
School Starts August 25th
Schools start back Monday, August 25th, please slow down and watch for children crossing the street or riding their bikes. Please watch for buses as they load and unload children, they may dart from in front or behind the bus and remember to never pass a buss when the caution lights are on.
Radar Signs
The Board continues to work closely with the Ft. Bend County
Sheriffs Dept to make our residents aware of the speed limits
and make Pecan Grove a bit safer for traffic and pedestrians.
We frequently move the signs to different areas in the
neighborhood, as traffic dictates to help slow down speeders.
Please be careful and watch for children as you drive our residential roadways..
September 2014 Property Owners Meeeting
Interested in being a Board Member?
As with every year around this time, there will be a Special Meeting to nominate candidates for the PGPOA Board.
The meeting will be held September 17th at 7:30pm at the Clubhouse, 2nd Floor and there are four (4) positions that will be voted on this year.
All Candidates wishing to be on the October ballot must be nominated at the September meeting. Voting will be held the following month during our quarterly meeting. All candidates must turn in a short personal biography to the POA office by Thursday, September 20th. This is a great opportunity to serve your community and well worth your time and effort.
The only item on the agenda for this meeting will be nominations for the Board.


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Bosse High School reunion should be a blast
February 3, 2010
Attention 1940s and 1950s graduates of Bosse High School, in Evansville, Ind.,: The fourth annual reunion will take place beginning at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, at IMG Academy and Country Club, 4350 El Conquistador Blvd., Bradenton, with a luncheon and program.
Leatherback turtle released after two days of rehab
January 20, 2010
Mote Marine Laboratory's Sea Turtle Hospital treated one of its largest patients ever recently. Lizzy, a 787-pound leatherback sea turtle rescued from Lee County, came to Mote for rehabilitation after stranding Tuesday, Jan. 5. She was released more than 20 miles off the coast of St. Petersburg two days later.
Historic discounts offered on merchandise
January 20, 2010
Pining for a peacock T-shirt? Then become a member or renew your membership at the Longboat Key Historical Society and receive 10% off all merchandise at the group's museum, 6826 Gulf of Mexico Drive. But act now. The deal is history Feb. 1. Visit longboatkeyhistory.org.
Kiwanis Club seeks 2009 Citizen of the Year nominees
January 20, 2010
The Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key is accepting nominations for its 2009 Citizen of the Year Award.
On cold night, special hat is one hot item
January 20, 2010
On Jan. 6 at Harry's Continental Kitchens' wine tasting, more than one person asked Gary Steinman to sell the hat off his head.
Canines think it's doggone cold, too
January 20, 2010
Last week was doggone cold. So when Romeo, a Great Dane, went for his Wednesday walk on the north end of Longboat Key with his owners, Amanda and Joe Sikorski, he bundled up in his red sweater.
Early voting continues this week
January 20, 2010
The town of Longboat Key is holding early voting for a town-wide preliminary election for District 1 candidates Lynn Larson, Lee Pokoik and incumbent Mayor Lee Rothenberg through Friday, Jan. 22, at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road.
New BT section makes its debut
January 13, 2010
Debuting in all the Observers this week is a new, separate section for Black Tie and Arts & Entertainment.
Don't miss this opportunity (sale)
January 13, 2010
The All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church 2010 Opportunity Sale is a month-and-a-half away.
Black Tie & Tales
January 13, 2010
Read this week's social column by Molly Schechter.
- Oct
2 Florida's Children First 2014 Sarasota Reception
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
- Oct
16 Pillar of Hope Open House
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
- Oct
17 Taste of St. Armands
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
- Oct
17 Night of Fish, Fun & Fright
6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
PHOTO GALLERY: 68th annual Labor Day Regatta
Sarasota Sailing Squadron hosted its 68th annual Labor Day Regatta Saturday, Aug. 30, at Sarasota Sailing Squadron.
PHOTO GALLERY: Bird Key Yacht Club Labor Day Celebration
Bird Key Yacht Club kicks off Labor Day weekend with its Labor Day Celebration Party Friday, Aug. 29, at Bird Key Yacht Club.
FYI Friday — Your Weekly news roundup
Catch up on the week's most important and most interesting news stories from Sarasota, Longboat Key and East County with FYI Friday.


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The wait is over! Download the BeerAdvocate app on iTunes or Google Play now.
Get 12 issues / year of BeerAdvocate magazine for only $9.99!
Black Strap Porter - Bootlegger's Brewery
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Ratings: 16 | Reviews: 6 | Display Reviews Only:
3/5 rDev -11.8%
01-31-2014 05:06:56 | More by ricecracker420
3.5/5 rDev +2.9%
11-27-2013 04:45:38 | More by ILikeGoodCider
3.5/5 rDev +2.9%
07-17-2013 21:51:22 | More by 2beerdogs
3.74/5 rDev +10%
On tap at Bootlegger's Brewery in Fullerton, CA.
