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CASE NUMBER: 168 CASE MNEMNONIC: RABBIT CASE NAME: THE AUSTRALIAN RABBIT CASE A. IDENTIFICATION 1. The Issue This case examines the potential environmental, legal, and trade issues raised by the recent accidental release of the rabbit calicivirus disease virus from a testing site in South Australia. The virus has spread to New Zealand. While the rabbit populations in Australia and New Zealand have been a plague on farmers for many years, it is possible that the virus may harm bats, cattle, deer, and plant life (namely the kiwi) as well. Adding to environmental concerns is the possibility that the rapidly-spreading virus may linger for many years. Political pressures have been building in New Zealand over possible damage to the national emblem (the kiwi) as well as the possible loss of pet and show rabbits. Australia has already developed a vaccine for the virus, which New Zealand is anxious to begin importing. However, farmers of both countries stand to gain tens of millions of dollars in increased agricultural output since damage caused by rabbits is the main source of agricultural losses. With the rabbit population about to be reduced by an estimated 70 per cent, farmers will finally have relief from this problem. 2. Description Over a century ago, wealthy Englishmen who migrated to Australia brought hundreds of rabbits on their ships with them to use as the object of their traditional hunts. Since then, the rabbit population has become a plague for Australia--their numbers have grown to well over 200 million. The rabbits are destroying vegetation, causing severe soil erosion, and destroying grazing land (8 rabbits eat about the same amount of grass as a single sheep). It is estimated that the loss of sheep to malnourishment (due to rabbits) is costing the Australian farming industry $A97-70 million per year ($75-55 million U.S.). By the late 1970s, Australian farmers were putting considerable pressure on the government to find a solution to the problem. The solution was to import a virus which had devastated the rabbit population in South Africa: Myxomatosis (myxo). At one point, myxo had reduced the Australian rabbit population by about 99%. However, due to the legendary rabbit reproduction rate, and an increased resistance to myxo, the virus affected less than a 50% reduction rate by 1990. At one point, ferrets were imported to help control the rabbit population. Ferrets prey on young rabbits. It was soon discovered that the ferrets were infected with Bovine Tuberculoses and were spreading it to cattle and deer. Not only was there less beef and cattle to export, but it quickly became known on the international market that Australian cattle were infected with tuberculoses. This caused a loss in confidence in Australian beef which further hurt exports. Losses in beef and cattle exports cost the farmers as much as $A35 million per year ($27 million U.S.). These losses to Australian agrigulture made it necessary for the government to release a different strain of myxo to control the ferret population which had originally been imported to control the rabbit population. By 1990, the Australian government was facing increased pressure from farmers and had to find another solution to control the rabbit population. It was decided that releasing a more powerful virus was the most efficient way to deal with the problem. The difficulty came in deciding which virus to use. A stronger myxo virus was developed, but testing showed that it resulted in a slow, unbearably painful death which would not be tolerated by animal rights groups. The next virus, tested in 1993, was rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD). This virus was deemed to be more humane than the stronger myxo. The problem with RHD was that it had the potential to spread to other animals or even destroy some plant life. The virus is carried in the bodily fluids of the infected animal. Any contact with the blood, urine or saliva of the animal is likely to result in the spread of the virus. The virus had shown its ability to quickly spread in Europe, where it had devastated the rabbit population. RHD had also spread (in a less potent form than Australia was considering releasing) to Asia and Africa, where it was affecting plant life as well as killing rabbits. The virus is believed to have spread through other animals that were exported from Europe. The Australian government was not prepared to release the virus-- despite strong pressure from farmers--until a vaccine and other measures were developed to combat these problems should they arise. There is no longer a question as to what measures the Australian government will take to control the rabbit problem. In mid-October 1995, rabbit calicivirus disease (RCD)--a virus similar to RHD--escaped from a quarantined island off the South coast of Australia where it was being tested. It is reported that bushflies and journalists who were exposed to infected vegetation near the test center may have spread the virus to both Australia and New Zealand. The virus is spreading very quickly. Authorities who were once trying to control its spread have abandoned this effort, and are now offering vaccines for owners of pet rabbits and competition show bunnies. The RCD virus is projected to spread very quickly in New Zealand as well. New Zealand also has a rabbit population problem. However, there are concerns in New Zealand for the 3,000 pet bunnies and 10,000 show bunnies. In addition, it is feared that RCD will attack the short-tailed bat and New Zealand's national emblem, the kiwi. Political tensions between Australia and New Zealand are likely to arise over the accidental release if Australia does not find a way to head-off the virus. Some members of New Zealand's parliament have threatened to end all imports from Australia until they get the problem under control. Meanwhile, New Zealand is quickly trying to push through fast-track import licenses for the RCD vaccine. The vaccine has been sent to New Zealand labs for analysis and approval of use in that country. The government is likely to approve large-scale import of this product in a matter of days. In Australia, it is estimated that the accidental release of the RCD virus will destroy 60% of the rabbit population. There are currently no published predictions as to the likelihood that RCD will spread to other animals or plant life. Meanwhile, the farming communities in both Australia and New Zealand are pleased with the accidental release of the virus. Another drastic reduction in the rabbit population is likely to increase their agricultural revenues by $A70 million ($53 million U.S.) in the next year. 3. Related Cases There are no cases which deal with the current situation in Australia and New Zealand. However, there is much infor- mation about the problem that can be found on-line. The following keywords can be used in combination to help narrow the search. See BALLAST Case See HAWAII Case See NEMATODE Case See APPLE Case Key Words: (1): AUSTRALIA (2): RABBITS (3): VIRUS 4. Draft Author: Brian A. Tallerico B. LEGAL CLUSTER 5. Discourse and Status: AGRee and ALLEGEd The government of New Zealand is very concerned with the projected spread of the virus, as well as with its possible effects on other animal and plant life. However, there is yet to be any serious friction between the two countries. Australia has openly admitted that it was responsible for the situation. From the outset, Australia has been sharing information on the likely effects of the virus, as well as having their scientists work with New Zealand's in determining exactly how the virus is likely to spread. Australia is cooperating fully with New Zealand in providing the RCD vaccine and trying to devise plans for treating the virus should it spread to the kiwi and other plant life. In Australia itself, owners of pet and show bunnies are concerned about their rabbits. The government is providing vaccines for these rabbits as well as educating owners on how to protect their rabbits from the virus. It is far more likely that unhappy Australians will voice their qualms at the ballot box rather than take legal action against the government. Conversely, the farming community in Australia is quite pleased with the accidental release of RCD since it stands to reduce damage caused by rabbits from $A90-75 per year to $A36-30 million per year ($75-55 million to $27-23 million U.S.). 6. Forum and Scope: AUSTRALIA and BILATeral Should the RCD virus spread to other animals and plant life, there may be class-action suits against Australia by individuals or environmental groups. Should this action be taken by Australian citizens only, then the scope would be uni-lateral rather than bilateral. However, with the effort being made by the Australian government to remedy the situation, this level of legal action is unlikely. Should RCD infect and cause serious damage to New Zealand's national emblem--the kiwi--it is possible that New Zealand would become outraged and seek damages from Australia. Should infected animals come into contact with the kiwi, this is likely to happen. The scope of this action would be bi-lateral. However, the release of RCD will greatly reduce New Zealand's rabbit population and thus, help its farming industry. Should New Zealand take action against Australia, it is possible that Australia would counter by demanding that New Zealand pay for this "service" rendered. 7. Decision Breadth: 2 (AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND) Any legal action is likely to impact Australia by requiring the government to pay New Zealand for damages done to its bat population or kiwi crops. New Zealand will only be affected by their receiving payment from Australia. Legal action may also require new regulations on the testing of biological organisms, or on the release of such organisms into the environment. New Zealand may enact such laws as well. It is also likely that an environmental pact of some sort will be signed by the two nations regarding the release of dangerous substances/organisms into the environment. A treaty of this sort would include agreements for cooperative efforts to remedy any further incident in the future. 8. Legal Standing: LAW Whether there is any legal action taken against Australia or not, the government is already planning on investigating the accidental release and changing regulations regarding biological organisms. These regulations will consist of the following new standards of safety and control: access to test sites will be further limited to necessary personnel only, regulations will require enclosed test areas to be sealed-off from the outside environment, and sites may be required to have an even greater buffer zone from areas inhabited by wildlife. C. GEOGRAPHIC FILTERS 9. Geography a. Geographic Domain: AUSTRALIA b. Geographic Site: AUSTRALIA c. Geographic Impact: AUSTRALIA Due to Australia's unique status as both a continent and a country, it fits into all three categories above. The release of RCD is limited to this area only. Since the virus is also present in Asia, Europe, and Africa, there is little concern over preventing its spread beyond Australia. Due to its being removed from the other continents, other viruses have not spread to Australia. For this reason, it is likely that RCD will not spread beyond Australia and New Zealand anyway. 10. Sub-National Factors: No 11. Type of Habitat: DRY D. TRADE FILTERS 12. Type of Measure: LICEN The spread of RCD from Australia to New Zealand can hardly be classified as "trade." However, the release of the virus has made it necessary for New Zealand to import vaccines from Australia. Since there is an effort to expedite import licensing for the vaccines, this category best fits the situation. 13. Direct vs. Indirect Impacts: INDirect Any measures that result from this incident will focus on environmental safety rather than trade. The trade aspect (vaccines and other services needed to control the virus) has developed from the need to control the spread of the virus to other species. Had it not been for the release of RCD, there would be no trade issue at all. 14. Relation of Measure to Impact a. Directly related to product: Yes b. Indirectly related to product: No c. Not related to product: No d. Related to process: No In regard to the trade of goods and services from Australia to New Zealand, any measures (licenses, etc.) would be directly related to the goods and services. Since the goal is to get these goods and services from Australia to New Zealand as quickly as possible, the governments of both countries will work to reduce any bureaucratic red-tape that could slow the process. The Fast-track export licence process mentioned earlier is the primary way to accomplish this. This process requires the licence application to be subjected to minimal review by the necessary government agencies. 15. Trade Product Identification: VACCINE 16. Economic Data a. Industry Output ($): Medium b. Employment: Minimal There is no doubt that the release of the virus will be good for the economies of both Australia and New Zealand. It will decrease damages in Australia by about $A60 million ($45 million U.S.) a year. The output from farms will be increased. In addition, the effort to control the spread of the virus to other species has required a small increase in employment. People are needed to administer vaccines, to help educate the public on how to protect their animals from the virus, and to study long-term environmental effects of the virus. 17. Degree of Competitive Impact: MEDIUM Australia will gain about $A60 million ($45 million U.S.) a year due to a decrease in damage done by rabbits--as long as the rabbits do not develop a resistance to the virus and repopulate quickly. This gain is an initial factor. Should the virus spread to cattle, sheep, and other livestock, this gain could quickly turn into a loss as unhealthy livestock would cost farmers much more in the long run than problems caused by the rabbit population. Some estimate that this new virus could end up costing Australian farmers $A150 million ($113 million U.S.) a year if it begins to effect cattle and sheep. However, scientists do not believe that the virus will develop the capability to harm these animals. The possible loss of healthy sheep and cattle or cash crops could cost Australian farmers their share of the world commodities market. It is possible that the release of RCD could hurt Australia's agricultural competitiveness as buyers will again loose confidence and find a substitute for Australian commoditites. 18. Industry Sector: NOTH While the release of RCD has no immediate impact (if any at all) on Australia's agricultural production, this is the only major industry which stands to be seriously affected by the release of the virus. 19. Exporters and Importers: AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND E. ENVIRONMENT CLUSTERS 20. Environmental Problem Type: SPLL While the total effect that the virus will have on the environment is still unknown, it is certain that a large portion of the rabbit populations of Australia and New Zealand will be destroyed. There are other possible species losses as well: the short-tailed bat, cattle, and deer. The virus may not be as devastating to cattle and deer as it is to rabbits, but bats may well be in danger. Aside from animals, there is the possibility that plant life will be affected. The kiwi has already been mentioned, but other plants may be lost in addition. Finally, it is not known how long the virus will remain in the environment. It is possible that the virus may permanently damage plant and wildlife in Australia and New Zealand. 21. Species Information: Bunny-Rabbit, Short-Tailed Bat These two species are in the most peril. There is also a chance that the kiwi, cattle, and deer in Australia will be affected. The rabbit and bat populations are likely to suffer large death rates. There is only speculation as to what the effect may be on cattle or deer. While the virus may not result in death, it could make these animals unfit for export or use as a domestic food source. If the virus spreads to the kiwi, this tropical fruit will become unfit for consumption. 22. Impact and Effect: MEDIUM and STRCTural While the release of the RCD virus is something that requires immediate attention, it is far from being a global disaster. This virus has been in Europe, Asia, and Africa for many years. The world's rabbit population is in no danger of becoming extinct. In addition, there may not be any negative effect on other animals or plants--and the virus certainly does not harm humans. However, should the virus hurt cattle, deer, and plant life as well as rabbits, then the Australian environment will face serious structural ramifications. It may be faced with many different animal populations infected with RCD over a period of decades. If this does happen, it may require a restructuring of the domestic economy away from agricultural goods. 23. Urgency and Lifetime: MEDIUM and Many years As stated above, the situation demands immediate attention in order to assess the total effect that RCD will have on the environment, but the world is not in the midst of disaster. The problem is localized, and vaccines are already available. This will probably be enough to protect vital livestock in the area. The real danger is that the virus will remain in the environment for many years and continue to have an effect on subsequent wildlife. 24. Substitutes Since the disaster has already occurred, finding a substitute to control the rabbit population is no longer an issue. However, many alternatives had been considered before the RCD virus escaped from the test facility. As mentioned above, ferrets were brought in to prey on the rabbits, but began spreading TB. Other viruses were being considered such as: a new myxo virus, rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD), and viral tracheopneumonia. While another virus could have been developed and used, there are still many risks involved in dealing with viruses. Dangerous mutations can develop that could allow a virus to directly infect more important commodities such as cattle. The worst possible case would be for a virus to mutate to the point where could spread to humans, or become immune to even the most recent vaccines. An immunity to vaccines creates the possibility that a virus will remain in the environment or affect other species. A strong virus that finds its way into a central water supply for either animals or humans could cause severe illness on a very large scale. The other alternative was to develop and spread an altered protein which would sterilize the rabbits without killing them. This may have been the most humane and least dangerous way to control the rabbit population. F. OTHER FACTORS 25. Culture: No 26. Human Rights: No 27. Trans-Boundary Issues: Yes The trans-boundary consists of the spread of the virus from Australia to New Zealand. It is highly unlikely that the virus will spread any further than this. Possible tensions between Australia and New Zealand have been discussed earlier in this case study. 28. Relevant Literature Ian Anderson, "Rabbit Virus to be Let Loose?" New Scientist. September 25, 1993. v 139, p 5. Ian Anderson, "Imported Virus Could Control Rabbits in the Outback." New Scientist. September 16, 1989. v 123, p 26. "Australia Provides Vaccine to Cure Rabbit Virus." Xinhua News Agency. October 31, 1995. "Killer Rabbit Virus Creating Political Problems in NZ." Agence France Presse. November 2, 1995.
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Good luck on your new venture. The oven looks nice, interesting that the PDF doesn't list temp ranges, but the advertisement states that you can bake any style pizza that you want?Mark
How hot do these get? It didn't say on their site.

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text: On Wed, Apr 22, 2009 at 11:35 AM, Brian Takita <brian.takita at gmail.com> wrote: > On Wed, Apr 22, 2009 at 9:34 AM, Brian Takita <brian.takita at gmail.com> wrote: >> On Wed, Apr 22, 2009 at 7:28 AM, Amos King <amos.l.king at gmail.com> wrote: >>> Thanks, David. >>> >>> I do often read the rspec list because of the discussions that you >>> site. The community maybe enough for me to make the jump. I can't >>> wait to be able to use RSpec and Test::Unit together as a single >>> cohesive framework. I'll keep working my side project with RSpec and >>> see what ideas I can come up with. At work I will continue to use >>> Shoulda, Test::Unit, and Webrat. We'll see what ideas can be ported >>> around. I'll also take a look at the book. >> You can run test/unit & rspec together already. >> >> All you need to do is: >> require "spec/interop/test" >> before your spec definitions. >> >> Here is an example: >> http://gist.github.com/99895 >> >> The shoulda integration did not work, however > What do you think of having ExampleGroup.should create an Example? Aside from the fact that all of the specs for ExampleGroup would start freaking out? :) I'm not sure how to best get around this conflict. "should" means something very specific in rspec, and shoulda gives it a different meaning. >>> >>> I've worked on Webrat::Selenium and grid support a bit so let's see >>> where this can take me. Thanks for the ideas from everyone, and >>> you've all encouraged me to take a deeper look. >>> >>> Amos(adkron) >>> >>> On Wed, Apr 22, 2009 at 9:08 AM, David Chelimsky <dchelimsky at gmail.com> wrote: >>>> On Wed, Apr 22, 2009 at 6:25 AM, Amos King <amos.l.king at gmail.com> wrote: >>>>> I wasn't thinking about a gun. I was just wondering if there is some >>>>> underlying reason that I'm missing. Is there a background structure >>>>> that I'm not grasping? Is there a huge piece of functionality that >>>>> I'm missing? Is it faster than Test:Unit or Shoulda? >>>> >>>> RSpec is not just about RSpec. It's about BDD. It's about encouraging >>>> conversation about testing and looking at it in different ways. It's >>>> about illuminating the design, specification, collaboration and >>>> documentation aspects of tests, and thinking of them as executable >>>> examples of behaviour. You can do this all without RSpec, but RSpec >>>> aims to help with innovations like: >>>> >>>> * strings as example group names >>>> * strings as example names >>>> * pending examples >>>> * nested groups for flexible organization >>>> * should[_not] + matchers (inspired by hamcrest - a java library) >>>> * one matcher supports both positive and negative expectations >>>> * improved failure messages >>>> * flexible/readable/customizable output formats >>>> * built-in mocking framework >>>> * plain text scenarios (now in Cucumber) >>>> >>>> Specifically with Rails: >>>> >>>> * component isolation. ZenTest offered separate test cases for >>>> models/views/helpers/controllers before RSpec, and RSpec extended the >>>> idea by allowing you to run controller examples with no dependency on >>>> views and vice versa. Some folks get nervous with that sort of >>>> isolation, but, generally, folks coming to Ruby from a background in >>>> TDD with Java or .NET are all over it. >>>> >>>> That's not the full list, but a good overview. You can get some of >>>> these things from other frameworks, but they almost all originated in >>>> RSpec, which has been and will continue to be a center of innovation >>>> in testing in Ruby since its creation in 2005. >>>> >>>> To be clear, it is certainly not the only center of innovation. >>>> Shoulda brought us macros, which are great, and we've made it easier >>>> to write your own in RSpec, and now you can use shoulda matchers right >>>> in RSpec. >>>> >>>> Micronaut adds a tagging system that allows you to group examples >>>> together in different ways. This is definitely something we'll be >>>> adding to RSpec sooner or later. >>>> >>>> Ryan Davis and Eric Hodel continue to bring us game-changing testing >>>> tools like autotest, heckle, flog, and flay. >>>> >>>> RSpec has been around for nearly 4 years now. It has matured quite a >>>> bit, and continues to do so. A twitter poll back in January suggests >>>> that the majority of people doing testing in Ruby are using RSpec: >>>> http://twtpoll.com/r/zhh2fm. Note that this poll pits RSpec against >>>> all other frameworks and it still gets the majority. Polls are polls, >>>> and in a community of over a million Ruby developers, it's hard (for >>>> me) to believe in the accuracy of a poll that 680ish ppl voted in. But >>>> hey, that's 360-ish ppl who are at least willing to say they use >>>> rspec, so at least we know that much :) >>>> >>>> The point being that with a lot of users comes a lot of mindshare. And >>>> as RSpec continues to mature and become easier to contribute to, that >>>> mindshare will grow. More and more extension libraries like >>>> rspec_on_rails_on_crack and remarkable will emerge, and RSpec will get >>>> better and better at supporting them. It won't be long before "rspec >>>> OR test/unit" becomes a false choice, and you'll be able to seamlessly >>>> use both in a unified suite. This is already largely the case, but it >>>> will get better. >>>> >>>> And let's not forget http://rubyspec.org/ >>>> >>>> As for which tools to use, you should use the ones that make you happy >>>> and make your job and life easier. If there is something that you like >>>> about shoulda over rspec, then use shoulda. If prefer kickin' it old >>>> school, stick w/ test/unit or minitest. Regardless of the tools you >>>> use, I'd recommend that you pay attention to RSpec and its community. >>>> There is a lot of action here. >>>> >>>> I'd also recommend that you read The RSpec Book. While the material in >>>> the book is taught through RSpec, and much of the book is very >>>> RSpec-specific, there is quite a bit of exploration of the process of >>>> BDD that can be applied regardless of toolset. Not to mention >>>> introduction to other tools like Cucumber, Webrat and Selenium. >>>> >>>> Thanks for the thought provoking question. I've been involved with >>>> RSpec since shortly after its creation in 2005, and I sometimes lose >>>> sight of why I got into it and why I stay with it. This has been a >>>> helpful reminder to me, and I hope you find my ramblings helpful to >>>> you. >>>> >>>> Cheers, >>>> David >>>> >>>>> >>>>> Amos(adkron) >>>>> >>>>> On Wed, Apr 22, 2009 at 2:01 AM, doug livesey <biot023 at gmail.com> wrote: >>>>>> I think it's that RSpec encodes some of the latest BDD into its way of >>>>>> thinking. >>>>>> It has a vocabulary that encourages that, so in a way, yes, it's all about >>>>>> semantics. >>>>>> Semantics that encourage agile thinking & practice. >>>>>> Also, it allows you to structure your specs (that become your regression >>>>>> tests) in a much more intuitive way than Test::Unit -- I don't know Shoulda. >>>>>> But if I understood all the pros & cons of two systems & preferred another, >>>>>> I'd use that -- there's no gun against anyone's head. ;) >>>>>> Doug. >>>>>> >>>>>> 2009/4/22 Saturn <saturn.sting at gmail.com> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> I am also having same question that i can't find the reason why i >>>>>>> should go for RSpec instead of Test/Unit. >>>>>>> There is no compelling reason / advantage offered by RSpec except >>>>>>> semantics. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Is RSpec all about different syntax??????? >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Thanks in advance for clarifying it??? >>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>> rspec-users mailing list >>>>>>> rspec-users at rubyforge.org >>>>>>> http://rubyforge.org/mailman/listinfo/rspec-users >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>> rspec-users mailing list >>>>>> rspec-users at rubyforge.org >>>>>> http://rubyforge.org/mailman/listinfo/rspec-users >>>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> -- >>>>> Amos King >>>>> http://dirtyInformation.com >>>>> http://github.com/Adkron >>>>> -- >>>>> Looking for something to do? Visit http://ImThere.com >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> rspec-users mailing list >>>>> rspec-users at rubyforge.org >>>>> http://rubyforge.org/mailman/listinfo/rspec-users >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> rspec-users mailing list >>>> rspec-users at rubyforge.org >>>> http://rubyforge.org/mailman/listinfo/rspec-users >>>> >>> >>> >>> >>> -- >>> Amos King >>> http://dirtyInformation.com >>> http://github.com/Adkron >>> -- >>> Looking for something to do? Visit http://ImThere.com >>> _______________________________________________ >>> rspec-users mailing list >>> rspec-users at rubyforge.org >>> http://rubyforge.org/mailman/listinfo/rspec-users >> > _______________________________________________ > rspec-users mailing list > rspec-users at rubyforge.org > http://rubyforge.org/mailman/listinfo/rspec-users >