Pours an almost opaque super dark brown with a foamy khaki head that settles to a film on top of the beer. Small dots of lace form around the glass on the drink down. Smell is of dark roasted malt, cocoa, and molasses. Taste is much the same with a cocoa flavor on the finish. There is a mild amount of roasty bitterness on the palate with each sip. This beer has a lower level of carbonation with a slightly crisp and medium bodied mouthfeel. Overall, this is a pretty good beer that is tasty and quite drinkable.
02-26-2013 00:01:36 | More by UCLABrewN84
3.5/5 rDev +2.9%
02-16-2013 00:29:50 | More by Gobzilla
3.75/5 rDev +10.3%
08-24-2012 02:10:13 | More by t0rin0
3.5/5 rDev +2.9%
02-17-2012 19:30:06 | More by John11486
3/5 rDev -11.8%
01-22-2012 21:35:50 | More by djaeon
3/5 rDev -11.8%
12-29-2011 07:36:52 | More by Jstark5150
3/5 rDev -11.8%
12-04-2011 18:55:21 | More by mhaugo
4/5 rDev +17.6%
11-20-2011 18:50:01 | More by Rempo
1.8/5 rDev -47.1%
I appreciate this brewery's ingredient inventiveness and willingness to take risks, resulting in tremendous beers such as cherry chernobyl and knuckle sandwich. Unfortunately, blackstrap porter is more a foot on the proverbial banana peel than a success story.
Appearance is promising ... The rich dark chocolate color you'd expect with a minimal top head and thick, light brown lacing that sticks stubbornly to the glass before breaking up into thousands of tiny bubbles and dissolving. Sadly, this is the last nice comment I can muster for this beer.
The nose is difficult to find. I had to jam my grill halfway down the mason jar (how beer is served in their tasting room) before catching a whiff of something musty. After sitting with that jar affixed to my face for several seconds, I was convinced there was possibly something molasses-like going on. As the beer grew warmer, the scent of blackstrap was easier to pick up.
The initial cold taste and feel were both thin...almost nothing happening here. At room temp, the molasses flavor woke up slightly, with a small top of ammonia.
There's a bit more to say but I don't like to waste too much time drinking or reviewing sub-par brews. But that said, I find myself grateful that this brewery takes an occasional risk, paving the way to all the other tasty beverages i've sampled from bootleggers.
07-23-2011 23:10:21 | More by Vanlingleipa
3.95/5 rDev +16.2%
On tap at the brewery
Look: Dark black 1/4 head no retention and some lace
Smell: Roasted malt coffee and hints of licorice
Taste: Upfront was coffee and a bit of roastyness that i actually enjoyed quite a bit in the middle is a hint of chocolate and licorice. Probably was there was no backend and the flavor faded quickly. If that had not happened I would have scored it higher
Mouthfeel: Light to medium body I actually thought it was a tad bit watery for the style. medium carbonation.
Overall: Not a bad porter at all. They have a couple beers that I like better so that would keep me from drinking this beer more often but if you like porters it is definiately worth a try
07-15-2011 03:09:06 | More by DarthKostrizer
3.9/5 rDev +14.7%
On-tap at Bootlegger's,
A: Pours a dark brown with a moderate off-white almost tan head, good retention.
S: Licorice for days, dark malt.
T: This is black licorice city, if you don't like this flavour don't go near this beer. I like it so I was quite happy. Licorice, star anise and fennel upfront, with a nice mild roast and molasses finish.
M: Medium-bodied, soft carbonation, quite smooth
T: This is a good tasty full-flavored porter at amoderate alcohol level, right up my alley.
05-15-2010 23:47:39 | More by Halcyondays
3.7/5 rDev +8.8%
On-tap at the source, on to the beer:
This porter is....well, black. It fades to ruby brown towards the bottom of the glass.. Not a whole lot of head in this beer. Lots of licorice in the aroma. Sweet licorice. Like the aroma, there is a lot of licorice to taste. A little bit of roasted malt to taste, and lightly hopped towards the back. I wouldn have liked to see more "porter" in this beer, but with the licorice it's ceetainly a beer that's worth a try.
04-09-2010 04:02:11 | More by DoubleJ
3.58/5 rDev +5.3%
On-tap at Bootlegger's
A: The pour on this one is quite nice. A deep, dark brown color with a very fluffy tan head which dies down a decent amount but leaves some nice lacing.
S: The nose is incredibly heavy on the licorice notes, but that is to be expected. There are also some molasses and roasted malt undertones.
T: The flavor has a little bit more balance to it than the nose does. While there is still plenty in the way of licorice, a bit more of the molasses comes through along with a touch of toffee and some roasted malt.
M: The body is medium with a moderate level of carbonation.
D: I enjoy licorice, but you really have to be a fan of it for this beer. I think a little bit less in the way of the star anise in the brewing process would make this beer a lot better.
03-06-2010 04:17:36 | More by womencantsail
Black Strap Porter from Bootlegger's Brewery
80 out of 100 based on 16 ratings.