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Unit Policies
The Professional Education Unit at The University of Southern Mississippi includes professional education faculty, academic programs, and administrative offices associated with professional education. Licensure programs are housed in the College of Education and Psychology, College of Arts and Letters, College of Health, and College of Science and Technology.
The Professional Education Council (PEC) is the official governance body for the Unit. The Unit head, the Dean of CoEP, has the responsibility and authority to provide direction and leadership to the PEC. The purpose of PEC is to ensure that professional education programs are quality programs that comply with the standards of the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE). Membership on the PEC includes faculty representatives from each department housing educator preparation programs, representatives from Educational Field Experiences (EFE), and members of the CoEP Dean's Office administrative staff. The PEC recommends actions regarding the development, administration, evaluation, and revision of educator preparation courses and programs.
All policies of The University of Southern Mississippi's Professional Education Unit can be found below. PEC is responsible for developing and revising Unit policies and procedures to reflect changes in University requirements, accreditation standards, and applicable federal, state, and authoritative sources. In the event of a conflict between another Unit-created document (paper or electronic) and the updated policies and procedures, the policies and procedures listed on this website will prevail.
Governance and Organization Policies and Procedures
- Conceptual Framework
- PEC Bylaws
- USM Professional Education Unit Code of Ethics and Conduct
- Unit Data Flowchart
- Unit Organizational Structure
- Unit Advisory Board and EFE Advisory Board
Professional Education Faculty Policies and Procedures
- Professional Education Faculty (PEF) Policies and Procedures Manual
- Course Syllabi Policy - Approved
- Approved Template in WORD
- Course Syllabi Policy- Draft
- Draft Template in WORD
- Gold Standard of Draft Template to see as example in WORD
- Applicable Standards: For all SPA standards, click here. For non-SPA accrediting body standards, see your department. For other standards, see here: NBPTS Certificate Standards; InTASC; NETS-T; Mississippi Curriculum Frameworks; AASL; and Common Core State Standards.
Admissions Policies and Procedures
- Basic Technology Literacy Exam (BTLE) Policy
- Unit Recruitment Materials: Traditional, Alternate Route, Graduate, TAP, Bookmark
Student Policies and Procedures
Reporting Policies and Procedures
Assessment Policies and Procedures
- Tk20 Subscription Policy
- Tk20 and SOAR Grade Alignment Policy
- Transition Point Chart for Undergraduate, Traditional, Initial Teacher Licensure Preparation Programs
- Transition Point Chart for Alternate Route, Initial Teacher Licensure Programs
- Transition Point Chart for Graduate Programs
- Mississippi Collaborative Guide for Candidate Standards
- TIAI Class Alignment
- Professional Dispositions Policy for Initial-Traditional Route Programs, ELSC Programs, and School Counseling
- Diversity Policy
- Diversity Resources:
- Coming Soon
- Diversity Resources:
- Technology Competency Policy
- Technology Resources:
- Coming Soon
- Technology Resources:
Educational Field Experiences Policies and Procedures
- Student Teaching Policy
- Technical Standards Policy
- Cooperating Teacher Manual
- University Supervisor Handbook
- Secondary and K-12 Practicum Log Policy
- Professional Liability Insurance Policy
- Some providers: Mississippi Professional Educators and Mississippi Association of Educators


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Oct 22, 2012
Filling the Talent Gap in Big Data Analytics
Demand for big data and analytics experts is on the rise, but it will take years for the supply to catch up. Our InformationWeek 2012 State of IT Staffing Survey finds that 40% of respondents who cited big data and analytics as a top area of staffing growth expect personnel increases of 11% or more in the next two years. One study estimates a shortfall of at least 140,000 positions by 2018. So how are employers coping? Through a mix of hiring, contracting and retraining existing staff.
In this report, we look at how companies in industries as diverse as insurance, chemicals and technology are filling those positions, as well as what universities are doing to train the next generation of business technology pros in these sought-after skills. (R5831012)
Survey Name InformationWeek 2012 State of IT Staffing Survey
Survey Date July 2012
Region North America
Number of Respondents 108 respondents citing big data and analytics as a top area of staffing increase.
Purpose To gauge big data and analytics staffing trends in the enterprise.
Research Report


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Judge Andy Devine has seen a lot of changes in the world in his 92 years. Some, like the development of the space shuttle, give him a sense of awe and wonder. Others, like the increase in crimes and delinquency among America's youth, are a source of grave concern.
When Devine was elected a Lucas County Juvenile Court judge in the 1970s, he thought he knew how to turn things around. Since the parents in these dysfunctional families were already too far gone to change their ways, he reasoned, he would ignore them and focus solely on the children.
"I was convinced that the only way to work with these troubled kids was to develop programs within the community so that they recognized that you have to respect others' rights and that you have responsibilities in addition to rights," he said in a recent interview.
There was only one problem: It didn't work.
Too many youths who went through the treatment programs ended up back in his court.
Then, in the early 1980s, he had a sudden realization of what he was doing wrong.
"It took two, maybe three, years, for my epiphany," Devine said. "I soon learned that ignoring the parents was not the way to solve the problems of children. If you're going to put the child back in the home with the parent who was responsible for the child's problems in the first place, there's no way you are going to have any degree of success."
It wasn't just his court that needed to shift its focus. Virtually all of the community programs aimed at helping troubled youths also were ignoring the parents and concentrating on the children, he said.
To solve the problem, Devine said, society needs to train parents and give them the resources and the support they need to raise their children to be productive, responsible adults.
The Rev. Dan Rogers, president and CEO of Cherry Street Mission Ministries, sees the fallout of society's failed efforts in his work with Toledo's homeless and poor. He agrees with Devine's assessment that helping the parents is the key to solving the problem of delinquent youth.
"I can imagine a T-shirt that says, 'We don't' give a rip about your kid,'" Rogers said. "Andy laughs at me when I say that but I've been trying to sum it up in a single sentence."
If you have better parents, you'll have better children, Rogers said. Parents need to care about their children more than society does. When society takes over the parents' role, the parents become disenfranchised and disengaged.
It's a cycle that keeps spinning around, leaving parents ill equipped to raise their children.
"We have polluted the stream and now we're blaming the fish for dying in the stream we polluted," Rogers said.
Devine likes to use the space shuttle program as an analogy for how society should be doing more to support parents.
"They didn't create the space shuttle overnight," he said. "It took 18 years to build and it cost $18 billion. It involved over 18,000 engineers and scientists. Just to put a machine together that can take off and just fly around for 10 days and come back to earth."
There's something even more complex and wondrous than space flight, he said: his twin great-granddaughters.
"These two babies are a million times more complicated than that space shuttle," Devine said.
And while the shuttle has thousands of highly trained people supporting it from its design to liftoff to its return landing, parents are essentially left on their own.
"These unbelievably complicated little human beings need that kind of support from the community so that they can, in 18 years, take off and fly and not get lost in space," Devine said.
It's going to take an epiphany in the way society works with troubled children before things will start turning around, he said. It's going to require a paradigm shift, from focusing on the child to training the parents, he said.
And ultimately, he sees the solution in going back to the way things were when he was growing up in Shelby, Ohio, during the Great Depression — and the way it was for thousands of years before that.
"God and mother nature have laid out the best game plan that you can possibly imagine. And what is it? It's the family: mom, dad, baby. That's how we pass on the gift of life and that's how we take care of this gift of life so they can in turn pass on the gift of life. That's my vision," Devine said.


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Trump takes charge as nation's 45th president
Man had crack in apartment: police
GLOVERSVILLE – City police said a man was arrested Tuesday, and a gun and crack were found in his apartment.
Jamel Johnson, 24, of 67 Broad St., Apartment 2, was arrested on a parole warrant and wanted by the state Division of Parole for several parole violations including failure to report, failed home visits and curfew violations.
Police said officers assisted the New York and New Jersey Fugitive Task Force with the warrant. Police said a task force investigation learned Johnson was in the Broad Street apartment.
Police said after Johnson was arrested by the task force, officers executed a search warrant at Johnson's apartment. Police said officers found a Kel-Tec 9mm. self-loading carbine for pistol cartridges, a high capacity pistol magazine, a quantity of crack packaged for sale, a small quantity of marijuana and an unspecified amount of cash.
Johnson is being held in jail on his parole violations. Police said he also will be charged with criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell.
"The marshals charged him on the parole violations and he will be charged by us when he is returned back here," Police Chief Donald VanDeusen said.


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Bruce has: a vast array of sounds. Warm textures, A+ comedic timing, believable dialects. Bruce is: an authentic go-to guy. See brucebonnheim.com.
Spokesperson, Lockjaw, Comedic, Warm, Friendly, Nerd, Farmer, Raspy, Blue Collar, Interview, Storyteller, Fast Talker, Southern, Cartoon, Sarcastic, Dialog, Deadpan, Sexy, Tongue in Cheek, Newscaster, VO God, Narration, Announcer, Team (pair)
British, French, Italian, New York, Southern, Spanish, Texan, Yiddish, Irish, Chicago, Scottish


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Trying to entertain your guests�while the kids run wild in the backyard amongst hazards tiki torches and lanterns�is a hard act to pull off. Take one thing off your mind and check out these kid-safe, but still sophisticated, candle-less lighting options for your next patio party. Mason Jar Chandelier [caption id="attachment_330726" align="alignnone" width="476"] This article originally appeared as on Relish
Location, ST | website.com


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To the editor:
Your recent column titled "The Big Con" by Bill O'Reilly was a shameful con in itself.
His statement that Head Start children are equally academically disadvantaged with those not receiving early childhood education by third grade is misleading.
While this is true when skewed by poverty stricken families and poor schools in these areas, the study also discovered that by middle school, Head Start children excel in critical thinking, abstract comprehension and creative thought processes.
I would assume this fact was deliberately left out by Mr. Reilly because those who think freely and have the intelligence to research and form their own opinions and ideas are a threat to him and his FAUX Noise affiliates.
Head Start works. As a former Head Start parent, I speak from experience and observation. Independent voter.


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CSM Basketball vs. San Jose City College
Wed Feb 05, 2014
Starts at 5:30 pm
Come support the Bulldogs as they host San Jose City College!
CSM Gymnasium Building 081700 W. Hillsdale Boulevard
San Mateo, CA 94402 USA
Browse Events at this Location
Event Contact InfoMichelle Warner
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News from EPSA
"Unions, Workers, and the Democratic Party", webcast from CUNY Murphy Institute
Webcast from the Murphy Institute, CUNY School of Professional Studies. Friday, September 18, 8:30-10:15 am. (In response to the tremendous interest, we're arranging for a livestream of the event. You must RSVP so that we can email you the link to the webcast the day before the event.) Published: 9/14/2015 3:55:00 PM
Henry Levin Cited by Adam Davidson in NY Times
Adam Davidson cited a study by Professor Levin in his NY Times article, "Is College Tuition Really Too High?" Published: 9/8/2015 10:25:00 AM
Henry Levin Receives Prestigious Chinese Award
Professor Levin is the winner of the "Outstanding Contribution to Chinese Education Research Award" from the Ming Yuan Education Foundation. Published: 9/8/2015 10:15:00 AM
Judith Scott-Clayton Study Cited in NYT Column on FAFSA
New York Times column, "Fafsa Follies: To Gain a Student, Eliminate a Form," quotes a study by Judith Scott-Clayton and others Published: 8/25/2015 12:44:00 PM
Amy Stuart Wells: New Generation of Urban Parents Want Multicultural Communities and Diverse Schools
Slate.com quotes Amy Stuart Wells in article, "Why NYC is Experimenting with New Ways to Desegregate Public Schools" Published: 8/25/2015 12:36:00 PM
Study by Judith Scott-Clayton and Veronica Minaya Featured in Inside Higher Ed
Inside Higher Ed takes an in-depth look at findings from a recent study by Professor Scott-Clayton and Economics and Education PhD student Veronica Minaya on the effects of federal work-study participation on students' academic and employment outcomes. Published: 7/31/2015 1:26:00 PM
Melinda Karp, PhD 2006 in Sociology & Education, Featured in NPR Story
Melinda Karp, PhD 2006 in Sociology & Education, was featured in an NPR story, "The Writing Assignment that Changes Lives." Published: 7/22/2015 2:07:00 PM
Tom Bailey Quoted in Associated Press Article
Professor Bailey talks about the complexity of the college transfer process in an Associated Press article. Published: 7/16/2015 10:24:00 AM
Basil Smikle, Ph.D. candidate in P&E on MSNBC, August 17, 2014.
Watch the video of the conference here.


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NEW YORK — Investors curious as to how the stock market might react if the "fiscal cliff" is avoided should consider Monday's bullish action on Wall Street as a likely blueprint of what to expect, investment strategists say.
Stocks soared 2% on Monday, with the Dow Jones industrial average up 208 points to 12,796. But the big rally, on top of an up day Friday, wasn't driven by a signed-sealed-and-delivered deal between Democrats and Republicans.
The gains were fueled by mere hope and encouraging signs that President Obama and divided lawmakers -- who have been pledging more cooperation in recent days -- will compromise in time to avoid the economic fallout that's expected if automatic tax increases and spending cuts kick in on Jan. 1.
Until the fiscal cliff uncertainty is resolved, the main driver of stocks will be headlines offering insight on whether the negotiations are heading in a market-friendly direction or not.
STORY: Should you sell stocks to avoid 'cliff' tax hikes?
"Every step we take toward getting an agreement, you will see a positive market reaction," says Andrew Busch, global public policy strategist at BMO Capital Markets. "But on the flip side, I think every time the negotiations stumble leading up to the year-end cliff deadline, investors will get nervous, and stocks will take a hit."
The market's ups and downs in the face of the fiscal cliff are likely to be similar to the way financial markets have reacted in recent years to the on-again, off-again talks related to solving Europe's debt crisis, says Bill Stone, chief investment strategist at PNC. What investors want to avoid, he says, is a worst-case outcome.
"Europe is a real good analogy," Stone says. "When the European Central Bank did the work necessary to avoid a Lehman-like moment, the market melted up." The ECB came up with a bond-buying plan that removed the threat of sovereign defaults, which staved off the type of financial panic that occurred after the Wall Street titan Lehman Bros. declared bankruptcy in fall 2008.
What Wall Street "wants to avoid now is what appears to be avoidable": a recession caused by lawmakers letting the economy fall off the fiscal cliff, Stone adds.
Following the Nov. 6 election, the stock market dropped more than 5% amid fears that more divided government and partisan politics would reduce the odds of a deal.
"The direction of the market is hinging very much on the fiscal cliff issue," says Randy Frederick, managing director of active trading and derivatives at Charles Schwab. He says investors want to see signs of compromise and strong hints that the tax rates on dividends and capital gains, which are under negotiation, don't end up at the proposed high points.
Hope is not a great reason to buy, as the fiscal cliff negotiations are just beginning, he adds. There's nothing to say lawmakers won't hit an impasse. "The problem is lawmakers could dig their heels in again, and the market could give back all of its gains," says Frederick.


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VOLLEYBALL: WCCS moves to 5-0; Warren, TCCS lose squeakers
Warren County Christian School's girls volleyball team moved to 5-0 on Tuesday with a 25-7, 25-10, 25-20 win over Erie First at Warren County Christian.
"They played much cleaner today," said WCCS coach Monica Kerr, whose Lady Lions won their second in as many days and next play at the Corry Tournament Saturday. "It was a combination of strong serving and a little more consistent hitting."
Whitney Poindexter had 15 service points, four aces and two kills; Dymphee Zortman 10 points, three aces and two kills; Jess Lauffenburger 11 points, four aces and three kills; Caitlin McCall seven points and two aces; Alyssa Kerr six points, five aces and five kills; Kaitlin Weidner three aces, three kills and six assists, and; Desirae Kerr four assists.
In a 25-6, 25-7 junior varsity win, Sarah Parmeter had eight points, four aces and one kill, and Allie Marino six points, two aces and one kill.
Meadville 3, Warren 2
MEADVILLE – Warren fell to Meadville 3-2 on the road in its first loss of the season Tuesday night. Warren started on the winning side, taking two of the first three sets 25-23 and 25-22, losing 14-25 in game two, but Meadville rallied in the last two sets to take the match with scores of 25-22 and 15-12.
"It's a very disappointing loss. We controlled play for much of the match, but got behind big in games four and five," said Warren head coach Mike Dolan. "We did make two nice comebacks in those games, but fell short. We played good defense and transitioned to our offense pretty well, but we didn't get the big points when we needed them."
Rachel Lasecki led Warren with 18 kills with Paige Wilson adding seven and Allie Morrison and Valerie Latimer with six each. Teah Bines notched three aces and 25 assists, while Latimer added three blocks and McKenzie Merenick and Bailey Dilks had the team's digs with 15 and nine, respectively.
Warren J.V. lost 2-0, 11-25 and 17-25. Haley Nelson had five aces and Jen Daugharthy added three kills for Warren.
Erie Bethel 3, TCCS 2
Even in its second loss in as many days, Tidioute Community Charter School played possibly its best match of the season against Erie Bethel Baptist, losing 23-25, 18-25, 25-11, 25-8, and 11-15.
Trailing two games to none, Tidioute battled back with 25-11, 25-8 wins to tie the games at two each.
"It was an incredible set of games," said TCCS coach Margie Manning. "By the fifth game, you couldn't hear anything going on because the stands were crazy. In games three and four, everything they did was so precise and perfect, it was just like a coach's dream. Hopefully it will follow into Saturday game against VC."
Tidioute hosts Venango Christian on Thursday.
On Tuesday, Anna Lindemuth had 15 kills, six aces and two blocks; Morgan Molek 15 assists; Emalei Schaberl six kills and two aces; Hanna Divido three aces and nine digs, and; Robbi Kitelinger three kills and four aces.
Maplewood 3, Eisenhower 0
GUYS MILLS-Eisenhower opened its girls volleyball season with a region loss against Maplewood, 9-25, 17-25, and 13-25 Tuesday night at Maplewood High School.
"We didn't play our greatest," said Lady Knights coach Tina Edwards. "The temperature played a role in our game. The floor was sopping wet. We had to keep bringing out towels to dry the floor off."
Edwards commended the play of juniors Holly Chapman and Aysia Peters on Ike's front row. Chapman had 12 service points and three digs, while Peters added six service points and four blocks.
The Lady Knights will look for win number one on Thursday at Rocky Grove.
Cochranton 3, Youngsville 0
COCHRANTON-Youngsville suffered its first loss of the year at the hands of an experienced Cochranton team Tuesday night, 7-25, 12-25, and 8-25.
"Their whole starting team is seniors," said Youngsville coach Bev Fox. "We started strong and held with them, but once we made a mistake we couldn't come back."
Karissa Cratty led the Lady Eagles with 10 digs, two kills, and one block, while Kennedy Cratty finished with eight digs, one kill, and two blocks. Elyssa Horn added six digs, and Julie Jameson had five service points.
Youngsville was swept in the junior varsity game, 9-25 and 17-25. Horn had 15 digs, five service points, and two kills. Kerrie Baker and Aly Ishman had 12 and 10 digs, respectively.
The Lady Eagles (1-1) will return to action on Thursday when they travel to Union City for a region match-up with the Bears.


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Topic: Why is my script not writing to the database?
I don't understand this. I've gotten things to work before but this particular thing refuses too. No mistypes as far as I can tell. Please help.
The Model - category.rb
class Category < ActiveRecord::Base
def name
The Controller - category_controller.rb
def new
@category = Category.new
@page_title = "New Category"
The _form
<%= error_messages_for 'category' %>

Category Name

<%= text_field 'category', 'category_name' %>

The database is MySQL the table is 'categories' and the only fields are 'id' and 'category_name'
Other parts connect to other table in the database so I can't figure out why this one doesn't.


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It's Competitors' Pick Night on American Idol, where the Top 7 finalists get to pick songs for their competitors, and each singer gets to choose one of six options. Did anyone go the sabotage route, or was everyone altruistic?
The show finally finds something for Randy Jackson to do, as he introduces the theme of the night and interviews each singer about what they would select for their counterparts. (Everyone seems to be playing nice, for the record.)
American Idol's Malaya Watson explains why she almost didn't audition
So, what did the finalists ultimately decide on? Let's get to the performances:
Read More >
Other Links From TVGuide.com
Location, ST | website.com


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Order Now 0344 755 1000
The diagram below shows the key points to measure when calculating size, then simply select the correct size from the chart above. It's best to actually take body measurements rather than measuring over clothes. You shouldn't need to 'size up' or 'down' unless you have a particular fit preference of course.
Back to top
Keep your bra on and measure in inches around your ribcage directly under your bust.
This gives you the band or back size. When measuring, you should always round down! Your underband should be snug, e.g. If you achieve 29.5 ins then round down.
For example: your underband measurement is 29in then add 5 ins - you are a 34.
Now measure around the fullest part of your bust, the full bust measurement less underband = cup size. When measuring, you should always round up!
The over bust measurement should always be generous, e.g. If you achieve 34.5 ins then round up to 35 ins.
width - toes should have room to spread with no bulges at the shoes widest part.length - there should be half an inch (1.25cm) between the end of the shoe and the longest toe.
High leg boots that do not have any stretch material in them will not fit everyone. To find out whether boots will fit, use the calf measurement chart below.
In order to get the most precise measurement it's best to get someone to measure for you.
Are you sure you want to remove this item?
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According to the Polaris Project, human trafficking is defined as,
Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery where people profit from the control and exploitation of others. As defined under U.S. federal law, victims of human trafficking include children involved in the sex trade, adults age 18 or over who are coerced or deceived into commercial sex acts, and anyone forced into different forms of "labor or services," such as domestic workers held in a home, or farm-workers forced to labor against their will. The factors that each of these situations have in common are elements of force, fraud, or coercion that are used to control people.


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I watch this auction witch fascination:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/200903906620?ss ... 1435.l2649
( 39 bids )
and this one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/390555434325?ss ... 1435.l2649
( 37 bids )
If you look at the pots you can see they are quite old, the hand-written signatures is something I've never seen before. But the most interesting feature to my eye is the "gilt" edges. What is the material? Gold? Brass? Why is it there?
So, I was momentarily excited when I saw what looking like a similar pot listed. Perhaps it was not as old and might not command such a high price... take a look:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-Estate- ... 35c5ecb317
Oh ebay!
The "gilt" edges are clearly gold paint... Someone must have seen the other auctions and gotten an idea to get rich... they were fast too! those other auctions only ended only a few days ago!
But what is the deal with the real version of this kind of pot? Is there a name for the style? I'd love to find a more "honest" reproduction. (one made with metal not paint!)


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Homepage with submission instructions:
Submission website: http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/tamd-ieee
All published issues: index.html
Volume: 1 Issue: 3 Date: October 2009
Link: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/tocresult.jsp?isnumber=5402646
(Previous issue:Vol. 1, No. 2, August 2009)
Abstract: Intelligent adaptive curiosity (IAC) was initially introduced as a developmental mechanism allowing a robot to self-organize developmental trajectories of increasing complexity without preprogramming the particular developmental stages. In this paper, we argue that IAC and other intrinsically motivated learning heuristics could be viewed as active learning algorithms that are particularly suited for learning forward models in unprepared sensorimotor spaces with large unlearnable subspaces. Then, we introduce a novel formulation of IAC, called robust intelligent adaptive curiosity (R-IAC), and show that its performances as an intrinsically motivated active learning algorithm are far superior to IAC in a complex sensorimotor space where only a small subspace is neither unlearnable nor trivial. We also show results in which the learnt forward model is reused in a control scheme. Finally, an open source accompanying software containing these algorithms as well as tools to reproduce all the experiments presented in this paper is made publicly available.
Full Text from IEEE:PDF (2331 KB) ; Contact the author by email
Abstract: In tasks such as pursuit and evasion, multiple agents need to coordinate their behavior to achieve a common goal. An interesting question is, how can such behavior be best evolved? A powerful approach is to control the agents with neural networks, coevolve them in separate subpopulations, and test them together in the common task. In this paper, such a method, called Multiagent Enforced SubPopulations (Multiagent ESP), is proposed and demonstrated in a prey-capture task. First, the approach is shown to be more efficient than evolving a single central controller for all agents. Second, cooperation is found to be most efficient through stigmergy, i.e., through role-based responses to the environment, rather than communication between the agents. Together these results suggest that role-based cooperation is an effective strategy in certain multiagent tasks.
Full Text from IEEE:PDF (874 KB) ; Contact the author by email
Abstract: A robot that can communicate with humans using natural language will have to acquire a grammatical framework. This paper analyses some crucial underlying mechanisms that are needed in the construction of such a framework. The work is inspired by language acquisition in infants, but it also draws on the emergence of language in evolutionary time and in ontogenic (developmental) time. It focuses on issues arising from the use of real language with all its evolutionary baggage, in contrast to an artificial communication system, and describes approaches to addressing these issues. We can deconstruct grammar to derive underlying primitive mechanisms, including serial processing, segmentation, categorization, compositionality, and forward planning. Implementing these mechanisms are necessary preparatory steps to reconstruct a working syntactic/semantic/pragmatic processor which can handle real language. An overview is given of our own initial experiments in which a robot acquires some basic linguistic capacity via interacting with a human.
Full Text from IEEE: PDF (467 KB); Contact the author by email
Abstract: Attachment, or the emotional tie between an infant and its primary caregiver, has been modeled as a homeostatic process by Bowlby's (Attachment and Loss, 1969; Anxiety and Depression, 1973; Loss: Sadness and Depression, 1980). Evidence from neurophysiology has grounded such mechanism of infant attachment to the dynamic interplay between an opioid-based proximity-seeking mechanism and an NE-based arousal system that are regulated by external stimuli (interaction with primary caregiver and the environment). Here, we model such attachment mechanism and its dynamic regulation by a coupled system of ordinary differential equations. We simulated the characteristic patterns of infant behaviors in the strange situation procedure, a common instrument for assessing the quality of attachment outcomes (¿types¿) for infants at about one year of age. We also manipulated the parameters of our model to account for neurochemical adaptation, and to allow for caregiver style (such as responsiveness and other factors) and temperamental factor (such as reactivity and readiness in self-regulation) to be incorporated into the homeostatic regulation model of attachment dynamics. Principle component analysis revealed the characteristic regions in the parameter space that correspond to secure, anxious, and avoidant attachment typology. Implications from this kind of approach are discussed.
Full Text from IEEE: PDF (215 KB); Contact the author by email


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Akron hired former Kent St. baseball coach Rick Rembielak for the same position. He left KSU and coached at Wake Forrest for a few years, then was apparently an unpaid assistant at Georgia Tech last year. Good hire for Akron, guy with a solid resume and an Ohio background, and it sticks it to their rival to boot. I remember him from some camps I went to in HS, always seemed like a decent enough guy and definitely knows baseball.
http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/col ... rembielak/


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The Robert Moses Causeway gracefully spans Long Island's Great South Bay. Located on the southwestern shore of Suffolk County, the Causeway is a vital link between the mainland of Long Island and more than 1,170 acres of recreational and park facilities. STV provided in-depth structural inspection of the Causeway's landmark twin bridges. The firm provided design services for its rehabilitation, including replacement of all approach stringer spans and all decks, design report preparation, preliminary rehabilitation design, final design of the roadway portion, and coordination of final design with New York State for the structural portion of the project.
See More Projects Like This


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0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
by Pete-zza I live outside of Dallas, and the water here is virtually undrinkable, never mind using it to make pizza dough. One local pizza maker recently described the Dallas water as being "so hard you could break your nose splashing handfuls of it in your face in the morning." I have tried just about every kind of water in my doughs, from expensive bottled waters, sparkling and non-sparkling, imported and domestic, and have not been able to detect any difference. I now just use the inexpensive jug water. The label says that it is municipal water treated by carbon filtration reverse osmosis, ultraviolet treatment, microfiltration, and ozonation. The spring water version I use is treated in the same way but without reverse osmosis. I suspect all of this treatment robs the water of some flavor enhancing components and may even affect the fermentation process. But that's the way it is.
I live in Baton Rouge & I am in the Plumbing and HVAC business, Baton Rouge tap water is the best tasting and softest water of any I've ever tasted.
One more thing Hey Jack hotels are also famous for not maintaining equpment, comercial hot water heaters have to cleaned or flushed more often than residential ones to remove the mineral build-up in their storage tanks, which causes odors in the water.


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- Description
- Related Products
- Nutrition/ Ingredients
Do we have to say more. Visiting New Orleans and not having a famous Pat'O's Hurricane is like fishing without a pole. You gotta' have one.The 9 oz. pack makes 1 quart. Unit Size: 9 oz. (255g) Directions- 1. Fill a clean quart container with cold water 2. Add mix to water, turn container upside down and shake thoroughly. 3. Add water to fill container and shake again. 4. Refrigerate after mixing. "Cyclone Cocktail" Directions: (A) Use a 19 ounce (570 ml) Cyclone Glass. Fill with crushed ice. (B) Add 2 ounces (60 ml) of vodka. (C) Add 2 ounces (60 ml) of liquid Cyclone mix. (D) Stir- garnish with orange slice, & maraschino cherry. (E) Serve with straw- Have Fun!
Featured Products No Nutrition Data 0 Brand Pat O'Briens Perishable 0 Size 9 oz.. Serving Size 0.56 oz. (16g) (Dry wt.) Serving per container 16 Calories 60 Calories from fat 0 Total fat 0 Saturated fat No Saturated fat per unit No Cholesterol No Cholesterol per unit No Sodium 5 Sodium per unit 0 Total carbs 16 Total carbs per unit 5 Dietary Fiber No Dietary fiber per unit No Sugars 16 Protein 0 Vitamin A No Vitamin C No Calcium No Iron No Organic No Ingredients Sugar, Citric Acid, Modified Starches, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Tri-Calcium Phosphate, and U.S. Certified Colors (Including F.D. & C. Yellow #5).


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More Give Up Looking Than Find Jobs
Hiring and layoffs tend to lag other economic indicators. GDP fell 0.1% in the fourth quarter, fears of a government shutdown slowed consumer spending in December and encouraged businesses to cut inventories. Even if the economy doesn't slip into a recession, unemployment would rocket.
In the weakest recovery since the Great Depression, most of the reduction in unemployment from its 10% peak in October 2009 has been accomplished through a significant drop in the percentage of adults working or looking for work. Were adult labor-force participation the same today, the unemployment rate would be 9.9%, and were the participation rate the same as when President Obama took office it would be more than 10%.
Adding in part-time workers who would prefer full employment but can't find it, the unemployment rate becomes 14.4%. It rose above 14% in the wake of the financial crisis and remains stuck there.
Convincing millions of Americans they don't want a job or compelling desperate workers to settle for part-time work has been the Obama administration's most effective jobs program.
Prospects for stronger growth remain poor because virtually every wage earner is paying higher payroll taxes, and the recent budget deal raises income taxes $40 billion to $50 billion, annually, mostly from higher rates on families earning more than $450,000. Together, those further dampen consumer spending and aggregate demand.
:On the supply side, increased business regulations, rising health care costs and mandates imposed by Obamacare, and higher tax rates on small businesses raise the cost of capital.
Efforts to reduce the deficit, and avert a downgrade for the credit rating on federal debt that raised taxes and sliced spending by $200 billion to $300 billion, immediately, could send the economy into a recession and unemployment to above 10%.
The puzzle of reducing federal deficits to sustainable levels and accomplishing stronger growth and jobs creation, consistent with the underlying potential of the economy, remains difficult, because the $500 billion trade deficit on oil and with China continues to drag on demand and a tighter regulatory climate makes businesses cautious about investing in the U.S.
The economy would have to add about 13.9 million jobs over the next three years -- about 363,000 each month -- to bring unemployment down to 6%. That would require GDP growth in the range of 4% to 5%.
Without better regulatory and trade policies, it is simply not possible to accelerate growth, create enough jobs and bring down federal deficits -- all at the same time.


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Here's how RW members rated this race (476 votes).
In short: Another great race from Marlow Striders, this year with the weather to match the sceneryIn full: Thanks to all for another flawlessly organised race, my 5th or 6th Marlow half. No rain or flooding this year unlike 2012 and the late leaf fall meant that the course was free of things to slip on. Just as well given the gradients on the course. Well marshalled, very friendly and the most scenic race in the calendar. I even got a course PB :-) See you in 2014!Date of review: November 3, 2013
In short: Hills, hills and more hills, but down hill as wellIn full: It was challenging but enjoyable in a kind of masochistic way. Sometimes the steep downhills almost as tough as the climbs!Date of review: November 3, 2013
In short: Great for Hill Training !In full: This is a tough course ,today's race was ran in near perfect running conditions which made it slightly easier . The organisation was brilliant with the most enthusiastic and supportive marshals ever.First five miles virtually all uphill with big hills at miles 8 and 10 followed by a most welcome 3 mile downhill run to the finish .Could do with a few porta loos ,as the school toilets couldn't really cope with the demand of 820 runners . This is a superb and well organised race with the bonus of a nice finishers medal and a technical tee .Date of review: November 3, 2013
In short: A really well organised, beautifully picturesque challenging run!In full: The course is definitely challenging, but the really friendly, encouraging Marshals along with the lovely scenery & near perfect weather slightly eased the pain of the hills!A very well organised and not too crowded race.Date of review: November 3, 2013
In short: Steep hills,hard work,but great race.In full: LOvely blue sky,only got the wind in a couple of stretches.4 mins away from my best time so didn't perform well today.Loads of friendly marshalls and supporters out.Nice medal and t-shirt at finish.Town centre car parking charges apply.Will be coming next year.Date of review: November 3, 2013
In short: Fantastic scenery and excellent marshals - but please order enough medals in future!Date of review: November 3, 2013
In short: Really tough, but good fun after the event!In full: Amazing countryside, luckily it was a beautiful autumnal day this year. Great organisation, getting your time by text immediately on finishing is brilliant, I wish more events could do this. I also appreciated the extra small finisher T shirt, it will actually get worn! Well done Marlow Striders.Date of review: November 3, 2013
In short: Lovely run and glorious sceneryIn full: This was a wonderful if hard run as you go out of one valley into the next, with a great downhill finish into the town.The weather gods were kind this year, which made it a great event.As a bonus, there's a great medal and a rather nice technical t-shirt at the end.Good work and thanks to all those who organised this run.Date of review: November 3, 2013
In short: Tough but scenicIn full: Lots of hills, often cold and last year very very wet at the start. Its a great race though and people are friendly and the last mile plus is all down hill so is worth it.Date of review: October 2, 2013
In short: Lovely autumn colours, but a bit too much wading for a PBIn full: Incredibly wet, rivers of water streaming down the road, vast puddles and floods of water to wade through (or queue to scramble by the hedge for those of us at the back). Lovely scenery and autumn colours took my mind off the steep hills. Excellent cheery marshalls supported us all the way round. Sufficient water stations. Great to have finish time texted afterwards. All in all, a lovely challenging race that I would be very happy to do again. Date of review: November 15, 2012
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Power Authority to Issue Permits for Bow Hunters
Steve Ramsey
August 23, 2011
NORTH BLENHEIM—The New York Power Authority (NYPA) will offer a limited number of permits for bow-hunting, and /or crossbow hunting on designated areas around its Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Power Project for use during the 2011 hunting season, October 15 through December 20.
One hundred hunting permits will be selected by lottery. For an application to participate in the lottery, call 800-724-0309 or write to:
New York Power Authority
2011 Archery/Crossbow Hunt
1378 State Route 30, P.O. Box 898
North Blenheim, NY 12131
Completed applications must be returned to NYPA by Friday, September 23. The drawing will be held on Monday, September 26. Successful applicants will receive their permits by mail following the drawing.
To be eligible for the lottery, applicants must demonstrate shooting proficiency. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation certified Bow Hunter Education Instructors will offer the proficiency examination on September 1, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Middleburgh Rod and Gun Club on Middlefort Road in the Town of Middleburgh, and on September 8, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Blenheim-Gilboa Visitors Center. Both bow hunters and crossbow hunters must demonstrate shooting proficiency to be eligible for a Blenheim Gilboa permit.
Additional information on the proficiency exams is available from John Osinski, executive director of Regulatory Affairs, NYPA, at 518-433-6742.
The Blenheim-Gilboa Visitors Center is located on Route 30, five miles north of Grand Gorge and 17 miles south of Middleburgh.
About NYPA:
■ The New York Power Authority uses no tax money or state credit. It finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. ■ NYPA is a leader in promoting energy efficiency, new energy technologies and electric transportation initiatives. ■ It is the nation's largest state public power organization, with 17 generating facilities in various parts of New York State and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines. ■ Approximately 80 percent of the electricity it produces is clean renewable hydropower. Its lower-cost power production and electricity purchases support hundreds of thousands of jobs throughout the state. ■For more information, www.nypa.gov.


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San Antonio Spurs Tim Duncan Autographed Memorabilia and Collectibles
San Antonio Spurs legend, Tim Duncan is regarded as one of the greatest centers in NBA history. Duncan has played for the Spurs throughout his entire NBA career and is among the most decorated players to grace the league with five NBA Championships to his name. During his remarkable 18 seasons in San Antonio, Tim Duncan was named NBA Finals MVP three times, league MVP twice, and earned 15 All-Star selections.
From his early playing days onward, Tim Duncan was a star on the basketball court. With just a few years of high school basketball experience, Duncan sparked interest from many colleges and joined the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. By his sophomore year, Duncan emerged as one of the best basketball players in the NCAA. Unwilling to join the NBA before his graduation, Duncan set himself up for a truly incredible college basketball career, in which the former Wake Forest megastar was named a two-time ACC Player of the Year and 1997 national college player of the year.
After playing college basketball at Wake Forest University, Tim Duncan finally entered the 1997 NBA Draft and was selected by the San Antonio Spurs with the first overall pick. Joining fellow number one draft pick and veteran center David Robinson in San Antonio to create one of the best front courts in the league, Duncan's immediately made a name for himself in the NBA. During his rookie season, Duncan started all 82 regular-season games, earned his first All-Star selection, and won the 1998 Rookie of the Year Award.
In just his second season in the NBA, Tim Duncan continued to emerge as the most premier young player in the league and led San Antonio to its first ever NBA championship. With a Game 5 victory over the New York Knicks, Duncan was named the 1999 NBA Finals MVP and a true star was born. With every following NBA season, Tim Duncan continued his success and further cemented his name in basketball lore. From being the first overall draft pick to bringing the Spurs franchise its fifth title at the 2014 NBA Finals, Tim Duncan is one of the game's greatest ambassadors. Despite Duncan's quiet and gentlemanly demeanor, the NBA icon's performance on the court has always done quite a lot talking for him and dominated the league for almost two decades.
Authentic Tim Duncan memorabilia commemorates the career of a basketball superstar that dominated the league across three decades and completely reshaped the game. With a list of historic achievements that are guaranteed to earn a place in the Basketball Hall of Fame, sports collectibles with a Tim Duncan autograph are extremely rare and continuously acquire value. Take home a piece of NBA history and preserve the memory of a sports legend adding NBA merchandise signed by "The Big Fundamental" to your sports room or basketball collection.
- Signed Tim Duncan Jerseys: As one of the most consistent players in the NBA and among the best defenders to grace the league, few basketball collectibles are more iconic than a Tim Duncan autographed jersey in San Antonio Spurs design. Each jersey has Duncan's famous #21 stitched on the front and back of the jersey with his name on the back to commemorate the future Hall of Famer's career of achievements and five NBA Finals wins.
- Tim Duncan Autographed Basketballs: Tim Duncan is one of the most accomplished and celebrated players in NBA history. With 18 illustrious NBA seasons to his name, a Tim Duncan signed basketball is the perfect centerpiece for any sports collection and an absolute must-have for all loyal San Antonio Spurs fans.
- Tim Duncan Signed Photos: Leaving behind a legacy when he finally hangs up his sneakers, autographed Tim Duncan photos depict some of the most unforgettable moments from basketball history. Capture every thrilling NBA Finals performance and preserve The Big Fundamental's presence of the court forever by shopping the huge assortment of signed Tim Duncan photos for the perfect display in your sports room at home or the office.


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iHerb Customer Reviews
Savings of: $10.25 (50% off)
You can't judge anything by taking it one time!
Posted by Reviewer1789993 on Aug 08, 2012
I have not tried this product yet but a friend recommended it for ear crystals. She took 3 bottles and has not had problems since with vertigo. I mainly wanted to comment in reference to the person who had a reaction, spacey, weird feelings, crying, sleep. Any product such as this, that opens up blood flow to the brain, may cause reactions like that. If a part of your brain has been deprived of oxygen and all of a sudden it starts getting it again, it may cause you to react in a strange way. That would be a sign to me that it is doing something and I need to keep taking it so that part of my body can return to normal instead of staying impaired. Just because you learn to live with the impairment doesn't mean everything is okay. With anything, unless you have a life-threatening reaction, it is good to give it a couple weeks. Many people say things don't work but that's because they don't give it a chance. Natural remedies work with your body, they don't go in like a bulldozer, so often it takes a little longer to see results but the results are always 100 times better than what you would get from synthetic or chemical treatments.
Helps my vision, too.
Posted by Reviewer2870052 on Jan 13, 2007
This product is wonderful. My husband and I each take 6 tablets per day- 3 at breakfast and 3 at lunch. At one point we temporarily stopped to see if there was any difference. I don't have memory issues, but my husband does and he definitely noticed a difference. This product has a profound positive effect on his mental clarity. For me, I notice my vision is much much clearer. I need my glasses less. And when my eyes are tired, my vision is less fuzzy and my eyes don't water. I love this product.
bladder problems solved
Posted by Reviewer1038057 on Jul 24, 2008
I tried this for my memory but was shocked that it helped with my bladder leaking when I coughed... great product.
lifts the fog!
Posted by Reviewer1540214 on Mar 18, 2009
GREAT PRODUCT!!! I can't say enough about this product. I was having a very disturbing dullness come over me where I couldn't think well or recall things quickly and this product lifted the fog and fixed me up so that I can think clearly again.I started with 1 every 4 hours but now only need 1 in the morning. Take it with a meal.
Posted by Reviewer2158964 on Dec 03, 2007
I have found that the vinpocetine has a swooshing effect in my head. It clears out the cobwebs. I pair it with huperzine A for an effective memory help. It also has lessened my tinnitus. I quit taking it for a while and found that I missed it. My ears got louder while I was not taking it.
Great product
Posted by Reviewer1759873 on Apr 16, 2010
This product is great for symptoms of ADHD including feeling disorganized, memory loss, impulsivity,and mood swings. It helps you not to lose track of what you say and helps you feel normal with no side effects. I highly reccomended it.
Posted by Reviewer1694489 on Nov 27, 2007
I have had tinnitus for 27 years and vinpocetine really helps. It doesn't eradicate the noise but it absolutely reduces it for me. I know because when I run out, the difference is perceptible.
Definitely helped
Posted by Reviewer1945933 on Mar 19, 2009
My doctor recommended this for memory and speech problems associated with Lyme disease. It has helped.
Vinpocetine for tinnitus
Posted by Reviewer2962295 on Feb 04, 2009
It's difficult to evaluate levels of tinnitus but this product does seem to give some relief. It hasn't made the tinnitus go away, but has made it a bit easier to tolerate which could be very helpful to people struggling with this nasty condition.
makes the eyes feel good and the brain happier!
Posted by Reviewer2514980 on Dec 30, 2008
no more eyes watering, no more eyes feeling blury from time to time everyday due to the weather, eye rub, and such. I can also focus better and react faster too.


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by Anton Shilov
Intel Corp. said on Tuesday that it began mass production of code-named Ivy Bridge central processing units (CPUs) using 22nm process technology in the third quarter of this year. The initialization of production at 22nm node not only ensures Intel's ability to continue driving performance of computer chips upwards every year, but confirms the company's production technology leadership.
"During the third quarter, we began volume production of Ivy Bridge on our 22nm process technology. 22nm will usher-in the era of 3D transistors, which will pay dividends in power, performance and density for generations to come," said Paul Otellini, chief executive officer of Intel, during a conference call with financial analysts.
Intel's 22nm chip, presumably Ivy Bridge
According to Intel, the 22nm 3D tri-gate transistors provide up to 37% performance increase at low voltage versus Intel's 32nm planar transistors, which means that operating voltage and thus power consumption can be further reduced with present levels of performance.
Ivy Bridge will generally inherit Sandy Bridge micro-architecture and will sport a rather significant number of improvements. Firstly, it will have certain improvements that will boost its performance in general applications by around 20% compared to Core i "Sandy Bridge" chips (e.g., enhanced AVX acceleration). Secondly, the forthcoming chip will have a new graphics core with DirectX 11 and OpenCL 1.1 support, 30% higher performance compared to the predecessor as well as new video processor and display controllers. Thirdly, Ivy Bridge will feature PCI Express 3.0 x16 interconnection as well as PCIe 2.0 x4 controller. In fourth, the processor will support a number of power management innovations. The CPU is made using 22nm process technology.
Intel will release its code-named Ivy Bridge central processing units for desktops in March or April, 2012.


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iHerb Customer Reviews
Savings of: $0.96 (17% off)
No more morning sickness!
Posted by Reviewer2226988 on Oct 24, 2007
I had severe morning sickness with my first pregnancy and a friend told me about this tea. She had never had morning sickness. I decided to give it a try. To this day, I have not vomited. I am so thankful! Plus, it tastes great. Thanks for making this product available at a reasonable price.
Mint tea
Posted by 5706793601407764537 on Jul 01, 2016
This flavour did not live up to my expectations of what the package says. It tastes like mint tea.
My must have drink!
Posted by Reviewer1271265 on Sep 18, 2006
I have come to love this tea during my pregnancy for many reasons. It helps first thing in the morning get things going, when I am feeling low, it is an excellent pick-me up, and it also helps me go to sleep if I am having trouble. I love knowing I am drinking a product that is not only helping me, but my unborn child!
Pregnancy Tea
Posted by Reviewer1243506 on Mar 15, 2010
Good stuff.
Good tastе
Posted by Reviewer3185757 on Mar 17, 2012
Good Product
Posted by CindyW on Jun 26, 2013
This tea has a pleasant herbal flavor with a hint of mint. The box says to drink 4 cups a day throughout your entire pregnancy. Thankfully this tea tastes very good so it shouldn't be difficult. The mint will help with nausea too. Just make sure you do not add dairy cream to your tea as pasteurized milk prevents your body from absorbing nutrients.
5 stars product
Posted by joyslin on Sep 17, 2013
I only started taking it from my 27th week, one cup per day, but it is doing wonders for me. Most importantly, it helps to relieve my constipation problem. It tastes alright, not fantastic but definitely palatable. Love the new packaging and its convenience.
Preg Tea
Posted by Reviewer1233797 on Apr 27, 2011
Helped with mood swings toward the end of my pregnancy.
Good ingredients
Posted by Reviewer2526438 on Jan 08, 2012
I was combining several teas to make this one before I saw the TM's version. Really enjoy the strength and the taste. This tea is called Pregnancy Tea, but my doctor suggested I start Red Raspberry leaf only on 3rd trimester.
from Norway
Posted by Reviewer1802418 on Mar 13, 2012
Very good pregnancy tea


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Irrigation Products »
Lawn Sprinklers »
Pop-Up Lawn Sprinklers »
Pop-Up Sprinkler Fittings and Accessories »
Rainbird Unispray Spray Head 18ft Radius
The spray pattern of the Rain Bird Unispray nozzles are easy to adjust, quite simply twist the head to change the spray arc from 0-360 degrees, and reducing the standard spray radius can be done by using a flat bladed screw driver and tightening the screw on the top. These spray heads offer exceptional water distribution and precision, making them perfect for every garden.
Please note performance of pop-up nozzles are based on water pressure and flow, please see performance chart in technical specification for more information
Click the link to download PDF: Rain Bird Vari Head Pop-Ups information sheet.